How to set up a VPN on any device in 3 simple steps

So you’ve decided to take control of your online privacy and are ready to learn how to set up a VPN. That’s a great choice! The process might sound technical, but getting started is far simpler than you might think.

As a cybersecurity analyst who has guided countless users through their first setup, I know that you don’t need a complex, jargon-filled manual. You need a straightforward path to security. Unlike many guides that overcomplicate things, this one focuses on the simple, app-based method that gets 99% of users protected in just a few minutes.

Let me guide you through the entire process, from selecting a provider to establishing your first secure connection.

Why set up a VPN? 
A quick reminder

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly recap why this is such a powerful move for your digital life. Setting up a VPN does three crucial things: 

1. It encrypts your internet traffic to shield you from hackers on public wi-fi
2. It hides your IP address to keep your browsing private from prying eyes
3. It allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access global content. 

Let’s get these benefits working for you right now.

1. Step 0: The most important decision – choosing a trusted VPN

Before you download or install anything, the most critical step in learning how to set up a VPN is choosing the right provider. In my experience, this single choice will define your entire experience with security, speed, and ease of use.

Not all VPNs are created equal, and this is especially true for free services. A free VPN might not cost you money, but you often pay with slow speeds, intrusive ads, or worse – your data. A trustworthy, premium VPN is an investment in your privacy.

When you’re choosing a provider, look for these three non-negotiable criteria:

1. A strict no-logs policy: This is your guarantee that the VPN provider does not record your online activity. Look for services that have had their policy verified by an independent audit.
2. Strong security features: At a minimum, the service must include a kill switch (to protect you if the VPN disconnects) and use modern, secure protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
3. Easy-to-use apps: A good VPN will have dedicated, user-friendly apps for all your devices, including Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. This makes the setup process incredibly simple.

This first step is crucial for your security. If you haven’t chosen a provider yet, I highly recommend you see our expert rankings of the best VPN services of 2025 to make an informed decision. Making the right choice here is the difference between true privacy and a false sense of security.

2. The 3-step setup: Using the VPN app (the easy way for 99% of users)

Now for the main event. Forget complicated network settings or manual configurations. The absolute easiest and most reliable way to set up a VPN is by using the official application provided by your chosen VPN service. This is the method I use and recommend for everyone from beginners to tech experts because it’s fast and guarantees you get all the features, like the kill switch.

In a nutshell, the entire process boils down to these three simple actions:

• Step 1: Sign up for your chosen VPN service and download the official app for your computer or phone.
• Step 2: Install the app, open it, and log in with the account credentials you just created.
• Step 3: Click the big “connect” button to instantly encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address.

Now, let’s walk through each of these steps in more detail.

2.1. Step 1: Sign up and download the app

First, you need to get the software.

• Start by visiting the official website of your chosen VPN provider. I can’t stress this enough – always download from the official source to avoid malicious fake software.
• Choose a subscription plan that suits you and create your account. You’ll use these login details in the next step.
• Once your account is active, look for a “download” or “apps” section on the website. The site will usually detect your operating system automatically. Download the correct file for your device (it will be an .exe file for Windows or a .dmg file for Mac).

For your phone or tablet: The process is even simpler. Just open the Apple App Store (for iPhone/iPad) or the Google Play Store (for Android), search for your VPN provider’s name, and download the official app directly.

2.2. Step 2: Install and log in

This part is just like installing any other program you’re used to.

• On your desktop (Windows/Mac): Find the file you just downloaded and double-click it. An installation wizard will pop up and guide you through a few simple clicks. Just follow the on-screen prompts.
• On your phone (iPhone/Android): The app will install automatically after you download it from the store.
• Once installed, open the VPN app. You will be prompted to log in using the username and password you created in step 1.
• Important: On the first launch, the app will ask for permission to add VPN configurations to your device. You must click “Allow” or “Ok”. This is a standard and necessary security prompt that allows the app to manage your network connections and encrypt your traffic.

2.3. Step 3: Connect to a server

You’re at the final, and most satisfying, step.

• Most VPN apps have a large, obvious “Quick connect” button on their main screen. Clicking this will automatically connect you to the fastest or best server for your location. For your first time, this is the perfect option.
• Alternatively, you can click on the “server list,” “locations,” or “all countries” button. This will show you a list of countries. If you want to access content from a specific region – for example, to watch a UK-based streaming service – you would simply find the United Kingdom in the list and click to connect.

Congratulations! Your connection is now encrypted, and your IP address is hidden. You’re browsing securely.

3. What to do next: 3 key settings to enable

Excellent, your VPN is installed and working. But to get the absolute most out of it, we need to activate a few crucial features. Think of this as putting on your seatbelt after starting the car. Taking 60 seconds to enable these settings will ensure you have maximum protection.

1. Enable the kill switch

The kill switch is your VPN’s most important safety feature. I like to call it the emergency brake for your internet. If your VPN connection accidentally drops for even a second, the kill switch instantly blocks all internet traffic until the VPN reconnects. This prevents your real location and IP address from accidentally leaking out. For me, this is the first setting I enable on any new VPN installation – it’s non-negotiable.

• Where to find it: You’ll almost always find this in the app’s settings menu, often under a tab called “connection,” “general,” or “privacy features.”

2. Choose the right protocol (optional but good to know)

A VPN protocol is simply the technology the VPN uses to create its secure, encrypted tunnel. Most apps are set to “automatic” by default, which is perfectly fine for beginners.

My recommendation: If you do want to choose manually, here’s a simple rule of thumb.

• If you see WireGuard as an option, select it. It’s the latest and fastest protocol, perfect for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing.
• OpenVPN is another excellent choice, known as the gold standard for security and reliability. You can’t go wrong with either.

3. Turn on auto-connect

This is my “peace of mind” setting. Auto-connect tells the VPN app to automatically start and connect the moment you join an untrusted wi-fi network – like the one at a coffee shop, airport, or hotel. It means you’re protected automatically without even having to think about it.

• Where to find it: Look for settings called “Auto-connect“, “Connection rules“, or “Trusted networks“. You can often set it to activate on any Wi-Fi network except for your trusted home network.

4. How to set up a VPN on other devices

While the app method is perfect for your computer and phone, what about devices like your router, smart TV, or game console? These often require a different approach because they can’t run standard VPN apps. 

To make it easier to see which method is right for you, here’s a quick summary:

Device	Common Setup Method	Difficulty Level
Wi-Fi router	Manual configuration in the admin panel	Advanced
Smart TV (Android TV)	Download the VPN app from the Google Play Store	Easy
Smart tv (other) / Apple TV	Use Smart DNS or connect via router	Medium
Linux	Install and run via command line (terminal)	Medium

Here’s a quick overview of the most common methods.

On a Wi-Fi router

The ultimate “set it and forget it” solution is to install the VPN directly on your router. The biggest benefit is that it automatically protects every single device connected to your Wi-Fi network, including your smart TV, game consoles, and guests’ phones. I often recommend this for families or tech-savvy individuals who want blanket coverage. 

However, this is an advanced process. It requires a compatible router and involves logging into your router’s admin panel to manually install special configuration files provided by your VPN service. Always check your VPN provider’s website for their list of compatible routers and specific tutorials.

On a smart TV / Apple TV

Most smart TVs (except for those running Android TV/Google TV) don’t have a native app store for VPNs. You have two great options here:

1. Connect it to your VPN-enabled router: This is the easiest solution if you’ve already completed the step above.
2. Use a “smart DNS” service: Most top VPNs offer this feature. Think of it as a lightweight tool designed specifically for streaming. It changes your virtual location to unblock content without the heavy encryption of a full VPN. It’s less secure, but perfect for a movie night.

On Linux

Most major VPN providers offer excellent support for Linux users, typically through a command-line interface (CLI) app. Instead of clicking buttons, you’ll use simple text commands in the terminal. The process usually involves downloading the installation package from the VPN’s website and running a few commands to install and connect.

5. Appendix: A quick note on manual setup (for advanced users)

While 99% of users should stick with the dedicated app, I want to briefly mention the manual method for tech-savvy users who might have a specific need.

It is possible to set up a VPN directly within your operating system’s settings (Windows, macOS, etc.) without using the provider’s app. This process requires you to first download special configuration files (often with a .oVPN or .ikev2 extension) from your VPN provider’s website. You then import these files into your os’s built-in VPN client.

However, I rarely recommend this path. This method offers less flexibility and fewer critical features. Most importantly, you will almost always lose access to the VPN’s kill switch, which is a major security compromise. For a secure, feature-rich experience, always stick to the dedicated app.

6. FAQ about how to set up a VPN

We’ve covered the main steps, but here are quick answers to some of the most common questions people have when they set up a VPN for the first time.

7. Conclusion

As you’ve seen, learning how to set up a VPN is no longer a complex task reserved for tech experts. Thanks to modern, user-friendly VPN apps, you can secure your digital life and be up and running in just a few minutes. You’ve successfully installed the tool; now it’s time to build the habit of using it.

To recap, here are the most important takeaways from this guide:

• Choose wisely first: Your most important step is selecting a trusted VPN provider with a strict no-logs policy.
• Always use the app: The easiest, safest, and most feature-rich method is to use the provider’s dedicated application.
• Enable the kill switch: After connecting for the first time, go into the settings and activate the kill switch for maximum security.
• Router setup is an advanced option: For blanket coverage, setting up a VPN on a router protects all the devices in your home.

You’ve just taken a massive step in securing your digital life. Now that your VPN is active and protecting you, Safelyo invites you to discover all the amazing things you can do, from unlocking global streaming libraries to finding cheaper flights, in our complete guide to VPN uses. For more fundamental security guides, be sure to explore our Privacy & Security Basics category.