Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 7
    How-To Guides
    Intermediate
    2 min read 7 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Set Up and Use a VPN

    Step-by-step guide to installing and configuring a VPN on your phone, computer, and router.

    At a Glance

    Category
    How-To Guides
    Difficulty
    Intermediate
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    7
    Topics covered
    vpn
    privacy
    security
    setup
    networking

    In this guide (7 steps):

    1. 1.Choose a VPN service
    2. 2.Install on your phone
    3. 3.Install on your computer
    4. 4.Choose a server location
    5. 5.Split tunneling
    6. 6.Router setup (advanced)
    7. 7.When to connect
    1

    Choose a VPN service

    ~15s
    Recommended paid options: NordVPN ($3.49/month/2-year plan), ExpressVPN ($6.67/month/annual), Surfshark ($2.49/month/2-year). Free option: ProtonVPN (limited but trustworthy). Avoid most other free VPNs.
    2

    Install on your phone

    ~15s
    Download the VPN app from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with your account. Tap Connect. The VPN icon appears in your status bar when active. It's that simple.
    3

    Install on your computer

    ~15s
    Download the app from the VPN provider's website. Install and sign in. Click Connect. A system tray icon shows your connection status. Most VPNs auto-connect when you start your computer.
    4

    Choose a server location

    ~15s
    For general privacy: choose a server in your country for the fastest speed. For accessing content from another country: choose a server in that country. Closer servers = faster speeds.
    5

    Split tunneling

    ~15s
    Most VPNs offer "split tunneling" — choose which apps use the VPN and which don't. Route your browser through VPN but let streaming apps connect directly for better speed.
    6

    Router setup (advanced)

    ~15s
    For protecting all devices: some routers support VPN directly. Install the VPN on your router and every device on your network is protected. Check your VPN provider's router setup guides.
    7

    When to connect

    ~15s
    Always on public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, hotels, airports). When you want privacy from your ISP. When accessing sensitive information away from home. Some people leave it on 24/7.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Set Up and Use a VPN

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    vpn
    privacy
    security
    setup
    networking

    Official Resources

    GCFGlobalHow-To GeekAARP Technology Tips

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    Home Security Cameras: A Complete Guide

    Next →

    Home Automation with IFTTT and Smart Routines

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    How (and Why) to Keep Your Devices Updated

    A plain-English guide to updating Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, and your browser — and why skipping updates is risky.

    3 min read

    How to Set Up Netflix, YouTube, and Streaming Apps on Your TV

    Step-by-step guide to watching Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and more on your Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast.

    3 min read

    How to Record Your Screen

    Capture what's happening on your screen — great for showing a tech problem, creating a tutorial, or saving a video call moment.

    3 min read