Setup Tutorials

Step-by-step guides for setting up VPNs on all devices

Windows Setup

Installing VPN Apps on Windows

  1. Sign up for a VPN service and create an account
  2. Download the Windows app from the provider's website
  3. Run the installer as administrator
  4. Follow the installation wizard
  5. Launch the app and log in with your credentials
  6. Choose a server location and connect
  7. Verify your connection by checking your IP address

Manual OpenVPN Setup on Windows

  1. Download and install the OpenVPN client
  2. Download configuration files from your VPN provider
  3. Copy .ovpn files to the OpenVPN config folder
  4. Right-click the OpenVPN GUI and run as administrator
  5. Right-click the system tray icon and select a server
  6. Enter your VPN credentials when prompted
  7. Wait for the connection to establish

Windows Built-in VPN Setup

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
  2. Click "Add a VPN connection"
  3. Select "Windows (built-in)" as VPN provider
  4. Enter connection name and server address
  5. Choose VPN type (usually IKEv2 or L2TP/IPSec)
  6. Enter your username and password
  7. Save and connect to the VPN

macOS Setup

Installing VPN Apps on macOS

  1. Download the macOS app from your VPN provider
  2. Open the downloaded .dmg file
  3. Drag the app to your Applications folder
  4. Launch the app from Applications
  5. Grant necessary permissions when prompted
  6. Log in with your VPN account credentials
  7. Select a server and connect

Manual IKEv2 Setup on macOS

  1. Go to System Preferences > Network
  2. Click the "+" button to add a new connection
  3. Select "VPN" as interface and "IKEv2" as VPN type
  4. Enter a service name for your connection
  5. Enter server address and remote ID
  6. Click "Authentication Settings" and enter credentials
  7. Apply settings and connect

Tunnelblick Setup (OpenVPN)

  1. Download and install Tunnelblick
  2. Download .ovpn configuration files from your provider
  3. Double-click the .ovpn file to import it
  4. Enter your VPN username and password
  5. Choose to save credentials in Keychain
  6. Click the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar
  7. Select your VPN configuration and connect

iOS Setup

Installing VPN Apps on iOS

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
  2. Search for your VPN provider's app
  3. Download and install the official app
  4. Open the app and create an account or log in
  5. Allow the app to add VPN configurations
  6. Choose a server location
  7. Tap connect and enter your device passcode if prompted

Manual IKEv2 Setup on iOS

  1. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
  2. Tap "Add VPN Configuration"
  3. Select "IKEv2" as the type
  4. Enter description, server, and remote ID
  5. Choose authentication method (usually username/password)
  6. Enter your VPN credentials
  7. Save and toggle the VPN switch to connect

OpenVPN Connect Setup

  1. Download OpenVPN Connect from the App Store
  2. Get .ovpn files from your VPN provider
  3. Import the profile via email, iTunes, or direct download
  4. Open the profile in OpenVPN Connect
  5. Enter your username and password
  6. Save credentials and connect

Android Setup

Installing VPN Apps on Android

  1. Open Google Play Store
  2. Search for your VPN provider's app
  3. Install the official app
  4. Open the app and sign in to your account
  5. Grant necessary permissions
  6. Accept the VPN connection request
  7. Choose a server and connect

Built-in VPN Setup on Android

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
  2. Tap the "+" button to add a VPN
  3. Enter name, type, and server address
  4. Configure authentication settings
  5. Save the VPN profile
  6. Tap the profile name to connect
  7. Enter credentials when prompted

OpenVPN for Android Setup

  1. Install OpenVPN for Android from Play Store
  2. Download .ovpn files from your provider
  3. Import the profile by tapping the "+" button
  4. Select "Import" and choose your .ovpn file
  5. Review the imported settings
  6. Enter username and password
  7. Tap the connect button

Linux Setup

Installing VPN Apps on Linux

  1. Check if your VPN provider offers a Linux app
  2. Download the appropriate package (.deb, .rpm, or .tar.gz)
  3. Install using your package manager or terminal
  4. Launch the app from terminal or application menu
  5. Log in with your VPN credentials
  6. Select a server and connect

OpenVPN Setup on Ubuntu/Debian

  1. Install OpenVPN: sudo apt update && sudo apt install openvpn
  2. Download configuration files from your provider
  3. Copy .ovpn files to /etc/openvpn/
  4. Create auth file with username and password
  5. Start OpenVPN: sudo openvpn --config /path/to/config.ovpn
  6. Or use systemd: sudo systemctl start openvpn@configname

WireGuard Setup on Linux

  1. Install WireGuard: sudo apt install wireguard
  2. Generate key pair: wg genkey | tee privatekey | wg pubkey > publickey
  3. Create configuration file in /etc/wireguard/
  4. Add your private key and server details
  5. Start WireGuard: sudo wg-quick up wg0
  6. Enable auto-start: sudo systemctl enable wg-quick@wg0

Router Setup

VPN Router Benefits

  • Protect all devices on your network
  • No device connection limits
  • Protect devices that don't support VPN apps
  • Always-on protection
  • Centralized management

DD-WRT Router Setup

  1. Ensure your router supports DD-WRT firmware
  2. Flash DD-WRT firmware (if not pre-installed)
  3. Access router admin panel via web browser
  4. Go to Services > VPN
  5. Enable OpenVPN client
  6. Upload your provider's configuration files
  7. Enter your VPN credentials
  8. Apply settings and reboot router

ASUS Router Setup

  1. Access ASUS router admin panel
  2. Go to Adaptive QoS > Adaptive QoS
  3. Enable Adaptive QoS if not already enabled
  4. Go to VPN > VPN Client
  5. Add a new VPN profile
  6. Upload .ovpn file or enter settings manually
  7. Enter username and password
  8. Activate the VPN connection

pfSense Setup

  1. Access pfSense web interface
  2. Go to VPN > OpenVPN > Clients
  3. Click "Add" to create new client
  4. Configure server settings from your provider
  5. Upload certificates and keys
  6. Configure firewall rules
  7. Enable and start the VPN client

Gaming Console Setup

PlayStation Setup (via Router)

  1. Set up VPN on your router (see router section)
  2. Connect PlayStation to the VPN-enabled network
  3. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection
  4. Choose Wi-Fi or LAN depending on your connection
  5. Select "Custom" setup
  6. Configure network settings as needed
  7. Test internet connection

Xbox Setup (via Router)

  1. Configure VPN on your router
  2. Connect Xbox to the VPN-protected network
  3. Go to Settings > Network > Network Settings
  4. Select "Set up wireless network" or "Test network connection"
  5. Choose your VPN-enabled network
  6. Enter network password if required
  7. Test multiplayer connection

Nintendo Switch Setup

  1. Set up VPN on your router
  2. On Switch, go to System Settings
  3. Select "Internet"
  4. Choose your VPN-enabled Wi-Fi network
  5. Enter network password
  6. Test connection
  7. Verify new IP address if needed

Smart TV Setup

Smart TV via Router VPN

  1. Configure VPN on your router
  2. Connect Smart TV to VPN-protected network
  3. Access TV's network settings
  4. Select your Wi-Fi network
  5. Enter network password
  6. Test streaming apps
  7. Verify access to geo-restricted content

Android TV Setup

  1. Go to Google Play Store on Android TV
  2. Search for your VPN provider's app
  3. Install the VPN app
  4. Open the app and sign in
  5. Grant necessary permissions
  6. Choose a server location
  7. Connect and test streaming

Apple TV Setup (via Router)

  1. Set up VPN on your router
  2. Go to Apple TV Settings
  3. Select "Network"
  4. Choose your VPN-enabled Wi-Fi network
  5. Enter network password
  6. Test connection
  7. Verify streaming app access

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

  • Can't connect: Check credentials, try different servers, verify internet connection
  • Frequent disconnections: Try different protocols, check network stability
  • Slow speeds: Try nearby servers, change protocols, check for ISP throttling
  • DNS issues: Use VPN's DNS servers, flush DNS cache

App-Specific Issues

  • App won't start: Restart device, reinstall app, check system requirements
  • Login problems: Reset password, check account status, contact support
  • Missing features: Update app, check subscription plan
  • Crashes: Clear app cache, restart device, report to support

Network Configuration Issues

  • Firewall blocking: Add VPN app to firewall exceptions
  • Port blocking: Try different ports or protocols
  • Router conflicts: Check for double NAT, configure port forwarding
  • ISP restrictions: Try obfuscated servers or different protocols

Testing Your VPN Setup

Basic Connection Tests

  • Check your IP address at whatismyipaddress.com
  • Verify location shows VPN server location
  • Test internet speed at speedtest.net
  • Ensure websites load properly

Security Tests

  • DNS leak test at dnsleaktest.com
  • WebRTC leak test at browserleaks.com
  • IPv6 leak test
  • Kill switch test (disconnect VPN and check if internet stops)

Functionality Tests

  • Test streaming services access
  • Verify torrenting works (if applicable)
  • Check if websites detect VPN usage
  • Test on different devices and networks