How to get a VPN

VPN stands for “virtual private network,” and as the name suggests, it aims to keep your internet connection and your data safe. Essentially, a VPN locks up your data between the point of origin and the destination. Whether you’re sending or receiving information, it will be encrypted, so no one can access it.

Digitalization is becoming increasingly widespread. This includes important everyday functions, like banking, as well as leisure activities, such as watching movies. Our digital footprint might be permanent, and so we should take steps to safeguard it. Any information we leave on the internet can put our privacy at risk, so online security is no longer a luxury but a growing necessity. In this article, I will explain what a VPN is, how to choose the right app, and how to easily set it up.

What is a VPN?

Before you learn how to get a VPN, it’s best to understand what a VPN is. Primarily, VPNs are used to safeguard data and privacy. When you visit a website, you leave behind information about your location, interests, and more. Reliable VPNs mask and protect your data, and your browsing habits or whereabouts aren’t exposed to anyone.

A VPN works as an encryption tool. To access any content on the internet, you (or, rather, your device) send an inquiry to your ISP, which then connects you to the content you want. However, both the ISP and the endpoint node get some information out of you, such as your IP address or cookie permissions. A VPN encrypts these requests by acting as a middleman. Your inquiries go through the VPN, so your ISP doesn’t know what you’re browsing. The return information (e.g., the content of a website) also goes through the VPN, so the website can't get your real IP address or browsing data.

Benefits of using a VPN

A VPN can be used for a variety of purposes, primarily focused on safety and accessibility. Here are some of the more notable benefits of using a VPN:

• Privacy. A VPN hides your data from the internet, so you remain anonymous. It might seem trivial at first, but your browsing data is a valuable resource that’s best kept secret.
• Security. Closely related to privacy, internet security keeps you safe both online and offline. For example, using a VPN ensures no one can see your IP address and, through it, your actual location. This stops malicious hackers and scammers from accessing your private information and misusing it.
• Access to geo-restricted content. There are many spaces on the internet that are blocked for people from certain locales. With a VPN, you can change your online location, bypass these restrictions, and access content that's otherwise unreachable.
• Regional bias. Sometimes, online vendors and services offer different prices in different countries to better match local economies. For example, Spotify Premium costs $12.99/month in the US but ₺99.00/month (about $2.23/month) in Turkey. In this case, a VPN helps reduce costs and gives you cheaper Spotify Premium.

How to download a VPN

Getting a VPN is pretty straightforward: you download the app and follow the VPN setup prompts. But the hard part is choosing the right VPN.

You should take a moment to compare different VPNs and see what each offers. In essence, most VPN providers offer the same basic service: they secure your connection and keep your data safe. However, there are undeniable differences as well. Some VPNs have enhanced security features. Others focus on speed and have many servers worldwide. There are also VPNs that focus solely on the essential experience, dropping any additional options and keeping costs low.

Based on my experience, I recommend NordVPN for the best overall performance and an extensive feature set (including dark web monitoring and cloud storage). Coming in a close second is Surfshark, which offers fast speeds and unlimited device connections. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly provider, Proton VPN is a good pick, as it has a solid free version.

Once you’ve chosen a VPN, pick a plan. Many VPN providers offer tiered subscriptions. You can pay a monthly or yearly fee. Yearly plans often offer greater savings than monthly plans, but they require a large upfront fee.

After you’ve subscribed to a VPN plan you like, download its application. Most VPN providers offer their own apps, and it’s best to download them from the official website. The setup from this point is straightforward – just follow the steps on your screen.

How to set up a VPN

It’s fairly easy to get a VPN up and running. For illustration purposes, I will use NordVPN as an example.

How to set up a VPN on Windows

If you use Windows as your OS, here’s how you can install a VPN on your laptop or PC:

1. Get a VPN subscription – NordVPN is now 75% OFF
2. Download the app and install the VPN
3. Launch the app, log in, and connect to any available server
4. You can also adjust the app configurations as needed

How to set up a VPN on Mac

Here are the steps to install a VPN on a Mac:

1. Pick a VPN, such as NordVPN
2. Download the app and follow the steps to install it
3. Open the VPN using Launchpad
4. Click Secure my connection to activate NordVPN

How to set up a VPN on iOS

If you prefer to have a VPN on your phone, here’s how:

1. Download the NordVPN app from the App Store
2. Install the app on your phone
3. Log in or sign up
4. Click on Secure my connection to turn on the VPN

How to set up a VPN on Android

Here’s how to get a VPN on your Android phone:

1. Download the NordVPN app from the Google Play Store
2. Once the app is downloaded, launch it and sign in
3. Choose a server and secure your connection

How to set up a VPN with a router (for advanced users)

You can also set up a VPN on your router. This way, you will protect all of your devices (connected to that router) without having to install a VPN app on each device separately. Here’s how to set up a VPN on your router:

1. Make sure your router supports a VPN app
2. Log in to your router by entering the router’s IP address in the browser’s URL bar
3. Select the VPN Client tab in the table of system features
4. Complete the VPN setup by following a step-by-step guide
5. Check if your IP address has changed according to your VPN settings

How to use a VPN

To turn on a VPN, open the app and select the Secure my connection option to connect to a recommended server. Alternatively, you can scroll through a list of countries and manually select the locale you prefer. To turn it off, use the Pause function. It allows you to either pause VPN service for a set amount of time or disconnect completely.

Server location is a crucial VPN element. Recommended servers are often chosen for their proximity to your location. This ensures the best possible connection because servers closer to you will work faster, so you won’t have to worry about your internet connection slowing down too much.

However, when you select your server manually, you can aim for a specific region. This feature is important if you want to get access to content that’s otherwise unavailable to you.

Troubleshooting tips

Sometimes, your VPN might not work as intended. To help you navigate this, I’ve compiled a list of the most common VPN issues:

• Connection problems. A VPN slightly slows down your internet connection when you use it, but if you notice sizable connection drops, you should check your Wi-Fi and internet settings and make sure the disruption isn’t ISP-related.
• Can’t install the app. If you’re unable to install a VPN app, ensure you have the version that matches your operating system. You can’t install a Windows version on a Mac, and vice versa. It’s also a good idea to check if the device settings are compatible with the VPN app.
• VPN doesn’t turn on. Check the device to make sure a firewall or antivirus isn’t blocking the application.

Conclusion

VPNs are a great tool that ensures your online data is safe. These apps serve as an additional layer of protection as you engage in your daily activities. They can also give you access to different content, as VPNs help overcome region blocks.

To ensure the security of your personal data, it’s important to pick a reliable VPN provider. NordVPN is a solid choice if you’re looking for convenience and security rolled into one app. It is easy to use, has a no-logs policy, and retains some of the fastest connection speeds on the market.

FAQ