How to use a VPN in 2026: beginner’s step-by-step guide

Using a VPN is one of the simplest ways to improve your online privacy, access geo-restricted content, and stay secure on public or unsecured networks. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just browsing, it adds an extra layer of protection and flexibility to your internet experience.

This is because a VPN (virtual private network) works by encrypting your connection and routing your traffic through a remote server, which hides your IP address and keeps your activity more private.

I compiled this guide for both beginners and more experienced users who want to learn how to use a VPN and get the most out of it. I’ll show you how to set it up, use its core features, adjust advanced settings, and understand when it’s most useful in real-world scenarios.

How to use a VPN: step-by-step guide

In this guide, I walk you through the basic steps to set up and use a VPN – from choosing a provider to connecting to your first server. In just a few moments, you’ll be able to create a secure connection between your device and the internet.

While different services may have slightly different apps or features, the overall setup process is usually very similar across most VPN providers. For this guide, I use NordVPN as an example, but you can follow the same steps with Surfshark, Proton VPN, and others.

Step 1. Choose a VPN provider and a suitable subscription plan

The first step is selecting a VPN provider and signing up for a subscription. Most reputable VPN services operate on a paid subscription model, offering monthly, yearly, or multi-year plans with different pricing options and features.

When comparing providers, consider factors such as:

• Privacy and logging policies
• Server locations and network size
• Connection speeds
• Device compatibility
• Extra security features
• Customer support and ease of use

You will also come across free VPN services. While some legitimate free options exist, many free VPNs come with limitations, such as slower speeds, fewer server locations, intrusive ads, or restricted bandwidth. In some cases, unreliable providers may collect user data or offer weaker security protections.

For this reason, I recommend opting for a trusted paid VPN service for a safer and more reliable experience.

Step 2. Download and install the VPN app

After choosing a provider, download the VPN application for your preferred device. Most VPN services support a wide range of platforms, including:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS (iPhone and iPad)
• Browser extensions
• Smart TVs and routers

The installation process is usually straightforward. Simply download the app from the provider’s official website or your device’s app store, then follow the provider’s installation prompts.

Note that some VPN services also allow multiple simultaneous connections, meaning you can use the same subscription across several devices at once.

Step 3. Finish the VPN setup

Once the app is installed, open it and register an account or sign in using your account credentials. Most modern VPN apps are designed to be beginner-friendly, so setup typically only takes a few minutes.

Many providers also include optional settings you can customize, such as:

• Automatic connection on startup
• Kill switch protection
• VPN protocols
• Split tunneling
• Threat protection or ad-blocking features

The names and availability of these features may differ depending on the VPN provider. For example, NordVPN has the Double VPN option, while Surfshark offers the same functionality under the name MultiHop.

If you’re unsure which settings to use, the default configuration is usually suitable for everyday browsing and streaming.

Step 4. Connect to a server and start using VPN

To start using the VPN, open the app and connect to a server location. Most VPN apps display a list of countries or server locations that you can choose from manually.

Some providers also offer automatic connection options that select the fastest or nearest available server for you. For example, while using NordVPN, you can click the Secure my connection button, and it’ll figure out the best possible server for you on its own. As with features, this functionality can be named differently across providers.

You can also manually choose a specific country or region depending on your needs, such as:

• Improving privacy while browsing
• Accessing region-specific content
• Securing your connection on public Wi-Fi
• Reducing latency by connecting to a nearby server

Note that connection speeds can vary depending on factors like server distance, server load, and your own internet connection. However, with most modern VPN services, connecting to a server typically only takes a few seconds.

How to use basic VPN features and settings

Using a VPN is simple, even without much IT knowledge. I’ll go through the basic VPN features and settings – like VPN servers, the kill switch, and split tunneling – to show you that. Here's everything you need to know after choosing one of the best VPNs for your specific needs.

Server selection

To start using a VPN, you’ll only need to select a server. Once you open the VPN app, click the Quick Connect button, and after a few seconds, it will connect you to the best server for you.

Alternatively, you can click on a country pin to set your IP address to a specific country or scroll through the server list to choose your desired location. These are the only steps you need to stay safe online.

Some providers also offer a server recommendation or server picker tool to help you choose the best connection. These tools are often found in the provider’s advanced or manual setup settings and can suggest servers based on your location, speed, or intended use.

Many VPNs also include advanced filters that let you select a server type or security protocol. For me, it was especially useful when I was trying to set up a VPN on my home router, where selecting the right server manually can be more complicated.

How to enable a kill switch

After you’ve selected a server, the next feature you should enable is a kill switch. A kill switch instantly disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. No matter what happens, your IP address or other sensitive information won’t be exposed or used as a backdoor by cybercriminals.

Usually, the kill switch is a built-in feature. It kicks in the moment it detects your VPN connection has gone down. You can switch it off and use the internet even if the VPN isn’t connected, but I wouldn’t recommend it, as it increases the risk of security breaches.

How to use split tunneling

Another feature worth enabling is split tunneling, which allows you to choose specific apps or websites to route through a VPN connection. For example, you can use a VPN to encrypt your traffic while accessing mobile banking apps but keep a regular internet connection when browsing. This way, you can protect your data without slowing down other internet activities.

To enable split tunneling, simply open your VPN app, go to Settings or Options, and select Split tunneling. From there, you can choose how to manage your VPN connection, whether per app or URL. Finally, you can decide which apps or sites you want to protect with a VPN and which you want to use over the open network.

How to use advanced VPN features and settings

When it comes to VPNs, their benefits go beyond just basic functionality. Many commercial VPN providers offer additional settings and features that can enhance security, protect privacy, and optimize your browsing experience. Below, I review advanced VPN settings and features, explaining what they do and when you should use them.

VPN protocols

All VPNs use tunneling protocols – these are sets of rules for encrypting data and sending it over a private network. The protocol you use plays a key role in balancing speed, security, and stability when using a VPN.

Typically, VPNs select a default protocol to achieve a perfect balance of security and performance. However, there are situations where switching protocols might be more beneficial for you:

• Faster speed. If your VPN slows your internet speed, choosing a more lightweight protocol can improve your connection.
• Advanced security. Stronger encryption enhances protection when you're working with sensitive data.
• Bypassing restrictions. Some protocols work better at avoiding VPN blocks or censorship.
• More stability. Switching to another protocol can offer a more reliable connection if you keep disconnecting.

Specialized servers

Many VPN providers have specialized servers for different activities, from browsing to streaming. Selecting the right specialized server ensures you get the most out of your VPN experience based on your needs. Here are the types of specialized servers you can usually find in your VPN:

• P2P servers. These servers are best for secure and efficient torrenting, ensuring fast file sharing while maintaining security.
• Streaming servers. These servers let you bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy high-speed, lag-free connections.
• Downloading servers. These servers accelerate and stabilize large-file transfers, making them an ideal option for frequent downloads.
• Browsing servers. These servers prioritize security and anonymity, protecting users from trackers, ads, and cyberthreats.
• Gaming servers. These servers are optimized for low latency and stable connections, helping reduce lag and improve online gaming performance. At the same time, they also protect your connection from threats like DDoS attacks.

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list of specialized servers, and their availability and variety can vary significantly between VPN providers.

Obfuscated servers

If you’d rather hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, obfuscated servers are here to do the job. By making VPN traffic appear like regular internet traffic, they conceal any traces of the VPN protocol within data packets. With their help, you can bypass VPN blocks, access geo-restricted content, and browse freely – even in regions with strict censorship or networks that limit VPN usage.

Obfuscated servers are also handy for evading DPI (deep packet inspection). This is a technique governments, ISPs, and streaming services use to detect and block VPN traffic. By disguising your connection as regular web traffic, these servers help you stay anonymous while ensuring a secure and unrestricted browsing experience.

Dedicated IP

Dedicated servers are similar to standard servers. What sets them apart is that they give you unique access, so no one but you can use it. With a reliable dedicated IP VPN, you can enjoy all the benefits of regular VPNs, plus avoid CAPTCHA, access IP-restricted resources, and bypass IP address blocks.

These servers are helpful in various situations, from securing access to business servers to smooth online banking. For example, businesses can specify the list of authorized IP addresses that can access sensitive corporate systems and prevent snoopers. On an individual level, you can improve your online banking experience by avoiding repetitive verification processes without compromising security.

Moreover, you can avoid being blacklisted. These situations can occur when you’re using a shared server with other VPN users, which can get the shared IP address blacklisted or limit your access to specific websites. With a dedicated IP address, you’ll have a server all to yourself, without having to share it.

Double VPN/Multi-hop

A double VPN (also known as a multi-hop) offers twice as much security and protection as a standard VPN. It works by sending your traffic through two VPN servers located in different locations. Even though it ensures greater protection, it’s not a common feature. The reason is simple: it has a significantly slower connection and demands more resources.

Despite the downsides, certain groups of people find this feature irreplaceable. Among them are political activists and journalists covering sensitive topics, who value extra security more than anyone else. So, if you’re working with personal or confidential data, you might make good use of this feature, too.

Custom DNS settings

In simple terms, the DNS (Domain Name System) helps you access websites by translating easy-to-remember website names into numerical IP addresses. Computers use them to find and connect to websites. When using a VPN, you can set custom DNS settings to replace your ISP’s default DNS with one of your choice. Doing so increases your privacy by preventing your ISP from tracking your online activity.

Moreover, it can improve your security by blocking malicious websites and even speed up browsing if your new DNS is faster. So, if you’re seeking a safer, more private, and even faster browsing experience, I strongly advise configuring custom DNS in a VPN.

Threat protection features

Threat protection features provide comprehensive cyber protection against ads, trackers, and malicious downloads. Ad blocking and malware protection are good examples of these features.

In particular, ad blockers take care of trackers and those annoying ads that pop up in your browser. Anti-malware blocks your access to malware-infected websites and checks your downloaded files for viruses. Usually, they’re part of a VPN to make browsing safer and smoother while protecting you from cyberthreats.

For example, a powerful and effective tool like NordVPN’s Threat Protection (and Threat Protection Pro™ on higher-paid plans) brings all these features in one place. It stops you from visiting websites infected by malware or other threats, checks your downloading files for viruses, and even blocks ads and prevents trackers from gathering data about you.

Video review

Watch our video review for a clear walkthrough of basic and advanced VPN usage, using NordVPN as an example to demonstrate setup steps, tips, and best practices.

How to use a VPN for daily activities

A VPN is something that can easily become part of everyday internet use, and I personally use it for more than just occasional privacy protection. Here are some of the most common ways you can use a VPN for daily online activities.

Keep your online activity private

A VPN helps keep your online activity private by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. This prevents internet service providers, advertisers, websites, and other third parties from tracking your online activity or building a profile of your browsing habits.

I usually turn on my VPN before browsing, shopping, or accessing sensitive accounts like my online banking, especially when I don’t want my activity tied directly to my location or network. Many VPNs also include additional privacy features, such as tracker blocking and DNS leak protection, which can further reduce unwanted data collection.

Even though using a VPN doesn’t make you completely anonymous online, it does add an extra layer of privacy to everyday internet use and helps limit how much information others can gather about your online activity.

Protect yourself on public Wi-Fi

A VPN helps protect you on public Wi-Fi by encrypting the data you send and receive. Public hotspots in places like airports, hotels, cafés, and libraries can be less secure, making them common targets for cybercriminals seeking to intercept user data.

Whenever I connect to public Wi-Fi, I enable my VPN before logging in to accounts, checking email, or making online payments. This creates a secure tunnel between the device and the internet, helping protect sensitive information such as passwords, banking details, and personal messages from exposure.

Even if the public network itself is compromised, a VPN can significantly reduce the risk of someone monitoring your connection or accessing your data while you’re online.

Get better online shopping deals

Some travel booking platforms and online retailers may display different prices depending on a user’s region, currency, or browsing data. In this case, a VPN can help you compare prices more effectively by allowing you to browse websites from different virtual locations.

When searching for cheaper flights or hotels, I sometimes switch VPN server locations to see how prices change across different countries. This occasionally reveals cheaper rates, regional discounts, or alternative offers that may not appear when browsing from my actual location.

I also use a VPN together with private browsing/incognito mode to reduce the impact of tracking cookies and repeated searches, which can sometimes influence how travel prices are displayed. While a VPN doesn’t guarantee lower prices, it can be a useful tool for comparing deals before booking trips online.

Watch foreign streaming libraries

You definitely noticed that streaming platforms often vary their catalogs by region, and being subscribed to the service doesn’t necessarily mean you get access to everything. A streaming VPN can help you access foreign streaming libraries by connecting to a server in another country.

This can reveal shows and movies that aren’t available where you are. Similarly, this approach lets you unblock blackout games, live streams, and any sports coverage you’re interested in.

For a smoother experience, I try to choose a server that offers stable speeds and low latency, especially when streaming in HD – some providers also offer specialized streaming servers. This helps reduce buffering and keeps playback consistent while you watch.

Torrent safely

A VPN can help you torrent more safely by encrypting your connection and hiding your actual IP address while using P2P file-sharing networks. This also reduces exposure to potential risks, such as malware or unwanted third-party monitoring, especially when downloading files from less trusted sources.

When torrenting, I recommend connecting to a VPN server that supports P2P traffic to ensure stable performance and reliable connectivity. Choosing a trusted torrenting VPN is important here, as it can make a big difference in speed, security, and overall connection stability during downloads.

If you want to improve speeds, use port forwarding, as it can help optimize how your device connects through the network. Combined with a secure VPN setup, this can make file sharing more efficient without sacrificing privacy. For security, you rely on features like a kill switch and strong encryption to protect your data if the connection drops. A strict no-logs policy is also important, as it means your activity isn’t stored or tracked by the provider while you’re connected.

Reduce ping while gaming

A VPN helps achieve a smoother gaming experience by reducing ping and stabilizing the connection. In some cases, connecting through a server that provides a better route to the game’s data centers can lower latency and make online gameplay more responsive.

I usually experiment with different server locations to find the one that delivers the most stable performance rather than just the closest one. This can make a noticeable difference in fast-paced or competitive games where every millisecond counts.

A VPN can also let you access games or updates released earlier in other regions by changing your virtual location. This is useful when releases are staggered across different countries.

For the best results, I prefer using a fast protocol like WireGuard, which helps keep latency low while maintaining a secure connection during gameplay.

Using a VPN on multiple devices

VPNs with support for multiple devices make them even more useful – you can use a single subscription across all your devices to keep your connection secure wherever you go. If you’re looking to set this up, I've prepared a few quick guides on using a VPN across different platforms.

How to use a VPN on mobile

Using a VPN on mobile is effortless, and the process is very similar on both Android and iOS devices. Once the app is installed, you can usually connect in just a couple of taps to secure your internet traffic on the go.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download the VPN app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). You can also install it from the provider’s official website if needed.
2. Open the app and log in to your account.
3. Tap the quick-connect option to automatically connect to the fastest available server or manually select a server from the list.
4. Done. Now that you’re connected, your mobile traffic is encrypted, and you can browse, stream, or use apps securely.

While the setup is the same across operating systems, some devices might prompt you to approve a connection request when you allow the VPN to set up a secure connection.

How to use a VPN on a browser

Now that you know how to set up a VPN on a mobile device, you can set it up virtually anywhere – the process is pretty much the same for most major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Here are the necessary steps to make your browser secure in just a few clicks:

1. Go to your browser’s extension store: the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Microsoft Edge Add-ons.
2. Search for your VPN provider’s official extension and click to add or install it.
3. Once installed, open the extension from your browser toolbar and log in with your account.
4. Connect instantly using the quick-connect option or choose a server from the available list.
5. After connecting, your browser traffic will be routed through the VPN, helping keep your browsing more private and secure.

How to use a VPN on a smart TV

Setting up a VPN on a smart TV is a simple way to secure your streaming activity and access content more privately. The steps are quite similar on both Android TV and Apple TV, with most providers offering either a dedicated app or an easy setup method.

Here’s how you can use a VPN on a smart TV:

1. Open the app store on your smart TV – it’s Google Play Store on Android TV or the App Store on Apple TV.
2. Download and install the official VPN app from your provider.
3. Launch the app and sign in to your account.
4. Use the quick-connect option to automatically connect or manually choose a server from the location list.
5. All’s set, so start streaming your favorite shows safely.

Final thoughts

A VPN is a powerful tool that should be a part of your cybersecurity hygiene. It enhances online security, ensures safe torrenting and gaming, and gives you access to geo-restricted content. With so many benefits, it may seem that using a VPN needs advanced IT skills. However, setting one up on your device is actually very simple in practice.

Besides, trusted VPN providers offer intuitive apps compatible with major operating systems, so it’s easy to use it. To start, you only need to find a VPN that fits your needs, download and install the app, and connect to a server in a preferred location.

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