How to use a VPN: basic and advanced VPN usage explained
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Just as you wouldn’t leave home without an umbrella on a rainy day, you shouldn’t browse the internet without a VPN (virtual private network). There are many reasons why you should use it, from protecting online privacy and staying safe while torrenting and gaming to unblocking geo-restricted content. And the best part is that you don’t have to be a tech expert to enjoy all its benefits.
In this article, I’ll explain how to use a VPN, including basic and advanced features and settings (for both beginners and skilled users). I’ll also review specific situations when a VPN can help you out. For that, I’ll take NordVPN as an example, which is an all-in-one VPN service provider – reliable, feature-rich, and easy to use.
How to use a VPN: quick step-by-step guide

- Choose a reliable VPN provider. My most recommended VPN is NordVPN. Our VPN testing results showed that NordVPN is the fastest VPN with a huge server network and strong security and privacy features.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device. Most VPN providers offer intuitive apps compatible with all major operating systems including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
- Open the VPN app and log in with your account credentials.
- Select a server location. To start using a VPN, you only need to click on a server in the country you want to connect to. Some tips for choosing a VPN server: pick a nearby server for everyday browsing; select a specific country for accessing geo-restricted content; use specialized P2P servers for torrenting; (optional) configure specialized servers for specific activities.
- Set up basic VPN security features (optional). Top VPN providers have additional privacy and security features and settings you can use. One of them that I recommend using to better protect your privacy is the kill switch to protect your connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly.
- Click Connect and wait for the confirmation that your connection is secure.
How to use basic VPN features and settings
Using a VPN is simple, even without profound computer 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 selecting one of the best VPNs for your particular 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 change 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.

You can also take advantage of a server picker tool. This feature will give you server recommendations for a specific situation. You can find it by scrolling to Advanced Settings and clicking Set up NordVPN manually. Select the Server recommendation tab, and the algorithm will recommend the best server according to your location.
You can further customize the recommended servers with Advanced filters. From there, you can select the Server type and the Security protocol. For me, it was especially useful when I was trying to set up a VPN on my router at home.
Tips on selecting a VPN server
Many providers offer a vast network of VPN locations to choose from. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, here are some tips and tricks to help you make the final decision:
- Choose a server close to your physical location. A VPN server closer to you ensures a no-lag connection and improved connection speeds (when using the VPN network). Gamers will probably relate to how crucial internet speed is when playing online.
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Compare server loads for better performance. Most providers show the current load of their servers. A color-coded system will help you identify uncrowded (green) or heavily loaded (red) servers. Check how busy they are and compare before connecting. Less congested servers offer the best connection speed.
- Select a server based on your needs. Connecting to a specific server offers different benefits of a VPN, for example, unlocking streaming content available only in specific countries.
How to use basic VPN privacy features
The purpose of a VPN is to keep you safe and protected at all times. Strong VPNs will secure your traffic with modern AES encryption and have two vital features for an extra layer of security.
The first is a kill switch that 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 compromised or provide a backdoor to 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.
Another feature you’ll find is split tunneling, which allows you to choose specific apps or websites to secure 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 what apps or sites you want to protect with a VPN and which you want to go through 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.
All VPNs have tunneling protocols – it's a set of rules on how the data will be encrypted and sent over a private network. It plays a key role in balancing speed, security, and stability when using a VPN. Typically, VPNs select a default protocol for a perfect balance of security and performance. But there are situations where switching protocols might be more beneficial for you:
- Faster speed. If your VPN slowed down, choosing a more lightweight protocol can improve your connection speed.
- Advanced security. Stronger encryption will increase protection if 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.
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 and no-lag connections.
- Downloading servers. These servers accelerate speed and secure stability for large file transfers, making them ideal for frequent downloads.
- Browsing servers. These servers prioritize security and anonymity, protecting users from trackers, ads, and cyberthreats.
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 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 servers are similar to standard servers. What sets them apart is that they give you unique access, so no one apart from you can use it. You can enjoy all the benefits of VPNs, plus avoid CAPTCHAs, access IP-restricted resources, and bypass IP 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 gets the shared IP address to be blacklisted or limit your access to specific websites. With a dedicated IP address, you’ll have a server all to yourself and won’t have to go through it.
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.
In spite of the downsides, certain groups of people find this feature irreplaceable. Among them are political activities 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.

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 will increase your privacy by preventing your ISP from tracking what you do online.
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 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 on 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.
A powerful and effective tool like NordVPN’s Threat Protection has these features all in one place. It will stop you from visiting websites infected by malware or other threats, check your downloading files for viruses, and even block ads and prevent trackers from gathering data about you.
How to use VPN for specific use cases
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 simple.
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.
We’ve tested NordVPN and found that it’s the easiest to set up and use on mobile, desktop, and streaming devices. What I also like is that it’s feature-rich and suitable for any kind of online activity – torrenting, online security, streaming, and gaming included. So if you haven’t decided on one yet, it’s a great choice.
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