How to Use a VPN: A Beginner's Guide

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 VPNs work

Let’s start from the basics. What a VPN does is create a connection between its own remote secure server and your device. Along the way, it encrypts your data, hides your IP address, and helps you bypass geographically induced website blocks. As a result, your browsing is safe and protected.

Imagine using a VPN as putting on a Halloween costume and going trick-or-treating. You can travel in secrecy to any house you like (website) and get unique treats (information). Your costume hides your identity the way a VPN hides your IP address. And you don’t have to worry about your parents (your internet service provider (ISP) or third parties) finding out where you’ve been.

At the end of the day, it’s about your safety and privacy. No one likes being tracked or having their personal data stolen, even if they have nothing to hide.

How a VPN works — Normal internet connection vs VPN connection

Let’s look closer at how your internet connection changes with a VPN. Usually, when you try to access a website, your ISP receives the request and redirects it straight to your destination. But there’s a downside to it. Since your data is unprotected, anyone with network access can access it: your ISP, governments, advertisers, and even malicious hackers.

Fortunately, a VPN changes the rules of the game. It redirects your internet traffic through a remote server and encrypts it before sending it over. This way, it hides your data – IP address and virtual location – and keeps it from falling into the wrong hands. You get a new IP that belongs to the VPN server you’re connected to. This ensures increased security and privacy online.

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.
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.

VPN protocols

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Surfshark's Multihop settings — Surfshark’s MultiHop settings

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 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.

Custom DNS settings on NordVPN — NordVPN custom DNS settings

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 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

Everyday browsing for privacy

You’re never safe on unreliable networks. Therefore, a VPN is a must if you’re connecting to a public network. Even if you’re using your private home network, which should be safe, you can never be 100% sure. A VPN ensures that the things you browse remain private, whether on public or private networks. After all, you wouldn’t want strangers to have your personal data, like your credit card details.

For your regular browsing, local servers are the best. When you connect to a nearby server in your country or region, your connection will likely be faster with less latency compared to an international server.

However, you shouldn’t compromise your security and privacy even for everyday browsing. Make sure that VPN features, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which prevent your ISP from tracking your online activities, are always enabled.

Lastly, use the fastest and most secure connection protocol – WireGuard. It offers the balance of the best speeds and strong security. If that’s not an option, you can opt for OpenVPN. The OpenVPN UDP boasts better speeds, while the TCP variant gives you better protection.

How to use VPN for streaming geo-restricted content

VPNs are great for streaming, as they unlock a variety of geo-restricted content. Most streaming providers offer different content for different countries. For you, that means that you might be missing out on great TV shows or movies, as some streaming options are unavailable in certain countries.

So, if you already have a VPN, accessing geo-restricted content is only a few clicks away. Simply open the VPN app and choose a server in a country where the content is available. Your IP address will be changed, and you’ll bypass geo-restrictions.

When choosing a server, look for servers optimized for streaming. These dedicated streaming servers usually prioritize proximity and server load for optimal performance. Picking a server closer to your physical location will reduce latency and offer better connection speeds. Also, lower-load servers can enhance stability and decrease the risk of buffering during streaming sessions.

For obvious reasons, streaming providers don’t really like you using the VPN. They always try to prevent it with VPN blockers. Fortunately, there are some ways you can bypass these VPN blockers effectively:

Select a robust VPN with obfuscation features
Connect to a different VPN server if your current one is blocked
Switch to a different protocol like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2
Use obfuscated servers to hide your VPN traffic
Pick a dedicated IP address for exclusive access
Try mobile data when Wi-Fi blocks VPN connections
Delete cache and cookies to erase stored location data
Go into stealth mode with your VPN app
Choose a different VPN provider if yours is blocked
Give a SOCKS5 proxy a try

One thing to keep in mind is that using a VPN can slow down your internet connection and increase latency, affecting the streaming quality. That’s why you should always look for a streaming VPN with a wide server network, robust architecture, and reliable protocols to give you the best and safest online streaming experience.

How to use a VPN for torrenting

Contrary to popular belief, engaging in P2P file-sharing activities isn’t illegal. However, it does have some risks, like infecting your computer with viruses or, to the most extreme extent, facing fines. For safe torrenting, start with choosing a VPN with servers optimized for P2P traffic: obfuscated servers or larger server fleets.

Moreover, make sure that your trusted torrenting VPN has a comprehensive security package: next-gen encryption, a kill switch to combat accidental leaks, secure tunneling protocols, and anti-malware tools like NordVPN Threat Protection. For me, a no-logs policy is important, too, as I want to ensure that my activity isn’t monitored or tracked.

Now that you know how to torrent safely, let’s talk about how you can increase your torrenting speeds. Even if your VPN has P2P support, a NAT (Network Address Translation) firewall can interrupt your torrenting experience. It’s a secure filter that your router adds between your device and the internet. The good news is that there’s a useful tool called port forwarding that enables bypassing the NAT firewall. With the help of it, you can access your device remotely, speed up your internet connection, and, of course, accelerate your torrenting speed.

And if you can’t decide on the best security protocol, I recommend WireGuard. It offers some of the best connection speeds and still ensures a high-security level for torrenting.

How to use a VPN for gaming with reduced ping/latency

The best gaming VPN serves multiple purposes. Beyond providing protection, it helps you play at higher speeds, minimizes lag, and stabilizes the connection. As a fellow gamer, my advice is to select a VPN server first to reduce gaming ping. Look for servers closest to game servers rather than your physical location to increase connection speed.

For your next step, find a security protocol prioritizing speed over maximum security. The fastest and most reliable option for this is WireGuard. It offers everything needed even for multiplayer gaming, including blazing-fast speed, low latency, and an optimized design.

Finally, using a split tunneling configuration, you can route only game traffic through optimal servers while the rest of your traffic flows through the regular internet network. This sustainable approach helps maintain privacy and security benefits while minimizing latency and preserving gaming performance.

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.

Get the best weekly VPN deals: