How to share a VPN

With Smart TVs or gaming consoles unable to have a VPN installed directly, plenty of people lose the joy of streaming their favorite shows or playing games unrestrictedly. Not to mention the possibility of getting exposed. But, as you have already realized, there’s a solution to this. You can easily share your VPN connection from VPN-compatible gadgets.

To do this, you only need a reputable VPN and a device that works with it. But, to find out more about it, continue reading and see how to share a VPN in 3 different ways, learn whether it is safe, and what benefits surround it.

How to share a VPN in 5 steps

1. Download and install a robust VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now at 63% OFF!
2. Ensure your VPN-compatible device is connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to the server.
4. Create a Wi-Fi hotspot.
5. Connect your non-VPN device to the secured hotspot.

Try NordVPN

Why you might need to share a VPN?

If you’re still doubtful about connecting your non-VPN devices to an encrypted connection, we have several reasons that can help you make that final decision:

• Online security and privacy. Each device connected to the Wi-Fi is like a highway to your personal data for snoopers. Hence, it’s important to mask your online activity not only on your phone, laptop, or tablet but also on other home devices, such as your gaming console or a Smart TV.
• Unblocked content. Ironic, but most streaming or gaming gadgets can’t have a VPN installed, so you can access only your region-dedicated content. Yet, by sharing a VPN with those devices, you will be able to enjoy various Netflix libraries and play otherwise restricted video games.
• Avoid DDoS attacks. If you plan to use a VPN with your gaming console, one of the greatest reasons to do so is to block DDoS attacks. A VPN will encrypt your traffic and change the IP. Hence the hacker won’t be able to attack the target they can’t see.
• Better connection speed. If you have noticed that your connection spontaneously slows down during data-consuming activities, it’s most likely that your ISP is throttling the connection. One of the reasons can be that the ISP has a proprietary streaming service, and it’s how it forces you not to use other broadcasters. However, a VPN can hide your online activity and stop the ISP from throttling your speeds.
• You can save money. Each country has different price ranges regarding video games or streaming services due to applied taxes and other factors. By connecting to a VPN server in a cheaper country, you can get your favorite games and streaming services’ subscriptions noticeably cheaper.

How a VPN connection can be shared: 3 methods

Sharing a VPN connection is easy if your devices support it, as nearly all VPN providers allow multiple connections. However, it gets more complicated if some of your home devices can’t have a VPN app installed. In this case, you need to set up a VPN on VPN-compatible gadgets first.

• Share a VPN via a virtual router
• Share a VPN via Ethernet on Windows
• Share a VPN via Ethernet on macOS
• Share a VPN on Windows via Wi-Fi
• Share a VPN on macOS via Wi-Fi

And as you have already figured out, a reliable VPN here is crucial. But we’re not leaving you alone in this. We have picked the top 3 VPNs that ensure excellent performance; they bypass geo-blocks, work with all major operating systems, and more.

• NordVPN – one of the best VPNs to use with routers and other devices. It offers the NordLynx tunneling protocol to ensure lightning-fast and secure connections. The starting price is only $3.29/month, and you can use a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk-free.
• Surfshark – this lightning-fast VPN unblocks all popular streaming services, offers advanced features, and is one of the cheapest options available – from $2.30/month. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it out before committing long-term.
• IPVanish – where security meets performance – that’s how we describe this provider. With it, you can enjoy Netflix US wherever you are for $3.33/month. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Now that you have a list of great VPN providers, all that’s left to do is to learn how to share a VPN connection. Read on and find detailed guides below.

Sharing a VPN via a virtual router

For those that want a fast and stable network connection, the router is the best tool to share a VPN. Moreso, this way, you can also save your device’s battery, as you don’t need to have the VPN app running in the background all the time.

Below you will find the steps on how to set up router VPN and share the connection to your devices. We recommend using NordVPN, it’s also 63% cheaper now.

1. Download VPN configuration files and find the best NordVPN server for you.
2. Locate your router’s IP address, which usually can be found on the back or bottom of the gadget.
3. Type the IP address into your browser’s URL bar. Then, type in the router’s password, which should be written down next to the IP address.
4. Open the router’s configuration interface and find the option for a VPN client.
5. Upload your VPN’s OpenVPN configuration file.
6. Complete any necessary setup steps and connect any of your devices.

Visit NordVPN

Sharing a VPN via Ethernet

Sharing a VPN via ethernet is the most secure option to choose. First of all, if anyone tried accessing your data on Ethernet, they would need physical access to it. And with using a VPN on the side, it becomes rather impossible to hack you.

However, keep in mind that to share a VPN via Ethernet, you need to have 2 Ethernet cables and a robust VPN (we recommend NordVPN). But we will show and tell you everything in detail right below.

How to share a VPN via Ethernet on Windows

Learn how to share a VPN connection on Windows using the Ethernet table following these steps:

1. Make sure your Windows PC is connected to the internet through Wi-Fi.
2. Launch the VPN app and connect to the server.
3. Connect your device without a VPN to your Windows computer through the Ethernet cable. You will probably need a USB-C to Ethernet adapter cable for a new laptop.
4. Go to Start -> Settings -> Network & Internet ->Status.
5. Click on Change adapter options.
6. In the Network connections window, find a network with your VPN connection. The description can include the name of your VPN provider or words such as “TAP-Windows-adapter.” Right-click it and select Properties.
7. Choose the Sharing tab and check the box for Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
8. Under Home networking connection, select your Ethernet connection and click OK. Your device without a VPN should now be sharing your Windows VPN connection.

Try NordVPN

How to share a VPN via Ethernet on macOS

To use your Mac to share VPN via Ethernet, complete the following steps:

1. To manually configure your VPN connection on Mac, go to System Preferences -> Network.
2. Click the plus icon to create a new VPN connection in the Interface section. Set the Service Name to whatever you like, and in the VPN Type option, select L2TP over IPSec. Click Create.
3. Set Configurations to Default and enter the preferred VPN server address. You can find NordVPN’s servers here.
4. Click on Identity Control Settings or Authentication settings, depending on the device, and enter your VPN account password. Also, enter the Shared secret, click OK, and then Apply.
5. Next, click Advanced. And check the box for Send all traffic over VPN connection, click OK.
6. Click Connect to establish a VPN connection on your Mac.
7. Connect your device without a VPN to your Mac using an Ethernet cable.

Check out NordVPN

Sharing a VPN using Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a more flexible option to use as a VPN port, as it’s easier to connect multiple devices to it. However, it’s less secure than the Ethernet option.

Nevertheless, using the correct VPN will help you enjoy a secure and stable Wi-Fi connection. For this, we recommend NordVPN, as it uses advanced encryption and leaves rather no impact on your initial connection speed.

Sharing a VPN on Windows using Wi-FI

See how to share a VPN using a Windows device below:

1. Find the Mobile hotspot in the Settings section.
2. Toggle the Mobile hotspot ON.
3. Under Share my internet connection from, select Wi-Fi.
4. Click Edit to create a name and password for your new network.
5. Under Related settings, click on Change adapter options.
6. In the Network connections window, you will see Local Area Connection*. This is your created mobile hotspot.
7. In the same window, find a network with your VPN connection. The description usually includes the name of your VPN provider or something like “TAP-Windows-adapter: Right-click it and select Properties.
8. Choose the Sharing tab and check the box for Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
9. Under Home networking connection, select the created mobile hotspot – Local Area Connection* – and click OK.
10. On your Windows device, launch the NordVPN app and connect to a server location of your choice.
11. Connect your other non-VPN device to the Windows hotspot that you have just created.

Try NordVPN today

Sharing a VPN on macOS using Wi-FI

Share a VPN connection via Wi-Fi on macOS devices following the provided guide below:

1. Manually configure your VPN connection on Mac. Go to System Preferences -> Network.
2. Click the plus icon to add a new VPN connection in the Interface section. Set the Service Name to what you like, and in the VPN Type option, select L2TP over IPSec. Click Create.
3. Set Configurations to Default and enter the preferred VPN server address. Find the NordVPN servers list here.
4. Click on Identity Control Settings or Authentication settings, depending on the device, and enter your NordVPN account password. Also, enter the Shared secret, tap OK, and then Apply.
5. Next, click Advanced and check the box for Send all traffic over VPN connection. Tap OK.
6. Click Connect to establish a VPN connection on your Mac.
7. Connect your device without a VPN to your Mac using an Ethernet cable.
8. Go to Systems Preferences -> Sharing.
9. Open the drop-down menu next to the Share your connection from and choose the VPN connection you have just set up.
10. Next to the To computers using, check your Wi-Fi.
11. Go to the Wi-Fi Options. Here you can name the network and set the password. Click OK.
12. From the Sharing menu on the left, check the box Internet Sharing.

Visit NordVPN

Is sharing a VPN safe?

Yes, sharing a VPN is safe. However, it also depends on the people using the connection and on the VPN provider you choose to trust.

First of all, you must ensure that the VPN you choose is fully anonymous. Meaning, it follows an audited no-logs policy and has no unsolved dark spots in the past. It’s recommended to thoroughly read VPN’s privacy policy before subscribing to it. However, the most secure VPNs will make it easy for you to find all the most crucial information quickly.

But you are not the only one that should be introduced to the provider’s privacy policy. Every other person that’s planning to use your encrypted network should also be aware of the privacy terms and conditions.

You should also remember that sharing a VPN is safe as long as you act responsibly around it. Let’s say you start compromising other people's privacy and security, or you simply get involved in criminal activity. The safety of shared VPN ends at this point, as you can get easily banned from specific servers and more.

To conclude, sharing a VPN is a safe process, yet, a lot of factors depend on the users. After all, the more users use the same connection, the less online privacy you have.

Conclusion

Although most VPN providers allow you to have several or unlimited simultaneous connections, this option isn’t always a solution to the issue. For example, if you want to use a VPN on the Apple TV, Xbox, Amazon Fire Stick, and other devices that can’t have a VPN installed.

Nevertheless, there are ways to solve this problem. You can share your VPN using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a router. With a robust VPN, such as NordVPN, and detailed guides on how to share an encrypted connection, you will be able to enjoy unblocked content and secure browsing on all your home devices within minutes.

Yet, note that it’s important to inform other users that are planning to use your VPN connection about the consequences that go along with the irresponsible cyber activity.

More VPN guides from Cybernews:

FAQ