How to Set Up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on Your Phone and Computer

Learn how to set up a VPN on your mobile devices (iPhone and Android) and computers (Windows 10, Mac OS, and Chrome OS) to secure your data.

Say you’re using public WiFi at a coffee shop (maybe you are right now)... have you ever wondered who else is on that network? Or what information they could intercept while you’re connected to the same free network as them? It’s pretty scary stuff.

That’s why you need a VPN.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are the absolute best way to isolate your network and secure your devices from potential data hackers.

This sneaky yet genius tool protects your location privacy and allows you to remain anonymous while browsing the web or using your apps anywhere in the world.

Before Getting Started

In case you haven’t, you’ll first need to purchase the best VPN that fits your needs.

If you’re unsure which to choose, check out our previous article How to Pick Your Virtual Private Network (VPN) to learn more about what a VPN is and our recommendations for choosing one.

How to Configure a VPN on Your Mobile Device

Okay, now that you’ve chosen your respective VPN, we’re here to help you get all set up!

You should have been able to download it onto your device and create an account within the application. Depending on which phone you have– iPhone or Android– below are the manual steps to set up your VPN.

VPN Set Up on iPhone:

Open Settings, click General and scroll down to select VPN.
Press Add VPN Configuration.
You will be prompted to choose between one of three VPN tunneling protocols: IKEv2, IPsec, and L2TP. The default is typically IKEv2.
Since you should have created an account within the application, fill in the server details. This will include the Description (Name of VPN Service), Server (Domain Name), Remote ID (Hostname), Local ID (Optional), Username, and Password.
If you need to configure proxy details, you may do so manually at the bottom and specify the server, port, and authentication. Otherwise, you can opt for Auto and enter a URL.
Click Done to save your changes.
To check your VPN connections, go back to Settings > General > VPN and click the Status toggle to turn on your VPN.

If you want to switch your VPN to another, you can repeat these steps and choose your preferred VPN when it gives the option. Otherwise, if you configured only one VPN, that will be the default. To enable or disable a VPN, open the Settings app and return to VPN where you’ll see the Status toggle once again.

VPN Set Up on Android:

(These instructions should work for Android 9 + up.)

Open Settings, click Network & Internet, and scroll down to Advanced and then VPN.
At the top right, click the + symbol.
You will be prompted to enter the information about your VPN from your administrator.
Click Save.
Connect the VPN by entering the Username and Password from your VPN account.
Click Connect.
When you tap the Gear Icon, you can turn it on to be Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN.

To enable or disable VPN, open the Settings app ****and return to VPN where you can choose which VPN to use. If you only have one VPN configured, that’ll be the default.

How to Configure a VPN on Your Computer

Before you configure a VPN, you must download one that’s compatible with your device.

Here are the manual steps to set up a VPN for Windows 10, Chrome OS, and Mac OS users:

Windows 10

Click on the Windows button in the bottom left corner, and head to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
Proceed to click Add a VPN connection.
Depending on the VPN you have already downloaded, fill out the information for your Connection Name (Name of VPN Service), Server Name or Address (Domain Name), Username, and Password.
Click Save.

Mac OS

Go to Finder and click System Preferences.
Then press Network where then you’ll tap the “+” symbol on the bottom left.
Click Choose VPN and then Create.
Fill out the Server Address, Remote ID, and Local ID.
Proceed to click Authentication Settings and enter the Username and Password for VPN (You should already have a Username and Password by creating it through the VPN application).
Click OK and Connect.

Chrome OS

You can find a VPN of your choice in the Chrome Web Store and install it as an Extension, rather than downloading a separate one like how you would on Windows 10 and Mac OS.
Then click on the time in the lower right corner, click Settings > Add a Connection > OpenVPN/L2TP.
You will be prompted to fill out the information as you first created on the account for the VPN extension.
Click Connect.

Now, you’re all set! And you can browse freely anywhere in the world without fear of your data being stolen or your location found. If you found this helpful, feel free to share this article! #DontGetGot, Get a VPN.

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