Get VPN now: step-by-step setup guide

Six short steps, each with an example screen. Most people finish in a minute or two. The same steps apply on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux.

Step 1

Get the VPN app for your device

  1. Open the official app store on your device: Microsoft Store on Windows, App Store on Mac, iPhone and iPad, or Google Play on Android.
  2. Search for VPN and check the publisher and reviews before you continue.
  3. Tap Get and wait until the VPN icon appears on your home screen or Start menu.
Stay safe: only get VPN apps from your device's official store. Copycat apps from unknown sources may collect your data instead of protecting it.
VPN VPN Privacy & security ★★★★★ 4.7 Get One-tap connect Kill switch Private DNS
Example: the store listing. Tap "Get".
Step 2

Open the app and allow the VPN configuration

  1. Open the VPN app from your home screen or Start menu.
  2. Read the short welcome screens and tap Continue.
  3. Your system asks for permission to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and confirm with your PIN, fingerprint or face if asked.
Why this prompt? Every VPN needs this one-time permission to route traffic through the encrypted tunnel. It is a standard system dialog.
"VPN" would like to add VPN configurations Network activity may be filtered or monitored Don't Allow Allow
Example: the system permission dialog. Tap "Allow".
Step 3

Choose a server location

  1. Tap the location bar under the Connect button.
  2. For everyday privacy, keep Fastest server. It picks a nearby server with low load.
  3. To appear in a specific country (for example while traveling), search for it and tap its name.
Tip: closer servers are usually faster. The number next to each location is the response time (ping). Lower is better.
Choose location Search countries ⚡ Fastest server Germany18 ms Netherlands22 ms United States94 ms Japan212 ms
Example: the location list. "Fastest server" is selected.
Step 4

Tap Connect

  1. Tap the large Connect button.
  2. The ring turns blue while the secure tunnel is built. This usually takes a second or two.
  3. When the ring turns green and shows a checkmark, you are protected. A key or "VPN" icon also appears in your status bar or taskbar.
Stuck on "Connecting"? On hotel or airport Wi-Fi, first open any website to accept the network's sign-in page, then tap Connect again. See the FAQ for more.
Connecting… 1. Building tunnel 2. Connected ✓ Germany · WireGuard · 00:00:04
Example: blue while connecting, green with a checkmark when protected.
Step 5

Check that the VPN works

  1. Open the Status tab in the app.
  2. Confirm that every line shows a green checkmark: encryption, IP hidden, DNS protection and kill switch.
  3. Compare the visible IP with your original IP shown under "Before connecting". They should be different.
All green? You're done. Everything you do online now travels through the encrypted tunnel.
Status Protected Traffic encrypted IP address hidden DNS leak protection Kill switch active Before connecting93.•••.•••.17 Visible IP now185.•••.•••.24
Example: four green checkmarks and a changed IP address.
Step 6 · Optional

Fine-tune your settings

  1. Open Settings (gear icon).
  2. Leave Kill switch on. It is on by default.
  3. Turn on Auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi so you are protected without thinking about it.
  4. Use Split tunneling if a local device such as a printer or smart TV stops responding while connected.
Learn more: each setting is explained on the Features page, with real-life examples on the Use cases page.
Settings Kill switchBlock internet if VPN drops Auto-connectOn untrusted Wi-Fi networks Split tunnelingChoose apps that bypass VPN Protocol: Automatic (WireGuard)
Example: recommended settings.

Quick checklist.

Before you head out

  • ✓The app came from your device's official store
  • ✓The VPN configuration permission is allowed
  • ✓The connect ring is green with a checkmark
  • ✓The visible IP differs from your original IP
  • ✓The kill switch is on
  • ✓Auto-connect is on for untrusted Wi-Fi

Something not working? Read the FAQ