How To Use a VPN: Everything To Know

Written By:

Elizabeth Thorn

Reviewed By:

Elizabeth Thorn

Table Of Contents

The world of Virtual Private Networks is vast and full of opportunities to boost privacy, unlock international content, and more. If you’ve ever considered using a VPN, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the existing options and determine how to actually use one.

This guide will answer all of your questions about how to use a VPN and before you know it, you’ll find yourself easily using VPNs and experiencing all of their amazing perks.

What Is a VPN?

Let’s start with the basics. When your device connects to a server, which in turn connects to the Internet, it typically connects with a server nearby, associating your device and its traffic with your current location. This connection can also potentially give companies and hackers the ability to monitor your activity; it’s not completely secure.

If you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) instead, your device will get routed through a remote server owned by a VPN company and not associated with your current location. You can even go so far as to select which location you want your device to be attached to.

The connection a VPN creates with a server acts like an encrypted tunnel, allowing information like your browser activity and IP address to be hidden as it goes back and forth between server and device. VPNs are great for boosting cybersecurity by hiding your location and keeping your browsing activity private.

No one likes the feeling of being watched, and a VPN is a quick and easy way to add a layer of privacy to your digital routine.

Why Should You Use a VPN?

The secure and private connection a VPN offers comes with inherent privacy and entertainment benefits.

Boost Cybersecurity and Privacy

By rerouting your Internet activity through a remote server, VPNs mask your IP address so hackers, other cybercriminals, and even companies can’t track your location or browsing activity.

With these privacy perks, you also prevent Internet service providers from collecting your data and potentially selling it to third-party advertisers (so they can show you targeted ads), other companies, or even the government.

If you combine the use of a VPN with other cybersecurity best practices like using a second phone number app like Burner, using strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts, and using a secure browser like Tor, you will greatly reduce the risk of getting hacked.

Safely Use Public Wi-Fi

Public wi-fi can come in handy if you find yourself waiting at the airport, a cafe, or other public space for an extended period of time. Public wi-fi networks have become more secure than they used to be, but many are still password-free and open to literally anyone.

If a hacker decides to hack into the public wi-fi network, they can gain access to your location via your IP address and possibly find your browsing history as well. Using a VPN that encrypts your interaction with the Internet and hides your IP address can greatly reduce the risks of using public Wi-Fi and allow you to enjoy your extended airport or restaurant stay without fear.

How Do You Use a VPN?

You can use a VPN on any device that connects to the Internet. This includes your phone, laptop, desktop, tablet, and some TVs. Most VPNs follow a standard set-up process of downloading the app and signing up, but specifics for different types of devices are listed below.

Here is a step-by-step process of how to use a VPN:

1. Research VPN Options

The first step is doing some light research on the types of VPNs that exist and finding the one that best fits your needs. There are some free VPNs, but finding a free one that’s also high quality can be difficult. Many paid VPNs offer free trials, which can work well if you only need the VPN for a limited amount of time.

If you are planning on making a VPN part of your everyday online routine, it’s probably best to go ahead and pay for a good one. Paid VPNs are typically on a monthly payment system that you can cancel at any time. But not every VPN has to break the bank — there are several good cheap VPNs out there.

Here is a short list of a few VPNs:

Surfshark
ExpressVPN
NordVPN
Norton
Private Internet Access
Proton (free)

2. Download a VPN App

The easiest way to get a VPN on your phone, tablet, laptop, or TV is to download a VPN app. If the VPN company you found while researching doesn’t have an app option, you might want to try to find a different one.

Once you’ve found the perfect VPN for you, you can go to their website and follow the prompts to download it on your device. From there, create an account and sign in as directed. After everything is set up, there should be a button that says “connect” or something similar. Click that and enjoy the wonderful world of private VPN web surfing.

Burner offers a Premium VPN service that couldn’t be easier — or more secure. Once you’ve upgraded your standard line to premium, it’s a few simple steps.

Open the Burner app.
Tap VPN at the bottom of the inbox.
Tap the middle start button to connect! That's all!

Just tap the VPN power button and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you through the setup process, which may involve installing a VPN profile or configuration.

In terms of security, Burner VPN has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that your online activity is never tracked or recorded. Your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through secure VPN servers, making it difficult for anyone to monitor your online behavior.

How To Use a VPN on Windows

Go to the VPN company website and download the option for Windows
- Should be an exe file type
- Some options are available to download directly from the Windows app store
Locate the newly downloaded VPN in your downloads folder and double-click to open it
Follow the installation/activation instructions from the app
Sign in or create an account and connect to a VPN server

How To Use a VPN on Mac

Go to the VPN company website and download the option for Mac
- Should be a PKG file type
- Some options are available to download directly from the Apple app store
Locate the newly downloaded VPN in your downloads folder and double-click to open it
Follow the installation/activation instructions from the app

How To Use a VPN on Android

Go to your phone’s app store
Search the VPN you’ve chosen
Download the app onto your phone
Open the app and sign in, then choose a server to connect to

How To Use a VPN on iOS

Open the Apple app store
Search the VPN you’ve chosen
Download the app onto your phone
Open the app and sign in, then choose a server to connect to

How To Use a VPN on Amazon Fire TV

Search the VPN company name in the home screen search bar
Download the app
Open the app, sign in, and connect

How To Use a VPN on Apple TV

Open the app store
Search the VPN company name
Download the app
Open the app, sign in, and connect

3. Choose a Server

Once you select and download a VPN, you’ll need to pick a server to connect to. You should be able to pick any country that has the ability to support Internet servers. If you want fast connection speeds, pick a location nearby.

4. Run a VPN Speed Test

In order to check the quality of your new VPN server connection before you start using it, you can usually run a speed test through most VPN apps. Again, for most apps, it should be easy to find the speed test option. If you can’t find an option within the app, you can also use a site like speedtest.net to check for you.

5. Get Online

You’re all set! Once you’ve logged in and selected your server, you can use the Internet as you normally would. Stream your favorite shows and surf the web without the fear of prying eyes watching your every move.

How To Manually Set Up a VPN

If you don’t want to download a VPN app, you can manually set up a VPN through your device. This method usually allows you to have more control over specific settings as well.

Windows

Look up the VPN protocol and address online for your preferred network (write it down)
Go to your device settings
Network & Internet
VPN
Add VPN
Under VPN provider, select Windows
Enter a name into the connection
Under server or address, enter the VPN address you looked up earlier
Under VPN type, select the VPN protocol you looked up earlier
Enter the necessary login details
Save
Select the new VPN and edit the Advanced Options if needed
Click the network icon
Select the VPN profile you set up earlier (when you named the connection)
Connect
Click the network icon again (make sure the VPN profile says “connected” now)
Periodically check the status of the VPN while surfing the web to make sure it’s still connected.

Mac

Look up the VPN protocol and address online for your preferred network (write it down)
Go to system settings
Network
Click the box with three dots in the bottom right corner
Select Add VPN Configuration
Choose the VPN type that matches your VPN
Type in the name of the VPN service
Click Create
Enter the server address
Enter an account name
Go to Authentication Settings and enter the authentication information (should match what you used to create a VPN account)
Click Advanced settings to adjust specifics as needed
Click Apply
Click Ok

The Split Tunnel Option

If you only want part of your online traffic to go through a VPN, you have the option to use a split tunnel connection instead. This allows you to use two networks at the same time, one regular and one through a VPN. The benefit of this is that it spreads your traffic out between two networks so that the VPN server doesn’t become overloaded and slow down.

There are three main types of split tunneling as outlined in NordVPN:

Inverse split: This type of split only allows trusted programs to operate outside of your VPN network
App-based split: This split redirects certain apps through a VPN while the rest of your device traffic remains connected to the main network
URL-based split: This split allows you to specify which websites you want to go through your main network

Not all VPN companies and apps offer split tunneling, but if this is something you’re interested in using, you can factor that into your initial search. Generally, split tunneling is more commonly available across Android and Windows VPN apps than Apple apps.

Setting Up a VPN: The Bottom Line

The easiest way to set up a VPN is by downloading a trusted app on your device or Burner line. Do the research to find a VPN provider that fits your online needs and budget, and follow the prompts to install it. If you want more control over settings, try the manual download option.

Using a VPN is beneficial even to the most casual of Internet users. Don’t underestimate the value of privacy and security while surfing the web. A good VPN can allow you to access your favorite international shows, stay safer from hackers online by hiding your location and browsing activity, and allow you to access previously censored sites.

So don’t be shy; try it out and see how a VPN can boost your cybersecurity.

Sources:

How to Use a VPN: Everything You Need to Know | CNET

What is a VPN? Why Should I Use a VPN? | Microsoft Azure

Best VPN Services of 2025 | Forbes

How to Set Up and Install a VPN | Security.org

How to test your VPN speed | PCWorld

VPN Split Tunneling: What It Is and Why You Might Use It | CNET