How to use a VPN

Ready to start using a virtual private network (VPN) but don’t know where to start? Getting set up and connecting your VPN for the first time may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to use a VPN, whatever device you have.

How to set up, configure, and use a VPN

Before you can start using a VPN, you’ll need to choose a provider, download the VPN app or program, and configure settings like your preferred protocol and server location. Follow this step-by-step guide to select and set up your VPN.

1. Choose a VPN

There are lots of VPN providers to choose from, each offering a different balance of cost, features, reliability, reputation, and user-friendliness. Use these criteria to help you make your decision:

• Price: VPNs typically cost around $10 per month for a monthly subscription or up to $100 for an annual subscription. Norton VPN Standard costs just $39.99 for the first year, or just $3.33 per month, and offers coverage across five devices.
• Features: Look for a VPN that has non-negotiable privacy and usability features like a no-log policy that prevents providers from collecting or storing your data, AES-256 for bank-grade encryption, and a kill switch to protect your data if the connection drops.
• Device coverage: Make sure the VPN you choose is compatible with your devices (whether you have an iPhone, Android, Windows computer, or Mac). Also, confirm that your plan will cover all of your devices for maximum privacy — Norton VPN can protect one to ten devices simultaneously, depending on your plan.
• Reliability: A reliable VPN should offer consistent connection stability, fast speeds, and minimal downtime, ensuring uninterrupted internet access and always-on privacy. Norton VPN offers both speed and stability. It’s nearly three times as fast as the average VPN when it comes to file download times, with approximately 22 times less jitter^† for fewer issues with audio and video choppiness.

2. Download the VPN

Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider, created an account, and purchased a subscription, you can download the VPN on all the devices you want covered. Most VPN providers offer mobile VPN apps in addition to desktop software, so you can enjoy the benefits of your VPN on both your smartphone and computer.

Norton VPN, for example, is available for download across all major device types:

• Download VPN for Android
• Download VPN for Windows
• Download VPN for iPhone
• Download VPN for Mac

Find the option that suits your needs, download and install it, and follow the on-screen instructions to log in.

3. Pick a protocol

A VPN protocol is a set of rules that determines how data is transmitted between your device and the VPN server. It impacts the security, speed, and stability of your VPN connection.

Different protocols prioritize different features, such as strong encryption, fast speeds, or compatibility with specific devices. Choosing the right VPN protocol is the key to getting your VPN to work how you want it to.

Most VPNs, including Norton VPN, offer several protocols, including:

• Mimic: Masks as an HTTPS connection so third parties can’t tell that you’re using a VPN. The Mimic protocol may be particularly useful for students, employees, and others in restrictive environments that use VPN detection or blocking technology.
• IPSec/IKEv2: Uses Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) to encrypt data and Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) to create a secure connection. It’s a useful protocol for situations like traveling, where you may be switching between multiple networks.
• OpenVPN: Creates secure point-to-point tunnels to hide IP addresses and encrypt communications. If you run a business or generally have more advanced needs, OpenVPN offers extensive configuration options that allow you to fine-tune your connection for specific requirements, like integrating with existing network infrastructure.
• WireGuard: Uses advanced cryptography to establish secure connections between devices. If you’re a casual user, this protocol offers fast connections and simplicity that makes it useful for regular browsing.

4. Select a server

All VPN servers do essentially the same thing: create a secure connection between your device and the internet by encrypting your data and routing it through its own private network. However, carefully selecting your server during configuration can help you maximize speed and access specific geo-restricted content.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right VPN server:

• If you want faster connection speeds: Choose a nearby server to minimize latency. You can also try connecting to different servers if your first choice isn’t providing fast speeds.
• If you want to access geo-restricted content: Select a server located in the country or region where the content you want to access is available.

5. Connect and run your VPN

To activate your VPN connection, open the program or app, log in, and click Connect. If successful, the app will typically let you know. Then, you can continually monitor the VPN’s status and change servers from within the application.

How to use a VPN on different devices

While the specifics may vary depending on what VPN provider you use, the key steps to use a VPN are largely the same across all devices.

Assuming you’ve already created a Norton account and purchased your preferred Norton VPN subscription, here’s a guide to activating and configuring Norton VPN on Android phones, Windows computers, iOS devices, and Macs.

How to use a VPN on Android

1. Download the Norton VPN for Android app from the Norton website or Google Play.
2. Open the app and log in with your Norton account details.
3. Tap the toggle button to turn your VPN connection on. If successful, the button will turn green and you’ll see a message saying VPN is on.
4. By default, you’ll be connected to the VPN server offering the fastest speed. However, you can also tap the dropdown to choose from servers in over 30 other countries.
5. Optional: Tap the cog icon in the top right corner of your screen to access settings including a kill switch, split tunneling, and the option for your VPN to turn on automatically when you connect to an untrusted Wi-Fi network.

How to use a VPN on a Windows PC

1. Download Norton VPN for Windows from the Norton website or the Microsoft Store, following the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
2. Launch the Norton VPN app from your programs list and log in with your Norton account details.
3. Click the toggle button to turn your VPN on. If successful, the button will turn green and you’ll see a message saying Connected.
4. You’ll automatically be connected to the fastest VPN server available, but you can also tap the dropdown to choose from servers in over 30 other countries.
5. Optional: Click the cog icon at the top of the window to access settings including a kill switch, split tunneling, and an option to launch your VPN automatically when you start your computer up.

How to use a VPN on iPhone

1. Download the Norton VPN for iOS app from the Norton website or the App Store.
2. Open the app and log in with your Norton account details.
3. Toggle the VPN connection button on. The button will turn green when you connect to a VPN server and you’ll see a message saying VPN is on.
4. By default, you’ll be connected to the VPN server offering the fastest speed. If you want to route your connection through another server, tap the dropdown to choose from over 30 other countries.
5. Optional: Tap the cog icon in the top right corner of your screen to access settings including an ad tracking blocker and the option for your VPN to turn on automatically when you connect to an untrusted Wi-Fi network.

How to use a VPN on Mac

1. Download Norton VPN for Mac from the Norton website, following the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
2. Launch the Norton VPN app from your applications folder and log in with your Norton account details.
3. Click the toggle button to turn the VPN connection on. If successful, the button will turn green and you’ll see a message saying Your privacy is enhanced.
4. By default, you’ll be connected to the VPN server offering the fastest speed. However, you can also tap the dropdown to choose from servers in over 30 other countries.
5. Optional: Click the Settings option in the sidebar to access settings including a kill switch and VPN protocol selector.

How to use VPN features

Aside from their basic functionality of encrypting your connection and hiding your IP address, VPNs typically offer a range of additional features you can use to enhance your online privacy and security. Here are some key VPN features to look out for and a quick description of how to use them:

• Kill switch: A security feature that automatically disconnects you from the network you’re connected to if your VPN connection drops. Using a kill switch prevents you from browsing unprotected, “killing” your internet access if your VPN is inactive.
• No-log policy: A guarantee that your VPN doesn’t store records of your online activity, such as your browsing history or IP address. When you use a no-log VPN, your activity is shielded from everyone, including your VPN provider.
• Split tunneling: A feature that allows you to choose what traffic is funneled through your VPN connection. You can use split tunneling to access certain services or networks that prohibit VPN usage while still keeping your other online activity secure.
• Parental control tools: A way for you to manually filter out inappropriate content and restrict access to certain websites or apps by blocking specific IP addresses.

6 reasons to use a VPN

If you got this far, chances are you already know how valuable a VPN is, but here’s a reminder of some of the top benefits of using a VPN:

1. Enhanced privacy and security: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, masking your IP address and making it harder for unauthorized third parties to track your online activity or intercept your data.
2. Accessing geo-restricted content: Routing your connection through a VPN server in another country can help you access content only available in that location, like local news sites.
3. Safer public Wi-Fi access: Encrypting your connection can help protect your data when connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots, which may be vulnerable to hackers.
4. Avoid ISP throttling: A VPN can help minimize the risk of your internet service provider slowing down (or throttling) your connection based on your online activity.
5. Improve online gaming: If you’re playing an online game on a server in another country or continent, routing your connection through a local VPN may help reduce your ping, resulting in a smoother gaming experience.
6. Protect your online purchases: Encrypting your connection with a VPN can help you protect against the risks of online shopping, including hackers intercepting your financial information.

Put your trust in a reliable VPN

Using a VPN can enhance your online privacy, help you access geo-restricted content, and protect your data when you’re using risky public Wi-Fi connections. Norton VPN makes it easy to get set up, so you can start browsing more securely on up to 10 of your devices.

FAQs

What do I need to set up a VPN?

To set up a VPN, you typically just need an internet connection, an active VPN subscription, and a compatible device.

Are VPNs legal?

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries. However, certain countries, including Turkey and China, have bans or restrictions in place. If you’re using a VPN while traveling, make sure to check the law regarding VPNs in any countries you’re visiting to avoid trouble.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN works by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, routing your internet traffic through that server. This process protects your online activity and IP address from prying eyes.

Can VPNs hide your physical location?

Yes, VPNs can hide your physical location by routing your internet traffic through a server in a different location, making it appear as if you are browsing from that location.

Can I use a single VPN on multiple devices?

Yes, most VPN providers allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously with a single subscription, depending on your chosen plan.