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How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac

Last reviewed September 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Setting up a VPN is usually quick, but a few choices at the start make the difference between real protection and a false sense of security.

Before you install: choose carefully

Look for these things before you sign up:

• A clear no-logs policy that says what is and is not recorded, ideally checked by an independent audit.
• Transparent ownership. You should be able to find out which company runs the service and where it is based.
• A kill switch, which blocks your traffic if the VPN drops.
• Modern protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN.
• Apps from official stores. Download from the App Store, Google Play or the provider's own website.

Be cautious with services that only exist to show ads, with no clear company behind them. Our guide to free vs paid VPNs explains why.

iPhone and iPad

1. Install the provider's app from the App Store.
2. Sign in and open the app.
3. Tap connect. iOS will ask permission to add a VPN configuration. Approve it with your passcode or Face ID.
4. Look for the VPN icon in the status bar to confirm it is connected.

Android

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Sign in and tap connect.
3. Android will show a connection request. Read it and approve it.
4. Check for the key icon in the status bar.

Windows

1. Download the installer from the provider's official website.
2. Install, sign in and connect.
3. Approve any network adapter prompts.
4. Confirm the VPN shows as connected in the app and in Windows network settings.

Mac

1. Install from the Mac App Store or the provider's official website.
2. When macOS asks to add a VPN configuration or system extension, approve it in System Settings.
3. Sign in and connect. The VPN status appears in the menu bar.

[[TODO: add your own screenshots of the setup on each device, taken with the provider you actually use. Do not publish this article with placeholder text.]]

After setup: test it

Run the checks in our guide on how to test that your VPN is working. This takes five minutes and shows you whether your real IP address is leaking.

Settings worth turning on

• Kill switch or "always-on VPN", so you are never exposed if the connection drops.
• Auto-connect on untrusted networks.
• Automatic updates for the app.

Common problems

• Some apps or sites won't work: try another server or protocol, or use split tunneling for that app.
• Slow speeds: choose a server closer to you.
• Banking apps block you: many banks flag VPN traffic; disconnect for those apps if needed.