These days, online safety is a priority for many users. Whether it’s protecting your data against cyber threats, bypassing geographic restrictions or simply browsing in complete privacy, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an essential solution. However, knowing how to use a VPN app can be confusing for beginners.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain step by step how to use a VPN application on different devices, whether it is a computer, an Android smartphone, or a router. We’ll guide you through installing, configuring, and using popular VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. With this guide, you’ll learn how to secure your Internet connections and protect your personal information in a few simple steps.
The best VPNs of the moment:
What is a VPN app and why should you use it?
A VPN application allows you to create a secure connection between your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) and a remote server. By using a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted, which protects your data and ensures your online privacy. Additionally, by choosing a server located in another country, you can bypass geographic restrictions and access content blocked in certain regions.
VPN apps allow you to easily configure and manage this service in just a few clicks, without the need for advanced technical skills. They are typically available for a wide range of devices like Windows computers, Android smartphones, and even routers for complete protection of your home network.
Why use a VPN app?
- Secure your connection: VPNs encrypt your data, making your online activities invisible to third parties (hackers, Internet service providers, etc.).
- Bypass censorship and geographic restrictions: By connecting to servers in other countries, you can access content that is blocked or restricted in your region (for example, Netflix catalogs).
- Protection on public Wi-Fi networks: VPN connections are particularly useful when using public, often unsecured Wi-Fi networks in cafes or hotels.
- Enhanced Privacy: With a VPN, your IP address is hidden, making your online activities anonymous.
1. Choose a VPN provider
The first step to using a VPN app is to choose a provider. Some of the most popular ones include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These VPN services offer a wide variety of servers in many countries, as well as advanced features to ensure a secure and fast connection.
- ExpressVPN: Known for its speed and numerous server locations, ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming and secure browsing.
- NordVPN: Known for its double encryption and advanced security protocols, NordVPN is perfect for those looking for enhanced privacy.
- Surfshark: A great choice for users looking for unlimited simultaneous connections and great value.
2. Download the VPN app
After choosing your provider, you need to download the VPN app suitable for your device. Most providers offer apps compatible with many operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
On Android
- Open the Google Play Store on your smartphone or tablet.
- Search for the name of your VPN (for example, NordVPN or ExpressVPN).
- Click “Install” to download the VPN app to your device.
On Windows
- Go to the VPN provider’s website and look for the Download section.
- Download the application installation file for Windows.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to complete the installation.
On iOS
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Find the VPN you want to install (for example: ExpressVPN or Surfshark).
- Download the app by tapping “Get”, then follow the instructions to install the VPN on your device.
- Once the installation is complete, open the app and follow the setup steps.
3. Create an account and purchase a subscription
Once the app is downloaded, you will need to create an account. Most VPNs require the creation of a user account to access their services. When registering, you will also need to choose a subscription, usually as a monthly or annual plan.
- ExpressVPN offers packages for less than ten euros per month for an annual subscription.
- NordVPN and Surfshark offer similar options, with deep discounts for longer commitments.
Good to know:
Most VPNs offer a free trial period or a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to test the service before fully committing.
1. Connect to the VPN app
Once the VPN app is installed and your subscription is activated, open the app on your device. Log in with your user account information. You will then access the VPN management interface, where you can choose a server and configure your connection settings.
2. Select a VPN server
The choice of VPN server is crucial. Most VPN apps allow you to select a country or region for your connection. Some VPNs, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, will automatically suggest the fastest server based on your location.
- Click the “Choose Server” or “Location” button, then select the country and server you want.
- If you want to unblock specific content, like the Netflix US catalog, connect to a server located in the United States.
3. Configure security settings
The majority of VPN apps offer advanced security settings that you can adjust according to your needs. Here are some options you might encounter:
- VPN protocol: VPNs offer different connection protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard. These protocols influence the speed and security of the connection.
- Custom DNS: Some VPNs allow you to use specific DNS servers to improve privacy and speed.
- Kill Switch: Enable this option to ensure that your connection to the Internet is cut off in the event of a VPN failure, protecting your data.
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all offer these settings in their settings interface, usually accessible via a gear icon or a “Settings” menu.
Trick :
For automatic connection when your device starts up, enable the “Connect to VPN on startup” option in the app settings.
1. Using a VPN on Mac
Using a VPN on Mac is just as easy as on other operating systems. VPN apps like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark offer easy-to-use interfaces for macOS. Here are the steps to use a VPN on a Mac:
- Download the VPN app directly from the provider’s website (or via the App Store for some VPNs).
- Install the app by following the on-screen instructions.
- Once the application is installed, open it and log in with your credentials.
- Select a server in the country of your choice by clicking on the map or browsing the list of available servers.
- Click the “Connect” button to establish a secure VPN connection.
You can also configure additional security settings, like Kill Switch, or choose which VPN protocol you prefer to use (e.g. OpenVPN or WireGuard).
2. Using a VPN on a Windows Computer
On Windows, the VPN app works intuitively. Here’s a quick guide to using VPN on your computer:
- Download and install the app (e.g. ExpressVPN or NordVPN).
- Log in to your user account.
- Select a server based on your needs (e.g. an American server to unblock content in the United States).
- Click the “Connect” button to establish a secure VPN connection.
You can also access additional settings to adjust the protocol used or activate the Kill Switch to protect your connection in the event of a VPN outage.
3. Using a VPN on an Android Smartphone
VPN apps on Android are designed for ease of use. Here are the steps to use a VPN on your smartphone:
- Download the app from the Google Play Store (e.g. NordVPN or Surfshark).
- Open the app and log in to your account.
- Tap “Choose Server” and select a country.
- Tap Connect to establish the VPN connection.
On Android, you can also configure the app to automatically connect when you access unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
4. Using a VPN on a Router
To protect your entire home network, you can install a VPN directly on your router. This allows all devices connected to this network (computers, smartphones, tablets) to benefit from the security of the VPN without needing to install the application on each device.
VPN-enabled routers often include a VPN configuration section in their settings. You will need to enter the information provided by your VPN provider (server address, protocol, etc.) to configure the connection.
Good to know:
Setting up VPN on a router can be more technical and depends on your router model. Consult the manufacturer’s guide or your VPN provider’s instructions to properly configure the service.
1. Monitor speed and performance
The speed of your VPN connection depends on several factors, such as the distance between your device and the server, or the load on the VPN provider’s servers. To ensure a good experience, here are some tips:
- Select a server close to your actual location to minimize latencies.
- If you use the VPN for streaming, choose a server optimized for this task, like those offered by ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
- If your connection seems slow, try changing your VPN protocol (e.g. switch from OpenVPN to WireGuard for better speed).
2. Use concurrent connections
Many VPN providers allow simultaneous connections on multiple devices. For example, NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections, while Surfshark offers unlimited connections.
3. Enable alerts and automatic protection
For complete protection, enable automatic connection options on unsecured Wi-Fi networks and configure your VPN to start automatically when you turn on your device.
Using a VPN application has become essential to protect your online data, secure your connections on public networks, and access geo-blocked content. Thanks to services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, setting up and using a VPN is accessible to anyone, whether on a computer, an Android smartphone, or even on a router to protect the entire home.
Access our VPN price comparison
