| Updated: December 29, 2024
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A VPN encrypts your online traffic and hides your IP address. Installing a VPN on your router secures all your connected devices simultaneously, without the need for complex configuration steps. This is ideal for households with multiple devices connected to the router, such as PCs, Macs, Smart TVs, gaming consoles like PS4, and more.
With a VPN set up on your router, you no longer need to individually download and install VPN apps on each device. Instead, you can enjoy seamless online privacy and security for your entire network.
Here are the steps to configure a VPN on a router:
I have outlined the three best ways to configure a VPN on your router. The simplest option is to purchase a pre-flashed router with a pre-installed VPN app. Alternatively, if you own a modern router that supports VPN functionality, you can manually configure it for VPN use.
Another option is to flash your router’s firmware with DD-WRT, which enables VPN configuration. Additionally, you might consider the Aircove VPN router by ExpressVPN, which comes pre-configured with an ExpressVPN subscription and includes a 30-day free trial.
Whichever option you choose, ensure you select a reliable VPN provider like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Both offer highly optimized servers, robust data encryption using modern ciphers, and secure VPN protocols for maximum protection.
Installing a VPN on the router is one of the best things you can do to secure your devices and secure your family, friends, or whoever is connected to your WiFi. Additionally, you don’t have to install a VPN on Windows, mobile, or other devices when all of them are connected to a VPN-enabled router.
A VPN hides your IP address, encrypts your internet traffic, and allows you to stream restricted websites and channels. Configuring a VPN on your routers may sound difficult, but in reality, it’s easy. It requires additional setup in comparison with downloading and installing a VPN on devices from the provider’s websites or stores.
This article will discuss three methods to set up a VPN on a router. I have used my ASUS RT-BE96U and a NordVPN subscription to do all the testing and detailed the steps you need to take to configure a VPN on your router.
You can set up a VPN on the router in several ways. I have listed three of the most common techniques to configure a VPN on a router. These can be used to configure any VPN on any router.
Your budget will define which method suits you the best. I don’t have a limited budget; get a pre-flashed router that comes with a VPN installed on it. However, if you have a modern router that can be configured with a VPN, then select method #2.
Lastly, users of routers that do not support VPNs should flash their firmware and install DD-WRT to set up a VPN on their routers. If you prefer to avoid complex configuration methods, consider getting the ExpressVPN Aircove router. Priced at $189, it includes an ExpressVPN subscription with a 30-day free trial.
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Note: Aircove routers come pre-installed with ExpressVPN. You can secure all your devices by installing other VPNs, such as NordVPN or Surshark.
Buying a new pre-flashed router with a pre-installed VPN can be the best thing you can do for yourself if you are looking forward to setting up a VPN on the router and have an older router. These devices are a little pricy but can make your job easy and convenient.
Several pre-flashed routers that support NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfhsark can be found on websites and stores like Flashrouter and Amazon. Routers like Asus RT-AX88U Pro (Merlin Firmware) and Privacy Hero 2 VPN Router come pre-flashed with NordVPN. They also support other VPNs like Surfshakr and CyberGhost.
These routers support speeds of up to 6000 Mbps, which is more than sufficient for streaming 4K movies and playing online games. You can further enhance your internet speed by moving closer to the router and optimizing your network setup.
You can configure a VPN on your router by going to advance settings. Most modern routers are VPN supported and can secure all your devices when the VPN is configured correctly.
To set up a VPN on your router, you’ll need to access its firmware. Start by finding your router’s IP address, which you can enter into a browser like Chrome or Firefox. Most routers have a default IP address, typically “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.50.1.”
However, that is not the case with every router. Here are the steps to find out your router’s IP address with a Windows PC:
Mac users can follow these steps:
Once you have your router’s IP address, copy and paste it into your browser’s URL bar. This will take you to the router’s login page, where you’ll need to enter your username and password.
The default username and password are often set as “admin & admin” or “admin & 12345.” However, you can find the correct credentials on the back of your router or in the documentation that came with it.
Keep in mind that configuring a VPN can slightly reduce your internet speed, which may affect your online gaming experience, as smooth connectivity and low ping rates are crucial. However, if you’ve subscribed to a premium VPN, the speed reduction will likely be minimal.
You will need a VPN subscription to configure your router. I have used NordVPN’s server address and other details to set up a VPN on Fire TV Stick. Their customer support was awesome and answered all my questions during the setup.
Additionally, you can anonymously purchase this VPN via gift cards available in physical stores like Walmart. A 2-year deal is offered at $4.49/m with a 70% discount and 24/7 chat support. All subscriptions are protected with NordVPN’s cancelation & refund policy, which enables you to get a 100% refund within 30 days.
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After subscribing to your chosen VPN provider, make sure to save your login credentials, such as your username and password, for router-based account access.
Additionally, you may need an access code or activation key, which can typically be found in the setup section of your VPN provider’s website. For example, ExpressVPN offers an activation code for users setting up a VPN on their router.
If you are a NordVPN subscriber, log in to your account and click on NordVPN > Manual setup. Next, click on the “service credential” tab and verify your email to get your service username and password. You will also need additional details, like server recommendations for configuring a VPN on your router.
To connect your router to a server or country of your choice, you’ll need to provide the server details. Most commercial VPN providers have a dedicated page for server information and offer server details along with supported VPN protocols, such as IKEv2, OpenVPN, and others.
In the case of ExpressVPN, you can access this information by logging in to your account dashboard and clicking on “Manual configuration.” Everything like service username, password, and server details will be available there.
Download the server information file from there and save it for later use. NordVPN subscribers can find the server details from the dashboard > NordVPN > Manual setup > Server recommendation. Select your desired server from the list and download the configuration files to set up the VPN on your router.
Now it’s time to configure the VPN settings and information we acquired from your provider’s website on your router. Type your router’s IP address in your browser’s address bar and enter your login credentials.
These steps may vary depending on your router model. However, most routers have similar settings and user interfaces. I’ve used these steps to configure a VPN on ASUS, TP-Link, and GL.iNet routers, and the process was straightforward and quick.
The best part is that these routers allow you to directly upload a .ovpn file to configure an OpenVPN client effortlessly.
After setting up a VPN on your router, test your VPN connection by checking your IP address, DNS information, etc. All your devices that are connected to the Wifi are now secured, and you can access restricted websites from anywhere in the world.
I test every newly configured VPN for mobile VPN leaks and attempt to access blocked websites. If all devices connected to the router can bypass VPN blocks and successfully change their IP addresses, it confirms that the VPN is correctly configured on the router.
If you’re wondering why your VPN is not working as expected, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. Try restarting your router or contacting your VPN provider’s chat support for advanced assistance.
If you have an older router that doesn’t natively support VPN configuration, you can upgrade its firmware by flashing it with DD-WRT, Tomato, or OpenWRT. Before proceeding, make sure to check if your router is compatible with the new firmware by visiting these links:
Personally, I recommend DD-WRT because it’s easy to set up and has a large community for troubleshooting and support. Here are the steps to flash your router with DD-WRT:
There are several benefits to having a VPN installed on your router. Most importantly, it changes your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring your online activities are secure. With a VPN configured on your router, you no longer need to install it individually on each device, as all devices connected to the router are automatically protected.
However, there are a few drawbacks to using a VPN on a router for all your devices. While your devices are secured, they all connect through the same VPN server, which may slow down your internet speed across the network. Additionally, changing your virtual location or VPN protocols is more challenging compared to the ease of doing so with a VPN app.
Here are the pros and cons of setting up a VPN on your router:
Installing a VPN on your router secures all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need to secure each one individually by downloading a VPN app. Additionally, most commercial VPNs limit the number of devices you can use with a single subscription, but configuring a VPN on your router allows you to protect all your devices seamlessly.
If all your devices are connected to a VPN-enabled router, your internet speed can be reduced, as every device shares the same VPN server. Additionally, you won’t be able to change the VPN server directly on individual devices, as all internet traffic must go through the pre-configured VPN servers on the router.
To address this, I recommend using a separate router dedicated to VPN use. A pre-flashed router with a built-in VPN app is an even better option, as it simplifies setup and management. You can connect to this VPN router whenever you want to hide your IP address, access restricted websites, or stream content from geo-restricted platforms.
For regular browsing or online gaming without speed reductions, you can switch to your primary router, which is not connected to a VPN. This dual-router setup offers flexibility and optimal performance for various internet activities.
Read more about installing a VPN on different devices:
The simplest way to use a VPN on your router is to purchase a pre-flashed router with a VPN already installed. Alternatively, you can configure a VPN on your existing router by following the steps outlined earlier in this article.
Keep in mind that this method requires a router with firmware that supports VPN configuration. If your router doesn’t support it, you’ll need to flash the firmware with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware to enable VPN functionality.
In my experience, NordVPN is the best choice for router configuration. It is compatible with a wide range of routers and offers excellent customer support to assist you with any issues during the setup process.
Not all routers come with built-in VPN support, but some do. These are known as pre-flashed routers and come with a VPN already installed.
One example is the Aircove router offered by ExpressVPN, which includes a pre-installed ExpressVPN app. When you purchase the Aircove router, you can take advantage of ExpressVPN’s 30-day free trial to get started.
Access your router’s settings and look for options labeled OpenVPN, WireGuard, or L2TP client.
There are two free VPNs that I have configured on my ASUS router in the past. Both of them provided great VPN service but the speed was not up to the mark and became the reason I uninstalled them.
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
