How to Download and Set Up a VPN on Your Devices

A virtual private network (VPN) is an essential online privacy and security tool in the modern digital era. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, providing a private tunnel between your device and the internet that helps keep your online activities anonymous and secure.

With cyberattacks and surveillance on the rise across the globe, it‘s more important than ever to take steps to protect your privacy. Downloading a trusted VPN is one of the best ways to defend yourself online.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk you through how to download, install, and set up a VPN on all your devices, including:

• Computers (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Smartphones (iPhone, Android)
• Streaming devices (Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV)
• Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
• Routers

We‘ll use ExpressVPN as an example since it‘s one of the top-rated VPN services for speed, reliability, and security. However, the general setup process will be similar for most major VPNs. Let‘s get started!

Downloading a VPN on Computers

VPNs are available for all major computer operating systems. Here‘s how to get a VPN up and running on Windows, Mac, and Linux machines.

Windows

1. Go to the ExpressVPN website and click "Get ExpressVPN" to create an account.

2. Check your email for a verification link and activate your account.

3. On the ExpressVPN dashboard, click "Download for Windows." Don‘t close this window — you‘ll need the activation code on this page later.

4. Locate the .exe file in your Downloads folder and double-click to run the installer.

5. Click through the installation prompts until completion.

6. Open the ExpressVPN app and enter your activation code from the dashboard page.

7. Click the "On" button to connect to the VPN. The app will select an optimal server location for you.

Once connected, you‘ll see "Connected" on the app screen. You‘re all set!

Mac

1. Create an ExpressVPN account and verify your email.

2. On the dashboard, click "Download for Mac." Keep this window open to retrieve your activation code later.

3. Find the .pkg installer file and double-click it.

4. Click "Continue" through the installation process. Enter your password if prompted.

5. Once finished, open the ExpressVPN app and sign in with your activation code.

6. Click the "On" button to connect to the best server.

You‘ll know your Mac is connected when you see "Connected" in the app.

Linux

1. Create an ExpressVPN account and verify via email.

2. On the dashboard, select your Linux distro and click "Download."

3. Save the installer file to your Downloads folder.

4. Open a terminal and enter:

    sudo dpkg -i expressvpn_*.deb  

5. Run expressvpn activate and enter your activation code when prompted.

6. To connect, run:

    expressvpn connect

You‘ll see "Connected" in the terminal when successfully connected.

Downloading a VPN on Smartphones

Protecting your mobile devices with a VPN is just as important as securing your computer. Here‘s how to install a VPN on your iPhone or Android phone.

iPhone

1. Open the App Store and search for "ExpressVPN." Download the app.

2. Open ExpressVPN and tap "Sign In."

3. Enter your ExpressVPN credentials or restore an App Store purchase subscription.

4. Tap "Agree and Continue" to the prompts about data collection and notifications.

5. Tap "Continue" to set up your VPN.

6. Tap the "On" button to connect to the optimal server location.

Once connected, you‘ll see "Connected" on the main screen of the app.

Android

1. Go to expressvpn.com and click "Get ExpressVPN." Sign in to your account.

2. On the dashboard, click "Get it on Google Play." Install the app.

3. Open ExpressVPN, tap "Sign In" and enter your credentials.

4. Tap "OK" to the data sharing and notification prompts.

5. Click the "On" button to connect to a server.

You‘ll know your Android device is protected when you see "Connected" on the app screen.

Downloading a VPN on Streaming Devices

Securing your streaming gadgets like Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles is quick and easy with a VPN app.

Fire TV

1. From your Fire TV home screen, search for "ExpressVPN" in the app store.

2. Download and install the ExpressVPN app.

3. Open the app, enter your VPN credentials, and tap "Sign In."

4. Click "OK" to any optional data sharing prompts.

5. Tap the "On" button to connect to the VPN server.

Once connected, you‘ll see "Connected" on the ExpressVPN app.

Apple TV

1. On your computer, log into your ExpressVPN account and register your IP address.

2. Note down the MediaStreamer DNS addresses on the dashboard.

3. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Network > your Wi-Fi network > Configure DNS.

4. Select "Manual" and enter the MediaStreamer DNS addresses.

5. Restart your Apple TV to apply the DNS changes.

The MediaStreamer "VPN" is now set up on your Apple TV.

PlayStation and Xbox

1. Sign up for an ExpressVPN account.

2. On your gaming console‘s network settings screen, select "Set Up Internet Connection."

3. Choose "Use a Custom DNS."

4. Enter the MediaStreamer DNS addresses from your ExpressVPN dashboard.

5. Test your connection to confirm it‘s working.

Your console is now routing through ExpressVPN‘s DNS for enhanced security and privacy.

Downloading a VPN on Your Router

For convenient whole-home VPN protection, install VPN software directly onto your Wi-Fi router.

For example, here are the steps for a Linksys router:

1. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account and download the router firmware for your model.

2. Keep the firmware download page open — you‘ll need the activation code later.

3. Access your router admin panel at 192.168.1.1 and go to the firmware upgrade page.

4. Select the ExpressVPN firmware file you downloaded.

5. Click install and wait for the process to complete.

6. Set up your VPN router credentials using the activation code.

7. Connect your devices to the VPN router‘s network.

Once connected, all devices on your home network will have the VPN benefits.

Why You Should Use a VPN

There are many important reasons to use a trusted VPN service like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark on all your devices:

• Enhanced Privacy – VPN encryption helps protect your online activities and sensitive information from hackers, cybercriminals, your internet provider, and government surveillance.

• Access Blocked Content – Change your virtual location with a VPN server in another country to bypass geographic restrictions and censorship.

• Safe Public Wi-Fi – Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be hacked. A VPN keeps your data safe from prying eyes on any network.

• Improved Speeds – VPN encryption overhead is minimal and speeds remain quick with a well-optimized service.

• Stream Content Anywhere – Bypass blackout restrictions and easily stream sports, Netflix libraries, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and much more worldwide.

• Online Protection – A VPN adds an extra layer of protection for safe online shopping, banking, and communicating.

• Bypass Throttling – VPN encryption prevents your ISP from throttling or slowing down your internet speeds.

Bottom Line

Installing and setting up a VPN is quick, easy, and offers tremendous value for your privacy and security. We recommend starting with a top service like ExpressVPN. Just download the app, enter your credentials, and click connect.

With VPN protection across all your devices, you can rest assured your digital life stays anonymous and secure from prying eyes. Take control of your online privacy today!