How to Set Up a VPN on Any Device
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Setting up a VPN has never been easier than it is in 2026. Gone are the days when configuring a VPN required deep technical knowledge and manual configuration files. Today, most VPN providers offer polished, user-friendly applications for every major platform, and the setup process typically takes less than five minutes. This comprehensive guide walks you through setting up a VPN on every major device and platform, from Windows PCs to smart TVs and everything in between.
Setting Up a VPN on Windows
Windows is the most popular desktop operating system in the UK, and every major VPN provider offers a dedicated Windows application. The process is straightforward: visit your VPN provider's website, download the Windows installer, run it, and sign in with your account credentials. The application will handle all the technical configuration automatically.
Once installed, you will typically see a simple interface with a connect button and a list of server locations. Select a server in the UK for the fastest speeds and local content access, or choose a server in another country to access geo-restricted content from that region. Most VPN apps include a "Quick Connect" or "Best Server" option that automatically selects the fastest available server.
Before you start browsing, take a moment to configure a few important settings. Enable the kill switch, which blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Set the VPN to launch at startup so you are always protected. Choose your preferred protocol, with WireGuard being the best default choice for most users. If you want certain applications to bypass the VPN, configure split tunnelling to exclude them.
Setting Up a VPN on macOS
The macOS setup process mirrors that of Windows. Download the VPN application from your provider's website or the Mac App Store, install it, and sign in. macOS may ask you to grant the application permission to add VPN configurations, which you should allow. The application will create the necessary network configuration profiles automatically.
One macOS-specific consideration is that Apple's operating system includes built-in support for IKEv2 and L2TP/IPSec protocols. This means you can configure a VPN connection without installing any third-party software by navigating to System Settings, then Network, and adding a VPN configuration. However, using the provider's dedicated application is recommended as it offers additional features like a kill switch, split tunnelling, and automatic server selection.
Setting Up a VPN on iPhone and iPad
iOS devices have excellent VPN support, and most VPN providers offer polished applications in the App Store. Download the app, sign in, and you will be prompted to allow the application to add VPN configurations. Tap "Allow" and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Once configured, you can connect to the VPN directly from the app or toggle it on and off from the Settings menu. Many VPN apps also support iOS Shortcuts, allowing you to create automations that connect the VPN when you join an untrusted Wi-Fi network, for example. The IKEv2 protocol is particularly recommended for iOS due to its excellent handling of network transitions between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Be aware that iOS imposes some limitations on VPN applications. The kill switch implementation may not be as robust as on desktop platforms, and split tunnelling support varies between providers. Apple's restrictions on background processes also mean that VPN connections may occasionally drop when the device enters sleep mode, though most quality VPN apps handle reconnection automatically.
Setting Up a VPN on Android
Android provides the most flexible VPN support of any mobile platform. Download your VPN provider's application from the Google Play Store, sign in, and grant the necessary permissions when prompted. Android will display a connection request notification the first time you activate the VPN.
Android offers a built-in "Always-on VPN" feature that ensures your device only connects to the internet through the VPN. This is found in Settings, then Network and Internet, then VPN. Enable "Always-on VPN" and "Block connections without VPN" for maximum protection. This system-level kill switch is more reliable than the application-level kill switches offered by some VPN apps.
Split tunnelling is well-supported on Android, and most VPN apps allow you to select specific applications that should bypass the VPN tunnel. This is useful for banking apps that may flag VPN connections as suspicious, or for local services that require your real location.
Setting Up a VPN on Linux, Routers, and Smart TVs
Linux users can typically choose between a dedicated GUI application, a command-line interface, or manual configuration using NetworkManager or systemd-networkd. Many VPN providers now offer Linux applications with graphical interfaces, though command-line tools remain available for advanced users and headless servers. WireGuard is natively integrated into the Linux kernel from version 5.6 onwards, providing excellent performance and easy configuration.
Setting up a VPN on your router protects every device on your home network without installing individual applications. This is particularly useful for devices that do not support VPN apps natively, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices. The configuration process varies by router model, but generally involves accessing your router's administration panel and entering the VPN server details. Some routers come with built-in VPN client support, whilst others require custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt.
For smart TVs, you have several options. If your TV runs Android TV, you can install a VPN app directly from the Play Store. For other platforms like Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, or Apple TV, you will need to either configure the VPN on your router or use your VPN provider's Smart DNS feature. Smart DNS redirects only the location-relevant portions of your traffic, allowing you to access geo-restricted streaming content without installing any software on the television itself.
Conclusion: Protection on Every Device
Regardless of which devices you use, there is a straightforward way to protect them with a VPN. The key is to start with the devices you use most frequently and expand from there. Ensure the kill switch is enabled on every device, choose a modern protocol like WireGuard for the best performance, and consider a router-level setup if you want whole-home protection.
Use our free VPN comparison tool at FreeVPNDownload.co.uk to compare which platforms each VPN provider supports. Our comparison includes details on app availability, simultaneous connections, and platform-specific features, helping you find a VPN that works seamlessly across all your devices.