How to Set Up a VPN on Any Device: Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a VPN might sound like a technical challenge, but in 2026 it is genuinely one of the simplest things you can do to improve your online security. Modern VPN apps are designed to work straight out of the box with minimal configuration required. Whether you are using a Windows laptop, an iPhone, an Android tablet, or even a smart TV, the process typically takes less than five minutes.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the setup process on every major platform, step by step. If you have not yet chosen a provider, use our free VPN comparison tool to find the right one before you begin.

Setting Up a VPN on Windows

Windows is the most popular desktop platform in the UK, and every major VPN provider offers a dedicated Windows application. Here is how to get started:

• Step 1: Visit the website of your chosen VPN provider and create an account. Providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all offer straightforward registration processes.
• Step 2: Download the Windows app from the provider's website. Always download directly from the official site rather than from third-party sources to ensure you get a genuine, unmodified application.
• Step 3: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. The installation takes less than a minute on most machines.
• Step 4: Open the app and sign in with the credentials you created during registration.
• Step 5: Click the connect button or choose a specific server location. The app will establish an encrypted tunnel and you are protected.

For optimal performance on Windows, we recommend enabling the WireGuard protocol in the app settings if it is not already selected by default. WireGuard offers significantly better speeds and lower latency than older protocols like OpenVPN. You should also enable the kill switch feature, which cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly, preventing any unencrypted data from leaking.

Setting Up a VPN on macOS

The process on macOS is very similar to Windows. Download the app from your provider's website or from the Mac App Store, install it, sign in, and connect. Most VPN apps for macOS integrate neatly into the menu bar, giving you quick access to connect and disconnect without opening the full application.

One macOS-specific consideration is that Apple's operating system may ask you to approve the installation of a VPN configuration profile during setup. This is a standard macOS security prompt and is required for the VPN to function. Simply click Allow or enter your system password when prompted.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN both offer particularly polished macOS apps with native Apple Silicon support, ensuring they run efficiently on newer MacBooks with M-series processors.

Setting Up a VPN on iPhone and iPad

Installing a VPN on iOS is arguably the easiest process of all. Open the App Store, search for your VPN provider's app, and tap Install. Once installed, open the app, sign in, and tap the connect button. iOS will display a prompt asking for permission to add a VPN configuration — tap Allow to proceed.

Once connected, you will see a small VPN icon in the status bar at the top of your screen, confirming that the VPN is active. On iOS, the IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols tend to offer the best balance of speed and battery efficiency. Most VPN apps will select the optimal protocol automatically.

For UK users who want to protect their entire iPhone browsing experience, we recommend enabling the auto-connect feature so that the VPN activates whenever you join a Wi-Fi network. This is particularly useful for securing your connection on public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, and hotels. Surfshark and CyberGhost both offer robust auto-connect options on iOS.

Setting Up a VPN on Android

Android setup is equally straightforward. Visit the Google Play Store, search for your provider, and install the app. Sign in and connect. Android will ask you to approve a connection request the first time you activate the VPN — this is a standard Android security measure.

Android offers a useful built-in feature called Always-on VPN, which you can find in Settings, then Network and Internet, then VPN. Enabling this ensures that your device always routes traffic through the VPN and can even block internet access entirely if the VPN disconnects. This provides an additional layer of protection beyond the kill switch built into most VPN apps.

Some Android VPN apps, including those from Surfshark and NordVPN, also offer GPS spoofing, which can be useful for accessing location-restricted services. This feature overrides the GPS location reported by your device to match the location of the VPN server you are connected to.

Setting Up a VPN on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

Smart TVs and streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Apple TV do not always support VPN apps directly. However, there are several ways around this limitation:

• Amazon Fire TV Stick: Many VPN providers offer native apps on the Amazon Appstore. Simply search for your provider, install, sign in, and connect. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and IPVanish all have Fire TV apps.
• Apple TV: Since tvOS 17, Apple TV supports native VPN apps. Check the App Store on your Apple TV for your provider's app.
• Smart DNS: Most top VPN providers include a Smart DNS service with their subscription. Smart DNS does not encrypt your traffic but can unblock geo-restricted streaming content on devices that do not support VPN apps. This works on virtually any smart TV, games console, or streaming device.
• Router installation: For comprehensive protection, you can install a VPN directly on your home router. This protects every device on your network, including smart TVs, games consoles, and IoT devices. ExpressVPN sells its own pre-configured router called Aircove, and most providers offer detailed guides for setting up their service on popular router firmware like DD-WRT and OpenWrt.

Tips for the Best VPN Experience

Regardless of which device you use, these tips will help you get the most out of your VPN:

• Always keep your VPN app updated to the latest version to benefit from security patches and performance improvements.
• Use the WireGuard protocol where available for the best combination of speed and security.
• Enable the kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
• Connect to the nearest server for the best speeds. If you are in London, choose a London server rather than one in Edinburgh.
• Use split tunnelling if available to route only specific apps through the VPN while leaving others on your regular connection. This can improve performance for activities that do not require VPN protection.

Setting up a VPN in 2026 is simpler than ever. With the right provider and a few minutes of your time, you can protect your privacy and unlock content on any device you own. Visit BestVPN UK for our full reviews, or compare providers directly with our free VPN comparison tool.