Installing a VPN on a router: A Complete Guide
In terms of protecting your home’s internet connection, a router VPN is one of the most complete options. You can remove human error by safeguarding your connection at the source, which means you don’t have to remember to turn it on. The best VPN will also allow you to safeguard devices that don’t support VPN applications, such as gaming consoles and smart TVs.
Although some VPN providers provide specialised router applications, most need manual installation, which may be a challenging procedure, the installation process can be significantly more involved than standard VPN clients on PC or mobile.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a suitable router, you may set up a virtual router to get around this.
Installing a VPN on a router is easy, but how do you do it?
ExpressVPN is the best option to have a virtual private network (VPN) installed on your router. You’ll have access to a router app that’s unrivalled in the VPN market if you subscribe to our top selection.
If your router isn’t listed as being compatible with the ExpressVPN app, you’ll be able to look for instructions after you’ve signed up for the service. If you already have one, or if you purchase one specifically, the setup process is a breeze:
Although there are some slight differences between routers, the methods are essentially the same. To begin, you’ll need to download ExpressVPN’s router firmware. Keep your activation code safe at all times.
Turn on your router, but don’t connect to the internet until you’ve installed the new firmware. ExpressVPN offers detailed setup instructions for all of the most popular models of routers on the market. After that, do a router reboot.
As a reminder, you’ll need to connect your new router to your existing one using an Ethernet wire if you plan on setting up a VPN connection. In the event that you’re utilising a single router, you may skip this step.
Connecting your device to the VPN router through cable or Wi-Fi is the next step after that. The router dashboard of Express will open, and all you have to do to finish the procedure is input your login details.
Without an app, how do I install a VPN?
In the event that you don’t have an ExpressVPN subscription, things might become a bit more complicated. For those who don’t want to deal with all the bother, purchasing a pre-flashed router like FlashRouters might be a decent option. Your new router will be set up with VPN-compatible software, and most VPNs have agreements with these organisations to provide discounts and promotions in exchange for your business.
If you want one of the best routers available, it will cost more than downloading ExpressVPN’s software, but it’s a lot simpler.
In the absence of this, you’ll have to go through a long process of manually updating your router’s firmware. We suggest following your VPN’s instructions to the letter if you decide to go this way.
What are the benefits of setting up a VPN on my router?
That’s an excellent question — is it really worth it to put in all this additional effort? Well, in certain cases, it’s the only choice you have.
To access geo-blocked material or evade government restrictions, you’ll need a router-based VPN. For example, you could use a games console or smart TV to stream most of your content without a device like the Fire Stick (check out our Fire Stick VPN tutorial if you do). If you’re using a device that doesn’t have built-in support for virtual private networks, you won’t be able to utilise a VPN app.
Additionally, a VPN on your router is a fantastic option if you want to ensure that your whole Wi-Fi network is safe from intruders.
There are several VPN services that allow limitless connections, however if you need a VPN for your router because you have too many devices for a single subscription, we recommend looking into a service like Surfshark. Your router will not be tampered with at all, and you will be able to install the VPN on any suitable device in your home for one monthly fee.
