How to set up a VPN (complete beginner’s guide)

Setting up a VPN takes about five minutes. Here is the whole process from start to finish, whether you are on a laptop or a phone.

A video walkthrough for this guide is coming soon.

1. Choose a VPN. Pick one that fits your needs and budget — our best VPNs list is a good starting point.
2. Sign up and pick a plan. Longer plans are far cheaper per month, and most offer a money-back guarantee so you can try risk-free.
3. Download the app. Get it from the provider’s website or your device’s app store — avoid unofficial sources.
4. Log in. Open the app and sign in with the account you just created.
5. Connect. Press the main connect button for the fastest server, or choose a specific country.
6. Verify it is working. Confirm your IP address changed — see our leak-test guide.