How to Add a VPN On a Router?

Setting up a VPN on your router is one of the most effective ways to secure your entire network with minimal effort. Instead of configuring each device individually, a router-based VPN automatically encrypts all internet traffic passing through your Wi-Fi. 

This approach not only boosts your online privacy but also ensures that even devices without native VPN support stay protected. 

 

What Is a VPN?

 

​​A virtual private network, or VPN, hides your IP address and location to offer privacy and security by building a safe, encrypted “tunnel” for your internet connection. Even on unprotected networks like public Wi-Fi, it encrypts your data to prevent unauthorised access.

 

Can You Put a VPN On a Router?

 

A VPN can be installed on a router. This enables you to use a single VPN setup to secure every device linked to your home network, including ones that don’t support VPN connections by default. 

 

How Do I Check If My Router Allows a VPN?

 

Fortunately, determining whether or not your router is VPN-compatible is not too difficult. There are two quick ways to check if your router allows a VPN. You can look up the make and model number of your router on Google or look through your router’s user manual if you still have it close at hand. 

How Can I Put a VPN On My Router?

 

Here’s how to get started if you’ve confirmed that your router is VPN-compatible and want to take advantage of whole-home VPN protection:

 

Access Router Firmware

 

First, navigate to the administration page of your router. All you need to do is open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address. You might need to take other measures to determine your router’s IP address if they don’t work.

 

Find VPN Configuration Settings

 

To locate the VPN options, explore your router’s menus and settings. Although they will be located differently for each router, they are frequently found under the Advanced, Security, or Network choices. To locate the right site, you might need to navigate through the menus a bit.

 

Choose a VPN Provider

 

After conducting some research to evaluate your possibilities, create an account with the supplier of your choice. Because they offer downloadable firmware packages and comprehensive installation instructions for various router makes and models, some VPNs make setting up on a router far simpler than others.

 

Enable the VPN and Enter Credentials

 

You may easily follow your provider’s instructions and enter the necessary data in the VPN settings page of your router’s control panel after you’ve acquired your VPN provider credentials and firmware settings. 

In the process, your router might need to restart and you could also need to upload firmware files, if you have any. After everything is set up, you ought to be able to activate your VPN and connect by entering your login information.

 

Test the VPN Connection

 

Lastly, make sure your VPN router is operational. Visiting a website that provides your IP address, such as ExpressVPN’s IP checker, is a simple method to accomplish this. The address you see should differ from your typical home IP address if your VPN is functioning properly.

What Are the Benefits Of Adding a VPN to Your Router?

 

Adding or connecting a VPN to your router can provide many different benefits. These benefits include:

 

Covers Devices That Don’t Support VPNs

 

Even though they don’t provide VPN coverage on their own, many Wi-Fi-connected gadgets might nonetheless profit from it. It is always important to have security, regardless of the technology you are using.

 

Always-On Security and Privacy

 

You will always be connected to the VPN server when using a router VPN. As long as your router is operational, you will be included in the VPN protection, so you won’t ever forget to keep yourself safe. Even when you’re asleep, your devices will remain safe if they establish any automatic connections, such as updating your account balance for a personal financial app.

 

Connect More Devices

 

When you add a VPN to your router, every device connected to your home or office Wi-Fi automatically benefits from VPN protection, even those that don’t support VPN apps, like smart TVs, gaming consoles, or older devices. This means you’re not limited by the number of devices your VPN provider allows on individual apps. 

 

What Type Of Routers Support VPNs?

 

There are four major categories into which routers can be divided. A look at each of those groups and their VPN compatibility is provided below:

• Consumer routers: These routers are available for purchase and can be installed at home or in another location. Although they could require some configuration, most of these routers ought to be compatible with VPNs.
• ISP-issued routers: Internet service companies provide these routers to their clients. These routers are frequently not VPN-ready and some are explicitly made to prevent or limit VPN use.
• VPN router boxes: Since these routers are made to function with VPN software and protocols, they are VPN-compatible, as the name implies. 

 

What Should I Do If My Router Does Not Support VPNs?

 

Not every router is compatible with VPNs. Some of them are even made expressly to limit or prohibit VPN use and some just lack the software required to establish VPN connections. Thankfully, there are methods to get around the issue even if your router doesn’t enable VPN connections by default. You can use a DIY router setup or replace your router’s default software with other software that can support VPN connections.