How to Use a VPN for Public Wifi Security

This wikiHow teaches you how to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) while in public. A VPN encrypts all information passed in between your computer and the Internet, making it much harder for attackers to sabotage or take advantage of your connection.[1]

Part 1
Part 1 of 5:

Preparing to Use a VPN

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    Subscribe to a VPN if you haven't already done so.[2] Virtual private networks (VPNs) typically require you to set up an account in order to access a server's name and address. You will need the VPN's name and address, as well as login credentials, to connect to a VPN.
    • VPN services usually aren't free, but there are some reliable ones too, such as ProtonVPN, Cyber Ghost or Tunnel Bear. But if you need more security features, then you'll likely have to pay a monthly or yearly fee to continue access to the VPN.
    • Be sure to research your VPN choice thoroughly in order to ensure the host isn't malicious.[3]
    • Many universities have dedicated VPNs for students.
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    Make sure you're connected to the Internet. If you're using a public Wi-Fi server, this will usually entail asking the network manager for the network name and/or password.
    • For example, if you're in a coffee shop, you may need to ask a member of the staff for the login credentials.
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    Close any existing browsers. It's wise to re-open your browsers once your VPN is established rather than keeping them open.
    • You may also want to close any apps that have Internet access (e.g., Twitter or Google Drive).
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Part 2
Part 2 of 5:

Using a VPN on iPhone

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    Open your iPhone's
    iPhone Settings App Icon
    Settings.     This grey icon has an image of gears on it. You'll likely find it on the Home Screen.
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    Scroll down and tap
    iPhone Settings General Icon
    General.     It's below the second group of settings items.
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    Scroll down and tap VPN. This option is near the bottom of the page.
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    Tap Add VPN Configuration. It's near the top of the screen.
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    Tap Type, then select a connection type. Tap one of the following connection types:
    • IKEv2
    • IPSec
    • L2TP
    • The connection type will likely depend on the VPN server itself. Look for an indication of the connection type in the VPN server's details.
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    Enter your VPN's information. Depending on the connection type you choose, this step will vary; it usually includes filling out the following fields:
    • Description - The network's description.
    • Server - The VPN's address.
    • Username - Your username for the VPN service.
    • Password - Your password for the VPN service.
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    Tap Done. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. Doing so will sign you into your VPN.
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    Slide the VPN's switch right to on
    iPhone Switch On Icon
    .     It will turn green. Your browsing should now be hidden from others on the same network.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 5:

Using a VPN on Android

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    Open your Android's
    Android 7 Settings App
    Settings.     This gear-shaped icon is in the App Drawer.
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    Scroll down and tap More. It's below the "Wireless & networks" section.
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    Tap VPN. You'll find this in the drop-down menu below the "Wireless & networks" heading.
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    Tap +. It's in the top-right corner of the screen.
    • On a Samsung Galaxy, tap ADD VPN here instead.
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    Enter your VPN's information. This will vary depending on your VPN's settings, but you will typically need to add the following:
    • Connection type - The type of connection (e.g., PPTP) that your VPN uses. Check the details of your VPN subscription if you don't know this value.
    • Server - Your VPN's server address or name.
    • Username - The username or email address you use to sign into your VPN subscription account.
    • Password - The password you use to sign into your VPN subscription account.
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    Tap Save. It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Doing so will create your VPN.
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    Tap your VPN's name. It should appear on the VPN page.
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    Enter your username and password, then tap CONNECT. This will sign you into your VPN service; your browsing traffic should now be hidden from other public network users.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 5:

Using a VPN on Windows

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    Open Start
    Windows Start
    .     Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
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    Open Settings
    Windows Settings
    .     Click the gear-shaped icon in the lower-left side of the Start window.
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    Click
    Windows Network
    Network & Internet.     It's the globe-shaped icon in the middle of the Settings window.
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    Click VPN. It's a tab on the left side of the window.
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    Click Add a VPN connection. You'll see this option at the top of the page.
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    Click the "VPN provider" box, then click Windows (built-in). Do this in the field at the top of the pop-up window.
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    Enter your VPN server's information. Doing so will entail filling out the following fields:
    • Connection name - The name of your VPN connection. Name this whatever you like.
    • Server name or address - The VPN's address.
    • VPN type - Your VPN's connection type. This will usually be PPTP.
    • Type of sign-in info - You'll typically select Username and password here, but you can also set up a one-time password or a smart card.
    • User name (optional) - Your VPN username.
    • Password (optional) - Your VPN password.
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    Click Save. It's at the bottom of the page. Doing this saves your VPN and adds it to your computer's VPN page.
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    Click your VPN's name. It should now be on the VPN page of the Settings window.
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    Click Connect. This option is at the bottom of the VPN's name card.
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    Enter your username and password if prompted. Doing so will log you into the VPN, though you may need to confirm this step by logging into the VPN online and approving your computer. Your browsing traffic should now be hidden from other public network users.
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Part 5
Part 5 of 5:

Using a VPN on Mac

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    Open the Apple menu
    Mac Apple
    .     Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
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    Click System Preferences. This option is near the top of the Apple drop-down menu.
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    Click Network. This purple, globe-shaped icon is in the middle of the System Preferences page.
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    Click +. It's in the bottom-left corner of the Network page.
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    Select the VPN option. Click the box to the right of "Interface:", then click VPN in the drop-down menu.
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    Select a VPN connection type. Click the box to the right of "VPN Type", then select your VPN's connection type (e.g., L2TP over IPSec).
    • The VPN's site should provide this information.
    • Keep in mind that MacOS Sierra does not support PPTP connections.
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    Enter a name for your VPN. It can be whatever you want to name the network.
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    Click Create. Click the blue button in the bottom-right corner of the window.
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    Configure your VPN. Enter the following information:
    • Configuration - Select the "Default" option.
    • Server Address - Type in your VPN's address here.
    • Account Name - Type in your VPN's account name here.
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    Click Authentication Settings. It's below the Account Name text field.
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    Enter your User Authentication information. Check the box to the left of your VPN's User Authentication option (e.g., Password) and then type the answer in.
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    Type in your Machine Authentication information. This section is near the bottom of the window. If you don't know which authentication your VPN uses, consult the details of your VPN subscription.
    • Most VPN's use the "shared secret" option.
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    Click OK. It's near the bottom of the Authentication Settings window.
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    Click Advanced. You'll see this near the bottom of the window.
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    Check the "Send all traffic over VPN connection" box, then click OK. Doing so will ensure that all sites you visit use the VPN connection.
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    Click Apply. This saves your VPN settings and creates your network.
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    Click Connect. It's below the Authentication Settings option. Doing so will prompt your Mac to connect to the VPN. Any traffic between your computer and the Internet should now be encrypted.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Will a VPN give me 100% privacy protection?
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    VPNs will only allow you to be so anonymous because you have to give whatever company you're using the endpoints in order to go online. You're shifting the usage from your ISP to another company, which then can still be subpoenaed by law enforcement if you're doing something malicious. Make sure you're using a trusted company.
  • Question
    Are VPNs safe?
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It depends on the VPN. It's important to research the VPN you plan to use to make sure it isn't malicious.
  • Question
    What does a VPN actually do?
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    A VPN encrypts your information while you're using the Internet so it's harder for hackers to sabotage or take advantage of your Internet connection.
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Warnings

  • Be careful of fraudulent VPN providers. Reading reviews and customer feedback online can help you avoid bad VPN providers.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.
  2. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.
  3. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.

About This Article

Luigi Oppido
Co-authored by:
Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been viewed 75,521 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 24
Updated: June 11, 2021
Views: 75,521
Categories: Internet Security
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