How to Create A VPN at Home on Any Device

VPNs are a dime a dozen these days, and it’s hard to know which services actually protect your online privacy and offer adequate security against cyber snoops. It’s tempting to create your own VPN so you know exactly which protective measures are in place. That way, you can prevent websites, the government, your ISP, and anyone else from collecting information about your online activity without your consent. Besides, with most OS’s built-in VPN features, it can seem easy enough.

But setting up a VPN with real security isn’t always simple. Misconfigurations, outdated protocols, and limited server resources can leave you more exposed than you’d expect. Let’s look at what you need to get started and how each step compares to a fully maintained VPN service.

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What You Need to Create a VPN

Whether you use a device’s built-in software or a third-party app to make your own VPN, you still need a virtual (cloud-based) or physical server. You can set up your server at home or subscribe to a service to use their virtual or physical servers. Unless you’re confident in your network management skills, we’d recommend using a service to host your VPN server. 

You’ll want to write down the username and password for your virtual or physical server and the IP address you’re using because you’ll need it later. It’s also vital to have basic knowledge of tunneling protocols, to ensure you choose the most secure option and can configure it correctly. Tunneling protocols determine how your data will be encrypted and sent securely to your VPN server.

Most applications and tools will also ask whether you’d like to use either User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) as the standard for your VPN network connections. These protocols determine how your data is transferred across the web – and all internet traffic uses one of these two protocols. The one you choose depends on whether you prioritize speed or security.

Below, we’ll show you how to create a VPN on your computer or phone using a VPN provider’s servers. You can then use the device as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your other devices or create a separate VPN connection on each device following the same steps. Then we’ll take you through other VPN setup options, including creating a VPN using cloud servers, creating your own physical VPN server, and configuring a VPN on your router. 

Pro tip: Make sure you brush up on your protocol knowledge before you start creating your VPN:

• • What are VPN Protocols and How to Choose the Best One
  • TCP vs UDP Comparison: Does Speed Trump Security?

4 Ways to Create A VPN Using Built-In Device Features

Using built-in features to create your VPN is similar to manually installing a VPN on your device. Instead of using a provider’s native VPN app or another third-party app like OpenVPN Connect, or similar, you use the VPN client pre-installed on your device.

You still need to subscribe to a VPN service or set up a (physical or cloud-based) VPN server to create a VPN connection using existing device features. Once you do, you’ll get the details you need from the service you chose to complete the process, including the server’s IP address, protocol options, and your username and password.

1. How to Create a VPN on Windows 10/11

1. Open the Start menu, and click the gear icon.

2. Choose Settings.

3. Click Network & Internet.

4. Select VPN from the menu to the left.

5. Click the + icon next to Add a VPN connection. 

6. Choose Windows built-in from the VPN provider dropdown menu. Fill out all required fields.

7. Click the Save button.

2. How to Create a VPN on macOS

1. Open the Apple menu and click System Settings.

2. Choose VPN from the menu on the left, then use the dropdown menu next to Add VPN Configuration to select your protocol.

3. Enter all required information.

4. Click the Create button to finalize creating your VPN connection.

3. How to Create a VPN on iOS

1. Tap the Settings icon and press General.

2. Scroll down and choose VPN & Device Management.

3 Press VPN.

4. Select Add VPN Configuration.

5. Choose your protocol from the list of available options.

6. Name your VPN (description) and enter the VPN server address you want to use (this can also be used as your Remote ID). Enter the username and password you used to set up your server.

7. Tap Done.

4. How to Create a VPN on Android

1. Tap the Settings icon on your device, scroll down the list, and tap Connections.

2. Choose More Connection Settings.

3. Select VPN.

4. Tap Add VPN Profile in the upper right corner.

5. Tap the menu icon (three dots) and select Add VPN Profile.

6. Choose your protocol. (This will vary by your specific needs the image is just for reference.)

7. Name the connection (e.g. Personal VPN) and type in the VPN server address.

8. Press Save. Your VPN is ready!

3 More Ways to Create A VPN

How to Create a VPN Using Cloud Services

Some cloud services offer the option to build virtual machines (VMs). Once the VM is built, you can create a VPN server. Most legitimate cloud services charge a monthly fee that may vary depending on the storage space, features, and number of users. The more resources you need, the more expensive it will be.

Firstly, you’ll have to configure the cloud server to act as your VPN. This process will differ depending on the service you use. The process for connecting to your newly created VPN is similar to the steps above as you’ll have to configure the VPN on your devices. Instead of using server details provided by a VPN service, you’ll use your cloud server’s details. You can use this device as a hotspot for your other devices or set up the VPN separately on each device.

If you use a cloud-hosted server or build a virtual machine, check the service’s privacy and logs policies before committing. Any service that collects information unrelated to errors or maintenance, or doesn’t allow you to opt out of data collection, won’t be suitable for creating a VPN – as this will decrease your privacy instead of enhancing it. 

How to Build A VPN from Scratch (Expert Help Recommended)

Creating your own VPN server from scratch isn’t a beginner-friendly project and it’s better left to experts or done with assistance. It requires networking management, coding, and testing. You’ll be responsible for security updates, vulnerability patches, upgrades, and monitoring the overall health of all VPN components. 

If you want to learn how to create your own VPN, you’ll need to build in-depth knowledge of a programming language – many people recommend Python as it’s the easiest to learn, but it depends on the hardware and software you want to use and what you want to do. 

You’ll also need to learn the ins and outs of networking and network security (like how port forwarding works) and know how your server’s OS and device hardware work (including how to access and configure kernel integrals). Finally, you’ll need to know how tunneling protocols and VPN ports work and how to configure them. After building your VPN server, you can follow the steps outlined above to create a VPN connection for your devices.

Creating your own VPN from scratch can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not a quick and easy project and will require ongoing maintenance. It may also require a big upfront cost if you don’t have a device on hand to use as your dedicated server. You may also need to buy a new router if your current one doesn’t support the network configurations you want to make.

How to Create A VPN On Your Router

You can turn a router into a VPN with minimal effort. Some routers have built-in VPN features and installation software to help you easily set up your VPN. Another option is changing your router’s firmware to provide VPN capabilities using a custom solution like DD-WRT or OpenWRT. DD-WRT offers plug-and-play installation for most compatible routers, making it easy to set up. OpenWRT is compatible with more hardware types than DD-WRT, including routers.

One of the easiest ways to create a VPN on your router is with CyberGhost VPN. We offer user-friendly router installation guides and are compatible with most devices. Once the VPN is installed on your router, just log in and connect to a server to protect all the devices on your network simultaneously.

Easiest Option: Choose VPN Customization Over Creation

Feature	Creating Your Own VPN	Existing VPN
Cost	Monthly fee with virtual servers / possible large initial expense with a physical server. Expenses increase with added servers/features	Subscription-based with various affordable options
Customization	Full customization over server settings, protocols, and network setup	User-friendly settings with customizable protocols and options
Setup & Maintenance	Requires ongoing maintenance, security updates, and manual management	Automatic maintenance and security managed by CyberGhost VPN
Technical Knowledge Needed	Advanced programming and networking skills required	No technical skills needed, just download and connect
Server Network	Limited to your resources; scaling requires more servers and cost	Access to a global server network in multiple locations
Security & Privacy	Vulnerable to misconfiguration and outdated protocols if not maintained	Built-in encryption and independently audited no-logs policy
Speed & Reliability	Dependent on personal server and network resources and configuration	Optimized servers for high-speed and stable connections
Access to Features	Limited by your setup; may require additional tools or costs	Integrated features like a Kill Switch, ad-blocking, and split tunneling

Customizing an existing VPN service to fit your needs isn’t the same as creating one, but it’s a fast, secure solution that doesn’t require as much technical expertise. Choosing a VPN can be tricky as not all VPNs are safe or will let you customize their features. 

Look for a VPN provider with a strict no-logs policy to keep your online information private. Check to ensure it uses high-level encryption to mask your traffic and make it unreadable, to prevent anyone from using your data if it’s intercepted. Apps for all major OSs are a bonus, especially if you can set up the VPN on your router. 

CyberGhost VPN lets you customize several settings to provide a more personalized experience, including:

• • App theme – Default, Light, or Dark
  • Communication protocol (varies by device) – OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2
  • Connection protocol (only for OpenVPN) – TCP or UDP
  • Automatic launch options on device startup
  • Split tunneling (varies by device) to choose which apps and websites run through the VPN connection
  • A Kill Switch to pause device traffic and prevent leaks if the connection drops or changes
  • Auto-connect options for different networks
  • Ad- and malware blocker (varies by device)

CyberGhost has VPN apps for all major operating systems, so installation and setup is a breeze. Our VPN is also compatible with most smart TVs and routers. If you make a mistake, you can simply restore the default VPN settings and try again – no harm done. 

The best part? CyberGhost is dedicated to privacy and security and our VPN uses strong traffic encryption. We’re also an independently audited no-logs VPN. You never have to worry about us collecting any personal information or tracking your online activity. 

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