What You Need to Get Started
Summary
A short checklist of what you need before your first vpn.now connection: an email, a plan, a device, and the official tunnel app.
On this page
The short list
You do not need much to start using vpn.now. Here is the full list:
- An email address for your account.
- A paid plan. You can compare options on the vpn.now pricing page.
- A device to protect: a Windows PC, Mac, Linux machine, iPhone, iPad, or Android phone.
- An app to connect with. The easiest option is the vpn.now app from your platform's download page. If you prefer, you can use the free official tunnel app instead.
That is it. No special hardware, no technical background, and no command line unless you want one.
You do not need a separate router, a SIM card, or any paid software beyond your plan. A normal home or mobile internet connection is enough. If you are not sure a VPN is worth it yet, the plain language guide what is a VPN is a good first read.
The two ways to connect
There are two paths, and you only need one of them:
- The vpn.now app (easiest). Download it from the page for your device, such as the Windows download page or macOS download page. You sign in, press connect, and the app handles the config for you. This is the right choice for most people.
- Manual tunnel setup (more control). You add a device in the dashboard, download a config file, and import it into the official tunnel app. This is handy on Linux, on a router, or when you want to see exactly what is set up. The full walkthrough is in the manual tunnel setup guide.
Both paths connect to the same servers with the same protocol. The only difference is how much you do by hand.
How setup works
Setup has three steps, and most people finish in under ten minutes:
- Create an account. Sign up with your email and confirm it.
- Get connected. Install the vpn.now app and sign in, or add a device on the devices page and download its config file.
- Turn it on. Press connect in the app, or import your config into the tunnel app and activate the tunnel.
Each step has its own guide in this help center. Start with creating your vpn.now account if you have not signed up yet.
Tip: do the whole setup on the device you want to protect. Then the config file never has to travel between devices, which is both easier and safer.
Which protocol should I pick?
vpn.now runs on one modern VPN protocol that is fast, secure, and light on battery.
There is nothing to choose. Install the vpn.now app, sign in or paste your activation code, and press connect.
For a deeper look, read our overview of the protocol we run.
What a VPN can and cannot do
A quick reality check before you start. A VPN can help protect your traffic on public Wi-Fi and hides your IP address from websites you visit. It does not make you anonymous everywhere online, and it does not protect you from malware or weak passwords.
If you are new to VPNs, the guide what is a VPN explains the basics in plain language.