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Troubleshooting

How to Set Up a VPN on Your Router (Whole Home VPN)

Setting up a VPN on the router protects every device on your network — phones, TVs, consoles — without installing an app on each one.

Updated 2026

  1. 1

    Check if your router supports VPN

    Log into the admin panel and look for a VPN Client option under Advanced or WAN settings. Many budget routers don't support this — check your router's manual.

  2. 2

    Choose a VPN that supports router setup

    Not all VPNs support router configuration. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Mullvad and ProtonVPN all provide router setup guides and configuration files.

  3. 3

    Install using OpenVPN or WireGuard

    Download the VPN configuration file from your provider. In the router admin panel find OpenVPN Client or WireGuard and import the file. Enter your credentials.

  4. 4

    Verify it's working

    Connect a device to your WiFi and check your IP address (visit /my-ip or search 'what is my IP'). It should show the VPN server's IP, not your home IP.

  5. 5

    Consider a VPN-ready router

    If your current router doesn't support VPN, routers from Asus (with Merlin firmware), GL.iNet or Vilfo come with built-in VPN client support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a router VPN slow down my internet?
Yes — encrypting all traffic adds CPU overhead on the router. Budget routers slow significantly; mid-range routers lose 20–40% speed. A dedicated VPN router minimises this.
Can I exclude some devices from the VPN?
Yes — most VPN-capable routers support split tunnelling, letting you choose which devices go through the VPN and which use your normal connection.