In 2025, protecting your personal data and guaranteeing your online confidentiality is more essential than ever. Configure a VPN on your smartphones, computers or routers devices offers optimal security and accessless access to the Internet. Find out how to succeed in this step by step installation with our advice adapted to French users.
At a time when cyber attacks, geographic restrictions and online surveillance are increasingly widespread, the protection of your personal data becomes a major concern given the challenges it involves.
A VPN (virtual private network) is a tool that allows you to sail safely, access blocked content and protect your devices from potential threats. So it is important to understand how it works? How to configure a VPN on your devices, including Windows, Android, iOS, and even a VPN compatible router?
The best VPNs of the moment:
Why configure a VPN is essential in 2025
VPN is much more than a simple technological tool. In France, where privacy is an increasing concern, users are looking for effective solutions to secure their connections and many of them have opted for the use of a VPN.
Indeed, correctly installing a VPN on your devices allows you to:
- Secure your data on public networks, such as that of cafes or airports.
- Protect your device from cyber attacks that are becoming more and more creative!
- Access restricted content, whether streaming catalogs or geoblocked sites.
- Go around the internet censorship, in some cases, to guarantee free access to information.
In addition, VPN suppliers in 2025 offer advanced features such as Smart DNS, access to ultra-fast servers, and easy integration on all types of devices, smartphones with routers.
Choose the right VPN service
The choice of a reliable VPN supplier is the first crucial step. Popular options in France include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Cyberghost, known for their security, speed, and strict non-journalization policies. The points to consider:
- VPN servers available: the more there are, the more you can choose various locations for optimal connection.
- Compatibility with your devices: Check that the service supports Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and VPN routers.
- Connection protocol: Modern solutions like OpenVPN, IKEV2, and Wireguard guarantee reinforced security and increased speeds.
- Configuration ease: dedicated applications and a clear user interface facilitate installation.
Configure a VPN on Windows
Windows devices remain widely used in France, and their VPN configuration is accessible even for novices. Here are the steps to follow:
- Access Windows settings: Open the Start menu, go to Settings, then in Network and Internet.
- Add a VPN connection: click the VPN tab, then add a VPN connection.
- Enter the information from the VPN supplier: provide the address of the VPN server, the VPN protocol (such as OpenVPN or L2TP/IPSEC), and your identifiers.
- Connect: Once the configuration is completed, click VPN connection to secure your network.
The Windows VPN settings also allow advanced personalization, ideal for businesses or professionals working remotely.
Configure a VPN on Android and iOS
Android and iPhone/iPad smartphones represent the majority of connections in 2025. VPN applications greatly facilitate their configuration.
Installation via a VPN application
Official VPN applications, available on the Google Play Store and the App Store, allow a quick configuration:
- Download the application of your VPN supplier.
- Connect using your identifiers.
- Select a VPN server to start navigating securely.
Manual configuration
For a more technical approach:
- Access your device settings.
- Add a new VPN connection by entering information from the VPN server and the required protocol (IKEV2, L2TP, or OpenVPN).
- Activate the connection to secure your device.
These options make it possible to configure an Android or iOS VPN without depending only on applications.
What is the difference between a manual VPN and an automatic VPN?
Configuring a VPN can be done in two main ways: manually or automatically via a dedicated application. The manual configuration consists in directly entering the parameters of the VPN (server address, protocol used, identifiers) in the settings of your device. This method offers high flexibility, particularly useful in a professional framework where specific configurations, such as connection to a private business server, are necessary. It is also suitable for advanced users who wish to have total control over VPN parameters, such as the choice of protocols or the management of encryption keys. However, this approach can be tedious for novices, because it requires manipulating technical data and understanding the basics of the network.
See also: Our price comparator of VPN offers
On the other hand, an automatic VPN, activated via a dedicated application, is designed to simplify the user experience. Suppliers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN offer applications that configure all in a few clicks.
Once installed, the application detects the best available servers, optimizes protocols according to your needs (speed or safety), and offers additional features such as Kill Switch or automatic connection. This method, adapted to the majority of users, guarantees a rapid and intuitive configuration, even for the uninitiated. However, it can limit the personalization options and completely depends on the interface and the features offered by the supplier.
Installing a VPN directly on a VPN compatible router is an effective solution to protect all devices connected to your network. Brands like Asus and Netgear offer specially designed models for this.
How to configure a VPN router?
- Access the administration panel of your router via an IP address (for example: 192.168.1.1).
- Look for the VPN option in the settings.
- Download VPN configuration files from your supplier’s website.
- Load these files in the router interface and activate the VPN.
This centralized approach has many advantages. First of all, it greatly simplifies the implementation of the VPN and eliminates the need to install it individually on each equipment. In addition, it guarantees constant and uniform protection, including for mobile devices that connect from the outside.
It also avoids the risks linked to forgetting or deactivating VPN on certain terminals. Finally, VPN routers generally offer advanced features, such as the choice of the VPN server, the management of connection parameters or the possibility of defining filtering rules.
In the end, the use of a VPN router represents a simple, robust and effective solution to secure its entire domestic or professional network, while providing continuous and transparent protection for all connected devices.
Our selection of the best VPNs of the moment:
The latest innovations: Smart DNS and new protocols
In parallel with traditional VPNs, alternatives like the Smart DNS develop. Although it does not figure the data, the Smart DNS allows you to quickly circumvent geographic restrictions, ideal for high definition streaming enthusiasts.
New protocols like Wireguard are also at the cutting edge of technology. Faster and more secure than their predecessors, they easily integrate by the majority of modern VPN services, guaranteeing optimal performance even on older devices.
VPN and confidentiality in 2025: global issues
While some governments strengthen their online surveillance, VPNs are an solution to preserve digital freedom. In France, more and more companies require the use of a router VPN or a secure VPN connection to protect sensitive data. Individuals, on the other hand, favor VPN applications to avoid any exploitation of their personal information.
How to configure a VPN on a Smart TV?
Configuring a VPN on a Smart TV may seem complex at first, but several solutions make it possible to secure your connections and bypass geographic restrictions without difficulty.
The simplest method is to use a VPN supplier offering a native application for Smart TV. Some models running Android TV, such as those of Samsung or Sony, allow you to download the VPN application directly from the Google Play Store. Once installed, you can connect with your identifiers, choose a VPN server, and benefit from secure navigation in a few clicks.
For televisions that do not support VPN applications, the solution goes through the configuration of the VPN on a router. By installing a router VPN, all devices connected to the network, including your Smart TV, will automatically benefit from the protection offered by the service. This method is particularly useful for television brands like LG or Roku, which do not support VPN applications directly.
In addition, an alternative is to use a computer as an intermediary by configuring a connection sharing: connect your PC or Mac to a VPN, then share this connection with your Smart TV via an Ethernet cable or a local Wi-Fi network.
Each method presents its advantages according to your needs and your level of technical competence. For a fluid experience, favor a supplier offering detailed tutorials and reactive customer support. Thus, you can take advantage of geographically restricted content on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime without compromising your confidentiality online.
Protect your devices with a VPN today
Knowing how to configure a VPN on your devices in 2025 is not only a precaution, but a necessity. If you used an Android smartphone, a Windows PC, or you want to secure your entire network with a VPN router, follow our advice by taking control of your online safety and take advantage of the many advantages that VPN can Offer in an ever more connected world.
Faq
1. Can a VPN protect against all online threats?
No, but it constitutes an essential barrier against surveillance, network attacks, and data leaks.
2. What devices are compatible with a VPN?
VPNs operate on Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, Routers, Smart TVS, and even consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
3. Why is my VPN slowing down my connection?
A slowdown can occur due to the distance from the VPN server or the overload of the network. Opt for a server close geographically.
4. Can we use a VPN with Netflix in France?
Yes, VPNs compatible with Netflix allow access to unrestricted foreign catalogs.
5. How to configure a VPN for a Smart TV?
You can either install a VPN application directly, or go through a configured VPN router.
And find the best VPNs for all uses on our VPN comparator space.