How to Add VPN to Router
🔍 Quick answer:
To add a VPN to your router, you have two options: 1) Buy a pre-configured VPN router (FlashRouters, InvizBox) — easiest, plug-and-play, no technical skills required. 2) Flash your own router — install custom firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato on a compatible router, then manually enter your VPN credentials. The router method protects every device on your Wi-Fi — smart TVs, game consoles, IoT devices — with one setup.
Method 1: Buy a pre-configured VPN router (easiest)
Companies like FlashRouters and InvizBox sell routers with VPN firmware pre-installed:
- Buy a pre-configured VPN router (prices $150-300)
- Plug in the router and connect to your modem
- Log into the router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Enter your VPN provider's username and password
- Select a server location and save settings
- All devices connected to this router are now protected
Method 2: Flash your own router with custom firmware (DIY)
Step 1: Check router compatibility
Not all routers support custom firmware. Check the DD-WRT router database. Popular compatible brands: Asus, Linksys, Netgear, TP-Link.
Step 2: Download custom firmware
Download the DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato firmware file for your exact router model. Verify the file matches your hardware version.
Step 3: Flash the firmware
Connect via Ethernet. Access router admin panel (192.168.1.1). Find firmware upgrade section. Upload the file. Do not interrupt — wait 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Configure VPN
Log into router with new credentials. Go to Services → VPN. Enter your VPN provider's server details, username, and password. Save and apply.
VPN providers that support router setup
| Provider | Router setup support | Ease of setup |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Custom firmware for supported routers — one-click install | Very easy |
| NordVPN | Manual OpenVPN configuration, works with DD-WRT/OpenWrt | Medium |
| Surfshark | Manual OpenVPN/WireGuard configuration | Medium |
| ProtonVPN | Manual OpenVPN/WireGuard configuration | Medium |
| Mullvad | Manual WireGuard/OpenVPN, excellent documentation | Medium |
💡 Pro tip: If you're not comfortable flashing firmware, buy a pre-configured VPN router — it's worth the extra cost to avoid the complexity and risk of bricking your router. A VPN router protects every device on your network, including smart TVs, game consoles, and IoT devices that can't run VPN apps. However, speeds will be slower than using a VPN app on a powerful computer because consumer routers have limited CPU power for encryption.
On this page
Top 3 VPNs 2026 Tested
We earn commission if you purchase through links
Similar questions
Terms you'll meet
- IP address
- Your device's public ID online.
- Encryption
- Scrambling data so only you can read it.
- No‑logs policy
- VPN doesn't store your activity.