How to Set Up a VPN on Your Router
Installing a VPN on your router encrypts all internet traffic from every device on your network without needing to install the VPN app on each individual device.
Why Use a VPN on Your Router?
A device-level VPN app protects only that one device. A router-level VPN protects every device that connects to your home network simultaneously — smart TVs, gaming consoles, IoT devices, and any device that cannot run a VPN app on its own. It is particularly useful for devices like Apple TV or Roku that do not support VPN apps natively.
The trade-off is that router VPN setup is more complex, some routers do not support it, and VPN speed is limited by the router CPU rather than your internet connection. Older routers can become a bottleneck for high-speed connections.
Requirements
- A router that supports VPN client mode (Asus, Netgear Nighthawk, newer TP-Link)
- A VPN subscription with OpenVPN or WireGuard config file support
- The VPN provider's config files (.ovpn or .conf)
- A router with a reasonably powerful CPU for good throughput
Asus routers with ASUSWRT have one of the easiest built-in VPN client implementations. Netgear Nighthawk and TP-Link Archer also support OpenVPN. Budget routers often lack VPN client capability entirely.
Setup on Asus Router (ASUSWRT)
Go to http://192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com. Enter admin credentials.
Click the VPN menu item in the left sidebar, then select VPN Client.
Select the protocol your VPN provider supports. Click Add Profile, then import the .ovpn or .conf file from your VPN provider's dashboard.
Enter your VPN username and password if required. Click Activate to start the VPN connection. All devices on your network now route through the VPN.