VPN

NordVPN Setup Guide

A fast, reliable VPN that protects your whole family on public Wi-Fi and while traveling.

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Why we recommend this

NordVPN pairs an independently audited no-logs policy with servers in over 111 countries, so it's both trustworthy and practical for families who travel or frequently use public networks. Its apps are simple enough for non-technical users to set up in minutes.

Price
~$4/mo annual plan
Platform
All
Best For
Travel, public Wi-Fi, general privacy
Difficulty
Easy

Setup Guide

1

Choose a plan

The 2-year plan at nordvpn.com offers the best price. Pay with card or PayPal, and you'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3

Log in and connect

Open NordVPN, log in, and tap the large connect button. It automatically selects the fastest server for you.

4

Test your connection

Visit whatismyipaddress.com — your IP should now show a NordVPN server location, not your home address.

5

Set up on your router (optional, advanced)

This protects every device on your home network, including smart TVs and game consoles. NordVPN provides router setup guides on their site.

6

Enable Kill Switch

Go to Settings > Kill Switch and turn it on. This blocks your internet connection if the VPN ever drops, so your real IP address never leaks.

Do's and Don'ts

Do

  • ✓Always connect on public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, airports, hotels)
  • ✓Enable Kill Switch
  • ✓Use NordVPN on your phone when traveling
  • ✓Keep the app updated
  • ✓Connect before accessing sensitive accounts on public networks

Don't

  • ✕Don't use VPN for illegal activity — Nord logs nothing but complies with legal orders
  • ✕Don't think VPN makes you anonymous — it changes your IP but doesn't hide you from sites you're logged into
  • ✕Don't leave VPN on for streaming Netflix from home unless needed, since it may slow speed slightly

Pro Tips

Pro Tips

  • NordVPN has servers in 111 countries — useful for accessing home streaming while abroad.
  • The Threat Protection feature blocks malware and trackers even when the VPN is off.
  • On iPhone: go to Settings > General > VPN to check connection status.
  • For best speeds, choose Quick Connect rather than manually picking a server.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a VPN actually do?
It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address from websites and your internet provider.
Does NordVPN slow my internet?
Slightly — typically a 10-20% speed reduction. On fast home internet you likely won't notice.
Can I use it on all my devices?
Yes — one account supports up to 10 simultaneous devices.
Is NordVPN safe?
It has an independently audited no-logs policy and has been tested by real legal orders, proving it had nothing to hand over.
Do I need a VPN at home?
Not essential at home; it's most useful on public or unknown Wi-Fi networks.

Resources

Want help getting this set up?

OhanaSecure can walk you and your family through it, step by step.

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