A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to access the internet more securely and privately by routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This prevents your internet service provider (ISP) and others on your network from monitoring your online activity. Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi networks also helps protect you from hackers.
Installing and running a VPN on a Chromebook is easy to do. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Table of Contents
Choose a Reliable VPN Service
The first step is selecting a reliable VPN service. Look for providers that offer:
- Strong encryption (like AES-256 bit encryption)
- A no-logs policy
- Lots of international servers
- Fast speeds
- Easy-to-use apps and extensions
Some top-rated options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Many VPN services offer free trials so you can test them out first.
Install the VPN App or Extension
Once you’ve chosen a provider, install their Chromebook-compatible app or browser extension:
Using the VPN App
- Open the Play Store on your Chromebook
- Search for your VPN’s Android app
- Download and install the app
- Open the app and log in with your VPN credentials
Using the Browser Extension
- Open the Chrome Web Store
- Search for your VPN’s browser extension
- Click “Add to Chrome” to install
- A VPN icon will appear on your browser – click it to connect
Connect to a VPN Server
Inside the VPN app or extension:
- Choose a server location (different locations allow you to access content available only in certain countries)
- Click “Connect” to establish a secure VPN connection
Once connected, you’ll see a VPN status icon in your system tray showing that your traffic is now being routed through the VPN tunnel.
Configure Kill Switch (Recommended)
A kill switch cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops to prevent data leaks.
To enable this important failsafe:
- Open your VPN app Settings
- Turn on the Kill Switch option
- Choose to block internet access when not connected
Now if your VPN disconnects, your Chromebook won’t transmit data over the unsecured internet connection.
Set VPN to Auto-Connect (Optional)
For added convenience, have your VPN automatically connect when you power on your Chromebook:
- In your VPN app/extension, go to Settings
- Check the box next to “Connect on boot”
- Click Save
Now your Chromebook will automatically tunnel all traffic through your VPN whenever you boot up the device.
Use Split Tunneling for Better Performance (Optional)
Split tunneling allows you to route only some of your Chromebook traffic through the VPN tunnel:
- Open the VPN app Settings
- Go to Split Tunneling
- Choose which apps to tunnel through the VPN
- Click Save
Now only your selected apps will use the VPN – this prevents slowdowns from routing everything through the encrypted tunnel.
Test Different Server Locations
Run speed tests connected to different VPN servers to find the fastest options:
- Connect to a server in a different country
- Go to SpeedTest.net and run a test
- Repeat for multiple locations to compare speeds
- Choose the fastest servers for regular use
Switching servers is easy – just connect to a new location right inside your VPN app or extension.
And that’s it! With these steps, you can securely route your Chromebook traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel to protect your privacy and security online. Be sure to choose a reliable VPN provider, install a compatible app/extension, connect to fast international servers, and configure important settings like the kill switch.
