If you value privacy and security, then I’m sure you must have heard about VPNs. A virtual private network is precisely what the name entails. It is a virtual network that allows a user access to the internet via remote servers. At the same time, it ensures all the traffic from your device to be encrypted. Undoubtedly, It is one of the most popular tools for online security. However, VPN services are not free. Commercial VPNs provide users with access to tens of thousands of servers in exchange for a fee. Leaving aside whether it is value for money or not, a VPN user can avail said services only on a limited number of devices. Though, it may be insufficient. If you are one such user and wondering how to experience VPN on multiple devices without pinching pennies, this guide will aid you on how to share a VPN connection.
Before we get into the methods to share a VPN connection, let’s focus on the question of why? Sure, Providers allow their VPN services on multiple devices, sometimes allowing an unlimited number of connections per subscription. However, in case of urgency, you may not have the time to install the client. Maybe your provider has a limit on the number of shared devices, but you need to run a VPN on an entirely different one. Or just because you want to. VPNs are utile, and there’s no harm in knowing how to share a VPN connection in case you ever need one.
Note – Devices such as Gaming consoles and smart-TVs share a VPN connection because of a need for bypassing geo-restrictions. Unable to run a VPN on their architecture due to it being a complex process or simple unavailability, such devices are dependent on sharing a VPN.
Methods to share a VPN connection
There are various ways to share a VPN connection with multiple devices. Some are very easy and comes recommended directly from VPN providers. Whereas some, although a bit bothersome, can allow you the interdependence in sharing your VPN.
Note that we won’t be discussing how to share a VPN on the Android platform, as it requires you to ROOT your devices. Not only is rooting illegal in some countries, but it also almost always nullifies your device warranty. So unless you are a tech-savvy user with working knowledge of Linux, we don’t recommend Rooting your device.
1. Find a VPN provider that allows simultaneous connections
The easiest method is to find a provider willing to implement VPN services on multiple devices simultaneously. There are a lot of commercial VPNs available for selection. When choosing one, aside from the speed, encryption, No-logs policy, and the number of servers, pay heed to the number of connections it allows simultaneously. While it’s true that many VPNs allow only two connections per subscription, there are a few market leaders who have tried to remedy this trend. We have done the latest reviews on the said leading VPN providers and recommend ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), and Windscribe VPN, amongst others.
2. Use a VPN router
This method is by far the most practical one, as it doesn’t limit your choice in VPNs. Instead of a traditional Wi-Fi router, you can always opt for a router that runs a VPN service. This way, any device that connects to your router will have its traffic routed through a VPN. In short, with a router VPN, you can enjoy any number of devices with VPN service without the hassle of installation.
Sure there are some limitations to this method as well, such as you won’t be able to change protocol (most routers run OpenVPN), nor will you be able to turn your VPN on and off with a simple click. But it’s a smaller price to pay for convenience.
Most router manufacturers feature an inbuilt VPN client in their medium-high-end models. However, it’s possible to run a VPN service on your existing router too. You need to flash it with either DD-WRT or Tomato firmware; it will be ready. You can check how to set up a VPN router on our other guide. Some may find flashing routers to be bothersome worry not as pre-configured routers are available on the market. All you need to do is plug and play.
3. Use Windows or macOS to share a VPN connection
The prudent way of sharing a VPN connection is to use either your Windows or macOS device. You can share a VPN connection from either of them by using Wi-Fi or even Ethernet cables. This article will go into detail regarding the steps needed to do so.
- Share VPN connection over Ethernet
- Share VPN connection over Wi-Fi
4. By changing the DNS setting
Admittedly this method doesn’t use VPN, but it solves the purpose for why you wanted to share a VPN connection in the first place. Many VPN providers include a free Smart DNS service as a standard feature. Using this, you can change the DNS of an Internet-capable device. It renders sharing a VPN connection quite useless.
Share VPN connection over Ethernet
On Windows 10
Before we start, there are a few things to consider.
- Make sure you have the internet on your Windows 10 PC, which will share the VPN connection.
- The connection between the two devices has to be with Ethernet; otherwise, this method won’t work.
- Get a VPN subscription. After that, you need to run the VPN client on your PC and connect to a server.
- After the VPN is up and running, connect both the machines with Ethernet. (Your PC, which will share the connection and the device that needs it.)
After you are ready, follow the steps mentioned below:
- First, go to the start menu.
- You can press the Windows key.
- Or click on the start icon on your desktop.
- Then click on setting.
- Or you can right-click on the start menu and click on the setting option.
- From the popup menu, find and click on Network & Internet.
- Now, a new window will open.
- On the left-hand side, locate Status and click it.
- Then at the bottom of the page beneath the Change network setting, you will find the change adapter option.
- Click it.
- Find your VPN connection and right-click on it.
- Then click on properties.
- After that, click on the sharing tab and:
- Check the box “Allow Other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
- Select your Ethernet connection (which connects to the other device) from the drop-down menu.
- Click OK
- Now, your device is sharing your PC’s VPN connection.
On macOS
Things to consider before starting:
- Ensure your host Mac PC is running the internet.
- A Mac device doesn’t have numerous ports, but you can use a USB Type C or Thunderbolt accessory.
- Connect both devices with Ethernet before starting a VPN connection.
- This method uses the built-in macOS VPN client, and therefore only works using the PPTP, L2TP, or IKEv2 VPN protocols; You don’t need to run the VPN client.
Now follow the steps below to use your Mac’s VPN on another device.
- First, subscribe to a VPN service. Keep your authentication credentials at hand.
- After that, manually set up a VPN on your macOS by using your authentication credentials.
- Now connect to the VPN.
- Make sure your non-VPN device is connected to your Mac PC with an Ethernet.
- Head to the System preference
- Click on sharing.
- From the “Share your connection from” drop-down menu, select the VPN you just manually set up.
- “To Computer using” checkbox menu check the Ethernet connection with the non-VPN device.
- From the checkbox on the left, click on internet sharing.
- Click on sharing.
Share a VPN connection over Wi-Fi
On Windows 10
Things we need to consider before sharing a VPN connection.
- Windows 10 has inbuilt support for the Wi-Fi hotspot.
- It allows the PC to share its VPN connection with any device with a Wi-Fi
- Even if you don’t have an in-built Wi-Fi hotspot, you can use a Wi-Fi dongle or card.
Now follow the steps below to share a VPN connection over Wi-Fi.
- First, we need to check the compatibility of our Wi-Fi adapter.
- To do so:
- Right-click on the start menu.
- Then click on Command Prompt.
- In the box type netsh wlan show drivers
- Look for the line saying “Hosted network supported“
- If it says yes, then you can proceed further with this guide.
- If no, then you will have to install drivers or use an external Wi-Fi dongle.
- To do so:
- After that, Go to the start menu.
- Click on the start icon.
- Or press the Windows key.
- Now go to settings
- From the new popup menu, select Network & Internet
- Now, a new window will open.
- On the left-hand side, locate Status and click it.
- Locate and click on Change your network setting.
- Now click on Mobile Hotspot.
- Turn Mobile Hotspot on. And pay heed to the SSID setting.
- Connect your VPN.
- Go back to the Status window from Network & Internet.
- Located at the bottom of the window, click on change adapter option.
- Locate your hotspot connection.
- It will appear as Local area connection*xx and display “Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter“
- Then locate your VPN connection and right-click on it.
- Go to properties.
- Then, click on sharing tab:
- Check the box “Allow Other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
- Select your hotspot connection (which connects to the other device) from the drop-down menu.
- Click OK.
- Connect to your non-VPN device with the hotspot you created by using the SSID details from step 5.4
On Windows 8 or older
Phase 1: Check if your version of Windows can support creating a virtual router or not
- Launch Search bar by pressing Windows key + S.
- In the bar type cmd.
- Right-click on the icon displayed and click on Run as administrator.
- In the box, write “netsh wlan show drivers” and hit enter
- If you see “Hosted network supported”: yes, then continue with this guide
- If you see no, first install or update your Wi-Fi drivers.
Phase 2: Create your virtual router
- In the Command prompt type
- netsh wlan set hosted network mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD
- choose a name for your virtual network by
- ssid=[choose a name for your network]
- key=[choose a name for your network]
Phase 3: Run/Start your virtual router
- Run the Command prompt and type
- netsh wlan start hostednetwork
- After the successful activation you will see a message “the hosted network started”
- Keep in mind not to run VPN right now.
Phase 4: Share your virtual router
- Open Run box by pressing Windows key + R.
- In the box
- Type “ncpa.cpl“, then hit Enter or OK.
- In the Network Connections window, you will see your new Wi-Fi connection in your list of network adapters.
- Now go to your VPN client and head to properties.
- From properties, click on Sharing tab.
- Then, check the box for “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
- Now run your VPN and connect to a server.
- As long as the device connected to this Wi-Fi hotspot remains, it can utilize your VPN connection.
On macOS
Things to take note:
- macOS is unable to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. Especially on a single adapter.
- You either need an Ethernet connection or a separate Wi-Fi adapter.
- Also, this method only works with the built-in macOS protocols like PPTP, L2TP and IKEv2 client. Not OpenVPN.
The following steps will allow you to share a VPN connection over Wi-Fi.
- First, subscribe to a VPN suitable for macOS. And manually configure it.
- Then, connect to the VPN server.
- After that, go to system preferences.
- From there to sharing
- Then, First, subscribe to a VPN service. Keep your authentication credentials at hand.
- After that, manually set up a VPN on your macOS by using your authentication credentials.
- Now connect to the VPN.
- Make sure your non-VPN device is connected to your Mac PC with an Ethernet.
- Head to the System preference
- Click on sharing.
- From the “Share your connection from” drop-down menu, select the VPN you just manually set up.
- “To Computer using” checkbox menu check Wi-Fi.
- Now click on Wi-Fi options
- From your network settings, select an SSID password for your new hotspot.
- Click “OK” when you’re done.
- From the left side of the menu
- Turn on Internet Sharing by clicking its checkbox.