Guide to setting up a VPN on your Linksys router

Are you looking to watch geo-restricted shows and movies on game consoles or streaming devices like Apple TV or Roku? Then setting up a VPN on your Linksys router is the easiest way. You won’t have to waste time with multiple installs, and all your smart devices will be secured against cyber threats.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing a VPN on a compatible Linksys router. We’ll also address some questions that frequently popped up on the topic. First, let’s cover some excellent Linksys VPN options you can use alongside our guide.

The best Linksys router VPNs

Here are some of the best Linksys router VPNs:

  1. NordVPN: Best overall VPN for Linksys. Boasts exceptional speeds, over 6,400 servers in 111+ countries, and reliably unblocks most streaming services. Easy access to .ovpn files thanks to its online server chooser utility.
  2. Surfshark: Best Linksys VPN on a budget. Provides solid performance, good streaming capabilities, and plenty of useful features. Comes with a fleet of over 3,200 servers in 105+ countries.
  3. IPVanish: Super fast and secure no-logs VPN. Works well with popular streaming platforms, and is an excellent pick for home torrenting setups.
  4. ExpressVPN: High-performance VPN that’s known for top-tier security and privacy. ExpressVPN also offers its own firmware for select Linksys models.
  5. CyberGhost VPN: A no-logs VPN with a vast network of servers tailored for P2P traffic, streaming, and gaming. Includes ad-blocking system for routers.
  6. Private Internet Access: Fast VPN with a massive worldwide network and a great degree of customization. One of the better options for torrenting.
  7. PureVPN: One of the fastest VPNs on the market. Comes with affordable subscriptions and a 31-day money-back guarantee for good measure.

Setting up a VPN on Linksys router: A full guide

Follow these steps to set up a VPN on your Linksys router. Note that only WRT32X models support the VPN client feature at the time of writing.

  1. Download your provider’s .ovpn configuration files. These are usually located in your account dashboard. NordVPN’s server picker tool makes it easier to find them.
  2. Follow this link: http://myrouter.local or input 192.168.1.1 in your browser to access the Linksys web interface.
  3. Log in with your admin password. The default Linksys router login is admin.
  4. Click Advanced Settings > VPN Client in the left panel.
  5. Under OpenVPN Client, click Choose file and navigate to where you downloaded the .ovpn file. Select it and click Open.
  6. Enter your VPN username and password in their fields and press Connect.

Pretty straightforward. Here are some further tips:

  • Verify your router VPN is working properly with Browserleaks or similar tools.
  • To change your server location, you’ll need to go through the setup process again while using a different .ovpn file.

Setting up VPN on Linksys routers FAQs

How do I know if my router is VPN enabled?

To find out if your router is VPN enabled, you can google your specific router model and append “VPN compatible” at the end of your query. In case that doesn’t yield any results, consult your vendor’s manual.

Can I set up a VPN on my Linksys router?

You can only set up a VPN on compatible Linksys routers. At the moment, only the Linksys WRT32X series support VPNs natively. If yours doesn’t, you can flash your router (i.e. change its default firmware) with DD-WRT instead. This will allow you to install a VPN using your provider’s OpenVPN configuration files.

How to install NordVPN on a Linksys router?

To install NordVPN on a Linksys router, you’ll first have to download the .ovpn config file for your preferred location. Use NordVPN’s server picker utility for easy access.

Afterwards, log into your Linksys router at http://myrouter.local or 192.168.1.1 (default password: admin). Go to Advanced Settings > VPN Client and upload your .ovpn file using Choose file. Finally, input your VPN account credentials and click Connect to finish up.

Can I use a free VPN on a Linksys router?

While it may be possible to use a free VPN on a Linksys router, we know of no free providers that support it. Free VPN apps are typically limited to major systems like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and so on.

They also tend to have intrusive data logging policies, throttle your speeds, and cap your monthly data, making them a poor choice for routers.

What is VPN passthrough on Linksys?

VPN passthrough on Linksys (and other routers) is a feature that allows VPN traffic to pass through the router and reach devices on the internal network. This feature is essential when the VPN is installed directly on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, rather than on the router itself.

Does Linksys EA8300 support VPNs?

No, the Linksys EA8300 model does not support VPN connections by default. If you’re going for a Linksys EA8300 VPN setup, we recommend flashing the router with DD-WRT. Here’s a guide on how to install OpenVPN on DD-WRT for when you get things up and running.

Does Linksys Velop support VPNs?

Unfortunately, Linksys Velop does not have built-in VPN capabilities. There’s also no way to perform a Linksys Velop VPN setup via flashing or other means, unlike a traditional router.

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