How do I enable a VPN in Google Chrome?
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There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, when browsing the Internet. And being the world’s favorite browser, it comes as no surprise that getting a VPN for Chrome is on the to-do list for many.
Not only do they generally keep your private data safe from hackers and government monitoring agencies, but they can also stop your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from restricting your connection speeds and bandwidth.
In addition, they provide a useful and completely legal solution to access geo-restricted content. For example, use one for Netflix and you can stream content from any version of the service, such as watching Netflix US in the UK (or vice versa). In other cases, you might live in a country that blocks certain sites and services entirely (like China), in which case a VPN can help you stay connected with friends via Facebook — or simply help you catch up on your favorite TV shows.
Despite the mystique surrounding VPNs, they are actually remarkably easy to install and use. This is especially true when it comes to the popular Chrome browser, where all you have to do is install an extension.
Our pick for the best Chrome VPN extension is currently ExpressVPN, so we’ll show you how to enable it because it’s the easiest and most reliable to use based on our tests.
First, you will need to purchase a subscription. While there are some good free VPNs for you to download, they simply won’t match the reliability of a service like ExpressVPN, which is under $100 per year if you opt for the higher value 12-month package. It breaks down at a very reasonable $8.32 per month. Plus, it offers a free 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not completely satisfied, you can cancel the subscription within the first month if that doesn’t work for you.
Image credit: ExpressVPN
After coughing, you need to download the ExpressVPN app for the operating system you are using. Most VPNs will be available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. In the case of ExpressVPN, you will receive a welcome email once you sign up, which contains a link to set up the service.
Click this and you will be taken to a screen where you will find your activation code (you will need this later) and erase buttons for each available platform. In our case, we were installing it on a Mac.
Image credit: ExpressVPN
Once the download is finished, you will need to install ExpressVPN. This pretty much takes care of itself. Simply click on the download package to start the installation process, follow the instructions, and you’ll be up and running in a few seconds.
Image credit: ExpressVPN
Now, you can go back and install a custom Chrome extension, which makes it easy to turn the VPN on and off right from your browser.
Image credit: ExpressVPN
To do this, click on the “Google Chrome” tab and then the “Get Extension” button that appears on the right. You’ll be taken to the ExpressVPN website, where the “Quick Install” button will take you to the Chrome Web Store to download the extension. Alternatively, you can go to the Chrome Web Store directly and search for the VPN you want to install as an extension.
Image credit: ExpressVPN
Again, this takes a few moments. You will then see a popup from ExpressVPN asking you to sign in with your activation code. Simply cut and paste this from the ExpressVPN setup page that you received in your intro email and you will enable the service.
Image credit: ExpressVPN
Now, all that remains is to connect to the VPN. One of the reasons we love ExpressVPN is that it makes this especially easy – the huge “energy” icon in the middle of the extension that says where to click.
Image credit: ExpressVPN
In a few seconds, you will be connected and browsing with all the extra privacy that a VPN provides.
While we’ve used ExpressVPN for the purposes of this guide, the same basic process should apply to most good VPNs. For example, you can see that finding the extension to download for NordVPN – another service that features in our best VPN collection – is easy to locate in the Chrome Web Store, and it will walk you through the installation process in a logical, easy-to-understand way.
Image credit: NordVPN
In other words, choose the good Chrome VPN and you can look forward to browsing the Internet privately and securely in a matter of minutes – it really is that easy!
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