VPN tricks and tips you didn't know you needed (but definitely do)

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ZDNET's key takeaways

VPNs enhance your online privacy and security, but they can do much more.
Settings and configuration options can improve your VPN's effectiveness.
You can also enjoy more entertainment and streaming services, and save on purchases.

A virtual private network (VPN) not only drastically improves your privacy and security online, but is quickly becoming a popular method to avoid geo-location blocks, age verification checks, and other forms of censorship.

If you already have a VPN, you can click connect, the service will pick a server for you, and just like that -- you're protected! However, to get the most out of your VPN, there are several best practices, settings, and tricks you should know.

VPNs, explained

At its core, a VPN is software that creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet.

While business-grade, commercial VPNs are typically bundled with business software or configured directly with an operating system, consumer VPNs are standalone software packages that can be downloaded, installed, and used on most popular operating systems, platforms, and browsers.

Also: The best VPNs for speed, security, and online privacy

Whether you install one as desktop software, a mobile app, or a browser extension, a VPN can encrypt your connection, hide your online activity, and mask your IP address. This makes it more difficult for you to be tracked, for your information to be stolen, and for prying eyes -- whether cybercriminals or your ISP -- to watch you.

OK, enough preamble. Here are our top tips for using your VPN.

Use a VPN across all of your devices

If you want to maintain a high level of online privacy at all times, you should take the time to install your VPN across all of the devices you frequently use -- especially if you are conducting sensitive tasks online, such as banking.

Also: These are the best VPNs I've tested for your smartphone or tablet

There's no point in using a VPN only on a laptop you use occasionally, while neglecting to give yourself the same protection on your smartphone.

Unless you're on a free VPN plan, you will usually be given at least 6 simultaneous connections; sometimes, they're unlimited. Each connection extends your VPN's protection to one device; for example, with three simultaneous connections, you can protect your laptop, laptop, and phone at the same time.

Check out VPN routers

If you plan to use a VPN exclusively at home, VPN-ready routers are an alternative worth considering. VPN routers come with built-in VPN coverage, or allow you to connect your VPN account to your internet hub, expanding its coverage to any device connected to the router.

At the moment, my favorite option is the Privacy Hero 2. I put it through its paces in 2025, and I still use it today for VPN coverage, especially for my smart TV's internet connection.

I find it frustrating when ads constantly interrupt video content on streaming platforms like YouTube. But VPNs can reduce or remove ads entirely if you pick the right server. For example, Albania isn't monetized by YouTube, so if your VPN server is set to this country, YouTube doesn't show you ads.

Also: The best VPN routers of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

The kill switch

The Kill switch, found in all trustworthy VPNs, is one of the most important functions for protecting your online privacy. If your internet connection suddenly drops, a kill switch blocks all internet traffic and prevents your device from automatically reconnecting to your Wi-Fi.

Also: The big VPN choice: System-wide or just in the browser? How to decide

This cut-off is important. Without it, your device will have internet connectivity but none of the encryption or protection your VPN offers -- and you may not have noticed the change. Most VPNs now have a kill switch enabled by default, and I would recommend leaving it as is. However, if you need to turn it off, kill switch controls are available in your VPN's settings.

Server networks and speed

There's often a trade-off with VPNs: security for speed. Based on my speed tests over the years, you can expect a speed loss of 10% to 35% when you enable a VPN. You may not even notice this speed drop if you are using a high-speed fiber connection, but for those of us on older broadband packages, it can have a greater impact.

There are a few things you can do to mitigate this problem.

Also: The fastest VPNs: Great speeds and secure connections anywhere

When you pick a server, the general rule to follow is the closer, the better. When a server is physically located closer to you, for example, in the US, you won't have the same speed loss or response time issues that connecting to, say, an Australian server will cause.

If you aren't worried about where your IP will appear to come from, pick a server in the same country. Alternatively, most VPNs will offer a smart or "fastest" connection option on your dashboard.

Specialized servers

Most VPN providers also offer specialized servers. These servers are selected for specific purposes, such as streaming, gaming, or P2P (torrenting), and are optimized to deliver the best possible latency and speeds for these tasks.

Also: Why the most private way to browse the web isn't incognito mode (but this instead)

You may come across the following terms when you're presented with servers to choose from:

P2P: P2P servers are optimized for file sharing, including torrenting.
Double VPN: Also known as multi-hopping, this routing method sends you through two VPN servers rather than one, making tracking even more difficult.
Onion over VPN: Onion over VPN servers not only connect you to a VPN server but also route your traffic through the Tor network, drastically increasing anonymity.
Stealth: Stealth servers aim to hide your VPN traffic as regular traffic by using various obfuscation methods. This can be particularly useful if your ISP throttles traffic when a VPN is used, or if your home government is known for online censorship.
Streaming: Streaming servers are selected for streaming content, such as films from your Netflix library. They should provide improved speeds and stability, and potentially access to a wider library.

Split tunneling features

Split tunneling is another interesting VPN feature that's worth learning about. Split tunneling is exactly what you imagine -- splitting traffic in half, with some funneled through a VPN's encrypted tunnel, whereas the rest is routed through your standard connection.

While split tunneling can reduce your VPN's overall security effectiveness, this feature -- usually found under settings -- is useful when you want to protect some information while minimizing potential speed loss. For example, you can send gaming-related connections through your initial hub without slowing down due to a VPN server, while also protecting your browser traffic.

Also: The best VPNs for businesses and teams: Expert tested

When you next use your VPN, explore these settings. For example, try whitelisting a URL or YouTube for video streaming without a VPN, or specific gaming apps, and see if the speed change makes a difference.

Consider using a dedicated IP address

One problem with VPNs is that when you connect to a server, you share that IP address with other users. When an IP address is in frequent circulation, websites may throw up more CAPTCHA challenges than usual or block your visit outright, as it may be deemed suspicious or malicious.

A solution is to request a dedicated IP address, which is often available as a VPN subscription add-on. This reduces the risk of access problems and of your connection being identified as VPN traffic, and may also assist you with remote work applications. You'll need to pay a little extra per month, though.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots

If you take one lesson from this guide, it's this: Always use a VPN when connecting to a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

You never know what cyberthreats are lurking in a public Wi-Fi hotspot, or even whether it's a genuine hotspot. It takes no time at all to launch a cellular hotspot (aka hotspot honeypot), name it appropriately -- such as "Free coffee Wi-Fi" in a coffee shop -- and then eavesdrop on every device that connects to it.

Also: How to use public Wi-Fi safely: 5 things to know before you connect

Aside from this attack vector, you should always treat public Wi-Fi as untrusted. Avoid them if you can; however, if you can't, make sure your activities are encrypted and private by using your VPN.

Streaming and content

Outside of security, VPNs can also let you access content outside your home region.

By changing your IP address to a different country, you can circumvent location blocks on websites, for example, at media outlets or services that are only available to local residents. Furthermore, this tip can be applied to streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

Also: Best VPNs for streaming of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

A caveat: This doesn't always work. If you change your location and try to access Netflix, for example, you might only be shown TV shows and films available under a universal license if your VPN use is detected. Also, using a VPN in this way may violate the terms of service -- although it's unlikely to result in a ban.

As a bonus tip, some countries do not allow ads to interrupt video content on streaming platforms. You can try connecting to one -- such as a server in Albania -- if you find online ads annoying. Sometimes I've found these servers to be quite slow, and content may then be localized to the country in question, but it's up to you to decide if the trade-off is worth it.

Shopping and deals

You can sometimes snag deals and discounts on your shopping by enabling your VPN. For example, switching from the US to a European country when booking a hotel might save you some cash if you're paying in a local currency. Flights, too, can be cheaper if you switch your VPN so you appear to be based in the country you want to visit, rather than booking it from your country of origin.

There's no hard-and-fast rule for VPN savings, but VPN users online claim they've had success with purchases such as flights, hotels, digital services, and subscriptions.

Also: Is Temu legit? Here's the truth - and whether tariffs will ruin those low prices

Personally, I've snagged several slightly cheaper flight deals over the years; for example, by booking a flight from the UK to New York by setting my VPN server location to the US. I've also secured a bargain subscription to photography software by setting my location to a country in Eastern Europe, where wages tend to be lower than in the UK.

Some VPN users report securing cheaper YouTube Premium subscriptions, streaming services, and various travel tickets.

If tariff changes are tempting you to try out such strategies, remember that it's a gamble. You could make it most of the way through the purchase process only to be stopped when you submit your home address or payment details. Still, it's worth trying.

How to choose a VPN

Before taking the plunge and signing up for a VPN, consider how you want to use it, whether VPN use while streaming, gaming, or traveling interests you, how much you are willing to spend, and how many device connections you require.

If you'd like to explore our VPN recommendations, check out our list of the best VPNs of 2026.

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