Install Proton VPN on your router

Reading: 3 mins
Category: Routers

Setting up Proton VPN on your router protects every device connected to your home network. It’s useful for devices that don’t support VPN apps, like smart TVs and game consoles.

Router connections are available on all Proton VPN plans, including Proton Free. The router only counts as one connection on a Free plan, no matter how many devices you connect to it.

What are the benefits of setting up Proton VPN for my router?

Important notes:

To use Proton VPN, your router must support OpenVPN or WireGuard® as a client.
Most routers provided by internet service providers (ISPs) do not support VPN configurations.
Installing new software on a router to make it compatible (known as “flashing” your router) can be difficult. If done incorrectly, it may cause your router to stop working.

In this article

Set up Proton VPN for your router
What a router VPN protects
Router updates and compatibility
Considerations before using a router VPN

Set up Proton VPN for your router

These guides provide step-by-step instructions on how to install Proton VPN on supported routers:

AsusWRT using OpenVPN

What a VPN router protects

A VPN router encrypts traffic between your router and the internet, but it does not encrypt connections between your devices and the router. Make sure your home network is secured with a strong Wi-Fi password and check that no unknown devices are connected to it. Local connections, such as Bluetooth between a phone and a speaker, are also not protected.

Router updates and compatibility

Regular updates keep your router secure and compatible with our servers. Outdated firmware can cause connection issues or prevent Proton VPN from working correctly, so make sure your router is running the latest available version. Choosing a router from a brand that provides regular updates helps maintain long-term compatibility.

Considerations before using a router VPN

Installing Proton VPN on a router offers network-wide protection, but the experience is different to using an app on your phone or computer.

Connection speeds

Internet speeds depend on your router’s processing power. Encrypting data requires additional resources, so routers with weaker processors may experience slower speeds.

Switching servers

To change your VPN location, you need to update your router configuration. Unlike the Proton VPN app, you can’t switch servers instantly.

Feature limitations

Some features available in Proton VPN apps (such as NetShield or split tunneling) may not be available when connecting through your router.

Device-level control

When you install a VPN on your router, its settings apply to all connected devices. To use different VPN settings on specific devices, you may need to disconnect them from the router.