IPVanish is a US-based VPN provider that offers dedicated applications for a range of platforms. This guide covers how to get the service installed and running on each supported platform. Note that because IPVanish is headquartered in the United States, it falls under US jurisdiction, which is relevant for users who consider privacy legislation when choosing a VPN.
Windows
Visit ipvanish.com and download the Windows installer from the apps or download section of the site. Run the .exe file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation. Once installed, open the application and log in with your IPVanish account credentials. From the main interface you can select a server location, choose a protocol (including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard), and connect. A kill switch option is available in the settings menu and is worth enabling before regular use.
Mac
Download the macOS application directly from the IPVanish website or from the Mac App Store. After downloading the .dmg file, drag the application into your Applications folder. Open the app, sign in, and configure your preferred settings. Protocol options on macOS include IKEv2 and WireGuard. The interface is broadly similar to the Windows version.
iOS
IPVanish is available on the Apple App Store. Search for IPVanish, download the app, and sign in with your account. iOS users can select from IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols. The app will request permission to add a VPN configuration to your device, which is a standard iOS requirement for any VPN application.
Android
The IPVanish app can be found on the Google Play Store. After installing, log in with your credentials. Android users have access to OpenVPN and WireGuard among other protocols. The app includes a split tunneling feature on Android, which allows you to specify which apps route traffic through the VPN and which connect directly.
Linux
IPVanish provides a native Linux application compatible with Ubuntu and other Debian-based distributions. Download the .deb package from the IPVanish website and install it via the terminal using the standard dpkg command or a package manager. After installation, launch the app and sign in. For distributions not directly supported by the native client, IPVanish can also be configured manually using OpenVPN configuration files, which are available to download from the provider's website.
Amazon Fire Stick
IPVanish has a dedicated Fire TV app available through the Amazon Appstore. On your Fire Stick, open the Appstore, search for IPVanish, and install the application. Sign in with your account details. The Fire TV interface is adapted for remote navigation. This is one of the more straightforward VPN setups available for Fire Stick devices, as no sideloading is required.
Router
Installing IPVanish at the router level means all devices on your network are covered without needing individual app installations. IPVanish supports router configuration primarily through OpenVPN and, on compatible firmware, WireGuard. Compatible router firmware includes DD-WRT, Tomato, and AsusWRT. The IPVanish website provides step-by-step configuration guides for several router models and firmware types. You will need to download the appropriate OpenVPN configuration files from your IPVanish account dashboard, then enter the server details, your credentials, and other required parameters into your router's VPN client settings. Router setup is more technically involved than installing a dedicated app and will vary depending on your specific router model and firmware version.
General Notes
IPVanish allows connections on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously under a single subscription. Before using the service, it is worth reviewing the provider's privacy policy, particularly given its US jurisdiction, which may be a consideration depending on your threat model. The provider has previously experienced a data logging incident, which is publicly documented and worth researching independently before committing to a subscription.