PrivateVPN is a Sweden-based VPN provider that offers dedicated applications for several major platforms, along with manual configuration options for devices that lack a native app. This guide covers how to get PrivateVPN running on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, and routers.
Windows
Download the Windows client directly from the PrivateVPN website at privatevpn.com. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. After installation, open the application and log in with your account credentials. From the main interface, you can select a server location and choose a connection protocol. PrivateVPN supports several protocols on Windows, including OpenVPN, L2TP, and IKEv2. The Windows client includes a kill switch feature that can be enabled in the settings menu.
Mac
The macOS application is available for download from the PrivateVPN website. The installation process involves opening the downloaded DMG file, dragging the application to your Applications folder, and launching it. Log in with your credentials and select a server. Protocol options on Mac are similar to those on Windows, though availability can depend on your macOS version.
iOS
PrivateVPN is available on the Apple App Store. Search for "PrivateVPN" and install the app. Once installed, open it and sign in. You will be prompted to allow the app to add a VPN configuration to your device, which is required for the VPN tunnel to function. The iOS app primarily uses IKEv2 by default, which is well-suited to mobile devices due to its reconnection handling.
Android
The Android app is available through the Google Play Store. Search for "PrivateVPN," install the app, and log in. On Android, OpenVPN is typically the default protocol. The app may request permission to set up a VPN connection on your device. The Android client includes basic settings for protocol selection and auto-connect behavior.
Linux
PrivateVPN does not provide a dedicated graphical application for Linux. Instead, Linux users need to configure the connection manually using OpenVPN. This involves downloading the OpenVPN configuration files from the PrivateVPN website, installing the OpenVPN package on your distribution, and importing the configuration files. Detailed setup instructions are available in the support section of the PrivateVPN website. This process requires a moderate level of comfort with the command line.
Amazon Fire Stick
Because Fire Stick runs a version of Android, the PrivateVPN app can be installed by enabling apps from unknown sources in the device settings and then sideloading the Android APK, or by searching for it in the Amazon Appstore if available. The sideloading method involves downloading a file manager app, obtaining the PrivateVPN APK file, and installing it manually. Once installed, the interface and setup process mirror the Android app.
Router
Setting up PrivateVPN at the router level covers all devices on your network without requiring individual app installations. PrivateVPN supports manual router configuration using OpenVPN or other supported protocols. This typically requires a router running DD-WRT, Tomato, or similar third-party firmware. The process involves logging into your router's admin panel, navigating to the VPN client section, and entering the server details and credentials provided by PrivateVPN. Configuration files and step-by-step guides are available on the PrivateVPN support pages. Router setup is more technically involved than app-based installation.
PrivateVPN operates under Swedish jurisdiction, which means it falls under Swedish privacy law. Sweden is a member of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which is a factor some users consider when evaluating a VPN provider's privacy posture.
Across all platforms, you will need an active PrivateVPN subscription to use the service. Support is available through the provider's website if you encounter issues during setup.