How to change your VPN depends on what you're using it on

The steps to switch VPNs differ depending on whether you're using a VPN app on your computer, phone, or router. On a computer or phone, you'll uninstall the old VPN app and install a new one, then log in with your new account. On a router, you'll log into the router's settings page, find the VPN section, and replace the old connection details with new ones. The process takes five to ten minutes on most devices.

Before you switch, decide whether you want to keep your old VPN active while testing the new one, or replace it entirely. Keeping both running at once can slow your connection and cause conflicts, so most people uninstall the old one first. If you're switching because your current VPN isn't working, test the new one on a single device before removing the old one from everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows or Mac, uninstall the old VPN app through Control Panel or Applications, then read and install the new VPN app from the provider's website.
  • On iPhone or Android, delete the old VPN app from your app store, read the new one, and sign in with your new VPN account credentials.
  • On a router, log in with your admin password, navigate to VPN settings, delete the old connection, and enter the new VPN server details provided by your new provider.
  • After switching, verify the new VPN is working by checking your IP address on a site like whatismyipaddress.com — it should show a different location than your actual one.
  • If your new VPN disconnects frequently or runs slowly, contact the provider's support team before switching back, as initial setup issues are common.

Changing a VPN on Windows or Mac

Start by uninstalling your current VPN app. On Windows, open Control Panel, select Programs, then Programs and Features. Find your VPN app in the list, click it, and select Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, find your VPN app, and drag it to the Trash, or right-click and select Move to Trash.

Next, read the new VPN app. Go to your new provider's website, find the read link for Windows or Mac, and run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Once installed, open the app, create an account or log in with your new credentials, and select a server location. Click Connect and wait for the connection to establish — this usually takes a few seconds.

After connecting, verify it's working. Open a web browser and go to whatismyipaddress.com. The IP address shown should be different from your real location, and the location listed should match the server you selected in the VPN app. If the address matches your actual location, the VPN is not connected — try disconnecting and reconnecting, or restart the app.

Changing a VPN on iPhone or Android

On iPhone, open the App Store, go to your profile at the bottom right, select Purchased, find your old VPN app, and swipe left on it to delete it. On Android, open Google Play Store, go to your profile icon in the top right, select Manage Apps and Device, find your old VPN app, and tap Uninstall.

Search for your new VPN provider in the App Store or Google Play Store and tap Get or Install. Once the read finishes, open the app and sign in with your new account. Select a server location and tap Connect. The app will ask permission to add a VPN configuration — tap Allow or OK to proceed. Your phone will show a VPN icon in the status bar at the top when the connection is active.

Test the connection the same way as on a computer: open a browser and visit whatismyipaddress.com to confirm your IP address has changed. On mobile, the VPN will stay connected even when you switch between apps or lock your screen, unless you manually disconnect it.

Changing a VPN on your router

Changing a VPN on a router is more involved because you need to access the router's settings page directly. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these is usually your router's default address. If neither works, check the sticker on the back of your router for the correct address.

Log in with your router's admin username and password. If you've never changed these, they're usually printed on the router's sticker as well — common defaults are admin/admin or admin/password. Once logged in, look for a section labeled VPN, Advanced, or Security. The exact location varies by router brand, so check your router's manual if you can't find it.

Find the section for VPN connections and look for your old VPN entry. Select it and choose Delete or Remove. Then select Add New VPN or Create New Connection. Your new VPN provider will give you the server address, username, and password you need — these are different from your account login. Enter these details exactly as provided, select the VPN protocol your provider recommends (usually OpenVPN or WireGuard), and save the settings.

Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it boots up, check that the VPN connection is active — most routers show this on the status page or with a light on the device itself. If the connection fails, log back in and double-check that you entered the server details correctly.

Troubleshooting a new VPN that won't connect

If your new VPN connects but then disconnects repeatedly, the first step is to check your internet connection. Disconnect from the VPN and run a speed test at speedtest.net to confirm your base connection is stable. If your internet is working fine, reconnect to the VPN and wait a full minute — some VPNs take time to stabilize on first use.

If the VPN still disconnects, try switching to a different server within the same app. Some servers are overloaded or experiencing issues, and moving to another one often solves the problem. If switching servers doesn't help, uninstall and reinstall the VPN app — this clears out any corrupted settings. After reinstalling, log in again and try connecting.

If the VPN connects but your internet is very slow, this is usually normal for the first few hours while the provider's system registers your account. Wait a day and test again. If speed remains poor after 24 hours, contact your VPN provider's support team with details about which server you're using and what speed you're seeing. They can check whether that server is having issues or whether your account needs adjustment.

Keeping your old VPN while testing the new one

If you want to test a new VPN before fully switching, you can install both apps on the same device. However, do not run both VPNs at the same time — this creates conflicts and slows your connection. Instead, disconnect from your old VPN, connect to the new one, and test it for a few days. If it works well, uninstall the old one. If you need to go back, disconnect from the new one and reconnect to the old one.

On a router, you can only have one VPN connection active at a time, so testing both simultaneously is not possible. Instead, note down your old VPN's settings before deleting them, in case you need to restore them quickly. Most providers let you view your connection details in your account settings — take a screenshot or write them down before you delete the old connection from the router.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my device after changing a VPN?

On most computers and phones, restarting is not required — the new VPN app will work when ready after installation and login. On a router, restart the device after entering new VPN settings so it can establish the connection properly. If your new VPN connects but seems unstable, restart your device as a troubleshooting step.

Will changing my VPN affect my other devices?

Only if you're changing the VPN on your router — that affects all devices connected to that router. If you're changing a VPN app on one computer or phone, only that device is affected. Other devices will keep using their own VPN apps or settings unchanged.

What if I forgot my new VPN provider's server address?

Log into your account on the VPN provider's website and look for a section labeled Server List, Connection Details, or Account Settings. The server address and login credentials are usually listed there. If you can't find them, contact the provider's support team with your account email and they'll send the details again.

Can I use two different VPNs on two different devices at the same time?

Yes. You can run one VPN on your computer and a different VPN on your phone simultaneously without any conflict. Each device manages its own VPN connection independently. The only limitation is running two VPNs on the same device at the same time, which causes problems.