How to Set Up a VPN on D-Link Router in 2023

D-Link produces a range of VPN-ready routers, which you can use as servers or clients. That means you can decide to let your router encrypt your Web connection on its own. You can also utilize a high-end commercial VPN with advanced encryption. So, there are two ways to set up a VPN on your D-Link router.

If you choose to use your D-Link router as a VPN server, you'll instruct it to process your Web data. In other words, you'll enable the VPN server functionality and then configure VPN clients manually on other devices (for example, on your computer).

You'll have a much easier time overall if you choose to use your D-Link router as a VPN client. Using a third-party VPN service helps you reach thousands of servers, use advanced features for protecting your privacy and unblock websites.

So, ready to learn more about setting up a VPN on your D-Link router? If you are, keep reading!

How to Set Up a VPN on a D-Link Router

You first need to decide if you'll use your router as a VPN server or a VPN client. Based on that, here's how to set up a VPN on your D-Link router:

Method #1: Set Up a VPN CLIENT on Your D-Link Router
Method #2: Set Up a VPN SERVER on Your D-Link Router

Method #1: Set Up a VPN CLIENT on Your D-Link Router

First, we'll show you how to create a new VPN connection on your D-Link router if you use a commercial VPN service. That's the easiest way to get started with VPNs on your router, automating your privacy protection. Do the following:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that supports D-Link routers. Our recommendation is ExpressVPN.

2. Once you subscribe, navigate to the home page of ExpressVPN's website.

3. Pick "My Account" and log in to your ExpressVPN account.

4. Click "Set Up Other Devices" and select "Manual Configuration."

5. Make sure to pick the "L2TP/IPsec" tab on the right-hand side.

6. Note your L2TP username and password (different from your ExpressVPN credentials).

7. Scroll down and note a pick a server location. Then, note its server address.

8. Access your router using the following URL: http://dlinkrouter.local.

9. Provide your admin credentials and click "Log In."

Tip

By default, your username should be "admin," and you can leave the password field blank. If you don't know your credentials, look for them on a sticker found on your router. You also do a Google search based on your D-Link router's model name/number.

10. When you access your router, navigate to Settings > Internet.

Accessing Internet Settings on D-Link Router Admin

11. You can now add a new VPN connection. Use the information found just below.

My Internet Connection Is: Pick "L2TP" here.
L2TP Server IP Address: Copy a server address from your ExpressVPN dashboard.
Username: Copy your L2TP username from your ExpressVPN dashboard.
Password: Copy your L2TP password from your ExpressVPN dashboard.
Reconnect Mode: Pick "On Demand."
Maximum Idle Time: Set this option to "1."

12. Click "Save" to save the details of your new VPN connection.

13. To be on the safe side, we recommend restarting your router.

14. From this moment on, your D-Link router will use your newly set VPN connection.

15. To disconnect at any moment, visit your D-Link router's admin panel again.

16. Navigate to Settings > Internet.

17. Pick "Dynamic IP (DHCP)" next to "My Internet Connection Is." That's it!

Deactivating ExpressVPN on D-Link Router

Keep in mind that ExpressVPN gives you access to 3,000+ VPN servers in 90+ countries. If you decide to use a different server, you can make that switch by revisiting your D-Link dashboard. Go to Settings > Internet and input a new server address there. As easy as that!

Method #2: Set Up a VPN SERVER on Your D-Link Router

Using this method, you'll enable the VPN server functionality on your D-Link router. That means your Web data will flow through your D-Link router, which will encrypt and protect it. Here's how you can make that happen:

1. First, access your router’s admin panel. Here’s how that is done.

2. Using the top-placed main menu, navigate to Features > Quick VPN.

Accessing Quick VPN Feature on D-Link Router

3. Enable the VPN functionality by clicking "L2TP over IPSec."

4. Create your username, password, and PSK (pre-shared key).

Activating VPN on D-Link Router via Admin Panel

5. Finally, click on "Save" just above the form you’ve filled out.

6. Using your Windows PC, navigate to "Control Panel."

7. Pick "Network & Internet." Then, select "Network and Sharing Center."

8. Use the link that reads "Set Up a New Connection or Network."

Setting Up New VPN Connection on Windows

9. At this moment, you should see a "Setup Wizard."

10. Go ahead with "Connect to a Workplace," and then select "Next."

Choosing a Connection Option for VPN on Windows

11. Pick "Use My Internet Connection (VPN)."

Creating a VPN Connection to D-Link Router on Windows

12. You now need to configure your VPN connection. Check below for more info.

Internet Address: This should be your D-Link router's public IP address (so, not its private IP, which you use to edit its settings). To find your router's public IP, access its admin panel (like you did before) and check its configuration information.
Destination Name: This is actually your future VPN connection’s name. You can input anything here – but make sure to create a connection with a memorable name, to simplify the following steps of setting up a VPN on your D-Link router.

13. Check the box next to "Don’t connect now, just set it up so I can connect later."

14. Then, press "Next," and you will be asked for your username and password.

Adding VPN Credentials for a New Connection on Windows

15. Input your username and password, and finish using the 'Create' button.

16. Lastly, use the 'Close' button to exit the setup wizard.

Tip

Don't forget that you need to input the username and password you created at the beginning of this guide while editing your router's 'Quick VPN' feature.

17. Once again, go to Control Panel > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

18. On the left-hand side, use the "Change Adapter Settings" option.

Change Adapter Settings Option on Windows

19. Find the newly created connection, right-click it, and pick "Properties."

Changing the Properties of a VPN Connection on Windows

20. If asked to authenticate/confirm your action, make sure to do so.

21. Then, pick the "Security" tab.

22. Now, select "Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec (L2TP/IPsec)."

Switching to L2TP on a Manual VPN Connection in Windows

23. Use the "Advanced Settings" button.

24. Click on the radio button next to "Use pre-shared key for authentication."

25. Enter your PSK (the same one you created earlier).

26. Click "OK" to exit your VPN connection’s properties.

27. To initialize a VPN session, go to "Control Panel" again.

28. Go to Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.

29. Right-click on your VPN connection’s icon and pick "Connect."

Connecting to New VPN Connection on Windows

30. You might be asked to input your username and password. Then, click "Connect" again.

Windows Asking for VPN Connection Credentials

That's it! However, if you'd like your device to remember your credentials, check the box next to "Save this user name and password for the following users – Anyone." That way, you won't be bothered by this prompt in the future.

Final Thoughts

If you're in doubt about which path to choose regarding setting up a VPN on a D-Link router, we recommend using a commercial VPN service. That means you'll need to configure your router to act as a VPN client. Also, you'll get access to plenty of servers and high-end encryption, which is precisely what you need to protect your privacy online.

Allow us to remind you that ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation. That's the best VPN you'll find right now, catering to the needs of an incredibly broad range of users. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days.

Finally, know that our central guide to setting up a VPN is here to teach you more. Use the provided link to learn how to get started with VPNs on even more devices.

FAQ

Can I Put a VPN on a D-Link Router?

Yes, you can put a VPN on your D-Link router. More precisely, you can set your D-Link router to act as a VPN client or a VPN server (based on the model you use).

How Do I Put a VPN on a D-Link Router?

To easiest way to put a VPN on your D-Link router is to use a commercial VPN service. That way, you'll get access to fully-automated privacy protection.

We've tested 65+ VPN services so far and our #1 recommendation is ExpressVPN, which comes easy to set up on D-Link routers and provides impeccable performance.

Should I Use PPTP or L2TP on a D-Link Router?

If your D-Link router lets you choose between PPTP or L2TP, our strong recommendation is to always for L2TP, which is more secure.

Keep in mind that PPTP is among the oldest VPN protocols. As such, it's among the most vulnerable protocols, prone to different kinds of manipulation. That's why modern VPNs typically don't use PPTP anymore. Learn more about VPN protocols.

What is D-Link's Quick VPN?

D-Link's Quick VPN lets you turn your router into a VPN server that uses the L2TP/IPsec protocol. You can access this feature via Features > Quick VPN.

Once you enable the Quick VPN functionality, you'll need to configure your devices to connect to your D-Link router. Here's how that's done.

Which VPN Is Compatible with D-Link Routers?

VPN services and connections are compatible with any D-Link router that supports VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec.

Unfortunately, D-Link doesn't offer a central place where you can review its VPN routers. So, we recommend doing a Google based on the model you're interested in buying.

That's all you need to know on how to set up a VPN on your D-Link router. Use the comments section below if you have any questions. Finally, thank you for reading!