How to Set Up Atlas VPN on Your Router: Quick Guide for 2025
Posts by Colin TanMay 31, 2023
In this guide, we will discuss how to set up Atlas VPN on your router so that all of your devices can benefit from its security features.
Setting up Atlas VPN on your router has multiple advantages, including providing a secure connection for all devices connected to your network, unblocking geo-restricted content, and ensuring anonymity while browsing.
The process might seem intimidating, but don’t worry; we will walk you through every step so that you can be confident in your VPN setup.
Let’s get started and unlock the benefits of Atlas VPN on your router!
Why Set Up Atlas VPN on Your Router?
Enhanced Online Privacy
Setting up Atlas VPN on your router offers enhanced online privacy.
By using a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted, which makes your online activities more private and secure.
This way, you can protect yourself from potential threats, such as hackers, identity theft, and even government surveillance.
With Atlas VPN, you get access to a vast network of server locations that will help you maintain your privacy while browsing the web.
Secure Multiple Devices Simultaneously
Atlas VPN on your router allows you to secure multiple devices at once.
When you install the VPN on your router, all devices connected to that router are automatically protected.
This means you no longer need to worry about setting up individual VPN apps on each of your devices, saving you time and effort.
Moreover, it also ensures a consistent level of security and protection across your entire home network.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions
An added benefit of using Atlas VPN on your router is the ability to bypass geo-restrictions.
Many websites and services restrict their content based on the user’s geographical location.
By connecting to an Atlas VPN server in a different country, you can access content that’s typically unavailable in your region.
This grants you a more open and unrestricted internet experience, providing you with the opportunity to explore and enjoy content from around the globe.
Finding a Compatible Router
When setting up Atlas VPN on a router, it’s essential that the router you have is compatible.
Recommended Brands and Models
Here are some popular router brands and models known for their compatibility with VPNs like Atlas VPN:
- Linksys
- WRT1900AC
- WRT3200ACM
- ASUS
- RT-AC68U
- RT-AC86U
- Netgear
- Nighthawk R7000
- Nighthawk X10
Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and many other models from these brands might also be compatible with Atlas VPN.
DD-WRT and Tomato Firmware
Your router’s firmware plays a significant role in VPN compatibility.
Two popular third-party firmware options for routers are DD-WRT and Tomato.
These firmware options provide advanced features, including VPN support, and are often more reliable than the stock firmware that comes pre-installed on many routers.
DD-WRT: This open-source firmware is compatible with a wide range of routers, including brands like Linksys, ASUS, and Netgear. It provides robust VPN support and functionality. To check if your router supports DD-WRT, you can visit the DD-WRT database.
Tomato: Another open-source firmware, Tomato, offers similar features as DD-WRT, including VPN support. It tends to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easier for those who are less tech-savvy. While it’s compatible with fewer routers than DD-WRT, Tomato firmware works well with various ASUS, Linksys, and Netgear routers. To verify Tomato compatibility, check the Tomato router list.
Before choosing a router and firmware, research and compare specific models to ensure you find a combination that best suits your needs and preferences.
After selecting a compatible router, proceed to set up Atlas VPN using the chosen router and firmware.
How to Set Up Atlas VPN on Your Router
Step 1: Install and Update Router Firmware
Before setting up Atlas VPN on your router, ensure that your router’s firmware is up-to-date.
Firstly, find your router’s IP address by accessing your device’s command prompt and typing ipconfig
.
This will display your router’s IP address.
Next, enter your router’s IP address into your web browser, which will lead you to the admin panel.
Provide the default or customized username and password for your router.
If you haven’t changed these credentials, they can be found on the router itself or in the documentation that came with it.
Once logged in, check for firmware updates and apply them as needed.
Step 2: Configure VPN Client on the Router
Now that your router’s firmware is updated and you’re logged into the admin panel, you’ll need to configure the VPN client on your router.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Obtain the Atlas VPN configuration files (OpenVPN or IKEv2) from your account page or by reaching out to Atlas VPN customer support.
- On your router’s admin panel, locate the VPN settings and choose the appropriate protocol (OpenVPN or IKEv2) based on the Atlas VPN configuration files you downloaded.
- Upload the configuration files and input the required details for the Atlas VPN connection, such as the server address, username, and password.
- Save the settings and ensure that the VPN connection is enabled.
Step 3: Connect Your Devices
After configuring Atlas VPN on your router, you’re all set to connect your devices.
Follow these steps:
- Ensure your devices are connected to the router’s Wi-Fi network or via Ethernet.
- Restart your devices to ensure they recognize the new VPN configuration.
- Verify that the VPN connection is successful on each device by checking for the connected status within their network settings. You can also check your IP address to confirm that it reflects the server location of your selected Atlas VPN server.
That’s it!
You have successfully set up Atlas VPN on your router.
Now, all your connected devices will benefit from the privacy, security, and geo-blocking features that Atlas VPN offers.
Advanced Settings and Customizations
Now we will explore some advanced settings and customizations you can apply while setting up Atlas VPN on your router.
This will include understanding Static and Dynamic IP Addresses and using the Command Prompt for configurations.
Static and Dynamic IP Addresses
When setting up Atlas VPN on your router, you will encounter two types of IP addresses: Static and Dynamic.
Understanding the difference between them is crucial for a successful VPN setup.
Static IP Address: This is a fixed IP address assigned to your router by your ISP. It remains constant and does not change. If you have a static IP address, you need to configure your router to forward VPN traffic to your desired device.
Dynamic IP Address: Unlike static IPs, dynamic IP addresses change periodically. Most ISPs assign dynamic IPs to their customers. If you have a dynamic IP address, you can use a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service to keep your VPN connection updated with the latest IP address.
To find out whether you have a static or dynamic IP address, contact your ISP or check your router admin panel for IP address details.
Command Prompt Configurations
Another important aspect of setting up Atlas VPN on your router is the use of the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) for configurations.
This can help identify and resolve potential issues during the setup process.
Here are some useful commands you can use to check your IP address, DNS server, and more:
Find your IP address: In the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac), type
ipconfig
(Windows) orifconfig
(Mac) and press Enter. Look for the “IPv4 Address” (Windows) or “inet” (Mac) to see your IP address.Check your DNS server: Type
nslookup
and press Enter. This will display the DNS server currently being used by your device.Test your VPN connection: After setting up Atlas VPN on your router, type
ping <VPN server IP>
(replace<VPN server IP>
with the IP address of your Atlas VPN server) and press Enter. If you receive a reply, your VPN connection is successful.
By understanding these advanced settings and customizations, you can ensure a seamless and secure setup of Atlas VPN on your router, allowing you to enjoy enhanced privacy and security while browsing the internet.
Optimizing Router Performance and Security
Antivirus Software and Password Managers
To ensure your router performs at its best while maintaining a high level of security, consider installing antivirus software on your devices.
This helps protect your network from malware, viruses, and other malicious attacks.
Using a password manager can also increase the security of your online accounts by generating strong, unique passwords for each account and storing them securely.
- Antivirus software: It’s essential to choose reliable and efficient antivirus software to protect your devices and network from threats. Some popular options include Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender. Regularly update your antivirus software and run periodic scans to keep your system safe.
- Password managers: These tools generate and store complex passwords for all your online accounts, helping to prevent unauthorized access. Examples of reputable password managers are 1Password, NordPass, and Dashlane. Make sure to use a strong master password for your password manager and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Update Router Firmware Regularly
Just like any other software or device, it’s crucial to keep your router firmware updated.
Manufacturers frequently release updates that contain crucial security patches and performance improvements.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Access your router’s admin panel by typing your router’s IP address into a browser’s URL bar. The default IP address is usually located on a sticker on your router or within the user manual.
- Log in using your router’s admin username and password. If you haven’t changed these previously, the default login credentials should also be available on your router or in the user manual.
- Navigate to the firmware update section within your router’s admin panel. The location of this feature may vary depending on the router model, but it’s typically found under the “Administration” or “System” tabs.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update your router’s firmware. In some cases, you might need to download the firmware update from the manufacturer’s website and upload it manually.
Note: It’s important to avoid interruptions during the firmware update process, as it may lead to your router becoming unresponsive or unusable.
Ensure that you have a stable power and internet connection during the update.
Atlas VPN Alternatives on Your Router
Different VPN Protocols
When considering alternatives to Atlas VPN for your router, it’s crucial to know the various VPN protocols.
Each protocol offers specific security features, and some may be more suitable for you depending on your needs:
OpenVPN: This open-source VPN protocol is highly secure and versatile, offering both speed and encryption. It’s ideal for most users and can be easily configured on most routers.
IPSec/IKEv2: This protocol is known for its stability and strong encryption, especially for mobile devices. It’s available on many VPN providers and is great for streaming and online gaming.
L2TP/IPSec: This protocol provides good security and is easier to set up on most routers than OpenVPN. However, it’s not as versatile and may have slower connection speeds.
WireGuard: A relatively new protocol that offers excellent speed and security features. It is becoming increasingly popular among VPN providers.
Other VPN Providers
If you decide that Atlas VPN may not be the best option for your router, there are several other VPN providers to consider:
NordVPN: With a large global server network and strong encryption, NordVPN is another popular choice. It supports OpenVPN, IPSec/IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols, providing diverse options for your router setup.
Surfshark: This affordable VPN provider offers a great balance between privacy and performance, supporting multiple protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. It’s user-friendly and easy to set up on your router.
By exploring different VPN protocols and considering other VPN providers, you can make an informed decision on which VPN service best meets your needs and provides the most suitable alternative to Atlas VPN on your router.
Using a VPN on Specific Devices
Whether you want to protect your privacy or access geo-restricted content, Atlas VPN is a great choice.
In this section, we will discuss how to set up Atlas VPN specifically on different devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS, and laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Windows
To set up Atlas VPN on your Windows PC, follow these steps:
- Download the Atlas VPN application from their website.
- Install the app and launch it.
- Log in using your Atlas VPN account credentials.
- Select the desired server location and click “Connect.”
It’s as simple as that!
Now you can safely browse the internet using Atlas VPN on your Windows PC.
Mac and Linux
Setting up Atlas VPN on macOS and Linux devices is just as easy as on Windows:
- Download the Atlas VPN app for macOS or Linux from their website.
- Install the application.
- Launch the app and log in with your Atlas VPN account.
- Choose a server location and click “Connect.”
Now you’re all set to use Atlas VPN on your Mac or Linux device.
Android and iOS
You can also protect your Android and iOS smartphones and tablets with Atlas VPN:
- Download the Atlas VPN app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Install the app on your device.
- Launch Atlas VPN and log in with your account credentials.
- Select a server location and tap “Connect.”
Your Android or iOS device is now secured with Atlas VPN.
Laptops, Tablets, and Mobile Devices
Atlas VPN supports a wide range of operating systems, making it compatible with most laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
As mentioned above, you can install and set up Atlas VPN on devices running Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Regardless of the type of device you have, the setup process is quite similar for all operating systems.
Simply download and install the appropriate app, log in, and connect to your desired server location.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Resetting VPN Configuration
If you’re having trouble connecting to Atlas VPN servers, it might be due to a misconfiguration in your router settings or an issue with the VPN service.
The first step you should take is to reset your VPN configuration to default settings.
Follow these steps:
- Log in to your router’s admin panel by entering its IP address in your browser.
- Locate the VPN settings section.
- Reset the VPN configuration to its default state.
- Reconfigure the VPN connection using the Atlas VPN setup guide.
If you’re still unable to establish a secure connection after resetting the VPN configuration, try updating your router’s firmware or check for any network restrictions that might be interfering with the VPN connection.
Contacting Support
In case the steps above didn’t resolve the issue, don’t hesitate to contact the Atlas VPN support team.
They are there to help you and guide you through any technical difficulties.
Reach out to them with the following information:
- Briefly describe the issue you are facing.
- Mention the steps you have taken to resolve the problem so far.
- Provide details about your device and router (make and model).
- Include information about your current location and the Atlas VPN servers you are trying to connect to.
The support team will get back to you with possible solutions and further guidance.
It’s essential to provide as much relevant information as you can, so the support team can help you quickly and efficiently.
By following these troubleshooting steps and reaching out to the support team when needed, you’ll be able to resolve most common issues with your Atlas VPN connection and enjoy a secure, private browsing experience.