How to Make Your Own VPN Server? [VPN Setup Guide 2022]

Virtual private networks are considered to be the best tool for private internet access when you need to hide your online identity on the web. It can shield your IP address, hide your online activity, and give you access to the geo-restricted content on the web.

IP addresses are your digital address, devices that are connected to an internet connection have unique IPs. A virtual private network assigns you a different IP address via one of its servers to hide your real IP address, eventually geo-spoofing your location and now every activity you perform on the internet is through that bogus IP.

So how does a VPN work and why would you need it? A VPN creates a secure link between the user and the VPN server, from where the internet traffic of the user passes securely without any third-party interruptions.

This way your traffic passes through an encrypted VPN tunnel and you avoid being a target for malicious practices on the web.

Even your local network ISP or government authorities will be unable to track your browsing data.

Now the purpose of a VPN can be more than one as it is door-opener for many things. You can unblock the geo-blocked sites on the internet, stream your favorite movies and TV shows by unlocking catalogs of streaming platforms like Netflix, or you can geo-spoof your location to play your favorite AR games.

But what kind of VPN you should be using? It gets tough while choosing between a paid VPN service and setting up your own server. Although it is an easy option to just get a third-party VPN service as there are tons of top-tier VPN services in the industry.

But if you don’t want to involve any third parties in your private network, you can make your VPN server in no time. All you need is a handful of resources and some basic computer skills.

How to Make Your Own VPN?

To make sure that your online activity is safe and encrypted, you can make your VPN server at home by using simple tricks. You can have a VPN server set up in no time. All you need is a router. But it should be kept in mind that your router should be having a VPN feature in it for you to customize the settings and set it up for client use.

Other than that, you can also make your VPN by using a router that has DD-WRT functionality in it or you can also make your own dedicated VPN server by using Windows 10 built-in feature for setting up a VPN on your Windows device.

How to Make Your Own VPN using a Router with VPN Capabilities?

It is advised to the user that not all routers have VPN capabilities already in them. So you have to check before if your router has VPN functionality. Also, the steps will vary according to the router’s firmware. These are general guidelines that may change depending on the firmware your router has.

1. Search for Router’s Manual from Google to get to know if your router supports VPN functionality or any third-party firmware (OpenWrt for instance).
2. Go to your Router’s Configuration Page by typing your router’s internal IP address, type (192.168.0.1) or (192.168.1.1) in your web browser.
3. Login to the Router’s Configuration Page with the Administrator username and password. If you haven’t set any username or password for your router, you will find a sticker with credentials on the bottom of your Router Device.
4. Find the VPN Page and create your own server by reading and following the guidelines of firmware instructions.
5. Set the protocol, username, and password for your VPN. Note them somewhere where you can remember.
6. If you selected OpenVPN as your VPN Protocol, then you’ll need to install software for it on the device from which you’ll want to use the VPN.
7. Type in the username and password and you’re all set!

How to Make Your Own VPN Server using a DD-WRT Router?

If you don’t have a router that has a built-in VPN, then some router supports DD-WRT, use one of them.

To connect to your VPN server by the DD-WRT feature of your router, you have to make sure that your DD-WRT build has the PPTP VPN functionality. If the PPTP feature is missing, then you’ll have to possibly flash your router with a DD-WRT build having the PPTP VPN feature.

• Go to your DD-WRT Configuration Page and head to Services.
• You will find the PPTP Server, if it is disabled, enable it.

• When you will enable the PPTP Server, you will unlock more options to set some parameters to your VPN.
  • Fill the field of Server IP with the Public IP Address of your Router.
  • For Client IP(s), fill the field with the IP Addresses of the clients who will have the access to connect to your VPN.
  • CHAP-Secrets is used for the username and password while setting up the connection on your system. The username and password are both defined in a single line. Star symbols and spaces are there to separate them from each other.

• After filling the necessary field, save and apply the changes.
• After finishing up the DD-WRT configuration page settings, go to Control Panel. (This is an example executed on Windows 7 Platform)
• Go to Network and Sharing Center -> Set up a new connection or network -> Connect to a workplace -> Create a new connection -> Use my Internet Connection (VPN).
• You will be displayed a tab with fields to be filled. Fill in the field of Internet Address with the IP Address (Server IP in the Configuration Page of DD-WRT). Give your VPN a name by filling in Destination Name.

• Next, you’ll have to fill in the username and password which were saved in the CHAP-Secrets field of the DD-WRT Configuration Page. Connect.

• If you want to verify it, type ‘ipconfig’ in your command prompt.

How to Make Your Own VPN with Windows 10 built-in VPN Feature?

If you want to go for an easy and smooth option, you can set up a VPN on your computer or mobile phone to create a VPN.

For this method, you’ll need a VPN subscription.

This method is executed on a Windows 10 PC, but you can also set up a VPN on iOS, Android, or Mac similarly.

1. You have to create a VPN profile first by heading to your Settings. Go to Network and find VPN.
2. Add a VPN Connection.
3. Select your VPN provider as Windows (built-in).
4. In Connection Name, type a name to which you can find and connect from the list of connections.
5. Type in your Server name or address.
6. Select a VPN Protocol by choosing the drop-down menu of VPN type.
7. Choose a sign-in info type (username and password, smartcard, certificate, or one-time password).
8. If chosen username and password, type the username and password and click save.
9. To connect to your VPN, click your Network icon and find your VPN name.
10. Fill in your username and password if required and connect.

Other Ways to Make Your Own VPN Server

• You can create your own cloud VPN server at home using Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, or Azure. You may need to pay for the services, but it’ll cost you less than what you’ll pay for a commercial VPN service. Use Algo VPN and install the Algo VPN dependencies. Algo VPN is a set of scripts and one of the VPN setup tools required in the process. With this, you’ll have your virtual private server set up on the cloud.
• Use a VPN device like Raspberry Pi and make your own dedicated VPN server by installing a VPN client software. Install OpenVPN and configure an OpenVPN server. This can be a great option for a lightweight and cost-effective VPN server.
• Set up a VPN server on a device that is on all the time.
• Use a Windows or Mac computer to create a home VPN server. Both the platforms allow and can host VPN servers. You have to set up port forwarding and carry on with your setup.

Why Make Your Own VPN?

With so much variety of VPN providers, including market giants like NordVPN and Surfshark, one must wonder, why we are suggesting that you have your own VPN server.

With your own VPN, your reach might be limited, but actually, there are a lot of advantages that come with it. They are,

No Third-Party Interference

When you subscribe to a VPN and use their servers to do all your work, you’re passing your traffic from their network. After all, it is a third-party service that you are using.

Even if no one can see your traffic, they can. They can do whatever they wish with your traffic data. In this case, be careful to choose a VPN service that has a strict no-log policy about user logs (like ExpressVPN or Surfshark).

Pocket Friendly

Making your own VPN server might eliminate those monthly plans or yearly plan dollars getting deducted from your account.

Having your own VPN server is cheap if you go for setting up your VPN by Cloud methods, some providers even offer servers for free.

And if you have a VPN router, then that’s better!

Access Your Home Network Anytime

Another reason if you make your own VPN using a router is you can always have access to your digital hardware at your home while you are away having a vacation or in a business meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs