How To Use a VPN on Google Wi-Fi [Best VPNs for Google Nest WiFi Routers]

How To Use a VPN on Google Wi-Fi (Best VPNs for Google Nest WiFi Routers) – For those of you who are not aware of Google Nest Wi-Fi routers, let us introduce you to the new product Google has come up with. Google Nest Wi-Fi routers are a mesh networking system offering smooth Wi-Fi coverage throughout your house.

If you’re wondering how to secure your Wi-Fi connection speed, then the easiest solution is to use a VPN on your router. But, is it possible to use a VPN with Google Nest Wi-Fi after all? This article is a detailed walkthrough of all the procedures you need to implement for using a VPN with Google Nest Routers.

Does Google Nest Wi-Fi support VPN?

No. VPN connections are not directly supported by Google Nest Wi-Fi. Also, you cannot install Android VPN apps on the router even though Google owns Android. There is no manual setup option available for L2TP or PP2P connections.

What about third-party or custom firmware?

Yes. Using a third-party firmware is a great idea but is only possible if the user is tech-savvy. In that case, the user can easily install a third-party router on the majority of their popular router brands. They can also enable additional capabilities like VPN connectivity if they use firmware such as ASUS-WRT-Merlin and DD-WRT. 

Sadly, there is no router available right now for Google Wi-Fi at this time.

Although, there is a substitute. VPN functionality is integrated into ASUWRT routers, such as the AC-68u. Their AirMesh technology enables you to set up a mesh network that is even quicker than Google Wi-Fi.         

How To Use a VPN on Google Wi-Fi or Google Nest Routers

You can do it by connecting another VPN-capable router to your Google Nest Wi-Fi. In this way, it will start to function as a secondary device. For improved security and privacy, all traffic from Google Nest Wi-Fi-connected devices will be routed via the VPN-capable router. You can use any VPN service in this situation.

Pros and cons of connecting Google Nest Wi-Fi to a VPN-enabled router

There are certain pros and cons of connecting the Google Nest Wi-Fi router to a VPN-enabled router. We’ve outlined these pros and cons for you:

Pros of connecting Google Nest Wi-Fi

1) Protection

Not every device can be connected to a direct VPN connection. For that, it is always best to use a standard Wi-Fi connection to safeguard them by configuring a VPN on the router.

2) Consistent Coverage

When the Internet was first discovered, we had to dial up and for the most part, it was pretty challenging to maintain a constant online connection. Nowadays, this is not a big deal because we are always connected. Now, the VPNs operate similarly. It is best to use a VPN on your Google Wi-Fi rather than making a manual connection each time you access the internet for continuous safety.

3) Make room for available device connections

Usually, a VPN provider allows you to make a maximum of three to ten connected devices. All of your devices will be protected by a single, readily available connection if you configure a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your router. When you’re not at home, you can utilize your VPN on other devices.

Cons of connecting Google Nest Wi-Fi

1) Some connections are not working

Some incoming connection types might not work. A majority of VPNs do not exclude specific protocols or kinds of connections. But it might be an issue.

2) No Protection on Local traffic

You may run the risk of unauthorized persons connecting to your home network and accessing your unprotected devices.

3) Change settings

While some apps can aid PCs and smartphones in setting up and adjusting the connection manually in a flexible way, configuring the connection on the router is quite challenging.

Steps To Use a VPN With Google Wi-Fi or Google Nest Routers

A) Requirements

These are the requirements you need to have for setting up a VPN with Google Wi-Fi-

A) Google Nest or Wi-Fi routers

B) A Supportive router for your VPN

C) An Ethernet Wire

D) A VPN Membership

1) Change the subnet on both the Nest and the additional router

We need to ensure that the subnets of the two routers do not overlap with the other. We have to set them apart because Google and other major companies can automatically assign a local IP address in the form of 192.168.2.XXX.

You’ll need the Google Home app for that, it may be found on iOS and Android.

– Navigate to Advanced Networking under Settings > Wi-Fi.

– You can find the LAN in this section.

– Next, enter 192.168.2.1 in the Router LAN address Field.

– Press Save.

– Verify that DHCP is turned on, as this enables the router to assign a distinct IP address to other devices.

You need to follow the same for the first router. Ensure that the subnet is in the range of 192.168.1.1. You need to read the user manual before modifying the connection parameters.

2) Connect both Routers

You will start by placing one end of an Ethernet cable into the WAN port of the Google Wi-Fi router and insert the other end into an available LAN port on your VPN router. If you haven’t done it previously, then link your Cable Modem (or another Internet source) to the VPN router’s WAN port.

3) Evaluate

Evaluate the configuration with both routers plugged in and linked to one another.

• Connect to the network of Google Wi-Fi
• Verify that you retain access to the Internet
• Check your IP address locally.

B. Configure the router with a VPN

Set up the firmware’s VPN client to function with your preferred NordVPN provider after the firmware has been flashed and is operational. For this, utilize the OpenVPN protocol, supported mostly by the majority of the VPN providers in the mainstream.

1) Install VPN-capable firmware (if necessary)

If your router has VPN capability right out of the box, all you need to do is configure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For instance, if you’re using any ASUS router then you’ve to read the guide for the stock firmware.

Some of the other router manufacturers with built-in VPN functionality include:

1) Synology

2) NetGear

If your router lacks a built-in VPN functionality, then you must have selected one that is compatible with VPN-capable firmware, for instance, FreshTomato or DD-WRT.

After that, you just have to follow the directions to flash the firmware of your choice into your router.

2) Configure the VPN

We need to test everything now that your VPN is activated and your Google Wi-Fi network is situated on its subnet behind your VPN router.

3) Verify the settings of your network

Make sure all of your devices are connected to the Internet and turn off the VPN. This covers both devices linked to a Google router and devices linked to the VPN router.

C) Test the connection

We need to test everything, now that your VPN is activated and your Google Wi-Fi network is situated on its subnet behind your VPN router.

1) Test the VPN Connection

Fire up whatismyIPaddress.com and take note of your current IP address and location. Turn on the VPN now, and after it has established a connection with the server (roughly it takes around 30 seconds), and refresh the page. Now, it will display a different location and IP address.

2) Test your Network Configuration

Make sure all of your devices are connected to the Internet and then turn off the VPN. This covers both devices linked to a Google router and the devices linked to the VPN router.

Best VPNs to Use with Wi-Fi or Google Nest Wifi Routers

We’ve evaluated a series of VPNs. We’ve shortlisted the ones that are perfect and user-friendly.

A) ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a reputable VPN service provider with premium subscriptions that allow users to safeguard their online activities whether professional or personal.

Best Features

1) DNS protection: It is a feature that can assist in shielding users from unauthorized people and to speed up internet connections, ExpressVPN employs a private DNS that conducts its own encrypted DNS queries.

2) Unlock Websites: It uses AES-256 encryption to secure user network traffic while asking for IP addresses.

3) Defeat Censorship: It employs RAM-only servers so that no activity or connection logs are gathered from the users. The company has deactivated its servers in India.

B) CyberGhost

With CyberGhost VPN, users may remain anonymous and conceal their true IP address from both local ISPs and unauthorized third parties. CyberGhost’s membership options are perfect for small businesses and professionals because they offer VPN security for up to seven devices.

Best Features

1) Kill Switch: If your VPN connection breaks, then the automatic kill switch instantly disconnects you from the Internet.

2) Split Tunneling: CyberGhost’s split tunneling feature can let users decide the apps that should run on local IP addresses and those that require internet connectivity.

3) Browse Anonymity: CyberGhost VPN shields users’ login credentials and online activities from prying eyes by masking their true IP address using 256-bit AES encryption.

C) NordVPN

It is a compatible VPN for devices such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It is dependable, and fast and is also a competitive option for the users. To safeguard your online activities, it employs a variety of security measures.

Best Features

1) Threat Protection: It is a function to prevent advertisements, trackers, and viruses from appearing while you’re online. 

2) Dark Web Monitor: It is a feature that can alert a user when personal data is exposed to the dark web.

3) Meshnet: It is an excellent tool for gaming and file sharing that enables direct connections to other devices over encrypted private tunnels.

Should I use a FreeVPN on a Google Nest Wi-Fi Router?

It is not recommended to utilize a FreeVPN with your Google Nest Wi-Fi router because these free VPN services do not provide the functionality and compatibility required to be installed directly on routers.

What is the Difference Between Google Wi-Fi vs. Nest Wi-Fi?

Google rebranded its officially created Google Wi-Fi system as Nest Wi-Fi and released it. Consumers can think of it as an improvement available on the market with its predecessor.

Nest Wi-Fi, similar to Google Wi-Fi starts with a primary router and grows into a coverage area with additional nodes. So, this mesh network allows for a greater area of coverage. The primary extra feature of Nest Wi-Fi is that it has an integrated speaker and microphone.

Conclusion

They’re excellent choices for creating a home mesh network, Google Nest Routers and Google Wi-Fi lack built-in VPN functionality. Also, modified firmware cannot be flashed onto them. However, you can use a second router. It will be a fairly reliable and easy option for you.

FAQs