How to Use AdGuard VPN: Complete Feature Guide (2026)

Quick Start

This guide covers every AdGuard VPN feature:

• Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
• How to Use AdGuard Ad Blocker — Block ads and trackers across apps and browser extensions
• How to Use AdGuard DNS — Filter traffic at the DNS server level on every device
• How to Use AdGuard VPN App — Route your internet connection through a VPN tunnel in one tap
• How to Use AdGuard Temp Mail — Hide your real inbox behind a disposable address
• How to Use AdGuard Assistant — Control AdGuard software directly from any page you visit

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used AdGuard VPN for eight months on Windows, Android, and iOS. Every step here comes from my own install, not a press kit.

AdGuard VPN is one of the cheapest VPN apps you can buy outright today.

But most users never touch its exclusion lists or DNS settings.

This guide shows you how to use AdGuard VPN feature by feature.

Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

AdGuard VPN Tutorial

This complete How to Use AdGuard VPN tutorial walks you through setup, the VPN app, DNS filtering, and the settings that most people miss.

AdGuard VPN

Hide your IP address across 65 locations in 53 countries. AdGuard VPN covers ten devices on one account with a kill switch and app-level exclusions. Start free with 3 GB per month.

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Getting Started with AdGuard VPN

Before using any feature, finish this one-time setup.

The whole installation process takes about three minutes.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Open the AdGuard websites and click Sign Up or Start Free Trial.

Enter your email, set a password, and confirm the account.

✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for the confirmation email.

Step 2: Download the App for Your Platform

AdGuard VPN runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

The download page lists builds for all major operating systems.

Browser extensions are available in the Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge web stores.

Here is what my own setup looked like on day one:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with a Connect button.

Step 3: Pick a Server and Connect

Select AdGuard VPN from your installed apps, then choose a VPN server.

There are servers in 65 locations across 53 countries.

How to Use AdGuard VPN Ad Blocker

AdGuard Ad Blocker strips ads and trackers from apps and browser extensions before pages finish loading.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Turn On Filtering

Install AdGuard software on Windows, Android, or iOS.

Open settings and switch the main protection toggle on.

Step 2: Choose Your Filter Lists

Open the Filters tab and enable the ad blocking and tracking lists.

Regional lists matter if you browse non-English websites.

Here is what the filters screen looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Ad counters should start climbing within a minute of browsing.

Step 3: Whitelist the Sites You Support

Add any site you want to fund to the allowlist.

The ad blocker then skips it while still blocking trackers elsewhere.

How to Use AdGuard VPN DNS

AdGuard DNS filters traffic at the DNS server level, so protection reaches devices that cannot install apps.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Copy the DNS Addresses

Grab the default, family, or non-filtering DNS addresses from your AdGuard dashboard.

Each set points at different AdGuard DNS servers.

Step 2: Change DNS on Your Device or Router

On Android and iOS use the Private DNS field.

On a router, replace the ISP DNS server entries so the whole network is covered.

See the result below:

✓ Checkpoint: Your query log should show blocked requests within seconds.

Step 3: Verify Filtering Works

Load a known ad-heavy page and watch the request log.

Blocked domains appear as filtered rather than resolved.

How to Use AdGuard VPN App

AdGuard VPN App hides your IP address and moves all traffic through a secure connection.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Choose Your VPN Protocol

AdGuard VPN supports IKEv2 over IPsec and WireGuard.

The AdGuard VPN protocol is proprietary and has not had a third-party audit.

Step 2: Set Your Exclusion Lists

Open Exclusions and pick General or Selective mode.

General mode covers everything except listed websites; Selective mode covers only what you list.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your IP address should now match the server location you picked.

Step 3: Turn On the Kill Switch

Enable the kill switch under settings so internet access stops if the tunnel drops.

Once connected, your device stays on that server until you disconnect.

On Android, split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN.

How to Use AdGuard VPN Temp Mail

AdGuard Temp Mail gives you a throwaway address so signup forms never touch your real inbox.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Generate an Address

Open Temp Mail and click the generate button.

A fresh address appears instantly, ready to copy.

Step 2: Use It on Any Signup Form

Paste the address into the email subscribe box on any site.

Confirmation messages land in the Temp Mail window, not your inbox.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The inbox panel should show incoming mail in real time.

Step 3: Rotate or Delete

Delete the address once you have the download link or coupon.

Generate a new one for the next site.

How to Use AdGuard VPN Assistant

AdGuard Assistant puts AdGuard controls on the page you are viewing, so you never dig through settings.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Install the Assistant

Add the Assistant from your browser extension store.

It pairs with the desktop app automatically once both are running.

Step 2: Open the On-Page Menu

Click the floating shield icon on any site.

From there you can pause protection, block an element, or report a bug.

See the result below:

✓ Checkpoint: The shield icon should appear in the corner of every page.

Step 3: Fix a Broken Page

Use the block element tool to remove a stubborn overlay.

If a page breaks, pause protection for that site only.

AdGuard VPN Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After eight months with AdGuard software on four devices, these are the habits that stuck.

Additional features like auto-connect and the kill switch are worth turning on during your first week.

Here are the wins users report most:

Keyboard Shortcuts

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• Auto-connect per app: Set the VPN to switch on when a chosen app opens and off when it closes.
• Selective mode: Flip exclusions so the VPN tunnel only runs on listed websites, saving bandwidth on the free plan.
• Sales alerts: The email subscribe form on the AdGuard news search blog announces AdGuard sales, upcoming sales, and product releases first.

AdGuard VPN Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Expecting the VPN to Block Ads

Mistake #2: Burning the Free Plan on Video

Mistake #3: Leaving the Kill Switch Off

AdGuard VPN Troubleshooting

Problem: Streaming Platforms Still Block You

Cause: The server you picked is on a known blocklist.

Fix: Switch servers, clear cookies, then reconnect. Netflix and BBC iPlayer usually work; Peacock and Amazon Prime often do not.

Problem: Slow Speeds on the Free Plan

Cause: Free accounts are capped at 20 Mbps and 3 GB per month.

Fix: Upgrade, or test a nearer server. For example, a Frankfurt node beat a Los Angeles one on every run.

Paid connections averaged 58.73 Mbps down and 23.18 Mbps up in my testing.

Problem: Some Apps Ignore the VPN

Cause: Split tunneling or exclusion lists are configured to skip them.

Fix: Open Apps settings on Android and confirm which apps are set to run through the tunnel.

📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact the AdGuard VPN support team.

What is AdGuard VPN?

AdGuard VPN is a VPN app from AdGuard Software Limited that hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic.

Think of it like a private lane on a public motorway.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

• AdGuard Ad Blocker: Blocks ads and trackers inside apps and browser extensions.
• AdGuard DNS: Filters requests through AdGuard DNS servers before they resolve.
• AdGuard VPN App: Routes your internet through a VPN tunnel across ten devices.
• AdGuard Temp Mail: Creates disposable addresses that keep your real inbox private.
• AdGuard Assistant: Adds on-page controls to configure filtering site by site.

For a full review, see our AdGuard VPN review.

AdGuard VPN Pricing

Here is what AdGuard VPN costs in 2026:

Free trial: Yes — a free plan with 3 GB per month and a 20 Mbps limit.

Money-back guarantee: Yes — 30 days on paid plans bought directly.

Paid tiers remove the bandwidth cap, so you enjoy access to full-speed streaming on every device.

💰 Best Value: 2 Years — it drops the price below three dollars while covering ten connections.

AdGuard VPN vs Alternatives

How does AdGuard VPN compare against other VPN providers? Here is the landscape:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: NordVPN — biggest server network and proven no-log audits.
• Best budget: AdGuard VPN — two-year pricing under three dollars per month.
• Best for beginners: Surfshark VPN — easy installation and unlimited connections.
• Best for streaming platforms: ExpressVPN — the most reliable access content record.

🎯 AdGuard VPN Alternatives

Looking for AdGuard VPN alternatives? Here are the options I would test next:

• 🚀 NordVPN: Huge server count, audited no-log policy, and reliable access to streaming platforms most rivals lose.
• ⚡ ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN connection I have tested, with easy installation on routers and smart TVs.
• 💰 PureVPN: Cheap long-term plans, port forwarding, and dedicated IP address add-ons for remote access.
• 🌟 Surfshark VPN: Unlimited devices on one account plus built-in ad blocking and a clean VPN app.
• 🔒 Proton VPN: Swiss privacy law, open-source apps, and a free plan with no data cap.
• 👶 PrivadoVPN: Free plan includes 10 GB monthly and a real kill switch on every device.
• 🎯 VirtualShield: Simple setup for non-technical users who only want a secure connection on Wi-Fi.
• 🔧 StrongVPN: Handles router installs well and keeps a stable VPN tunnel on flaky networks.
• 🏢 Aura VPN: Bundles VPN, antivirus, and identity monitoring for households that want one subscription.
• ⭐ CyberGhost: Servers labelled by streaming platform, so you connect without guessing which server works.
• 💼 McAfee VPN: Comes free with McAfee security suites, which suits users already inside that product line.
• 📊 Private Internet Access: Open-source apps, deep settings, and court-proven no-log claims for privacy-focused users.
• 🧠 Mysterium: Decentralised network paid per gigabyte, useful if you dislike traditional VPN provider billing.
• 🎨 SafeShell VPN: Built around streaming access, with a mode that keeps one connection per platform.
• 🔥 Oyster VPN: Small provider with cheap plans and simple apps for Windows, Android, and iOS.

For the full list, see our AdGuard VPN alternatives guide.

⚔️ AdGuard VPN Compared

Here is how AdGuard VPN stacks up against each competitor:

• AdGuard VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN wins on servers and audits. AdGuard VPN wins on price and built-in ad blocking.
• AdGuard VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is faster and unblocks more. AdGuard VPN costs roughly a quarter as much.
• AdGuard VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN offers more locations. AdGuard VPN has cleaner apps and better exclusion controls.
• AdGuard VPN vs Surfshark VPN: Surfshark allows unlimited devices. AdGuard VPN caps you at ten but feels lighter.
• AdGuard VPN vs Proton VPN: Proton VPN has a stronger free plan and open-source code. AdGuard VPN is cheaper paid.
• AdGuard VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN gives more free data. AdGuard VPN gives better app-level split tunneling.
• AdGuard VPN vs VirtualShield: VirtualShield is simpler. AdGuard VPN gives you far more settings for the same money.
• AdGuard VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN handles routers natively. AdGuard VPN has no official router firmware support.
• AdGuard VPN vs Aura VPN: Aura bundles identity tools. AdGuard VPN is a focused VPN with sharper exclusion lists.
• AdGuard VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is better for streaming. AdGuard VPN is better for everyday browsing privacy.
• AdGuard VPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN rides along with antivirus. AdGuard VPN works as a standalone VPN provider.
• AdGuard VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is more transparent and audited. AdGuard VPN is easier for beginners to configure.
• AdGuard VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is decentralised and pay-as-you-go. AdGuard VPN is faster and far more predictable.
• AdGuard VPN vs SafeShell VPN: SafeShell targets streaming platforms. AdGuard VPN covers privacy, ad blocking, and DNS filtering.
• AdGuard VPN vs Oyster VPN: Oyster VPN is cheaper monthly. AdGuard VPN has a bigger network and stronger apps.

Start Using AdGuard VPN Now

You learned how to use every major AdGuard VPN feature:

• ✅ AdGuard Ad Blocker
• ✅ AdGuard DNS
• ✅ AdGuard VPN App
• ✅ AdGuard Temp Mail
• ✅ AdGuard Assistant

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with the AdGuard Ad Blocker.

It takes less than five minutes to install and configure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use VPN with AdGuard?

Install the AdGuard VPN app, sign in, then tap Connect. Pick a VPN server from the location list. The app builds an encrypted VPN tunnel for all traffic.

Is AdGuard VPN trustworthy?

AdGuard VPN keeps no activity log and is run by an established privacy company. Its AdGuard VPN protocol is proprietary and has had no third-party audit yet.

How to use AdGuard?

Download AdGuard software for Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. Turn on the ad blocker, add filter lists, then set DNS addresses under settings for network-wide protection.

How to make AdGuard and NordVPN work together?

Run AdGuard as your ad blocker and NordVPN as your VPN provider. On Android, add NordVPN to AdGuard exclusions so both apps avoid fighting over the tunnel.

Is it safe to use AdGuard VPN?

Yes. It uses strong encryption, a kill switch, and IKEv2 over IPsec or WireGuard. Your IP address stays hidden while browsing on public Wi-Fi.