Quick Start
This guide covers every Norton VPN feature:
- Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use Online Privacy Protection — Encrypt your internet traffic instantly
- How to Use Device Privacy Protection — Secure every device on your network
- How to Use Identity Protection — Guard personal data from theft
- How to Use Protect Small Businesses — Keep business data safe and private
- How to Use Stream Freely and Faster — Watch content without buffering
- How to Use Norton Anti-Tracking — Block ads and trackers across the web
- How to Use Privacy Monitor Assistant — Find and remove exposed personal info
- How to Use AI-powered Scam Detector — Spot phishing and scam attempts
- How to Use Norton VPN Feature — Connect to secure servers worldwide
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used Norton VPN for over a year and tested every feature covered here. This tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
Norton VPN is one of the most trusted VPN tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
Norton VPN Tutorial
This complete Norton VPN tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
Norton VPN
Protect your online privacy with military-grade encryption on up to 10 devices. Norton VPN includes a kill switch, ad tracker blocking, and Wi-Fi security. Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Getting Started with Norton VPN
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to Norton’s website at us.norton.com.
Click “Sign Up” or “Start Free Trial.”
Enter your email and create a strong password.
Choose a subscription plan based on your device count.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
Step 2: Download or Access the App
Norton VPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Download the Norton Secure VPN app for your device.
You can also use it through the Norton 360 app.
Log in with your new Norton account credentials.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main Norton VPN dashboard.
Step 3: Complete Initial Setup
Grant VPN permissions when prompted by your device.
On mobile, allow VPN configuration access.
On desktop, approve any firewall or network prompts.
Click the large On/Off switch to connect for the first time.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use Norton VPN Online Privacy Protection
Online Privacy Protection lets you encrypt your internet traffic so no one can track your browsing.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open Norton VPN
Launch the Norton Secure VPN app on your device.
Sign in with your Norton account if not already logged in.
Step 2: Turn On the VPN
Click the large On/Off switch on the main screen.
Norton connects you to the fastest available server.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see “Connected” with a green indicator.
Step 3: Verify Your Connection
Visit a site like whatismyip.com to check your IP address.
Your IP should show the VPN server location, not yours.
Your internet traffic is now fully encrypted.
✅ Result: All your browsing data is now encrypted and private.
💡 Pro Tip: Leave Norton VPN on at all times for maximum protection. Only turn it off when apps need your real location.
How to Use Norton VPN Device Privacy Protection
Device Privacy Protection lets you secure every device connected to your network at once.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Check Your Device Limit
Open Norton VPN and go to your account settings.
Check how many devices your plan covers (up to 10).
Step 2: Install Norton VPN on Each Device
Download the app on each phone, tablet, or computer.
Sign in with the same Norton account on every device.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: Each device should show “Connected” in the app.
Step 3: Enable Wi-Fi Security
Turn on Wi-Fi Security in your Norton VPN settings.
This auto-connects the VPN on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Add your trusted home network to the safe list.
✅ Result: All your devices are now protected with encrypted connections.
💡 Pro Tip: Enable Wi-Fi Security on mobile devices first. Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops and airports is where you’re most exposed.
How to Use Norton VPN Identity Protection
Identity Protection lets you monitor and guard your personal information from data breaches and theft.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Access Dark Web Monitoring
Open Norton VPN and navigate to the Identity tab.
Click “Dark Web Monitoring” to start the feature.
Step 2: Add Your Personal Details
Enter your email addresses, phone numbers, and bank accounts.
Norton scans the dark web for any leaked matches.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a scan results summary screen.
Step 3: Review and Act on Alerts
Check any alerts Norton flags about your data.
Follow the recommended steps to secure compromised accounts.
Change passwords immediately for any flagged accounts.
✅ Result: Your personal information is now actively monitored for breaches.
💡 Pro Tip: Add all your email addresses, not just your main one. Old forgotten accounts are often the first to get breached.
How to Use Norton VPN Protect Small Businesses
Protect Small Businesses lets you secure company devices and sensitive business data across your team.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Choose a Business Plan
Visit Norton’s business protection page.
Select a plan that covers your number of team devices.
Step 2: Deploy VPN Across Devices
Install Norton VPN on each employee’s computer and phone.
Use the same business account for centralized management.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: All team devices should show as connected.
Step 3: Set Security Policies
Enable always-on VPN for all business devices.
Turn on the kill switch to block traffic if VPN drops.
Require VPN for any remote or public Wi-Fi access.
✅ Result: Your business data is now encrypted across all team devices.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair Norton VPN with Norton’s password manager. This prevents employees from reusing weak passwords across company accounts.
How to Use Norton VPN Stream Freely and Faster
Stream Freely and Faster lets you access geo-restricted content and watch without buffering.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open Server Location List
Launch Norton VPN and tap the server location button.
You’ll see a list of countries and cities to connect to.
Step 2: Select Your Desired Location
Pick the country where your streaming content is available.
For US Netflix, choose a US server location.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: Your VPN should show the new server location.
Step 3: Start Streaming
Open your streaming app while connected to Norton VPN.
Browse and play content from the selected region.
Norton VPN also blocks ads for a cleaner viewing experience.
✅ Result: You can now stream geo-restricted content from any supported country.
💡 Pro Tip: If a streaming service blocks your connection, try switching to a different server in the same country. Norton has servers in dozens of cities.
How to Use Norton VPN Anti-Tracking
Norton Anti-Tracking lets you block advertisers and trackers from following your online activity.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Norton Anti-Tracking in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Anti-Tracking Settings
Go to Norton VPN’s settings menu.
Find the “Ad Tracker Blocking” or “Anti-Tracking” option.
Step 2: Enable Tracker Blocking
Toggle the ad tracker blocking switch to “On.”
Norton now blocks tracking scripts on every website you visit.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a tracker count on the dashboard.
Step 3: Browse Without Trackers
Visit any website and notice fewer pop-up ads.
Check the Norton dashboard to see blocked trackers count.
✅ Result: Advertisers can no longer track your browsing habits across websites.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine anti-tracking with Norton’s VPN encryption for double privacy. Trackers can’t follow you, and your ISP can’t see your traffic.
How to Use Norton VPN Privacy Monitor Assistant
Privacy Monitor Assistant lets you find where your personal data is exposed online and request removal.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Launch Privacy Monitor
Open Norton VPN and go to the Privacy tab.
Click “Privacy Monitor Assistant” to start scanning.
Step 2: Scan for Exposed Data
Enter your name and other personal details to search.
Norton scans data broker sites for your exposed information.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a list of sites with your data.
Step 3: Request Data Removal
Review each data broker result Norton found.
Click “Remove” to send opt-out requests automatically.
Norton handles the removal process on your behalf.
✅ Result: Your personal data removal requests are now being processed.
💡 Pro Tip: Run Privacy Monitor scans monthly. Data brokers re-collect your info regularly, so ongoing monitoring is essential.
How to Use Norton VPN AI-powered Scam Detector
AI-powered Scam Detector lets you identify phishing emails, fake websites, and scam messages instantly.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Enable Scam Detection
Open Norton VPN settings and find “Scam Detection.”
Toggle the AI scam detection feature to “On.”
Step 2: Let Norton Scan Your Messages
Norton automatically scans incoming texts and emails.
It flags suspicious links and phishing attempts in real time.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see scam alerts on flagged messages.
Step 3: Review and Block Threats
Tap any flagged message to see why Norton flagged it.
Block the sender or report the scam directly from Norton.
Norton learns from your feedback to improve future detection.
✅ Result: You now have AI-powered protection against scams and phishing.
💡 Pro Tip: Never click links in messages Norton flags as suspicious. Even “unsubscribe” links in scam emails can be dangerous.
How to Use Norton VPN Feature
Norton VPN Feature lets you connect to secure VPN servers worldwide with one click.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Norton VPN Feature in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the VPN Connection Panel
Launch Norton VPN and look for the server location dropdown.
You’ll see your current virtual location displayed.
Step 2: Choose a Server Location
Click the location dropdown to see all available servers.
Pick “Auto-Select” for the fastest speed or choose manually.
✓ Checkpoint: The selected location should appear in the panel.
Step 3: Enable Kill Switch and Connect
Go to settings and turn on the kill switch.
This blocks all internet if the VPN connection drops.
Click the On switch to connect to your selected server.
✅ Result: You’re now connected to a secure, encrypted VPN server.
💡 Pro Tip: Always enable the kill switch. Without it, your real IP leaks if the VPN drops even for a second.
How to Use Norton VPN Virus Scanner and Removal Tool
Virus Scanner and Removal Tool lets you detect and remove malware, ransomware, and viruses from your device.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Virus Scanner and Removal Tool in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Scanner
Launch Norton 360 or the Norton device security app.
Click “Scan Now” or go to the “Security” tab.
Step 2: Run a Full System Scan
Select “Full Scan” for the most thorough virus check.
Norton scans all files, apps, and system folders for threats.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a scan progress bar with threat count.
Step 3: Remove Detected Threats
Review any threats Norton finds after the scan completes.
Click “Remove All” to quarantine and delete malware.
Run LiveUpdate afterward to get the latest virus definitions.
✅ Result: Your device is now clean and protected against known threats.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule automatic weekly scans so you never forget. Go to Settings > Scans > Schedule to set this up.
Norton VPN Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing Norton VPN for over a year, here are my best tips.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle VPN On/Off | Click system tray icon → On/Off |
| Switch Server Location | Click location name in app |
| Run Quick Scan | Right-click Norton icon → Quick Scan |
| Open Norton Dashboard | Double-click Norton system tray icon |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN and which use your regular connection. Great for banking apps that block VPN traffic.
- Double VPN: Route your traffic through two servers for extra encryption. Find this in advanced settings under “Server Type.”
- IP Rotation: Automatically change your IP address at set intervals. This makes tracking your activity almost impossible.
Norton VPN Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Leaving the Kill Switch Disabled
❌ Wrong: Using Norton VPN without enabling the kill switch. Your real IP leaks every time the connection drops.
✅ Right: Always enable the kill switch in settings. This blocks all traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.
Mistake #2: Connecting to Distant Servers
❌ Wrong: Always picking a server across the globe. This slows your speed significantly for everyday browsing.
✅ Right: Use “Auto-Select” for daily browsing. Only pick specific countries when you need geo-restricted content.
Mistake #3: Not Updating the App
❌ Wrong: Ignoring Norton VPN update notifications. Outdated versions miss critical security patches.
✅ Right: Enable auto-updates or run LiveUpdate weekly. Each update includes new threat definitions and bug fixes.
Norton VPN Troubleshooting
Problem: Norton VPN Won’t Connect
Cause: Server overload, firewall blocking, or weak internet connection.
Fix: Try a different server location first. Check if your firewall is blocking Norton. Restart the app and your internet connection. On mobile, toggle Airplane mode on and off.
Problem: VPN Connects Then Suddenly Stops
Cause: Weak or unstable internet connection or software conflicts.
Fix: Check your base internet speed without VPN. Close other VPN apps that might conflict. Update Norton to the latest version. If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall the app.
Problem: Streaming Services Block Norton VPN
Cause: Services like Netflix detect and block VPN server IP addresses.
Fix: Switch to a different server in the same country. Clear your browser cookies and cache. Try connecting during off-peak hours when servers are less crowded.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Norton support.
What is Norton VPN?
Norton VPN is a virtual private network tool that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address from trackers, hackers, and ISPs.
Think of it like a private tunnel for your internet connection that nobody else can see into.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Online Privacy Protection: Encrypts all browsing data with AES-256 encryption.
- Device Privacy Protection: Secures up to 10 devices on one account.
- Identity Protection: Monitors the dark web for your leaked personal data.
- Protect Small Businesses: Covers team devices with centralized management.
- Stream Freely and Faster: Unblocks geo-restricted content from other countries.
- Norton Anti-Tracking: Blocks ad trackers and data collection scripts.
- Privacy Monitor Assistant: Finds and removes your data from broker sites.
- AI-powered Scam Detector: Identifies phishing and scam attempts in real time.
- Norton VPN Feature: One-click connection to secure servers worldwide.
- Virus Scanner and Removal Tool: Detects and removes malware from your device.
For a full review, see our Norton VPN review.
Norton VPN Pricing
Here’s what Norton VPN costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $3.33/month | Individual users who need basic VPN protection |
| Deluxe | $4.17/month | Families wanting VPN plus antivirus and dark web monitoring |
| Select Plus | $8.33/month | Users who want full identity protection with LifeLock |
Free trial: No free trial available, but Norton 360 bundles include a 7-day trial.
Money-back guarantee: Yes, 60-day money-back guarantee on all annual plans.
💰 Best Value: Deluxe plan — adds antivirus, password manager, and dark web monitoring for just $0.84 more per month than Standard.
Norton VPN vs Alternatives
How does Norton VPN compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton VPN | All-in-one security suite | $3.33/mo | ⭐ 3.8 |
| NordVPN | Speed and server network | $2.99/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| ExpressVPN | Streaming and ease of use | $2.44/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Surfshark | Budget-friendly unlimited devices | $1.99/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| ProtonVPN | Privacy and free plan | $0.00/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| PureVPN | Affordable long-term plans | $2.15/mo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| CyberGhost | Streaming servers | $2.03/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Private Internet Access | Advanced customization | $2.03/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: NordVPN — fastest speeds with 8,900+ servers in 129 countries.
- Best budget: Surfshark — unlimited devices starting at just $1.99/month.
- Best for beginners: ExpressVPN — simplest interface with one-tap connection.
- Best for privacy: ProtonVPN — Swiss-based with a strict no-logs policy and free plan.
🎯 Norton VPN Alternatives
Looking for Norton VPN alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 NordVPN: Industry leader with 8,900+ servers, fastest speeds, and top-tier encryption. Best all-around VPN choice.
- 🌟 ExpressVPN: Premium VPN with servers in 105 countries. Known for reliable streaming access and dead-simple apps.
- 💰 PureVPN: Budget-friendly option starting at $2.15/month with 6,500+ servers across 71 countries.
- ⚡ Surfshark: Unlimited device connections at just $1.99/month. Perfect for large families or multiple devices.
- 🔒 ProtonVPN: Swiss-based privacy-first VPN with a genuine free plan. Strict no-logs policy verified by audits.
- 🧠 PrivadoVPN: Free tier with 10GB monthly data. Great entry-level VPN for light browsing and basic privacy.
- 🎨 AdGuard VPN: Combines VPN with powerful ad blocking. Ideal if you hate online ads and want built-in tracker removal.
- 🔧 Virtual Shield: US-based VPN focused on simplicity. Good for non-technical users who want easy setup.
- ⭐ StrongVPN: Reliable WireGuard support with solid speeds. Works well for streaming and basic privacy needs.
- 🔥 FastestVPN: Lifetime plans available from $40 one-time. Best deal for long-term VPN users on a budget.
- 🏢 AuraVPN: Full identity protection suite with VPN, credit monitoring, and data broker removal included.
- 👶 CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly with dedicated streaming servers. One-click connect to watch Netflix, Hulu, and more.
- 💼 McAfee VPN: Bundled with McAfee antivirus. Best if you already use McAfee for device security.
- 📊 Private Internet Access: Highly customizable with open-source apps. Advanced users love the granular settings control.
- 🎯 Mysterium: Decentralized VPN powered by a peer-to-peer network. Unique approach for maximum censorship resistance.
- 🛡️ SafeShell VPN: Lightweight VPN focused on bypassing geo-restrictions. Simple interface for quick server switching.
- 🌊 Oyster VPN: Newer VPN service with competitive pricing and a growing server network. Good for basic privacy needs.
For the full list, see our Norton VPN alternatives guide.
⚔️ Norton VPN Compared
Here’s how Norton VPN stacks up against each competitor:
- Norton VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN wins with 8,900+ servers, faster speeds, and better streaming. Norton adds antivirus if bundled.
- Norton VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers better speed and 105 country coverage. Norton wins if you want identity protection bundled.
- Norton VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN costs less with more servers. Norton offers better malware protection as part of its security suite.
- Norton VPN vs Surfshark: Surfshark allows unlimited devices at a lower price. Norton provides added antivirus and dark web monitoring.
- Norton VPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has a free plan and stronger privacy policy. Norton bundles more security tools in one package.
- Norton VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a free tier with 10GB data. Norton provides more features but costs more.
- Norton VPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard has built-in ad blocking. Norton offers broader security with antivirus and identity monitoring.
- Norton VPN vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield is simpler but US-only focused. Norton has wider server coverage and more features.
- Norton VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN supports WireGuard natively. Norton adds antivirus and identity protection on top of VPN.
- Norton VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN has a $40 lifetime plan. Norton costs more but includes a full security suite beyond VPN.
- Norton VPN vs AuraVPN: Aura bundles credit monitoring and identity theft insurance. Norton focuses more on device security and VPN.
- Norton VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost has dedicated streaming servers and lower prices. Norton adds antivirus value if bundled.
- Norton VPN vs McAfee VPN: Both bundle VPN with antivirus. Norton has better VPN features while McAfee offers stronger identity tools.
- Norton VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA gives more customization and open-source apps. Norton is simpler with added security tools.
- Norton VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is decentralized for censorship resistance. Norton is more reliable for everyday security needs.
- Norton VPN vs SafeShell VPN: SafeShell is lightweight for geo-unblocking. Norton provides a full security package beyond just VPN.
- Norton VPN vs Oyster VPN: Oyster is newer with growing coverage. Norton has an established reputation and broader feature set.
Start Using Norton VPN Now
You learned how to use every major Norton VPN feature:
- ✅ Online Privacy Protection
- ✅ Device Privacy Protection
- ✅ Identity Protection
- ✅ Protect Small Businesses
- ✅ Stream Freely and Faster
- ✅ Norton Anti-Tracking
- ✅ Privacy Monitor Assistant
- ✅ AI-powered Scam Detector
- ✅ Norton VPN Feature
- ✅ Virus Scanner and Removal Tool
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Online Privacy Protection.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Norton VPN is working?
Check the Norton VPN app for a “Connected” status with a green indicator. You can also visit whatismyip.com to confirm your IP address has changed. If it shows a different location than your actual one, the VPN is working correctly.
Does Norton VPN start automatically?
Norton VPN can start automatically if you enable the Wi-Fi Security feature. This auto-connects the VPN when you join unsecured networks. You can also set it to launch at startup in the app settings on your desktop.
Should Norton VPN be on all the time?
Yes, keeping Norton VPN on at all times gives you the best protection. The only time to turn it off is when using apps that need your real location, like maps or local banking services. Otherwise, always-on VPN keeps your traffic encrypted.
Does Norton VPN allow you to change location?
Yes, Norton VPN lets you choose from servers in dozens of countries. Open the app, tap the server location button, and select any available country. This changes your virtual location so websites think you’re browsing from that region.
Is Norton VPN a good idea?
Norton VPN is a solid choice if you want a VPN bundled with antivirus and identity protection. Its strengths are ease of use and the security suite integration. However, standalone VPN providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN offer faster speeds and more server locations.
What happens when I turn on Norton VPN?
When you turn on Norton VPN, it creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. Your internet traffic passes through this tunnel so your ISP, hackers, and websites can’t see what you’re doing online. Your IP address changes to the server’s address.
Is VPN free with Norton?
Norton VPN is not free as a standalone product. However, it comes included with Norton 360 plans at no extra cost. Norton does not offer a free trial for the standalone VPN, but all annual plans include a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Does Norton VPN hide your IP address?
Yes, Norton VPN masks your real IP address and replaces it with the VPN server’s address. This prevents websites, advertisers, and your ISP from tracking your location or online activity. You can verify this by checking your IP on whatismyip.com while connected.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 