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What is a VPN and how do you use one?
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VPNs are becoming more and more popular as people look to stay safe and anonymous online. Learn what a VPN is, how they work, and their benefits and drawbacks
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 23 May 2025
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps you stay safe and private when you’re using the internet. When you use a VPN, it creates a secure “tunnel” between your device and the internet. This tunnel hides your data so that no one can see what you’re doing online.
VPN helps protect your personal data, hides your location, and lets you access content that might be restricted in your region. Whether you're browsing, shopping, or gaming online, a VPN boosts your privacy and keeps your activity more secure.
How do VPNs work?
When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and sent through a remote server operated by the VPN provider. This process hides your real IP address and makes it appear as if you're accessing the internet from that server's location, not your real one.
This not only changes your virtual location but also makes your activity anonymous and protects your data from potential threats like hackers, trackers, and even your internet service provider.
What is a VPN used for?
VPNs are used to change your device’s virtual location by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address, so your browsing activity is private. This is especially useful on public WiFi, like in airports or coffee shops, where your personal data could get compromised.
VPNs can also help you bypass regional restrictions and stream shows that are only available in another country, as well as access websites blocked in your area. They’re also used to avoid dynamic pricing based on your location, such as when booking flights or hotels, and for securing remote access to school or work networks.
Altogether, a VPN gives you more control over your online experience, making it easier to stay safe, browse freely, and enjoy the content and services with peace of mind.
Pros of using a VPN
Using a VPN boosts your online security by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. It helps keep your browsing private and can be especially useful when travelling, working remotely, or living abroad.
Some of the key features you can benefit from using a VPN include:
Using a VPN can help prevent some tracking by hackers, advertisers, and ISPs. By routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel that hides your IP address, it becomes harder for third parties to track what websites you visit, what you buy, and how you browse, offering greater privacy while you’re online.
Public WiFi spaces (like airports, cafés, airports or hotels) can be risky, as it’s often unsecured and a common target for cybercriminals. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for anyone snooping on the network to steal your data, like passwords, or banking information.
Streaming platforms and websites often restrict content based on your location. A VPN lets you change your virtual location by connecting to servers in different countries, which can open access to shows, movies, or websites that aren't available in your region. Great for international sports, entertainment, and even local news abroad.
In regions with online censorship or restricted websites, VPNs provide a secure way to bypass those limitations. By masking your real IP address and routing your connection through a country with freer internet access, a VPN helps you browse without borders and access the open internet.
VPNs can even help reduce bandwidth throttling by your internet provider during peak hours or when you stream, game, or download a lot, ensuring a smooth performance.
Are there any cons to using a VPN?
Like with any technology, VPNs come with a few drawbacks and limitations to keep in mind:
Using a VPN can reduce your internet speeds due to encryption and server rerouting. This can slow down your connection as your web traffic goes through more steps than usual when connected to a VPN, so your ping will increase.
Some VPNs may log your activity, sell your data or inject unwanted ads when browsing. They often lack strong security and privacy standards, and customer support of reputable paid VPN services.
Major streaming platforms like Netflix or BBC iPlayer actively block known VPN servers, which can prevent you from accessing their content while connected. This means that even with a VPN, you might not be able to access the content you're aiming for, especially with free or less sophisticated services.
While many VPNs offer user-friendly apps, configuring them across multiple devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, or with certain routers can be tricky for those unfamiliar with tech. Some users may struggle with manual configuration, especially if the VPN doesn’t offer step-by-step guides or responsive support.
A VPN helps protect your data in transit, but it doesn’t make you invisible online. Websites can still track you using cookies, browser fingerprinting or logging into personal accounts. For complete anonymity, you'd need to combine a VPN with other privacy tools like tracker blockers and anonymous browsers.
Do I need a VPN?
If you regularly connect to public WiFi in cafés, airports, or hotels, a VPN can help keep your personal information safe by encrypting your data and shielding it from hackers. If you're using public WiFi while your kids are on their tablets, a VPN can help protect sensitive information like passwords. Some VPNs even include parental controls or safer browsing features.
For those working remotely or connecting to private networks, VPNs offer an extra layer of security.
You might also consider using a VPN if you’re studying at home or on campus, so you can keep your login details private. Plus, if you’re studying abroad, a VPN can give you access to learning resources from your home country.
A VPN is just one part of staying safe online. For more tips, visit our essential guide to online security.
Are VPNs legal in the UK?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in the UK. You’re free to protect your privacy, secure your internet connection, or access content when travelling.
However, using a VPN doesn't grant immunity from the law or make illegal activities undetectable. For example, using it to break a streaming platform’s terms of service or engage in cybercrime is still against the law. So, while VPNs themselves are legal, it’s important to use them responsibly.
Why is my VPN blocked?
There could be a few reasons why your VPN might not be working as expected with your broadband. Parental controls or broadband security settings may automatically block VPN access to help protect younger users online.
Another possibility is your router. Older Virgin Media Hubs may not support VPN passthrough or the latest encryption protocols. Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software might step in and mistakenly flag your VPN as suspicious, stopping it from working properly.
The good news? Most of these issues are easy to fix with a few simple tweaks. We’ll walk you through them below:
Check your parental control settings
The performance of your VPN can be affected if you have parental controls or security settings on your broadband account.
If you’re new to Virgin Media, one of the first things to check in your account is your Essential Security settings, which include adjustable parental controls and may be switched on by default.
To adjust these settings:
Log in to your My Virgin Media account.
Go to Account Settings > Online Security
From there, you’ll have the option to turn on and off the settings you want, and if you’d like to allow VPN usage on your connection.
You can always turn security settings and/or parental controls back on whenever needed. So, you needn’t lose full control over your household's online access.
Check router compatibility
Not all routers support VPNs, so it’s worth checking your hub’s specs as some may need passthrough enabled. You may need to upgrade to a VPN-compatible router.
Older Virgin Media Hubs (like Super Hub 2) may not support VPN passthrough or advanced encryption protocols. If you currently have a Hub 3 or older model (including the Superhub 1A, 2A, etc.), you’re eligible for a Hub upgrade.
Sign in to My Virgin Media to check your existing package and upgrade your Hub today.
Check for firewall or antivirus software
Firewalls may prevent VPN traffic if the ports or protocols used by the VPN (like OpenVPN, L2TP, or IKEv2) are blocked. This can happen with both software firewalls on your device and hardware firewalls on routers.
Antivirus programs can also interfere by flagging VPN apps as suspicious, especially lesser-known or free ones. They might block parts of the app from running properly or prevent it from establishing a secure connection.
It’s worth checking your firewall and antivirus settings and creating an exception for the VPN app or service you're using.
Check for clocked VPN servers
Some VPN providers rotate their IP addresses, but if you’re using one that’s blacklisted (especially by streaming sites), your access might be blocked. Switching servers usually helps.
Choosing the right VPN for your home
When choosing a VPN, finding one that balances privacy, performance, and usability is important. Here’s what to look out for:
No-logs policy: Choose a provider that doesn’t store your browsing history, connection logs, or IP address. This ensures your activity remains private, even from the VPN itself.
Wide server coverage: Ensure there are multiple server locations to choose from so you can access geo-restricted content.
Speed and reliability: For streaming gaming or video calls, you’ll need a VPN to deliver fast, stable connections without buffering or dropouts.
Device compatibility: Make sure the VPN works across all the platforms you use: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even smart TVs or routers, so you stay protected wherever you browse.
Pair your VPN with Virgin Media broadband
Using a VPN with your Virgin Media broadband is a smart way to boost your online privacy and security. Virgin Media’s superfast broadband supports most VPN services, so you can stream, browse, and work securely with minimal speed loss.
Virgin Media’s broadband speeds work well with most premium VPN services. Just make sure to disable Web Safe’s “Child Safe”, which may block some VPNs by default. Once set up, you can enjoy a faster, safer internet experience at home and on the go.
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