How to Get a VPN on a School Chromebook?

Figuring out how to get a VPN on a school Chromebook can make a real difference. You know, it lets you slip past all those network restrictions, check out blocked content, and even keep your online life more private. Maybe you’re just wanting to access a wider Netflix selection, or maybe it’s just about keeping your browsing safe from prying eyes. Either way, this guide breaks it down step-by-step so you can set up a VPN for school Chromebook.

I’ll go over four different methods explaining how to get a VPN on a school Chromebook: downloading a VPN Android app, adding a Chrome extension, doing a manual setup, or even using a Linux app if needed. Each method is unique, giving you flexible options to secure your connection even with restrictions in place. With these tips, you can choose what works best for you and browse with peace of mind.

Why a VPN?

In schools, it’s common to find restrictions on what websites or apps you can access – often, stuff that’s considered inappropriate or even just distracting gets blocked. But, using a VPN can really help out with that. First off, it boosts security, making sure no one snoops on your data. It also lets me keep my online activities to myself, which, for me, feels pretty important.

In addition, developing healthy digital habits means balancing access to useful tools with avoiding unnecessary risks, and a VPN can support that by giving you control over your online environment.

Moreover, it’s a good way to avoid looking at bad things online accidentally when certain sites are filtered. With internet access, we must understand the pros and cons of the internet—from access to learning resources to risks of distractions and even security issues.

It’s easy to end up wasting time on the internet, scrolling aimlessly, or getting sidetracked by unblocked but unproductive sites, so having a VPN can help you stay focused on what matters while still bypassing overly strict filters.

How to Install a VPN on a Chromebook – Step-by-Step Guides

How do you set up VPN Apps on Chromebook?

The ideal method I found to configure a VPN school Chromebook using a Chrome OS is Android VPN app. I realized these apps don’t just protect my browsing, but they also cover other apps. Some of the apps even come with cool features like kill switches, split tunneling, or specialized servers that I hadn’t thought about before. For instance, while using browser apps, a VPN keeps your data encrypted, ensuring that even app-specific restrictions at school don’t compromise your privacy.

First thing, you’ll want to install one of these VPN apps. Why? To keep all your app and web data safe and private. Here’s how to do it:

• Login to your Chromebook and hit the Google Play Store.
• Type the name of the VPN you’re looking for.
• Pick the one you like from the list and hit “Install.”
• When it’s done, you’ll find the app in your drawer, ready to go.

How to set up Chrome VPN Extensions?

Most people land on this method while finding how to get a VPN on a school Chromebook. Chrome VPN extensions only protect what you do in Chrome, so if you’re using any other apps outside of it, they won’t be covered. I learned that the hard way when I assumed my whole system was safe just because I had a VPN on Chrome. Turns out, that’s not how it works. It might be fine for basic browsing, but it’s not enough for overall privacy.

Here’s how you can set up a VPN extension for Chrome:

• Open the Chrome Web Store.
• Use the search bar in the upper-left to find a VPN or enter the specific VPN name.
• Select the VPN extension you want.
• Click “Add to Chrome” in the upper-right corner.
• A pop-up may ask for permission to access features; if acceptable, click “Add Extension.”
• The extension will download, and its icon will appear to the right of the address bar.
• If you don’t see the icon, click the puzzle piece icon, find the VPN, and select the pushpin icon to pin it.
• Log in or create an account if required to start using the VPN extension.

Before Installing any Chrome Extension:

• Research to confirm the VPN’s authenticity.
• Ensure the VPN has features to protect your web traffic.
• Be cautious of fake extensions created by cybercriminals, especially since cybersecurity is critical in this digital age, where everything from personal information to school data is vulnerable. The issue of cybersecurity has also become more complex with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), as more connected devices mean more potential risks.

How to Set up VPN Manually on Chromebook?

If you can’t install Android apps, or maybe you just don’t want to mess with Chrome extensions, but still want to secure your Chromebook’s entire internet, then manual setup is the way to go. Honestly, it sounds tough at first, but it’s not so bad. You’ll set up a system-wide VPN using OpenVPN or L2TP. But make sure your VPN provider supports L2TP.

But make sure your VPN provider supports L2TP. Some services, like Google WiFi VPN, offer built-in options that might simplify this process if your school network integrates with them, though you’d need to check compatibility with Chrome OS first.

• First off, you’ll go into the built-in VPN settings on Chrome OS. Head to the bottom-right of the screen, tap the settings icon and dig into the “VPN” option. This step’s easy.
• Next up, filling in the VPN settings might throw you for a loop. They’ll ask you to grab the server address, username, password, and a pre-shared key from your VPN provider. Be sure to hit the “L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key” option. It’s not perfect in terms of security, but sometimes it’s the only thing Chromebook will allow.
• Now, connect to the server—when done right, a little green word “Connected” pops up.

You can repeat this manual setup to link up with different servers worldwide. Want to disconnect? Tap “Disconnect.” Ready to switch servers? Just pick a different one and go. Easy enough, right?

How to Set up Linux App VPN?

I just wanted to point out a method that not many people use when setting up a VPN on a Chromebook with Linux installed. One thing to keep in mind is that a Linux-based VPN only secures internet traffic from Linux apps. It won’t cover traffic from Chrome OS or Android apps, which is why knowing how to block websites on Android devices can be helpful too.

You can use a Linux VPN at the same time as other VPN options, but don’t expect them to protect each other – each operates independently.

There are some companies that offer Linux GUI clients specifically designed for Chromebooks, though these are quite rare. Usually, though, you’ll be dealing with command-line clients.

Each VPN service will have its own unique setup instructions, so you’ll definitely need to check out your provider’s setup guides for the specifics.

Because Chrome OS operates on a Debian 10 Linux container, most VPN providers offer an app or command-line tool that should work well on a Chromebook.