How to Create a VPN Hotspot on Windows, Android & More

Want to protect more than one device with your VPN? Learning how to make a VPN hotspot lets you share your VPN connection with gadgets like game consoles, tablets, or other phones.

VPNs usually secure just one device, but with the right setup on Windows or Android, you can extend that protection to others via a hotspot. It’s perfect for public Wi-Fi, streaming, or devices that don’t support VPN apps.

This guide covers step-by-step methods for Windows, Android, USB tethering and explains what’s possible (and not) on iPhone.

Can You Share a VPN Over a Hotspot?

Sharing a VPN over a hotspot isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.

By default, most devices only route VPN protection to themselves, not to anything connected through a hotspot. So even if your phone or PC is using a VPN, other devices using that hotspot might be exposed.

❓ Why It Doesn’t Work Automatically

✅ Can It Be Fixed?

Yes — with a proper setup, you can route your VPN through the hotspot and protect everything connected.

🚫 What About iPhones?

iPhones currently do not allow VPN sharing via hotspot due to Apple’s restrictions. We’ll cover a workaround later in the guide.

How to Make VPN Hotspot on Windows

If you’re using a Windows laptop or desktop connected to a VPN, you can share that VPN-protected internet with other devices via a mobile hotspot.

It takes just a few setup steps, no extra tools needed.

🔧 Steps to Set Up VPN Hotspot on Windows:

🧠 Tips

• Make sure the VPN protocol supports internet sharing (WireGuard may not work with all setups)
• Some antivirus software or firewalls may block sharing
• Restart your system after setup if it doesn’t work right away

How to Share VPN Connection on Android

Sharing a VPN over a hotspot on Android is possible, but it depends on your device setup.

Android doesn’t route VPN traffic through the mobile hotspot by default. However, there are workarounds that let you share the connection securely.

Option 1: Non-Rooted Devices (Easier)

For most users with a regular Android device, you can use a third-party app like VPN Hotspot (by Mygod).

Option 2: Rooted Devices (Advanced)

Rooting gives you full control over how your Android routes traffic, including VPN connections. If your device is rooted, you can use advanced apps or terminal commands to share Virtual Private Network-protected internet over hotspot.

Method: Using ProxyDroid

This lets you force traffic through the VPN using proxy-level control. Some technical knowledge is required to configure this properly.

🔀 Alternative: Manually Redirect VPN Traffic via iptables

If you’re comfortable with terminal commands, you can redirect VPN traffic using iptables:

bashCopyEditiptables -t nat -A POSTROUTING -o tun0 -j MASQUERADE
iptables -A FORWARD -i tun0 -o wlan0 -m state --state RELATED,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT
iptables -A FORWARD -i wlan0 -o tun0 -j ACCEPT

Note: tun0 is typically your VPN interface and wlan0 is your hotspot. These may differ by device.

⚠️ Warning for Root Users

🧠 Keep in Mind

• Some VPNs may block hotspot sharing on mobile
• Data saving/battery modes can interfere with tethering
• Android versions 10+ handle routing differently, results may vary

For more detailed Guide: Sharing VPN connection over hotspot on Android

Share VPN via USB Tethering

If setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot isn’t working or you’re using a device that doesn’t allow VPN sharing wirelessly, USB tethering is a great alternative.

This method lets you connect your VPN-protected Android phone to a computer or another device using a USB cable. It’s especially helpful when Wi-Fi isn’t available or stable.

🔍 How It Works

Your phone connects to a VPN, then shares that encrypted internet connection with another device through USB. It’s fast, stable, and doesn’t need root in most cases.

⚙️ Requirements

🔧 Steps to Set Up

🧠 Keep in Mind

• This method shares the VPN without broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal
• Battery drain is minimal compared to wireless sharing
• Speed is generally stable, but limited by USB 2.0/3.0 ports

How to Share VPN from macOS

If you’re using a MacBook or iMac, you can share your VPN connection with other devices, but you’ll need to configure it manually.

This can be done through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth, depending on your setup.

⚙️ What You’ll Need

🔧 Steps to Share VPN from Mac via Wi-Fi

1. Connect your Mac to the VPN
2. Go to System Settings → Sharing
3. Enable Internet Sharing
4. Share the VPN-connected interface (e.g., Ethernet) to Wi-Fi
5. Turn on the hotspot, your Mac will now broadcast a VPN-protected network

⚠️ Important Notes

iPhone Users: Can You Share VPN Hotspot on iOS?

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, the short answer is: you can’t share your VPN connection over a hotspot.

That’s not a bug, it’s how iOS is designed.

🚫 Why It Doesn’t Work on iPhone

⚠️ Summary of iOS Limitations

✅ Workarounds for Apple Users

Comparison: VPN Hotspot vs USB vs Router Setup

When it comes to sharing your VPN connection, each method has its pros and cons.

Use the table below to compare the options side by side:

Troubleshooting: When VPN Doesn’t Work Over Hotspot

Sometimes, even after setting things up correctly, your devices might still not connect through the VPN.

Here are common issues and how to fix them.

🛑 Common Problems

⭐ Bonus Tip

If you’re still stuck, check out this short video from Surfshark on improving VPN speed and stability. It also covers connection drops, slow speeds, and protocol tweaks.

Bonus: Use a VPN-Compatible Router Instead

If you’re frequently sharing your VPN connection or want a hands-off setup for multiple devices, a VPN-compatible router is your best bet.

It protects your entire home or office network without needing to share connections manually.

🔍 How It Works

You install a VPN directly on the router, so every device that connects to it, phones, TVs, laptops and consoles gets VPN protection automatically.

This includes devices that don’t support VPN apps on their own.

⚙️ What You’ll Need

FAQs

Can you share VPN over mobile hotspot?

Yes, but only on certain devices. Android and Windows can share VPN connections using hotspot or USB tethering with proper setup. iPhones cannot share VPN traffic via hotspot.

Why doesn’t VPN work when using hotspot?

Most operating systems don’t route VPN traffic through the hotspot interface by default. You’ll need to manually configure adapter sharing or use specific apps to make it work.

Does VPN protect devices connected to my hotspot?

Only if the VPN connection is correctly shared through the hotspot. Without proper setup, your devices may still be exposed.

Can I share VPN from iPhone to other devices?

No. Apple’s iOS doesn’t allow VPN traffic to be routed through hotspot. You’ll need to use VPN on the receiving device or use a VPN router instead.

What’s the best way to share VPN with multiple devices?

Using a VPN-compatible router is the most stable and secure option. It encrypts all traffic from every connected device without needing to configure them individually.

Is USB tethering with VPN safer than a hotspot?

Yes. USB tethering offers a more stable and direct connection. It’s also less likely to leak traffic compared to wireless hotspots.

Do I need to root my phone to share VPN?

Not always. Many users can share VPN using apps like VPN Hotspot (Android) without root. But full control and advanced setups like iptables do require root access.

Final Verdict:

Learning how to make a VPN hotspot opens the door to protecting more than just your main device.

Whether you’re using Windows, Android, USB tethering, or a full VPN router setup, each method has its place.

Choose the method that fits your situation and keep your entire network secure.