How to VPN to Home Network: Access Local Data Anywhere

With remote work on the rise (around 1 in 4 in the US work at least some hours remotely²) and extensive travel becoming more common, many seek simple ways to access local content and work devices abroad. Setting up a home VPN server can work, but a commercial VPN is simpler and faster, as it allows you to easily connect to powerful servers in your home country.

Can you access your local data remotely? Yes — and it’s easy with a good commercial VPN. This article covers the best ways to use VPNs for remote access to local data, from simple solutions without port forwarding to more complex (but flexible) setups.

DIY Remote Setup vs. Commercial VPN: Which One Do You Need?

Setting up remote access to your home network can be done through either a DIY VPN server or a commercial VPN service. Each approach has distinct advantages depending on your technical skills and needs:

• DIY VPN Server — If you need remote access to your home network’s services and data, setting up your own VPN server is the way to go. This gives you direct, secure access to devices like NAS drives, security cameras, or file servers. It requires technical know-how, but this home VPN server guide will walk you through the setup process.
• Commercial VPN Service — For access to your home country’s services from abroad, like regional news websites or banking apps, a commercial VPN is a much easier option. You can even install it on your router and port forward for consistent remote access to your local data.

Choosing the right method comes down to what you’re trying to achieve and how much control you need over your connection. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the key aspects:

How to Setup a VPN for Easy Access to Home Devices & Apps

Setting up a VPN allows easy, secure access to your home devices and apps from anywhere. It’s a popular solution — a survey found there were 1.5 billion VPN users in 2023¹.

For this tutorial, I’ll be using a Windows 11 device, but the process should be fairly similar for macOS and Linux. With that said, here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Download a Reliable VPN

My top recommendation is NordVPN. It's fast, reliable, and it offers the easy-to-use Meshnet feature, which allows you to access your home network devices.

Choose a pricing package that fits your needs and finish the sign-up process. Then, download the VPN app onto the device you’ll use to access your home network. NordVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

2. Enable Meshnet on Both Devices

Launch the VPN app and enable Meshnet. When you connect to Meshnet, your device receives a unique Nord name and a Meshnet IP address, either of which can be used to access it from other connected devices. Make sure your remote PC runs a Pro edition of Windows 10 or 11.

3. Set up Your Remote PC for Access

Access System settings. Type the word "System" into the search bar and select the corresponding icon. Once there, select the Remote Desktop option and click the On toggle.

4. Locate Your Meshnet IP

In the NordVPN app, go to the Devices In Meshnet tab. Then locate and copy the Nord name or Meshnet IP of the device you want to access.

5. Connect to Your Remote PC

On your Windows device that you use to connect to a remote PC, use the search bar to look for Remote Desktop Connection. Once located, open the app and enter the NordVPN name or Meshnet IP of the PC you want to access, then click Connect.

Pro Tip: When connecting remotely to your Windows PC, you'll need to enter authentication details. The required credentials depend on your Windows account type:

• Microsoft account – Use your Microsoft account email address.
• Local Windows account – Enter the account's username and password.

If you don’t remember your account details, just use the “$env:username” command in PowerShell.

6. Enter Login Details

Enter your remote PC account name and the password, and then click OK. If you see a warning about the remote computer's identity not being verified, click Yes to proceed if you're connecting to a trusted device, such as one on your Meshnet.

That’s it — now you can access your home network and share files safely!

Then hit the OK button to access your device

How to Forward Ports and Enable Remote Access on Your Network

Port forwarding allows external devices to connect to specific services on your home network, essential for tasks like remote access, online gaming, and running servers. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to enable port forwarding securely and effectively.

1. Access Your Router Settings

On the home network device, open a web browser and enter your router's IP address. On most devices, it’s usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

This will open your router settings

2. Log In With Your Admin Credentials

On some routers, the password is printed on a label on the back of the device.

For most routers, the default username and password are both set to "admin"

3. Find Port Forwarding Settings

Depending on your router’s brand, look for Port Forwarding options in your router's menu.

On some routers, this feature is referred to as NAT Forwarding

4. Add a New Port Forward Rule

Enter the device's IP address for remote access, select the protocol (TCP, UDP, or both), and specify the port number you wish to forward.

Avoid using port 3389, as it’s the default port for Windows remote desktop connections

5. Test Connectivity

Once configured, use tools like canyouseeme.org to confirm the ports are open. Then, use any device to connect to your home network securely.

FAQs on How to VPN to Home Network

Do I need a VPN to work from home?

While not mandatory, using a VPN for remote work significantly improves your security. Without a VPN, your work data travels unprotected across the internet, potentially exposing it to hackers and snoopers. A good VPN encrypts traffic between your device and your home network, preventing malicious third parties from reading your data.

Better yet, you can combine VPNs with your home network's security features like firewalls and malware protection for a more comprehensive security setup.

Can I create an Android VPN to home network?

Yes, you can set up a VPN connection to your home network on Android devices. There are multiple ways to do this - either through a commercial VPN app with port forwarding capabilities or by configuring your own VPN server at home using OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols. The easiest option is to use a premium VPN that supports remote access.

A VPN eliminates complex manual configuration while still providing secure access to your home network resources.

What are the disadvantages of creating a home VPN server?

The main drawbacks are technical complexity and reliability concerns. Unlike commercial VPNs with massive server infrastructure, your home VPN depends entirely on your internet connection and power supply. Managing security updates, encryption protocols, and access controls becomes your responsibility.

Additional hardware costs may also be necessary for optimal performance. Plus, most home internet plans have limited upload speeds that can affect remote access quality.

Is it free to set up a home VPN server?

While some VPN server software is free, there are associated costs to consider. You need hardware to run the server, reliable internet with good upload speeds, and potentially a static IP address from your ISP. Popular free options like OpenVPN require technical knowledge to set up and maintain. It’s easier to get access to your local content using an established VPN.

Commercial VPN services eliminate these overhead costs and complexities and only require a monthly subscription fee for their infrastructure and support, making them a much more convenient choice.

Does VPN work on all devices in a house?

A VPN can protect all your home devices when configured properly. You have two main options - installing VPN apps on individual devices or setting up VPN protection at the router level. VPNs compatible with routers let you automatically cover all connected devices without needing separate configurations.

However, some very specific IoT devices might have compatibility issues with VPN connections, but this is rare. Gaming consoles and smart TVs often work better with certain VPN protocols or dedicated apps.

References

1. https://windscribe.com/blog/vpn-statistics-trends/
2. https://backlinko.com/remote-work-stats