Quick Start
This guide covers every Private Internet Access feature:
- Commencer — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use No Logs Policy — Verify your privacy is protected
- How to Use Dedicated IP — Get a static IP only you use
- How to Use Antivirus — Block malware and threats on your device
- How to Use VPN Router — Protect every device on your network
- How to Use Privacy Protection — Enable kill switch and MACE together
- How to Use DNS Leak Test — Confirm no data leaks exist
- How to Use Split Tunneling — Choose which apps use the VPN
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Dépannage | Tarification | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used Private Internet Access for over two years and tested every feature covered here. This tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
Private Internet Access 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.
Private Internet Access Tutorial
This complete Private Internet Access tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
Accès Internet privé
Protect your entire digital life with one VPN. Private Internet Access covers unlimited appareils with servers in 91+ countries and a proven no-logs policy. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Premiers pas avec l'accès Internet privé
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to the Private Internet Access website.
Click “Get PIA VPN” in the top-right corner.
Choose your plan and enter your email address.
Complete payment using credit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency.
✓ Checkpoint: Vérifiez votre boîte de réception for login credentials from PIA.
Step 2: Download and Install the App
PIA has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Download the app for your device from PIA’s website or app store.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main PIA panel with the power button.
Step 3: Connect to Your First Server
Open the PIA app and log in with your credentials.
Click the large power button to connect to the nearest server.
Or click the server location to choose a specific country.
✅ Done: You’re connected and protected. You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use Private Internet Access No Logs Policy
Politique de non-conservation des journaux lets you parcourir knowing PIA never records your activity.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
See how the No Logs Policy works:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Your PIA Settings
Launch the PIA app on your device.
Click the three dots or gear icon to open Settings.
Step 2: Verify Privacy Settings Are Active
Navigate to the Privacy tab in Settings.
Confirm that “DNS Leak Protection” is turned on.
Make sure the kill switch is enabled to prevent data exposure.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see green toggles for DNS protection and kill switch.
Step 3: Test Your Connection
Connect to any PIA server.
Visit a site like ipleak.net to confirm your real IP is hidden.
PIA’s no-logs policy has been verified by Deloitte audits.
✅ Result: Your browsing activity is private and never recorded by PIA.
💡 Conseil de pro : Enable the “Advanced Kill Switch” for maximum protection. It blocks all traffic even when the VPN is turned off.
How to Use Private Internet Access Dedicated IP
IP dédiée lets you get a static IP address that only you use.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
See how Dedicated IP works:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Purchase the Dedicated IP Add-On
Log into your PIA account on the website.
Go to your account dashboard and find the Dedicated IP option.
Select a location from 23 available countries.
Step 2: Activate Your Token
Copy the token generated in your account page.
Open the PIA app and go to the “Dedicated IP” tab.
Paste your token to activate the dedicated IP address.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your dedicated IP listed in the server menu.
Step 3: Connect to Your Dedicated IP
Select your dedicated IP from the server list.
Click connect and verify the IP matches your assigned address.
✅ Result: You now have a static IP that reduces CAPTCHAs and blocklist issues.
💡 Conseil de pro : PIA uses a token-based system for dedicated IPs. This means PIA’s team never knows which IP belongs to your account, keeping your privacy intact.
How to Use Private Internet Access Antivirus
Antivirus lets you scan and protect your device from malware threats.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
See how Antivirus works:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Add Antivirus to Your Plan
PIA Antivirus is an optional add-on for your subscription.
Log into your PIA account and add the antivirus feature.
Step 2: Install and Run Your First Scan
Download the antivirus component through the PIA app.
Open the antivirus panel and click “Full Scan.”
Wait for the scan to finish reviewing all files on your device.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a scan results summary with any detected threats.
Step 3: Enable Real-Time Protection
Toggle on “Real-Time Protection” in the antivirus settings.
This scans new files and downloads automatically.
✅ Result: Your device is protected from malware, viruses, and threats in real time.
💡 Conseil de pro : Schedule weekly full scans during off-hours. This keeps your device clean without slowing down your work.
How to Use Private Internet Access VPN Router
VPN Router lets you protect every device on your home network at once.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
See how VPN Router setup works:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Check Router Compatibility
Confirm your router supports OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols.
Popular brands like ASUS, TP-Link, and Linksys often support VPN clients.
Step 2: Upload PIA Configuration Files
Download PIA’s .ovpn configuration file from their website.
Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1).
Find the VPN Client section and upload the .ovpn file.
Enter your PIA username and password when prompted.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the VPN client status showing “Connected.”
Step 3: Assign Devices to the VPN Tunnel
Select which devices route through the VPN in your router settings.
Save changes and restart the router if needed.
✅ Result: Every connected device is now protected without installing apps individually.
💡 Conseil de pro : Upload both ca.crt and crl.pem files to your router’s config directory. These certificates are required for secure OpenVPN connections.
How to Use Private Internet Access Privacy Protection
Protection de la vie privée lets you enable the kill switch and MACE ad blocker together.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
See how Privacy Protection works:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Privacy Settings Panel
Click Settings in the PIA app, then go to the Privacy tab.
You’ll see options for Kill Switch and PIA MACE.
Step 2: Enable Kill Switch and MACE
Toggle on “VPN Kill Switch” to block traffic if the VPN drops.
Toggle on “PIA MACE” to block ads, trackers, and malware at DNS level.
For maximum security, also enable “Advanced Kill Switch.”
✓ Checkpoint: Both Kill Switch and MACE toggles should be green.
Step 3: Test Your Protection
Connect to a server and browse an ad-heavy website.
MACE should block most banner ads and pop-ups automatically.
Disconnect the VPN briefly to test that the kill switch blocks traffic.
✅ Result: Your connection is protected from leaks, ads, and tracking scripts.
💡 Conseil de pro : MACE is off by default. Turn it on in Settings > Privacy. It blocks ads better than most browser extensions since it works at the DNS level.
How to Use Private Internet Access DNS Leak Test
DNS Leak Test lets you verify that your real IP and DNS requests stay hidden.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
See how DNS Leak Test works:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Connect to a PIA Server
Open PIA and connect to any server location.
Make sure the VPN shows “Connected” status.
Step 2: Run a DNS Leak Test
Visit PIA’s DNS leak test page or use dnsleaktest.com.
Click “Extended Test” for a thorough check.
Wait for the results to load completely.
✓ Checkpoint: Results should show PIA’s DNS servers, not your ISP’s.
Step 3: Fix Any Detected Leaks
If leaks appear, go to Settings > Privacy and enable DNS Leak Protection.
Switch to PIA’s built-in DNS or set a custom DNS address.
Re-run the test to confirm the leak is fixed.
✅ Result: Your DNS requests are fully encrypted and hidden from your ISP.
💡 Conseil de pro : Run a DNS leak test every time you switch servers. Different server locations can sometimes behave differently with your network setup.
How to Use Private Internet Access Email Leak Test
Email Leak Test lets you check if your email address is exposed during VPN use.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
See how Email Leak Test works:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Connect to PIA First
Make sure your VPN is active before running any test.
Choose a server in your preferred location.
Step 2: Run the Email Leak Test
Use PIA’s email leak test tool on their website.
Follow the on-screen instructions to send a test email.
The tool checks if your email client reveals your real IP.
✓ Checkpoint: The test should confirm no email headers expose your IP address.
Step 3: Adjust Email Client Settings if Needed
If leaks are found, configure your email client to route through the VPN.
Consider using a privacy-focused email provider alongside PIA.
✅ Result: Your email communication no longer leaks your real IP address.
💡 Conseil de pro : Some email clients like Outlook embed your local IP in email headers. Always test after changing email providers or updating your client.
How to Use Private Internet Access Split Tunneling
Tunnelage fractionné lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
See how Split Tunneling works:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Split Tunneling Settings
Go to Settings in the PIA app.
Click on “Split Tunnel” on desktop or “Per App Settings” on Android.
Step 2: Choose Apps to Bypass the VPN
Add apps that should skip the VPN tunnel (like banking apps).
You can also add specific IP addresses or websites to bypass.
Choose between standard or inverse split tunneling mode.
✓ Checkpoint: Your selected apps should appear in the bypass list.
Step 3: Test Your Split Tunnel Setup
Open a bypassed app and check that it uses your real IP.
Open a VPN-routed app and confirm it uses the VPN IP.
✅ Result: You control exactly which traffic flows through the VPN.
💡 Conseil de pro : Use inverse split tunneling to route everything through the VPN by default. Then exclude only the apps that need your real IP, like banking or local streaming.
Private Internet Access Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing Private Internet Access for over two years, here are my best tips.
Raccourcis clavier
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Quick Connect/Disconnect | Click the power button or system tray icon |
| Change Server Location | Click the location name below the power button |
| Snooze VPN Temporarily | Use the Snooze timer in the main panel |
| Enable MACE Ad Blocker | Settings → Privacy → Toggle MACE on |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Automation Rules: Set PIA to auto-connect on public Wi-Fi networks and disconnect on your home network. Go to Settings → Automation.
- Multi-Hop via Shadowsocks: Route traffic through two servers for extra privacy. Enable it in Settings → Multi-Hop for a second layer of encryption.
- Redirection de ports : Open specific ports for gaming or hosting servers. Enable in Settings → Network → Port Forwarding. Only works on certain servers.
Private Internet Access Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Leaving MACE Turned Off
❌ Wrong: Using PIA without enabling MACE, leaving you exposed to ads and trackers.
✅ Right: Turn on MACE in Settings → Privacy right after installing. It blocks ads at the DNS level.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Protocol for Your Needs
❌ Wrong: Sticking with OpenVPN when you need faster speeds for streaming or gaming.
✅ Right: Switch to WireGuard for speed. Use OpenVPN for maximum security on sensitive tasks.
Mistake #3: Connecting to Distant Servers for No Reason
❌ Wrong: Picking a server on the other side of the world, then wondering why speeds are slow.
✅ Right: Connect to the nearest server for best speed. Only choose distant servers for geo-unblocking.
Private Internet Access Troubleshooting
Problem: VPN Won’t Connect
Cause: Your firewall, antivirus, or ISP may be blocking the VPN connection.
Réparer: Switch protocols from WireGuard to OpenVPN (or vice versa). Try changing the port. Disable your firewall temporarily to test. Reinstall the network adapter from PIA’s settings.
Problem: Slow Speeds While Connected
Cause: You’re connected to a distant or overcrowded server.
Réparer: Switch to WireGuard protocol for faster speeds. Connect to a nearby server. Try a different server in the same country. Check your base internet speed without the VPN.
Problem: Streaming Service Blocked
Cause: The streaming platform detected and blocked the VPN IP address.
Réparer: Connect to PIA’s streaming-specific servers if available. Try a different server in the same region. Clear your browser cookies and cache, then reconnect. Consider getting a dedicated IP.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Private Internet Access support. They offer 24/7 live chat assistance.
Qu'est-ce que l'accès Internet privé ?
Accès Internet privé is a VPN tool that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address.
Think of it like a private tunnel between your device and the internet. Nobody can see what’s inside.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Politique de non-conservation des journaux : PIA never records your browsing activity, verified by Deloitte audits.
- Adresse IP dédiée : Get a static IP address that only you use to avoid CAPTCHAs.
- Antivirus: Scan and protect your devices from malware and viruses.
- VPN Router: Protect every device on your network with one configuration.
- Protection de la vie privée : Kill switch and MACE ad blocker keep you safe at all times.
- DNS Leak Test: Verify your connection isn’t leaking data to your ISP.
- Email Leak Test: Check if your email client exposes your real IP address.
- Tunnelage fractionné : Choose which apps use the VPN and which bypass it.
For a full review, see our Private Internet Access review.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what Private Internet Access costs in 2026:
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | 2,03 $/mois | Best value for long-term users who want maximum savings |
| 6 mois | 7,50 $/mois | Mid-term users who want flexibility without monthly billing |
| 1 mois | 11,99 $/mois | Short-term users or those wanting to test PIA first |
Essai gratuit : PIA offers a 7-day free trial on mobile apps.
Garantie de remboursement : Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
💰 Best Value: 2 Years + 4 Months plan — You save over 80% compared to the monthly price and get the same features on every plan.
Private Internet Access vs Alternatives
How does Private Internet Access compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
Watch this comparison:
Here’s how PIA stacks up against the competition:
| Outil | Idéal pour | Prix | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accès Internet privé | Budget privacy with unlimited devices | $2.03/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| NordVPN | Overall security and speed | $2.99/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| ExpressVPN | Fastest speeds and streaming | $2.44/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| PureVPN | Affordable multi-year plans | $2.15/mo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Surfshark | Cheapest long-term VPN option | $1.99/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| ProtonVPN | Privacy-focused free tier | $0.00/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| CyberGhost | Streaming and 45-day guarantee | $2.03/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| VPN AdGuard | Built-in ad blocking | $2.40/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: NordVPN — Top speeds, strong security, and great streaming support.
- Best budget: Surfshark — Cheapest long-term plan at $1.99/month with unlimited devices.
- Best for beginners: ExpressVPN — Simplest interface with one-click connect.
- Best for privacy: ProtonVPN — Swiss jurisdiction with a free tier and audited no-logs policy.
🎯 Private Internet Access Alternatives
Looking for Private Internet Access alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 NordVPN : Fastest server network with 6,400+ servers and advanced threat protection. Great for streaming and torrenting.
- ⚡ ExpressVPN : Premium speeds with servers in 105 countries. Best-in-class apps for every platform including routers.
- 💰 PureVPN : Budget-friendly plans starting at $2.15/month with strong DNS leak protection and a dedicated IP option.
- 🌟 SurfsharkVPN : Unlimited device connections at the lowest long-term price. Includes antivirus and data breach alerts.
- 🔒 ProtonVPN : Swiss-based privacy champion with a generous free tier. Open-source apps and Secure Core servers.
- 🎨 PrivadoVPN: Free plan with 10GB monthly data and servers in 12 countries. Simple and clean interface for casual users.
- 🧠 VPN AdGuard : Best for users who want VPN and ad blocking in one app. Lightweight and fast with a unique protocol.
- 🔧 Bouclier virtuel: US-based VPN with easy setup and focus on streaming. Good for beginners who want simple protection.
- ⭐ StrongVPN: Reliable connections with WireGuard support. Owned by the same company as SugarSync cloud storage.
- 🔥 FastestVPN: Lifetime plan available at an extremely low one-time cost. Covers 10 devices with decent global coverage.
- 🏢 AuraVPN: Part of Aura’s digital security suite. Bundles identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and VPN together.
- 👶 CyberGhost : Beginner-friendly with a 45-day money-back guarantee. Pre-configured profiles for streaming and torrenting.
- 💼 McAfee VPN : Built into McAfee’s antivirus suite. Best for users who already have McAfee security installed.
- 🎯 Mysterium: Decentralized VPN powered by a peer-to-peer network. Pay only for what you use with crypto payments.
- 📊 SafeShell VPN: Focused on bypassing geo-restrictions with smart routing. Good for accessing region-locked content.
- 🛡️ VPN Oyster : Newer VPN provider with competitive pricing and a no-logs policy. Growing server network across multiple regions.
For the full list, see our Alternatives à l'accès privé à Internet guide.
⚔️ Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against each competitor:
- Private Internet Access contre NordVPN: NordVPN wins on speed and streaming. PIA wins on price and unlimited device connections.
- Private Internet Access contre ExpressVPN : ExpressVPN has faster speeds and better apps. PIA costs less and offers more customization.
- Private Internet Access vs PureVPN: Both are budget-friendly. PIA has a stronger no-logs audit record. PureVPN has more server locations.
- Private Internet Access vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is slightly cheaper. PIA has more advanced features like port forwarding and multi-hop.
- Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers a free tier and Swiss privacy. PIA is cheaper on paid plans with more servers.
- Private Internet Access vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN has a free plan. PIA offers far more features, servers, and better speeds on paid plans.
- Private Internet Access contre AdGuard VPN : AdGuard focuses on ad blocking. PIA provides a fuller VPN experience with MACE built in.
- Private Internet Access vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield is simpler. PIA gives power users more control over encryption and protocols.
- Private Internet Access contre StrongVPN : Both support WireGuard. PIA has a bigger server network and lower long-term pricing.
- Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN’s lifetime plan is unique. PIA has better apps, audits, and overall reliability.
- Private Internet Access contre AuraVPN : Aura bundles identity protection. PIA is a better standalone VPN with more advanced features.
- Private Internet Access contre CyberGhost : CyberGhost has a 45-day guarantee and easy streaming profiles. PIA offers deeper customization.
- Private Internet Access contre McAfee VPN : McAfee VPN works best inside their antivirus suite. PIA is a better standalone VPN by far.
- Accès Internet privé vs Mysterium: Mysterium is decentralized and pay-per-use. PIA is more reliable with consistent speeds and support.
- Private Internet Access vs SafeShell VPN: SafeShell focuses on geo-unblocking. PIA is more established with better privacy credentials.
- Private Internet Access vs Oyster VPN: Oyster is newer with less track record. PIA has years of audits and proven court-tested no-logs.
Start Using Private Internet Access Now
You learned how to use every major Private Internet Access feature:
- ✅ No Logs Policy
- ✅ Dedicated IP
- ✅ Antivirus
- ✅ VPN Router
- ✅ Privacy Protection
- ✅ DNS Leak Test
- ✅ Email Leak Test
- ✅ Split Tunneling
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Privacy Protection.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Foire aux questions
What can I do with Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and protects you on public Wi-Fi. You can use it to access content from 91+ countries, block ads with MACE, and keep your browsing private from your ISP and third parties.
Is Private Internet Access easy to use?
Yes. PIA has a simple interface with a one-click connect button. The app works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can customize settings if you want, but the defaults work well for most users right out of the box.
How do I setup Private Internet Access?
Sign up on the PIA website, download the app for your device, install it, and log in with your credentials. Click the power button to connect. The entire process takes about 3 minutes from start to finish.
How do I know if my PIA VPN is working?
Check the PIA app — it shows “Connected” with a green indicator when active. You can also visit ipleak.net to confirm your IP address matches the VPN server location. Run a DNS leak test to make sure no data is leaking outside the tunnel.
How much does PIA VPN cost?
PIA costs $2.03/month on the 2-year + 4 months plan, $7.50/month on the 6-month plan, or $11.99 for a single month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and include the same features with unlimited device connections.
How to use PIA VPN on Android?
Download the PIA app from the Google Play Store or PIA’s website. Log in, tap the power button to connect, and you’re protected. You can access split tunneling under “Per App Settings” and enable the kill switch in Settings.
How to use PIA VPN on iPhone?
Get PIA from the App Store, sign in, and tap connect. The iOS app supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. It also has a built-in kill switch and Siri shortcuts for hands-free VPN control.
Is Private Internet Access VPN worth it?
Yes. PIA offers unlimited device connections, servers in 91+ countries, a verified no-logs policy, and advanced features like split tunneling and MACE. At $2.03/month on the long-term plan, it’s one of the best value VPNs available.
Is there a free version of Private Internet Access?
PIA doesn’t offer a permanent free plan. However, you can try it risk-free with a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you’re not satisfied, you get a full refund.
How to use PIA on TV?
You can use PIA on smart TVs by setting it up on your router. PIA also has a native app for Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. For other smart TVs, use PIA’s Smart DNS feature to unblock content without a full VPN connection.
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