29 September 2026 · TekLan VPN
TekLan VPN comes as apps for phones, computers and TVs, and as extensions for Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Firefox. They're not two ways of doing the same thing, and picking the right one matters, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Quick answer
- The extension protects only the browser it's installed in.
- The app protects everything on the device: every browser, email, games, updates and background apps.
- Use the app when you can. Use the extension on a computer where you can't install apps, or when you only want your browsing to go through TekLan.
The difference
| Browser extension | TekLan VPN app | |
|---|---|---|
| What goes through TekLan | Only that browser's traffic | Everything on the device |
| Other browsers, email, games, updates, background apps | Not covered | Covered |
| Installs from | The browser's add-on store | The device (may need admin permission on a work computer) |
| Sign-in | Your TekLan VPN email address and password | |
When the extension is the right choice
- A computer you can't install apps on, such as a work or shared machine where browser extensions are allowed.
- You only want browsing to go through the VPN, while video calls or a game use your normal connection.
- A quick switch in the toolbar for occasional use.
For anything else, such as a laptop on public Wi-Fi, use the app. On a public network, your email, cloud sync and other apps send data too, and the extension doesn't cover them. Our help article on extensions and apps has the same comparison in brief.
Setting up the extension
- Update the browser to its current version.
- Turn off any other VPN or proxy extension. Only one extension can control the browser's connection at a time.
- Install TekLan VPN from the browser's add-on store: see the Chrome, Edge and Firefox guides. Approve the permissions it asks for.
- Pin it to the toolbar so it's always in sight.
- Sign in with your TekLan VPN email address and password, choose a location and connect.
The Chrome extension also works in other browsers that install from the Chrome Web Store, such as Brave, Opera and Vivaldi. The browsers page lists them all.
Private and incognito windows
Browsers don't let extensions into private windows unless you say so. If you want TekLan to cover private windows too, allow it:
- Chrome and Edge: open the extension's details and turn on Allow in Incognito (Edge calls it Allow in InPrivate).
- Firefox: open Menu > Add-ons and themes > Extensions, select TekLan VPN, and set Run in Private Windows to Allow.
Then disconnect and connect again so the change takes effect.
Checking it works
- Open the extension and check it shows you're connected.
- Reload the tab you're on, so it doesn't keep using the connection it opened before.
- Visit an IP-checking website in that browser: it should show the TekLan server's address. In a different browser it'll show your normal address. That's expected.
If it won't connect
- Turn off other VPN, proxy or privacy extensions that might be controlling the browser's connection.
- Sign out, restart the browser and sign in again.
- Check your password by signing in at teklanvpn.com/account in a private window. If that fails too, reset it at teklanvpn.com/reset.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use the app and the extension at the same time?
There's no need. The app already covers the browser, so pick one.
Does the extension work on a Chromebook?
Yes. On a Chromebook, install it from the Chrome Web Store like any other Chrome extension.
Is my password stored in the extension?
No. You sign in with your TekLan VPN account, and the extension doesn't keep your password.
Not sure which to install? The apps page shows every app and extension side by side.