This tutorial walks you through setting up an L2TP/IPSec VPN connection on your Chromebook. While ChromeOS has built-in VPN support, we strongly recommend considering more secure alternatives for better protection.
Security Warning
L2TP/IPSec has known security limitations:
- Potentially compromised by NSA (Snowden revelations)
- Slower than modern protocols due to double encapsulation
- Can be blocked by some firewalls
Recommended: Use the TorGuard Android app on Chromebooks with Play Store support for OpenVPN or WireGuard.
Prerequisites
- Chromebook with ChromeOS version 43 or higher
- Active TorGuard VPN subscription
- Your TorGuard VPN username and password
- Access to TorGuard server list
- Administrator access to your Chromebook (if managed)
Modern Alternatives for Chromebook
Better Options Available
| Method | Security | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Android App (Play Store) | Excellent | Fast |
| OpenVPN (Chrome Extension) | Excellent | Good |
| L2TP/IPSec (Built-in) | Moderate | Moderate |
Step-by-Step L2TP/IPSec Configuration
Step 1: Access ChromeOS Settings
If you haven't already, sign in to your Chromebook. Click the status area at the bottom-right of your screen where your account picture is located.
Quick Access: You can also press Alt + Shift + S to open Settings directly.
Step 2: Navigate to Network Settings
- Click Settings (gear icon)
- In the left sidebar, click Network
- Look for the "Network" section
Step 3: Add VPN Connection
- Click Add connection
- Select Add built-in VPN or Add private network
Step 4: Configure VPN Details
In the configuration dialog, enter the following information:
Connection Settings:
- Connection name: TorGuard L2TP (or any name you prefer)
- Provider type: L2TP/IPSec + Pre-shared key
-
Server hostname: Choose a server from your TorGuard server list
Example:
us-la.torguard.orgor use the IP address -
Pre-shared key:
torguard⚠️ This is the standard PSK for all TorGuard L2TP connections - Username: Your TorGuard VPN username
- Password: Your TorGuard VPN password
Step 5: Connect to VPN
Click Connect to establish the VPN connection. The VPN status will appear in your network menu.
Verification
Verify Your Connection
- Look for the VPN icon in your status area
- Visit TorGuard's IP check to confirm your IP has changed
- Check for DNS leaks at DNSLeakTest.com
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Connection fails immediately | Verify pre-shared key is exactly "torguard" (lowercase) |
| Authentication error | Check VPN credentials (not your account login) |
| Connection timeouts | Try different server; check if L2TP is blocked |
| Slow speeds | L2TP overhead is normal; consider using Android app |
| Managed device restrictions | Contact your administrator for VPN permissions |
ChromeOS-Specific Considerations
Platform Limitations
- No OpenVPN support: ChromeOS doesn't natively support OpenVPN protocol
- Limited protocols: Only L2TP/IPSec and OpenVPN via Android apps
- Certificate handling: More complex than other platforms
- Split tunneling: Not available with built-in VPN
Using Android Apps on Chromebook
Most modern Chromebooks support Android apps, providing access to better VPN protocols:
- Check compatibility: Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store
- Enable Play Store: Turn on if not already enabled
- Install TorGuard app: Search for "TorGuard VPN" in Play Store
- Configure: Use OpenVPN or WireGuard for better security
Android App Benefits
- Access to modern protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard)
- Better performance and security
- Kill switch functionality
- Easy server switching
- No manual configuration needed
Security Best Practices
- Always verify VPN connection before accessing sensitive data
- Use incognito mode for additional privacy
- Enable "Always use secure connections" in Chrome settings
- Consider using TorGuard's DNS servers for complete protection
- Regularly update ChromeOS for security patches
Alternative: Linux Container VPN
For advanced users, you can set up VPN in Linux (Crostini) container:
# Enable Linux container in Settings
# Install OpenVPN in terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openvpn
# Configure with TorGuard config filesFor additional support with Chromebook VPN setup or to explore better alternatives, please contact our support team.