L2TP/IPsec is built into Windows, macOS and iPhone/iPad, so no extra app is needed there. On Android, availability depends on the version. That makes it the easiest free VPN to set up on a work computer, an older device, or anywhere you cannot install software.
What you need
When you create an L2TP configuration you get four details:
- Server address (a host name such as
het-de1.worldvpn.cc) - Pre-shared key (PSK) — sometimes called IPsec secret or shared secret
- Username
- Password
Quick setup
- Windows 10 / 11: Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → Add VPN. Choose L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key, enter the server, key, username and password.
- iPhone / iPad: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → VPN → Add VPN Configuration → Type L2TP.
- macOS: System Settings → VPN → Add VPN Configuration → L2TP over IPSec.
- Android: Settings → Network → VPN → + → type L2TP/IPSec PSK (on newer Android versions L2TP may be missing — use WireGuard or V2Ray instead).
Step-by-step instructions for each system are in the setup guides on this page.
Good to know
- L2TP uses UDP ports 500, 4500 and 1701. If your network blocks them, the connection will hang at "connecting" — try V2Ray, which runs on port 443, or SSTP, which runs over TCP.
- The configuration expires automatically; create a new one from your dashboard when it ends.