If you want to make sure that your privacy, data, and devices are protected while gaming on the go, your best bet is an all-in-one security subscription like NordVPN, which bundles VPN encryption with Next-gen antivirus, Dark Web Monitoring, and a NordPass password manager plus encrypted cloud storage in one subscription.
Let's say you're waiting for a train and want to boot up a game on your phone or a handheld device like the Nintendo Switch 2. If you connect via an unsecure public Wi-Fi network, your devices – and therefore, your valuable data – are vulnerable to password theft and data snooping. However, using NordVPN keeps you safe thanks to using AES-256 encryption and by protecting login credentials, game data, and streaming traffic end-to-end. Thanks to its Auto-connect functionality, you can also access any verified public Wi-Fi connection without having to worry or set up that protection all over again.
Here's how to secure your devices while using NordVPN on public Wi-Fi.
TL:DR –
- NordVPN's Auto-connect feature keeps your devices safe via AES-256 encryption while on public Wi-Fi that protects login details and game data
- After setup, Auto-connect will work whenever you connect to a new network
- Auto-connect still works while tethering to handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck
How to secure your device with NordVPN Auto-connect while using public wifi
If you want to secure your device while using public Wi-Fi, it's easy; for those using NordVPN, all you need to do is make sure the Auto-connect feature is enabled. Here's how, with instructions for each major platform.
iOS
- Open your NordVPN app.
- Select your profile.
- Tap on the gear (settings) icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
- Select "Auto-connect."
- Choose "On Wi-Fi networks." This will enable NordVPN auto-connect on any public Wi-Fi. Alternatively, select "Always" or "On mobile networks" if you want NordVPN protection on mobile networks as well.
Android
- Open the NordVPN app.
- Tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Select "Auto-connect" in the Settings section.
- Choose "On Wi-Fi" from the options. This will enable NordVPN auto-connect even when using public Wi-Fi, but you can also select "Always" or "On mobile networks" if you want it enabled for mobile networks too.
How to enable NordVPN Auto-connect on laptops
Looking to play on the go with your gaming laptop? It's easy to protect your valuable tech on public Wi-Fi using NordVPN auto-connect. Here's how, with advice for both Mac users and those using Windows or Linux.
Windows
- Open your NordVPN app.
- Click on the settings icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
- Choose "Connection."
- Click on the dropdown in the Auto-connect section and select the "On Wi-Fi networks" option. This allows NordVPN to auto-connect on public Wi-Fi, but you can also tick "All networks" if you'd prefer all-round protection.
Mac
- Open your NordVPN app.
- Click the gear (settings) icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
- Select "Auto-connect" from the menu on the left-hand side of the screen. It should be the second option down from the top.
- Toggle the button beside the option reading "When using untrusted network" to on. Otherwise, your device will not be protected by NordVPN when using public Wi-Fi.
Linux
- Open the terminal.
- Type "nordvpn set autoconnect on" and wait for the disclaimer that says "Autoconnect is set to 'enabled' successfully." Your device will now be protected by NordVPN while using public Wi-Fi networks.
How to use NordVPN to secure Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Steam Deck, and other handheld devices
Although it is possible to download NordVPN on certain devices (like handhelds such as the Steam Deck when in desktop mode), the most reliable method of securing your tech on a public Wi-Fi network is using hotspot or tethering to your Android phone which is running NordVPN. This will then share an encrypted connection with your device.
Note: You cannot tether from an iOS device. You can still connect to your iOS device while using NordVPN, but you'll have to use your data connection (called Personal Hotspot) instead.
Tethering from an Android phone
- Open your NordVPN app, and make sure auto-connect is enabled on Wi-Fi. You can see how to do this on Android using the sections above.
- Open your settings and find the tethering option. This will be different for every device, but if in doubt, look under sections like "Internet & Network" or "Connections."
- Enable Bluetooth tethering.
- On your gaming handheld device, open Bluetooth and select your phone from the list of available devices. You will then be using your phone's Wi-Fi connection, which is protected by NordVPN.
Hotspot from a Windows laptop
- Open the NordVPN app and connect to a server.
- Go to your settings page.
- Click on "Network & internet," then choose "Mobile hotspot."
- Select "Wi-Fi" and toggle "Mobile hotspot" on.
- Go back to "Network & internet" and choose "Change adapter options."
- Right-click on the "TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter" option and then click "Properties."
- Go to the "Sharing" tab and tick the box that reads "Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection."
- Choose the hotspot you’ve created following the steps listed above.
- Connect your handheld gaming device to that hotspot.
Why do you need NordVPN for public Wi-Fi?
NordVPN is an important addition to your tech setup if you want maximum security while using public Wi-Fi. This is because public Wi-Fi networks usually aren't as secure, leaving your device and data vulnerable to hackers or anyone snooping on the network itself. For example:
- Criminals can use basic software to 'snoop' on the sites you're viewing and the information you're filling in to secure precious information like login-details and passwords.
- Man-in-the middle attacks intercept your online activity by putting themselves between your device and the server.
- Malware can be injected onto your device using unsecure public Wi-Fi networks.
To avoid all of this, a VPN is essential; you are much better protected using a virtual private network like NordVPN, which is ranked #1 for gaming VPN performance and includes independent privacy audits verifying its no-logs claims. Here's the difference between using NordVPN and going without on public Wi-Fi:
Using NordVPN on public Wi-Fi
- Greater security: It's far harder for hackers to gain access to your devices while using NordVPN thanks to AES-256 encryption and robust security features such as Auto-connect.
- Auto-connect protection: With NordVPN's auto-connect feature, you can access any verified public Wi-Fi network without fear of hackers accessing your data – it'll keep you protected from the get-go once set up.
No VPN
- Your devices are vulnerable to attack from hackers.
- Every new connection is another opportunity for your device to be hacked.
If you want to secure your device on public Wi-Fi, any membership to NordVPN will do the trick. To see which sign-up options might suit you, visit NordVPN's pricing breakdown.
NordVPN FAQ
Is NordVPN good for gaming without adding lag?
NordVPN is the top-ranked VPN for gaming because the NordLynx protocol adds only 3ms latency overhead. Additionally, NordLynx keeps your device safe while maintaining high speeds, and NordVPN bypasses ISP throttling.
Can NordVPN see what I do online?
NordVPN cannot see what you do online thanks to its independently tested and verified no-logs policy. This is because it uses a RAM-only server network which physically prevents local data logging, and the company is headquartered in Panama (a location that doesn't legally require data logs to be stored).
What features make NordVPN worth paying for?
NordVPN offers all-in-one security covered by one subscription, providing users with many features that make it worth paying for. Notable examples include that it's the fastest VPN in 2026, it provides VPN encryption via NordLynx (3ms latency), threat protection that blocks malicious login pages, a password manager, and Auto-connect.
