How to Install Forest VPN on Chrome: Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered how a single click can cloak your browsing like a secret agent? In Chrome, a VPN extension is your digital cloak of invisibility. We’ll walk through installing Forest VPN, the most user‑friendly choice. You’ll see how to grant permissions, pick a plan, and stay protected. Ready to dive in? Let’s get the extension into your browser.

First, open Chrome and head to the Web Store. Type “Forest VPN” into the search bar, click the result that pops up, and hit the “Add to Chrome” button. A pop‑up will ask you to confirm—just click “Add extension.”

A permission dialog will appear, asking for location, network, and data access. Read each request carefully; Forest VPN needs only location to pick the best server. If you click “Allow,” the extension installs instantly. If you click “Block,” you’ll need to revisit the extension settings later.

Click the Forest VPN icon on the toolbar. Pick the free plan for a quick start or tap “Upgrade” for premium features. Enter your email and payment details if you choose paid. Once verified, click “Connect” to activate the VPN. A green lock icon will appear, indicating a secure tunnel.

Some networks block extension installs, forcing you to use the desktop app. If you see a “Permission denied” error, restart Chrome and try again. Make sure you’re on the latest Chrome version; older builds may reject new extensions. Blocked extensions can also be a sign of corporate policy—check with IT.

Disable unrelated extensions to reduce memory usage and speed up Chrome. Choose a server close to your location for lower latency. Use the “Smart Connect” feature to let Forest VPN pick the fastest route. Enable the “Split tunneling” option to keep certain sites unencrypted if needed. Regularly clear your browser cache to prevent old data from leaking.

With the VPN set up, you’re ready to explore the next section on privacy best practices.

Brave’s Built‑In VPN

Brave’s native VPN is just a toggle in the settings menu. It encrypts traffic on the client side, so your ISP sees only encrypted packets. The interface is minimal—no server lists, no extra bandwidth tracking. That simplicity means you get a fast connection but lose fine‑grained control over server location. Users who need a specific region or advanced DNS settings might find the built‑in option a bit too plain.

Edge + Forest VPN Extension

Microsoft Edge offers a streamlined path to add a VPN via the Add‑ons store. Forest VPN’s extension is lightweight, with a clear icon and a single‑click connect button. The extension logs connection times, server health, and even warns you of DNS leaks. Unlike Brave’s toggle, you can pick from multiple data centers—US, EU, Asia—right from the toolbar. Performance stays close to native, with only a 5‑10 % overhead, which is negligible for most browsing tasks.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Here’s a quick table to compare the two approaches:

The interface differences are subtle but noticeable.

How to Activate and Test

1. Brave – Open Settings → Privacy → Brave VPN → toggle on. Then visit https://www.iplocation.net to confirm your IP changes. If the page shows your new location, you’re good.
2. Edge – Go to the Add‑ons store, search for Forest VPN, click Add. Once installed, click the icon, choose a server, and hit Connect. Test the same IP‑check site. A quick speed test at speedtest.net will show the minor latency increase.

Browser‑Specific Tweaks

Edge users should disable the built‑in Microsoft Defender SmartScreen if they want to avoid double‑inspection of traffic, which can slow down the VPN. Brave users can enable the “Block third‑party cookies” setting for tighter privacy, but remember it may break some sites. In both browsers, keep the VPN icon visible in the toolbar; this reminds you that the tunnel is active and keeps your data from leaking when you close tabs. Remember, disabling extensions that interfere with HTTPS traffic can keep the VPN effective.

With these steps, you’ll have a fortified browser ready for any online adventure.