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Wireguard VPN

WireGuard is a tool that helps you connect to our home network from anywhere in the world, as if you were right at home. It's called a VPN (Virtual Private Network), and in simple terms, it allows you to create a secure tunnel between your device (like your phone, tablet, or laptop) and our home network. Once connected with WireGuard, you can access our private services, such as the media servers (Plex, Jellyseerr) or the Snikket messaging platform, just like you would if you were here locally.

Why Do We Need WireGuard?

WireGuard is important because most of the services we run are hosted within the home network and are not open to the public internet, for security and privacy reasons. By using WireGuard, we let you connect to our network securely, no matter where you are. This makes it possible for you to access these things safely while you’re on the go—whether you’re at a friend’s house, traveling, or even using public Wi-Fi.

For example, maybe you're away from home, but you want to stream a movie from Plex or request a new show on Jellyseerr. Without WireGuard, you wouldn't be able to access these services because they're locked behind our home network. With WireGuard, it's as if you're expanding the reach of our home network to wherever you are, giving you total access while keeping everything safe.

How Does It Work?

Even though WireGuard uses complex technology behind the scenes, it’s very simple for you as a user. You only need to install the WireGuard app on your device and use the connection details we provide. When you connect, it creates a secure pathway directly from your device to our home network. This pathway is encrypted, which means no one else (like hackers or unauthorized users) can see what you’re doing or listen in.

In simpler terms, imagine you’re crossing a bridge to reach our network, and that bridge is wrapped with layers of protection that keep you and your activities hidden from the outside world. It’s fast, lightweight, and designed to be extremely simple to use.

Is WireGuard Safe? Should I Trust It?

Absolutely, you should trust WireGuard. Not only is WireGuard designed with security in mind, but it's also widely trusted by technology experts around the world for its simplicity and strong encryption. The technology it uses ensures that your connection to our network remains private and secure. WireGuard has been reviewed and tested by security professionals, and it has quickly become one of the most reliable choices for VPN services.

In short, WireGuard gives you all the privacy and security you need, without the unnecessary complexity. It's fast, secure, and easy to use, so you can feel confident that your connection is fully protected when accessing our services remotely.

Installation and Setup

How to Install WireGuard on Windows 10/11

Installing WireGuard on your Windows 10 or 11 computer is a simple process. Follow the steps below to get everything set up for secure and private access to the home network. Once installed, you'll be able to connect to our self-hosted services easily, no matter where you are!

Step 1: Download WireGuard for Windows

  1. Open your web browser and go to the official WireGuard website (https://www.wireguard.com/install/).
  2. Scroll down to the section labeled Windows Installer.
  3. Click the Download Installer button for Windows. This will begin downloading the installer (.exe file) to your computer.

Step 2: Install WireGuard

  1. Once the download completes, find the installer (.exe file) in your browser's download list or in your computer's "Downloads" folder and double-click it to run the installer.

  2. The User Account Control (UAC) window may pop up asking if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click Yes to proceed.

  3. The WireGuard setup window will appear. It’s a simple installation process—just follow the on-screen instructions:

  4. Click Next to continue.
  5. You will be asked to accept the license agreement. Read through it (or simply click I Agree if you trust the source) and move forward.

  6. Click Install to begin the installation.

  7. Once the installation completes, click Finish. WireGuard is now installed on your PC.

Step 3: Add Your WireGuard Configuration

After installing the app, you need to load the specific WireGuard connection configuration we've created for accessing our home network. I will provide you with this file—it will be a .conf file (or a QR code if you prefer).

  1. Open the WireGuard application by searching for "WireGuard" in your Start Menu or by finding the WireGuard shortcut on your desktop.

  2. In the WireGuard app, click the + button at the top left and choose one of the following options:

  3. Import from File: If I've sent you a .conf file, select this option to import the configuration.

  4. Scan QR Code: If I provided a QR code, use this option to scan it (you’ll need a camera attached to your PC, or you can alternatively scan it using the mobile version of WireGuard).

  5. Once the file is imported or the QR code is scanned, you’ll see a new connection in the WireGuard app. You can name the connection something memorable like "Home VPN".

Step 4: Connect to the VPN

  1. To connect, simply click the Activate button next to the connection you’ve just added in the WireGuard app.

  2. Your status will change to "Active," and from now on, your computer will be securely connected to the home network. You should be able to access all the services (such as Plex, Jellyseerr, Snikket, etc.) as if you were physically at home.

  3. When you're finished using the VPN, open the WireGuard app again and click Deactivate to disconnect.

Step 5: Set Up Auto-Connect (Optional)

If you’d like WireGuard to automatically connect each time you start your computer (or when you’re outside the home), follow these steps:

  1. In the WireGuard app, right-click your VPN connection and choose Edit Tunnel.
  2. Find the option labeled AllowedIPs in the configuration file.
  3. To prevent the VPN from switching on when you’re at home, you can configure it to connect only when you’re on untrusted networks. We generally recommend getting in touch if you'd like specific help with auto-connect settings!

Troubleshooting & Support

If you run into any issues with installation or connecting, feel free to reach out. Some common problems may include firewall restrictions or conflicting network settings, but we will help troubleshoot and resolve any problems.

And that's it! You're now ready to securely connect to our network using WireGuard on your Windows 10 or 11 computer. 🛡️

How to Install WireGuard on Android and iPhone

Installing and using WireGuard on your mobile device is easy! Mobile VPN access allows you to securely connect to our home network and access services such as Plex, Snikket, and others, all from your phone—no matter where you are.

Follow these simple steps to install WireGuard and connect on either Android or iPhone.

Android Installation

Step 1: Download WireGuard from the Play Store

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
  2. In the search bar, type "WireGuard" and press Enter.
  3. Find the app from developer WireGuard Development Team and press Install.
  4. Once the installation is complete, tap Open to launch the app.

Step 2: Add Your VPN Configuration

I will provide you with your unique WireGuard configuration (either a .conf file or a QR code).

  1. Once the app is open, tap the red + icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  2. You now have two options based on what I’ve provided you:
  3. Scan from QR Code: If I've given you a QR code, this is the easiest option. Tap this and allow the app to use your camera. Point your camera at the QR code to scan it.

  4. Import from File or Archive: If I sent you a .conf file, select this and find the configuration file on your phone.

  5. After scanning or importing the configuration, you can optionally name the connection something you’ll recognize, like "Home VPN."

Step 3: Connect to the VPN

  1. In the WireGuard app, you'll now see the newly added VPN tunnel.
  2. Simply toggle the switch next to the VPN configuration to ON to connect to the home network.

Once connected, you’ll be able to use all the private services as though you're connected to the home network.

Step 4: Disconnecting

To disconnect from the VPN, go back into the WireGuard app and toggle the switch next to the connection to OFF.

iPhone (iOS) Installation

Step 1: Download WireGuard from the App Store

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
  2. In the search bar, type "WireGuard" and press Search.
  3. Find the app from developer WireGuard Development Team and press Get to download and install the app.
  4. Once installation is complete, tap Open to launch the app.

Step 2: Add Your VPN Configuration

You should have received your WireGuard configuration from me (either a .conf file or a QR code).

  1. Inside the app, tap the + icon at the top-right corner.
  2. Just like on Android, you can choose one of two options:
  3. Create from QR Code: If I gave you a QR code, choose this option and let WireGuard use your iPhone’s camera. Point your camera at the QR code to scan.

  4. Create from File or Archive: If I provided you with a .conf file, you’ll need to import it from your Files app or another location where you’ve saved it.

  5. After importing or scanning the configuration, you can choose to give the connection a name like "Home VPN."

Step 3: Connect to the VPN

  1. In the WireGuard app, you should now see the new VPN profile.
  2. Tap the switch next to the VPN configuration to connect. When it's connected, the switch will turn green.

While connected, all your internet traffic will securely flow through our home network, and you'll be able to access all our private services.

Step 4: Disconnecting

To disconnect from the VPN, just open the WireGuard app and tap the switch next to the connection again. It will turn gray when disconnected.

Troubleshooting & Support

Common Issues: - If you're having trouble connecting, make sure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). - Ensure that you're using the correct .conf file or QR code I provided. Incorrect configurations can prevent the connection from working. - If prompted to approve "Add VPN Configurations" to your device during setup, always click "Allow."

If you run into any other issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me. I'll be happy to help you troubleshoot.

And that's it! With WireGuard installed, you can securely access our home network and services on the go, whether you're using an Android smartphone or an iPhone. 🌍📲

If you're using an operating system other than Windows, Android, or iPhone—such as Linux—please refer to your specific distribution’s documentation on how to install a WireGuard client. Most Linux distributions offer simple installation methods through their package managers (like apt, dnf, or pacman). WireGuard is well-supported across various platforms, so you should be able to get it running quickly. If you need any help, feel free to reach out, and I’ll do my best to assist you!

The Configuration Files / QR Codes

Once you have WireGuard installed on your device, you'll need to set up the connection using a configuration file or a QR code. These contain all the necessary settings to securely connect your device to our home network. I will provide you with both options—either a .conf file or a QR code for easy setup.

  • The configuration file (.conf) holds specific details like server addresses, keys, and security settings that tell WireGuard how to connect to our network. If you're using a desktop or laptop, you can easily import this file into the WireGuard app.

  • The QR code is just a faster, more convenient way to input the same information. It's perfect for mobile devices, where scanning the QR code through the WireGuard app will instantly load all the settings without the need to manually import a file.

Both of these options are entirely secure, and once you've added either one to the app, connecting to the VPN will be as simple as flipping a switch!