Apple TV not working with a VPN? Here’s what to do

Apple TV not working with a VPN? You’ll either need a native tvOS VPN app (some providers now offer one) or a workaround. Sideloading or sharing a VPN connection is possible, but users often experience a blocked IP address, incorrect VPN settings, or VPN detections that lead to streaming blocks. The good news? We’ve explained how to set up a VPN on Apple TV to watch regional libraries.

Choosing an Apple TV VPN that offers a tvOS VPN app makes life simpler. However, we’ll also cover router VPN setups, SmartDNS, and how to install VPN connections via a laptop or router when a native app isn’t available. This ensures that you can set up a VPN on Apple TV, regardless of the model.

Not all VPNs are suitable for Apple TV streaming – many are too slow or lack the right features. To help you out, we recommend fast VPNs for Apple TV that prioritize privacy and online security.

Keep reading to find the best VPN for Apple TV streaming and to set up a VPN to unblock geo-restricted content.

What is Apple TV VPN?

A VPN is an online privacy tool that lets you access your usual streaming libraries while travelling. The encryption a VPN provides prevents third parties from easily seeing your traffic, so you can stream privately.

The best VPNs spoof your IP address to another country or state, letting you bypass geo-blocks to watch services like BBC iPlayer or avoid blackout restrictions on live sports.

When used with Apple TV (via a native tvOS app, SmartDNS, or a router VPN), a VPN encrypts your connection and masks your IP address, making it much harder for ISPs, local networks, or government snoops to track what you’re watching.

More specifically, an Apple TV VPN is a provider that offers compatible tvOS apps or alternative setup options such as SmartDNS, router compatibility, or sharing your connection via a VPN-protected hotspot.

Do all VPNs work with Apple TV?

Not all VPNs are suitable for Apple TV. Some VPNs are too slow, while others lack privacy features or servers that work to access streaming providers. A fast VPN unblocks regional content, lets you watch blackout games, and loads geo-restricted video libraries without buffering.

The best VPNs for Apple TV also offer privacy and security, AES-256 encryption, no activity logs, a money-back guarantee, dedicated IP options, and practical extras like 10 simultaneous connections.

Whether you need a Netflix VPN or want to stream Amazon Prime USA, Disney+, or other region-locked services on Apple TV, this guide provides all the setup options and troubleshooting steps needed to get Apple TV streaming regional content. We’ll even show how to check your IP address to avoid location mismatches.

Why is Apple TV not working with VPN?

There are dozens of consumer VPNs on the market, and they’re not all created equal. Some VPNs lack a native tvOS app, while others don’t offer the servers or protocols needed to unblock regional TV services.

If you’re subscribed to a slow VPN, you’ll need to switch to a provider that offers streaming-optimised servers.

If your Apple TV won’t work with a VPN, it’s usually one of a few things: the model lacks a native VPN app, the server you picked is blocked, your VPN settings are wrong, the Apple TV software is out of date, or your Apple TV model has hardware or software limitations. In this guide, you’ll find fixes for each.

Remember: Our troubleshooting steps assume you’re using a recommended Apple TV VPN that supports regional streaming on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and other popular services (many VPNs are blocked by these platforms).

Apple TV not working with VPN quick fixes

Already subscribed to a recommended VPN for Apple TV? In a hurry to get your VPN up and running? We have outlined the best fixes below. You’ll learn more about these VPN troubleshooting tips throughout this guide.

Apple TV VPN quick fixes:

1. Install a native app (if available): Download your VPN’s app from the Apple TV App Store. You will need to check that your Apple TV model and tvOS version support VPN apps.
2. Update everything: Update the VPN app, router firmware, and Apple TV software. This will ensure that everything is up-to-date and ready to stream privately.
3. Restart and retest: Reboot your Apple TV, router, and modem. This will ensure everything has loaded correctly and that you are ready to troubleshoot.
4. Share your VPN connection from a laptop or desktop computer: If you have an older Apple TV model, or your VPN does not offer a native Apple TV VPN app, the easiest solution is to set up a VPN protected wifi hotspot.
5. Install the VPN on your router: If there’s no Apple TV app, you may want to install the VPN on your router. This will automatically share your VPN connection to every device in your home, including Apple TV.
6. Try SmartDNS: Our top recommended VPNs for Apple TV offer SmartDNS servers that work to access US streaming platforms without the need to install the VPN directly. This allows you to spoof your Apple TV location to the USA within the Apple TV DNS settings.
7. Check DNS and other settings: Confirm that your VPN is using the right protocol and settings, and that your router settings are correct.
8. Switch servers: VPNs play cat-and-mouse with streaming services. The best VPNs have streaming-optimised servers, so test different servers or ask your VPN’s support for the best options.
9. Swap providers: If nothing works, you might need to switch to a streaming-friendly VPN. Many VPN providers focus on privacy without optimizing their servers for streaming. These VPNs are too slow to stream in HD, and may not be compatible with Apple TV.

How to set up VPN with Apple TV

We understand that VPNs can feel confusing for newcomers. But don’t stress! Setting up a VPN for Apple TV is easier than you might think. The best option is to pick a VPN that has a native Apple tvOS app. This will let you install the VPN directly on your Apple streaming box.

Here are the steps to set up an Apple TV VPN: 

1. Pick the best Apple TV VPN. We recommend NordVPN because it is fast, strong on privacy, and has a dedicated tvOS app. Alternatively, you can use Surfshark, which represents outstanding value and streaming freedom, or IPVanish, which has dozens of US server locations ideal for Netflix USA, ESPN, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular platforms.
2. Sign up for the VPN. You can get the VPN for the lowest possible cost by following our link. We have agreed on a discount for our readers, which is implemented via an automated coupon code. You can pick the subscription that suits your needs; however, you’ll receive a bigger discount if you opt for a longer plan.
3. Install the tvOS app. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for your VPN provider, and download the official tvOS app. If your VPN does not include a native tvOS app, you will need to scroll down to our manual setup options.
4. Launch the VPN and log in. Open the VPN app on Apple TV and sign in with your account credentials.
5. Pick a streaming-optimized server. Choose a server in the country you need (for US catalogs, pick a US server) and connect. If your VPN labels streaming-optimized servers, use those first.A
6. Open your streaming app on Apple TV. You can now launch Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or any other service you want to watch. You should now see the content catalog for the server location you selected.

If you see a location or playback error, use the troubleshooting steps below to restore regional streaming access. If the VPN doesn’t offer a tvOS app, use a VPN-compatible router, SmartDNS, or a VPN-protected hotspot instead (we cover those workarounds later).

Does your VPN offer a native tvOS app?

Since the launch of tvOS 17, a few leading VPN brands have released a native Apple tvOS VPN app. This makes it much easier to install and use a VPN on Apple TV. Below, we have included a list of VPNs that offer a dedicated tvOS VPN app. If your VPN isn’t listed, set it up on a VPN-capable router or share a VPN connection from a laptop or desktop machine.

Providers that currently have a custom Apple TV VPN app:

• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• ExpressVPN
• Proton VPN
• Private Internet Access (PIA)

Note: These VPNs only provide a tvOS app for Apple TV boxes running tvOS 17 or above. If your VPN does not have a custom tvOS app, you can use the methods below to set up the VPN instead.

You can learn more about the best VPNs for Apple TV by following the link. Some of our favorite providers offer exceptional streaming access but no Apple TV app. These VPNs are a bit harder to set up, but they each include an Apple TV setup guide on their website, which means that they cater directly to Apple TV users.

How to install a native tvOS VPN app (step-by-step)

Subscribed to a recommended VPN that has a custom tvOS app? You can follow the steps below to install it:

1. Turn on your Apple TV
2. Launch the Apple TV App Store
3. Search for your VPN provider’s name
4. Install the VPN app
5. Launch the VPN app and log in using your credentials from sign-up
6. Choose a VPN server in the country you require for streaming

That’s it! When your VPN connects, you will be ready to use Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and other apps. Thanks to the remote IP address provided by the VPN, you will see a different content library. This will allow you to watch regional TV shows, exclusive movies, or international TV networks and sports streams.

Why can’t I find the tvOS VPN app on the Apple TV App Store?

Some VPN tvOS apps are only published in select countries’ App Stores. If the app doesn’t appear in your local Apple TV App Store, it’s usually caused by local VPN restrictions.

In that case, you may need to use a VPN to access a different country’s Apple App Store (for example, the USA). The easiest way to do this is via a VPN-protected hotspot (from a laptop or desktop) or a VPN-compatible router. Either of these methods will let you create a new Apple ID for registered in the desired region.

Once your Apple ID region and IP address match, you can download and install the VPN and use it natively on your Apple TV. Note: Changing your Apple ID country may affect payment methods and subscriptions.

How to change Apple ID region

If your VPN’s tvOS app is restricted in your country’s app store, you may need to change your Apple ID region (or set up a new Apple ID registered in the country you require, such as the USA where VPNs are freely available in the Apple App Store.

You can’t change an Apple ID’s country from the Apple TV box itself. Instead, you can either:

1. Sign out and sign in with a secondary Apple ID that’s already registered in the country you require (you can set this up on a secondary device or at appleid.apple.com)
2. Sign out, then sign back in after you change your Apple ID country on appleid.apple.com or another device (MacBook, iPhone, or iPad)

Can I use SmartDNS to unlock content libraries on Apple TV?

The answer to this question is nuanced. There are dozens of standalone SmartDNS proxies available online, many of which are volunteer-run. Unfortunately, the vast majority of volunteer-run SmartDNS services and standalone commercial SmartDNS providers we tested don’t work to bypass geo-blocks on Apple TV.

This is because those SmartDNS servers have already been blocked by leading streaming providers such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, Peacock, and YouTube TV.

The good news? A few of our top-recommended VPNs for Apple TV include a free SmartDNS service with their subscriptions. These SmartDNS servers are specifically optimised to allow access to US IP addresses. Thus, they will work to watch US streaming platforms on Apple TV – but not services in other regions.

How to set Smart DNS on Apple TV (step-by-step)

1. Sign in to your VPN provider’s website and copy the DNS IPs they provide in the members’ area.
2. If the provider requires it, register your public IP on their website first. This will ensure that you are granted access to the private DNS server. If you aren’t sure about this step, ask your VPN’s live chat support.
3. Open Apple TV Settings and go to Settings > Network. Now, choose your connection.
4. Select either wifi or Ethernet, depending on how your Apple TV is connected to the network.
5. Scroll to Configure DNS and set it from Automatic to Manual.
6. Enter the SmartDNS IP address your provider gave you (you can add the primary and secondary if provided).
7. Restart Apple TV: Go to Settings > System > Restart, or unplug the box and plug it back in. This forces the new DNS to take effect.
8. Test a streaming app: Open the streaming app you want to use (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) and check whether the content library has changed. If it hasn’t, sign out of the streaming app and sign back in.

Can I use an iPhone or Android hotspot to share VPN with Apple TV?

No. Unfortunately, the wifii radio in a mobile device can’t share a VPN connection. If you connect to a VPN on your phone and create a hotspot, the VPN will only apply to the phone. Anyone who connects to the hotspot will be routed outside the VPN tunnel. You’ll need to use a laptop or desktop (Windows or macOS) instead.

How to install a VPN on a router for Apple TV

If you don’t have a fast laptop or desktop computer capable of handling a VPN and sharing a VPN-protected wifi hotspot, you may want to set up your VPN on a router instead. If you set up a VPN manually on a router, every device in your home will automatically be routed through the VPN. This ensures that your entire network uses the VPN, without the need to connect individual devices.

Result? Your Apple TV will enjoy the VPN connection, including a remote IP address that gives you access to regional content.

That said, there are a couple of caveats to bear in mind:

1. You need a modern router with plenty of processing power, capable of handling your usual routing needs and running the VPN connection without slowing you down. An old router that lacks memory and processing power will lead to a slow internet connection.
2. You need a VPN compatible router. Older routers may not let you install OpenVPN or WireGuard, the most common VPN protocols. If your router only supports L2TP/IPsec, check whether your VPN provider still offers that protocol.

Besides these requirements, it is worth noting that setting up a VPN manually on a router can be a little technical. If you don’t want to install a VPN on your router, you could opt to purchase a new VPN router that comes with the VPN software pre-installed. You can purchase a preconfigured router from FlashRouters.com.

Already have a VPN-compatible router, or a router using a VPN-compatible firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato? You can use the steps below to set up the VPN.

Please bear in mind that these are general setup steps. The exact process requires specific server addresses and details from your VPN, so ask your provider for its router setup guide.

Do I need a dedicated IP?

It is your decision. The VPNs we have recommended offer streaming-optimized servers, which means you can use the regular shared IPs to spoof your location and access regional streams.

If you have trouble watching a specific streaming platform, you may want to consider a dedicated IP.

A dedicated, static IP is reserved for your use only and is more likely to appear as a residential IP. This makes the IP address harder for streaming services like Netflix to block, which makes it a more reliable option for streaming on Apple TV.

Speed and protocol tips to reduce buffering on Apple TV

Is your VPN working to stream regional platforms on Apple TV? But you are suffering from low resolution or high levels of buffering? The steps below are specifically designed to help improve VPN speeds on Apple TV:

1. Change the VPN protocol
2. Lower playback quality
3. Connect the Apple TV to the router via Ethernet
4. Upgrade to the latest Apple TV model (with better memory and CPU)
5. Test a different server (pick a streaming server if possible)
6. Ensure you are using the latest version of the VPN app and the latest tvOS version
7. Disable advanced VPN settings and features such as obfuscation or multi-hop

What’s the best VPN for Apple TV streaming?

You can find out more by reading our list of the best Apple TV VPNs. In a rush? Here are our top picks:

1. NordVPN: Best overall for Apple TV: fast, reliable tvOS support plus a huge server fleet and strong unblocking that keeps streams smooth. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best for budget users: excellent value with unlimited devices, solid streaming performance, and easy setup for Apple TV.
3. IPVanish: Lots of US servers. Robust encryption, stable connections, and configurable privacy settings that suit protected streaming.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast speeds, consistent unblocking on Apple TV, and a polished tvOS app backed by 24/7 support.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Great for beginners. Has user-friendly apps and clearly labeled streaming servers.
6. PureVPN: Ideal for countries with restrictive internet access, offering obfuscation/stealth options, as well as numerous regional servers.
7. Private Internet Access: Good for technical users. Lots of advanced protocol config options and a large server network.
8. ProtonVPN: Excellent for privacy-focused users. Strong security features and streaming-optimized servers. Comes with port forwarding at no extra cost.
9. PrivateVPN: Excellent value and decent streaming performance for Apple TV. No tvOS app, but it offers robust privacy features.

What to look for in a VPN for Apple TV

Trying to identify the most important VPN features to stream regional content on Apple TV? We’ve listed the most important VPN features below.

• Custom tvOS app
• Router support and setup guides
• Streaming optimized servers
• Fast WireGuard and OpenVPN connections
• Smart DNS for simple location spoofing

Frequently asked questions