set up VPN Smart TV

Have you ever wondered why your TV restricts you from accessing your favorite streaming apps? Only a few Smart TV brands allow access to a wide universe of apps, others confine you to a mere handful.

However, we have found a solution to this age-old problem – A VPN. Our team of experts has rigorously tested each VPN and installation method to find the easiest ways to connect a VPN on a Smart TV.

We’ve mastered the ins and outs of installing VPNs on even the most temperamental Smart TVs. With us by your side, streaming safely and accessing geo-blocked content will soon be second nature.

Best VPNs for use with Smart TV

Before we guide you through how to set up a VPN for Smart TV, here’s a quick rundown of the VPNs we have tested and believe are best suited for the job:

  1. NordVPNThe best VPN for Smart TV. More than 5,000 servers. Fast for streaming content lag-free. Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more. Has Amazon Fire TV and Android TV apps. No-logs policy and 24/7 support. Also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for smart TVs.
  2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Works with many popular streaming services. High-speed connections and over 3,000 servers in 65 countries. Lots of security benefits. Unlimited device connections.
  3. ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries including the US, with impressive streaming speeds. No bandwidth throttling and secures data with encryption. Quality customer support 24 hours a day.
  4. CyberGhost: Huge server network of over 8,000 in 90+ countries. Faster speeds than most others. Allows up to seven simultaneous connections. Includes a strict no-logs policy.
  5. IPVanish: Manually configurable with a compatible router. It uses the WireGuard protocol for seamless streaming of 4K content. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
  6. PrivateVPN: The Desktop and mobile apps are compatible with select routers. Fast and smooth streaming. Works with Netflix and Prime Video. No-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin.
  7. Atlas VPN: Available on Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. Powerful unblocking of streaming platforms including BBC iPlayer. Good speeds and no throttling.

Best VPNs for Smart TV – Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Smart TV.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPNAtlasVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.comAtlasVPN.com
Ranking for Smart TV1234567
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
Avg Speed (Europe)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps20 Mbps100+ Mbps
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%86%85%70%85%93%
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited87Unlimited10Unlimited
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How to install a VPN on most Smart TVs

Newer Smart TVs tend to use Android, which makes installing a VPN very simple. In fact, the process is essentially the same as installing an app on your phone or tablet.

Here’s how to set up a VPN for a Smart TV:

  1. Sign up for a suitable VPN. We particularly recommend NordVPN, but Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two high-quality alternatives.
  2. Search for your VPN in the Google Play Store. Install the app.
  3. Log in and connect to a server in the required country. You’ll need an American server to access Netflix US, for instance, or a British server for BBC iPlayer.
  4. Open the region-locked app you’d like to use and play a video. It should begin almost instantly, but if not, we’d recommend clearing the app’s stored data or trying a different server.

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How to set up a VPN on TVs without access to the Google Play Store

If you have an older Smart TV or one from a lesser-known brand like HiSense, Magnavox, or Westinghouse, you’re unlikely to have access to the Google Play Store. Below, we’ll explore a few ways to install a VPN on your Smart TV, regardless of its brand or the available app store:

Method 1: How to share a VPN connection over Ethernet

The quickest and easiest way to share your VPN connection is to run an Ethernet cable from one device to another. This isn’t the most practical method, but it’s likely the best option if you only use region-locked apps occasionally. If you’d prefer, you could also store a smaller device like a Raspberry Pi behind your TV, removing the need for long, trailing cables.

VPN over Ethernet on Windows 10

Ethernet 2 Properties

  1. Right-click on the network icon in the bottom-right of your screen and click Open Network & Internet settings.
  2. Select Change adapter options.
  3. You’ll see a list of all of your connections. First, find one that mentions your VPN and the word “TAP.” For instance, if you use NordVPN, you need to use the “NordVPN TAP adapter,” but if you’re a NordVPN customer, you’d use the “TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter” instead.
  4. Right-click this connection and choose Properties.
  5. Move over to the Sharing tab and check the box marked Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
  6. Select Ethernet from the dropdown list and click the OK button.
  7. Connect to your VPN (any server will work for testing purposes).
  8. Finally, connect your two devices with an Ethernet cable. Your secondary device should now automatically connect to the VPN.

VPN over Ethernet on MacOS

  1. Start by clicking on the Apple icon and choosing System Preferences. Now, click Sharing.
  2. Check the box labeled Internet Sharing on the left.
  3. If the device running a VPN is connected to the internet via Ethernet, choose Ethernet in the Share your connection from the dropdown menu. Otherwise, choose Wi-Fi.
  4. In the To computers using box, check Ethernet
  5. Close this menu and connect to your VPN.
  6. Connect your devices using an Ethernet cable. The second device will now connect to the VPN automatically.

Method 2: How to share a VPN connection wirelessly

If you stream frequently, you probably won’t want to run long cables from one device to another whenever you want to watch something. The good news is that you don’t have to since you can share a VPN connection over wifi.

VPN over wifi on Windows 10

Mobile hotspot

In older versions of Windows, you had to manually create a virtual router to share your connection over wifi. In Windows 10, however, things are much simpler:

  1. Right-click the network icon in the bottom right and select Open Network & Internet settings.
  2. Choose a Mobile Hotspot from the list on the left-hand side.
  3. Toggle the Mobile hotspot button on and choose WiFi in the Share My Internet Connection from the dropdown.
  4. If you want to change the SSID (the network’s name) or password, click Edit and enter your preferred details.
  5. Scroll down and click on Change adapter options.
  6. Right-click the adapter that mentions your VPN and the word “TAP” (“NordVPN TAP adapter,” for example).
  7. Select Properties, then the Sharing tab, and enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.
  8. In the dropdown menu, select the network you just created and click OK.
  9. Connect to the VPN, and connect to the new network on your secondary device. You should now be connected to the VPN on both devices.

VPN over wifi on MacOS

  1. Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences, then Sharing.
  2. Check the Internet Sharing box on the left-hand side.
  3. Select your VPN adapter in the Share your connection from list.
  4. In the box on the right marked To computers using, choose Wi-Fi.
  5. Connect your main device to the VPN, and connect to the hotspot you’ve just created on your secondary device. Both devices should now be connected to the VPN.

Method 3: How to install a VPN on your home router

home router image

If you’d prefer, you can install a VPN on your router to automatically protect all of your devices. However, you should note that this can be a fairly involved process unless your router already has compatible firmware. Further, incorrectly upgrading your firmware can effectively break your router.

For this reason, it’s vital that you follow the setup instructions exactly. Most major VPN providers provide detailed walkthroughs for the most common router types, and we’ve linked a few of these below:

It’s also possible to buy a pre-configured VPN router that provides you with a plug-and-play solution. These come with the VPN already installed on the router, so you must select a server to connect. Companies like FlashRouters will happily sell you routers already set up to work with almost any major VPN service. Also, ExpressVPN provides custom firmware that makes it very easy to install on your router.

Mistakes to avoid when installing a VPN on your Smart TV

Following the steps above, you shouldn’t have any problems getting your VPN to work with a Smart TV. However, if you’d rather figure things out for yourself, there are a couple of potential pitfalls to look out for:

1. Don’t try and install Android apps on a non-Android system

If you’ve read our guides to installing VPNs on Amazon Fire TV, you might be tempted to download your VPNs. APK file and install it manually. However, we don’t recommend this approach for Smart TVs.

In the best-case scenario, your TV uses a supported version of Android, and everything works as intended. Newer TVs usually let you access the Google Play Store, making manual installation unnecessary.

But what if your TV uses a different operating system? Most likely, you won’t be able to install the. APK file, so it’ll just be taking up space. It’s also possible that attempting to install an unsupported app could “brick” your TV, leaving it inoperable. Worse, as you’ve tried to modify it, it might not even be covered under its warranty anymore.

2. Don’t rely entirely on Smart DNS services

Some providers (including NordVPN) let you use Smart DNS services to bypass regional restrictions simply by changing your device’s DNS settings. However, there are a couple of problems with these. First, they don’t encrypt your traffic, meaning your ISP can still tell if you’re streaming. Considering some ISPs throttle your network speeds if you stream frequently, this is a real problem.

Further, most Smart DNS services only allow you to connect to one location (usually the US). In contrast, the corresponding VPN apps often let you use servers in dozens of countries, greatly increasing their ability to unblock geo-restricted services.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re having problems

We get it: starting a project and realizing you’re in over your head is frustrating. That said, would you rather spend several days trying to work out what has gone wrong, or ask your VPN’s customer support team for help and have an answer within a few minutes?

Many major VPNs offer 24/7 live chat, and their support representatives deal with router configuration and other networking problems daily. If you’re struggling, we strongly recommend contacting them.

VPN for Smart TV FAQ

Can I use a free VPN on my Smart TV?

While you can technically install a free VPN on your Smart TV, we advise against it. To begin with, these services often have very limited networks and high numbers of users. This means they’re unlikely to be able to provide the high speeds required for HD streaming. Further, free VPNs are usually the first to be blacklisted by major services like Netflix, and as such, you might not be able to watch anything even if you find a reasonably fast free VPN.

You should also consider the security implications of using a free VPN. A recent survey of over 280 such apps for Android (the platform most newer Smart TVs run on) found that more than 80% were vulnerable to IPv6 leaks, almost 20% used no encryption at all, and 37% contained malware.

Unfortunately, well-known providers aren’t necessarily any safer. We’ve seen major services like Hola abuse their users’ trust by selling their bandwidth out from under them to help run a botnet. The best way to stay safe when streaming is to use a premium VPN with a clear-cut, user-first privacy policy.

Which Smart TV apps can a VPN unblock?

With the right VPN, you’ll be able to access geo-restricted services from all over the world. Here are a few of the most popular apps you can unblock with a VPN on your Smart TV:

What else can I do with a VPN?

Aside from using a VPN with your Smart TV, you can use it with your desktop, mobile devices, and even your wifi router (the best VPNs allow multiple simultaneous connections). One of the most popular use cases for using a VPN is bypassing geographic restrictions, most commonly regarding streaming services. This allows you to continue to watch your favorite online content in your preferred language, even if you’re traveling abroad.

However, a VPN doesn’t just allow you to access more websites and services. It also ensures you can browse and stream securely by encrypting your internet traffic. In hiding your IP address and physical location, it protects your privacy. For example, your ISP will no longer be able to see what you’re doing online. The best VPNs also operate no-logs policies, meaning they don’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user.

How do I change my Netflix region on my Smart TV?

Regardless of how your VPN is set up on your Smart TV, changing your Netflix region remains the same. It requires connecting to a VPN server in a region different from your current physical location. Doing so changes your IP address and spoofs your location, changing the Netflix region as a result. Note that this should also work with other streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video or BBC iPlayer.

Can a VPN cause software issues on my Smart TV?

Most Smart TVs don’t support VPN apps, but don’t worry: you can share your connection from another device or connect the TV to a VPN-protected router. This takes a little bit of setup, but once you’re done, it’ll allow you to secure traffic to and from your TV without worrying about software issues.

You’re only really likely to experience problems if you start trying to circumvent the TV’s limitations. Don’t be tempted to try and sideload a VPN app (or any other) onto a Smart TV — they often use non-standard operating systems, which means there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a completely unusable and unfixable device if something goes wrong.

Can I put a VPN on my Samsung Smart TV?

Yes, I discovered that a VPN works on your Smart TV. There are several methods to do this

  1. Install the VPN app directly from the Google Play Store if your TV runs on Android OS.
  2. Set up the VPN on your router, which will cover all connected devices, including your Samsung Smart TV.
  3. Use Smart DNS, which is an easy option but doesn’t provide the same privacy protection as a VPN.
  4. Share a VPN connection from your Windows PC or create a virtual router.

Choose the method that best suits your needs and follow the instructions provided by your chosen VPN.

What's the difference between Smart DNS and a VPN?

Smart DNS and VPNs are both ways to improve your online privacy, but they do different things.

A Smart DNS will change your DNS server settings so that it can unblock websites that are blocked in your country.

A VPN, on the other hand, will encrypt your connection and hide your IP address so that no one can track what you’re doing online. This is a great option if you want to keep your data and/or your location private.

Will a VPN slow down the internet connection speed on my smart TV?

A VPN may slow down your internet connection on your smart TV. This is because a VPN adds an extra layer of encryption and routing between your device and the internet, which takes time and can congest traffic. However, depending on the quality of your VPN service, this slowdown may be negligible or barely noticeable.

What about a virtual router on macOS?

Another way to connect your Smart TV to your VPN is to create a virtual router. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for setting up a VPN on a virtual router for MacOS:

  1. Connect your Mac to your ethernet cable.
  2. Download and install the VPN on your Mac.
  3. Go to System Preferences and select Sharing.
  4. Select Internet Sharing from the left menu.
  5. Tick the box next to Wi-Fi or AirPort under “To computers using.”
  6. Select the installed VPN under “Share your connection from.”

That’s it! You should now be able to share your Mac’s VPN connection with your Smart TV.

How do I use a VPN for Netflix on my smart TV?

Thanks to VPNs, watching US Netflix on your smart TV has become much easier. Using a VPN with your smart TV is simple and straightforward – all you need to do is configure it correctly.

The easiest way to watch US Netflix on your smart TV is to use a VPN router. A VPN router provides access to the entire internet using one secure connection, allowing for easy streaming of shows and movies from the US library of Netflix without having to worry about proxies or manual configuration settings.

Use our guide above to configure your router for Netflix, or select one of the other methods to enjoy the whole Netflix catalog.