How to set up and use a VPN on a smart TV (2024)

Contents

Why should you use a VPN on a TV?
How to use a VPN with a smart TV
How to install a VPN on most smart TVs
How to set up a VPN on non-Android smart TVs
How to use a VPN with non-smart TVs
FAQ: VPN for smart TV
- Can you use a VPN for streaming movies and other content?
- Do smart TVs have region settings and restrictions applied to them?
- How do you find the best VPN for a smart TV?

Why should you use a VPN on a TV?

Your smart TV is connected to the internet, and anything with internet connectivity is vulnerable to cyberattacks. However, with a VPN on your smart TV, your data will be encrypted, shielding it from prying eyes. Using a VPN also hides your public IP address, giving you additional online privacy.

Additionally, a VPN can help protect you from bandwidth throttling. Some internet service providers (ISPs) limit your internet speeds if they notice you using large amounts of bandwidth — even if your contract allows for unlimited internet access. With a VPN encrypting your smart TV’s internet connection, you are less likely to be targeted with bandwidth throttling based on your online activity.

How to use a VPN with a smart TV

VPN apps are easy to download and use on many smart TVs. Follow the steps below to get started with your VPN connection.

Check that your smart TV is compatible with VPN apps. Not all smart TVs support VPN apps. If you have an Android TV, you are likely to be able to use a VPN app, but even if your device isn’t compatible, you can still protect it with a VPN via your router. We’ll explain how to configure your router with a VPN connection later in this article.
Pick your VPN provider. While you have a wide range of VPNs to choose from, we recommend picking a premium option instead of a free VPN. Premium VPNs offer better speed and security, and with providers like NordVPN you’ll also get access to a variety of useful extra features to boost online safety.
Set up your VPN. Once you have selected a VPN provider, download its app on your smart TV and open it. The app will walk you through the setup process, which may involve picking a VPN plan if you haven’t already done so.
Connect to your VPN. After your VPN is installed and set up, you can connect to a VPN server and encrypt your connection. With NordVPN, you can choose a specific server location or just let the app find the best server for you, based on speed and stability.
Confirm your VPN connection. To check if your VPN is connected, check your VPN application — almost all VPN apps will tell you whether or not they are active. Alternatively, take note of your IP address before you turn on the VPN and then check the IP address after connection. If the IP address has changed, then your VPN is working.

How to install a VPN on most smart TVs

To install a VPN on a smart TV, just download a VPN application from the Play Store. Assuming that you have an Android TV, you will have a variety of VPNs to choose from because many providers (including NordVPN) offer smart TV apps.

Once you’ve selected your VPN provider of choice, you can turn on your smart TV, navigate to the Play Store, and download their VPN app. When you open the app, you’ll be prompted to log in and get set up.

The exact instructions for setting up a VPN on a smart TV will vary depending on the provider. If you want to use NordVPN, this guide to setting up a VPN on Android TVs can help. As soon as you’ve finished the setup process, you’ll be able to connect to a VPN server and get protected.

Of course, not everyone is using an Android TV. Does that mean you can’t use a VPN? Not at all — with a few extra steps, you can still secure your non-Android smart TV with a VPN.

How to set up a VPN on non-Android smart TVs

You can set up a VPN for Apple TV or any other non-Android smart TV (a Samsung smart TV Tizen OS or LG’s webOS, for example) with the following methods:

Method 1: Configure a VPN on your home router

To get online, your smart TV most likely uses a router. If you can’t install a VPN on your smart TV directly, you can configure your router to use a VPN so that all the traffic passing through it is encrypted. To set up a VPN on your router, follow these steps:

On a device that is connected to the router’s network, open your browser of choice.
Input your router’s IP address into your browser’s search bar and press the “Enter” key.
Input your router’s login credentials (in most cases, these credentials will be a username and password that you set yourself or those which came with the router).
Select an option called something like “Advanced settings” or “Advanced setup” and look for an option or tab where you can specify the VPN you wish to use.

If you use this method, your data will be protected as it travels between your router and the VPN server. However, it is important to note that data moving between your smart TV and your router will not be encrypted since your TV does not have a VPN app installed on it.

You can also use a VPN router — a router that comes with a VPN pre-configured — to achieve the same results.

Method 2: Share a VPN connection via Ethernet

If you have NordVPN installed on a device, you can run an Ethernet cable from that device into your smart TV, sharing the VPN. Below are the instructions for a Windows 11 user:

Right-click the network icon and select “Open network and sharing center.”
Click “Change adapter options.”
Right-click the TAP-NordVPN Windows adapter and select “Properties.”
Open the “Sharing” tab and enable “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”
Select the name of the network interface that you are going to share the connection with and click “OK.”
Connect your PC to your smart TV with an Ethernet cable and turn on your VPN.

A VPN cannot be shared via your mobile hotspot, but with an Ethernet cable, you can quickly connect your smart TV to your VPN.

How to use a VPN with non-smart TVs

If you don’t have a smart TV, you can still protect your device with a VPN. To protect your TV, get a streaming adapter that you can insert into the device and install a VPN on the adapter.

Streaming adapters like Chromecast or Amazon’s Fire Stick plug in to your device and give them access to online streaming services, even if the TV itself doesn’t have smart capabilities. If you use a VPN for Chromecast or a Firestick VPN to access your favorite streaming service, you can protect your TV with the same level of security and privacy as a smart TV VPN provides.

FAQ: VPN for smart TV

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Introduction

As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information on various topics, including using a VPN on a TV. I can provide you with information and guidance based on the search results you provided. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article and explore them further.

Why should you use a VPN on a TV?

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your smart TV can provide several benefits. Here are a few reasons why you might consider using a VPN on your TV:

Enhanced security: Your smart TV is connected to the internet, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks. By using a VPN, your data will be encrypted, protecting it from prying eyes.
Privacy protection: A VPN hides your public IP address, providing you with additional online privacy. This can help prevent your online activities from being tracked by third parties.
Bypassing restrictions: Some streaming services and content may be restricted based on your geographical location. By using a VPN, you can change your virtual location and access content that may be blocked in your region.
Protection against bandwidth throttling: Internet service providers (ISPs) may limit your internet speeds if they notice you using large amounts of bandwidth. With a VPN encrypting your smart TV's internet connection, you are less likely to be targeted with bandwidth throttling based on your online activity.

How to use a VPN with a smart TV

Using a VPN with a smart TV is relatively straightforward. Here are the general steps to follow:

Check compatibility: Ensure that your smart TV is compatible with VPN apps. Not all smart TVs support VPN apps. If you have an Android TV, you are likely to be able to use a VPN app. If your device isn't compatible, you can still protect it with a VPN via your router.
Choose a VPN provider: Select a VPN provider that offers a dedicated app for smart TVs. It is recommended to choose a premium VPN option for better speed, security, and additional features.
Set up your VPN: Download and install the VPN app on your smart TV. The app will guide you through the setup process, which may involve selecting a VPN plan if you haven't done so already.
Connect to a VPN server: Once your VPN is installed and set up, you can connect to a VPN server. You can either choose a specific server location or let the app find the best server for you based on speed and stability.
Confirm the VPN connection: Check your VPN application to see if the VPN is connected. Most VPN apps will indicate whether they are active. Alternatively, you can check your IP address before and after connecting to see if it has changed, indicating that the VPN is working.

How to install a VPN on most smart TVs

To install a VPN on most smart TVs, you can follow these steps:

Download a VPN application: If you have an Android TV, you can download a VPN application from the Play Store. Many VPN providers offer smart TV apps, including NordVPN. Visit the Play Store on your smart TV, search for your chosen VPN provider, and download their app.
Set up the VPN app: Once the app is downloaded, open it and follow the instructions to log in and set up the VPN on your smart TV. The exact setup process may vary depending on the VPN provider.
Connect to a VPN server: After the setup is complete, you can connect to a VPN server using the app. This will encrypt your smart TV's internet connection and provide you with the benefits of using a VPN.

How to set up a VPN on non-Android smart TVs

If you have a non-Android smart TV, such as a Samsung smart TV with Tizen OS or LG's webOS, you can still set up a VPN using the following methods:

Configure a VPN on your home router: If your smart TV connects to the internet through a router, you can configure the router to use a VPN. This way, all the traffic passing through the router will be encrypted. The exact steps for setting up a VPN on a router may vary depending on the router model and VPN provider .
Share a VPN connection via Ethernet: If you have a device with a VPN installed, such as a computer, you can share the VPN connection with your smart TV using an Ethernet cable. This method allows you to route your smart TV's internet traffic through the VPN. The steps for sharing a VPN connection via Ethernet may vary depending on the operating system and VPN software you are using.

Can you use a VPN for streaming movies and other content?

Yes, you can use a VPN for streaming movies and other content on your smart TV. By connecting to a VPN server in a different location, you can bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. This can be particularly useful for accessing streaming services that are only available in specific countries.

Do smart TVs have region settings and restrictions applied to them?

Yes, smart TVs can have region settings and restrictions applied to them. These restrictions are often based on the geographical location of the user. Content providers may limit access to certain shows, movies, or streaming services based on licensing agreements or regional regulations. By using a VPN, you can change your virtual location and bypass these restrictions, allowing you to access content that may be blocked in your region.

How do you find the best VPN for a smart TV?

When choosing a VPN for your smart TV, consider the following factors:

Compatibility: Ensure that the VPN provider offers a dedicated app for smart TVs, or supports router configurations if your TV is not compatible with VPN apps.
Speed and performance: Look for a VPN that offers fast and reliable connections to ensure smooth streaming and browsing on your smart TV.
Server locations: Check if the VPN provider has servers in the locations you want to access content from. Having a wide range of server locations can provide more options for bypassing geographical restrictions.
Security and privacy features: Consider the VPN's encryption protocols, privacy policies, and additional security features to ensure your data is protected.
Customer support: Look for a VPN provider that offers reliable customer support in case you encounter any issues or have questions.

It is generally recommended to choose a reputable VPN provider that has a good track record and positive user reviews. NordVPN, mentioned in the article, is one example of a VPN provider that offers dedicated apps for smart TVs and has a strong reputation in the industry.

I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article and provides guidance on using a VPN with a TV. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!