Guide to Streaming Videos to Your TV Using a VPN.
Are you going to stream videos through a VPN? You don't have to limit yourself to your laptop or phone. We’ll show you how to get that content on your TV.
Licensing content from their extensive libraries and catalogs is one of the ways Hollywood studios generate revenue. A TV show or movie available on Max in the United States might be found on a completely different service in the UK or Korea, allowing studios to benefit from additional income in different currencies. For this reason, savvy viewers have been using VPNs (virtual private networks) to expand their content options. If you change your location from the United States to the UK, for example, you can access shows like Friends and The Office on Netflix again.
Watching content through a VPN is relatively straightforward on mobile devices or computers, as installing and activating a VPN generally only requires accessing the appropriate app store. However, streaming content via a VPN on a television presents more challenges. Fortunately, there are several ways to access geographically restricted content on the largest screen in your home. This article offers a guide on how to unlock region-blocked content on your television.
If you don't already have a VPN subscription, it is recommended to choose a service from a list of reliable providers, avoiding free options, with the notable exception of Proton VPN. The easiest way to install a VPN on a smart TV is to download it from the built-in app store, with Amazon Fire TV and Google TV being the most recommended platforms for their compatibility with VPNs. For those not using these operating systems, a device that supports them can always be added via an HDMI port at an affordable cost. On the other hand, Apple TV, although more expensive, also supports several VPN services, unlike Roku, which does not include VPN apps.
Fire TV
Amazon's Fire TV operating system has a wide range of content to enjoy, as it provides access to the Prime Video catalog. The user interface is intuitive, making it easy to install a VPN. To set it up, you need to access the Fire TV app store, search for the desired VPN service, download the application, and log in. With this, you can hide your IP address and access the Prime Video library from other countries.
Google TV
Google TV also has an appealing interface and supports thousands of apps, including streaming and VPN apps. Just like on Fire TV, you only need to download the VPN app of your choice, enter your credentials, and run it before accessing the streaming service you want to use. Although it does not have a VPN library as extensive as Fire TV's, it currently offers more options than Apple TV.
Apple TV
To install a VPN on Apple TV, you need to have tvOS 17 or higher. This has made Apple TV devices more compatible with VPNs, although it is essential to check that the chosen service is compatible. For those who do not have this version, there are alternative methods, which are described in other articles.
Additionally, it is possible to stream content from a VPN-enabled device via AirPlay or Google Cast. AirPlay is a well-known system that allows streaming and mirroring content on a wide range of smart TVs. Alternatively, you can also connect a device to a TV using an HDMI cable. This method is less well-known but provides an effective solution for those who prefer to avoid wireless setups.
If the goal is to access VPN services on all devices in a home network, an advanced option is to set up the VPN on the router. However, this method is complex and may void the equipment warranty, so it is intended for experienced users. A simpler alternative for ExpressVPN users is to consider AirCove router models from this provider, which offer support and warranty through the company.
