How to Install a VPN for Kodi

Updated on Aug 11, 2025 by Kelly Damon

Setting up a VPN on Kodi isn’t always as straightforward as you’d like, but with PIA VPN – and a little technical guidance – you can be up and running without any stress, even on devices that don’t support VPN apps. 

In this article, we’ll tell you how to install PIA VPN for Kodi on Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, Raspberry Pi, computers, and other devices.


Quick Guide: How to Install a VPN for Kodi

  1. Subscribe to PIA VPN and install the app on your device.
  2. Connect to one of our high-speed servers in 91 countries.
  3. Launch Kodi and securely access a world of content.

How to Install a VPN for Kodi 

The easiest way to use a VPN with Kodi is to install a VPN app on the device you use to access Kodi. The VPN will protect all your online activity, including everything you do on Kodi, and help you bypass restrictions online, such as activity-based ISP throttling.

PIA VPN has native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux (compatible with Raspberry Pi), Android, Android TV, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Download and install the relevant app for your device, then connect to a server in a location of your choosing. PIA has servers in 91 countries, including every US state.

You can also set up PIA VPN on your router to use it with game consoles, smart TVs, and other streaming devices that don’t support VPN apps.

How to Set Up a VPN for Kodi on a TV

If your TV supports VPN apps, you can just download PIA VPN from its app store. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to set a VPN up on your router. This lets you change your IP on all your devices, including your smart TV and other streaming devices. The easiest option is to buy a VPN router with PIA VPN pre-installed. Then you just have to plug the router in, log into PIA VPN, and connect.

Alternatively, here’s how you can set up a VPN on your existing router:

  1. Access the control panel for your router by entering the router’s IP address or admin URL into your browser and entering your username and password.
  2. Check your router is VPN compatible. You can verify this by looking for a VPN Client tab in your settings. This is usually located under Advanced Settings, but it may vary depending on your router. Most routers supplied by ISPs won’t work with a VPN – if that’s the case, we recommend buying a VPN router.
  3. Download and save the relevant configuration file from your VPN’s website. Find the right configuration file for your router’s firmware on PIA’s Support Portal.
  4. In the VPN Client section, click the Add Profile button and select OpenVPN (some routers are also compatible with different VPN protocols). Add a description and enter your VPN username and password.
  5. Upload the configuration file provided by your VPN.
  6. Activate the VPN connection.
  7. That’s it! Now all devices connected to your router are protected by your VPN. Stream on Kodi with your new IP on any device.

PIA’s Support Portal has detailed instructions (with screenshots) on how to configure PIA VPN on routers with different firmware. If you need further assistance, our customer support team is available to help 24/7.

Why You Need a VPN for Kodi

✅ Access a World of Content

Some Kodi add-ons, like BBC iPlayer and Pluto TV, are only available in certain regions. If you travel outside of your home country, you may run into an error message. You can use a VPN to change your virtual location back to your home country, allowing you to continue enjoying your usual content when vacationing abroad or traveling for work. A VPN also helps you get around network restrictions at your office or school if admins have blocked streaming platforms. 

✅ Avoid ISP Throttling

If you’ve noticed your connection slowing down whenever you stream, your ISP is likely throttling your speeds. A VPN is the best way to prevent this. When you connect to a VPN, it encrypts your traffic, so your ISP can’t see what websites and apps you’re using. It won’t know when you’re streaming, so it can’t selectively throttle your connection.

✅ Your Data Stays Private

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your connection, so your location, activity, and streaming habits stay private. Your ISP won’t be able to monitor your activity and your real IP address won’t be available to third parties online, including Kodi add-on providers. VPN encryption also helps protect sensitive data such as passwords.

How to Add Channels to Kodi

There are plenty of add-ons that let you watch live TV on Kodi. Some allow you to access free streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and Crackle. You can also find add-ons for popular subscription services.

Here’s how to install a live TV add-on to Kodi:

  1. Open Kodi and select Add-ons from the left-hand menu.
  2. Click on Download, and then choose the Video add-ons option.
  3. Find and select the add-on you want to install. This will open a page giving you further information about the add-on.
  4. Select Install. Kodi will show you a list of dependencies – the additional software required for the add-on to work properly. You can find out more about these by clicking on the Dependencies option on the add-on’s information page. If you’re happy with the dependencies, click OK.
  5. Wait for your add-on and associated software to be installed. Kodi will give you progress updates and let you know when the process is complete. 
  6. Return to the Kodi Add-ons page and navigate to the Video add-ons tab. Select your new add-on to launch it.
  7. Watch live TV!

Live TV services are often only available in certain countries, which can be a pain when you’re traveling abroad. PIA offers an easy workaround – connect to a server in your home country before opening Kodi to stream as usual.


Can I Use a Free VPN for Kodi?

Free VPNs sound tempting, but they usually can’t access streaming services. They also tend to lack server options, meaning you may not be able to find one where you need one. Free VPNs may also be slow and impose bandwidth limits, which can lead to poor-quality streaming and cut-offs.

PIA VPN has a large server network spanning 91 countries, so you’ll always be able to find one in the location you need. Our streaming-optimized servers work well with popular platforms, and our blazing-fast speeds are perfect for streaming in any resolution. Try PIA risk free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How Do I Know If My VPN for Kodi Is Working?

You might find the channels you want to watch on Kodi aren’t working for you, even though your VPN is on. Follow these easy steps to check your setup is working:

  1. Open your VPN app and check you’re connected to a server in the correct location. If you want to access your streaming subscription, you need to be connected to a server in a country where the service is available. 
  2. Navigate to PIA’s What’s My IP? page. This detects your IP address, Internet Service Provider, and location.
  3. These details should match the VPN server you’re connected to. If you see your actual location on the page, that means your VPN isn’t working properly.

Troubleshooting Tips When Using a VPN with Kodi

Most technical issues have simple solutions. If you’re having problems with your VPN connection when using Kodi, try the following:

  1. Make sure your VPN and Kodi are up to date. If not, update them for optimal performance. 
  2. Check your VPN connection. Make sure your VPN is turned on and that a connection has successfully been established. If it is connected but not working on Kodi, try disconnecting and reconnecting your VPN.
  3. Connect to a different VPN server. Sometimes, your VPN IP address may be blocked by a particular service. Try connecting to a different server. 
  4. Choose a different VPN protocol. Some networks and firewalls might block particular protocols. If your VPN allows you to, switch to a different one. PIA VPN lets you choose the protocol best suited to your streaming needs and preferences. 
  5. Contact your VPN’s support. If these simple fixes don’t work for you, you might have to manually configure your VPN. PIA’s customer support team is available 24/7 to help.

Why PIA Is the Best VPN for Kodi

PIA’s 10-Gbps network gives you the fast VPN speeds you need for seamless streaming. Whether you’re tuning in to live sports or streaming on-demand, you can enjoy buffer-free entertainment in the highest available streaming quality.

PIA has a huge network of servers in 91 countries. When traveling abroad, choose a server in your home country to watch your usual shows and movies. Our streaming-optimized servers are designed to work smoothly with popular streaming platforms.

Take advantage of world-class VPN encryption to keep your activity on Kodi private. This also helps you unblock websites and apps on restricted networks and bypass activity-based ISP throttling.

It’s easy to use too. You can download native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV, or configure PIA on your router to cover every device on your network. PIA gives you unlimited device connections so everyone in your family can stream what they want when they want. 

Factor in 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’ve got the best VPN for streaming on Kodi.

FAQ

Should you use a VPN for Kodi?

Yes. A VPN will ensure you’ll always be able to access your usual content and channels when you travel abroad. It also prevents your ISP from monitoring your streaming habits and throttling your connection based on your activity. Sign up for PIA VPN to get access to servers in 91 countries and protect your privacy with world-class encryption. 

How do I download a VPN for Kodi?

To use a VPN with Kodi, you need to download a VPN app on the device Kodi is installed on. PIA VPN makes this easy. Simply download one of PIA’s native VPN apps to your device, install it, and then connect to a server in the location you need. PIA VPN secures your connection, covering Kodi and any add-ons you use by default. 

Does a VPN make Kodi faster?

A VPN only gives you faster speeds when your ISP is selectively throttling your connection. ISPs sometimes do this when they detect high-bandwidth activities like streaming. PIA’s VPN encryption hides your activity from your ISP, so it can’t selectively slow your internet speeds. Its 10-Gbps network gives you super-fast VPN speeds for top-quality streaming.

Does Kodi have its own VPN?

Kodi doesn’t have a native VPN, but that’s not a problem – you just need to download a VPN on the device you use with Kodi. PIA VPN is compatible with major devices, and offers unlimited device connections. 

Which is the best VPN for Kodi?

PIA is the top VPN for Kodi because its 10-Gbps server network gives you blazing-fast connection speeds for a great streaming experience. With servers in 91 countries, you can always access your favorite platforms and add-ons securely, even when you go abroad. It also hides your Kodi activity from cybersnoops and your ISP, giving you extra privacy online.

How do I set up a VPN for Kodi on my Fire Stick?

It’s easy! Subscribe to PIA and download our Fire Stick VPN app from the Amazon Appstore. Once it’s installed, connect to a server of your choice and open Kodi to enjoy seamless streaming. Try PIA VPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Will a VPN stop buffering on Fire Stick?

If buffering is caused by slowdowns due to activity-based throttling by your ISP, then yes. A VPN encrypts your connection to hide your online activity from your ISP. Not every VPN is up to the task, though, so make sure you get a VPN that’s optimized for streaming.

VPN Service