How to Set Up a VPN on Your Smart TV
Setting up a VPN on your smart TV isn’t always straightforward, but it’s not as difficult as you might think. Some smart TVs support VPN apps directly, while others require a few extra steps. You can also use a VPN with streaming sticks that turn any regular TV into a smart TV.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method that works, from installing a VPN app on supported devices to using your router, PC, or a wired connection. No matter what kind of setup you’re working with, we’ll help you get it done quickly and without the tech headaches.
Why Use a VPN on Your Smart TV?
Smart TVs make it easy to stream your favorite content directly, but they also come with a few frustrating limitations. Unlike laptops or smartphones, they offer fewer customization options, making it harder to manage settings or optimize your streaming setup.
They can also pose security risks. Like any smart device, smart TVs are vulnerable to hacking, data interception, and unauthorized tracking. With limited built-in security, they can easily become a weak point in your home network.
Using a VPN on your smart TV can help you:
- Avoid speed throttling from your ISP.
- Maintain access to your streaming apps.
- Keep your viewing activity private from third-party trackers.
- Encrypt your traffic to reduce privacy risks from smart TV apps.
Private Internet Access is a fast, reliable VPN for smart TV. It has native apps for Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick and supports router setups for use with any smart TV or streaming device. With unlimited device connections, streaming-optimized servers, and a large server network spread across 90+ countries, PIA VPN offers a secure and smooth streaming experience.
How to Set Up a VPN on a Smart TV: 4 Easy Methods
There are four ways to set up a VPN on your smart TV:
- Install the VPN app directly on the TV.
- Configure a VPN connection on your router.
- Set up a network hotspot (Windows only).
- Use a wired Ethernet connection.
Which option you should choose depends on the type of smart TV you have. Installing the VPN directly on your smart TV is the easiest option, but not every smart TV is compatible with VPNs. If there’s no VPN in your TV app store, then move on to these workaround methods.
How to Use a VPN on a Smart Android TV: Install the VPN App
Android TV supports native VPN apps, which means you can install and use a VPN app directly on your device without any extra equipment or complex setup. Here’s how.
- Sign up for a VPN like PIA VPN.
- Go to the Google Play Store on your TV.
- Search for the VPN app.
- Install the app.
- Log into your account.
- Select a server location and connect.
- Open your favorite streaming app and enjoy a more private viewing experience.
How to Use a VPN on a Smart, Non-Android TV: Alternative Methods
If your smart TV isn’t an Android and doesn’t support native VPN apps, you can still use a VPN on it, but you’ll need to take some extra steps.
You have three options: you can configure the VPN on your router, share your VPN connection from your Windows PC wirelessly, or connect your TV to your Windows or macOS computer with a cable to connect to the VPN.
Method 1: Configure Your VPN on Your Router
This way, every device connected to your home Wi-Fi, including your smart TV, will automatically use the VPN connection.
Before you get started, confirm that:
- Your VPN works with routers: PIA VPN supports manual configuration on many popular routers.
- Your router supports VPN connections: To check if you can configure a VPN on your router, log into your router’s settings and look for VPN or OpenVPN options. If your router doesn’t support VPNs out of the box, you may need to install custom firmware like DD-WRT, Tomato, or OpenWRT.
Once your router is ready, follow these steps:
- Enter your router’s IP address in your browser’s address bar to open the router configuration panel.
- Find the VPN client tab (you’ll usually find this under advanced settings).
- Use our installation guide to set up PIA VPN on your router.
- Double-check that your IP address matches the PIA server you’ve connected to.
- Switch over to your smart TV and start streaming safely.
Method 2: Share Your VPN Connection from Your Windows PC
If your router doesn’t support VPN configuration, or you simply don’t want to deal with the manual configuration, you can share your VPN connection from a Windows computer. This method creates a secure Wi-Fi hotspot that your TV can join.
- Install a VPN app for Windows on your computer and connect to a server.
- Press the Windows key + S, type Mobile hotspot settings, and press Enter.
- Turn on Mobile hotspot.
- Go to the Network and Internet settings and click on Advanced Network Settings.
- Open the Local Area Connection section, find More Adapter Options, and click the Edit button.
- Go to the Sharing tab and check Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.
- From the dropdown, choose the mobile hotspot you just created.
- On your smart TV, connect to the new Wi-Fi hotspot.
Method 3: Connect Your Smart TV to Your Computer Using a Wired Connection
If you prefer a wired setup or your smart TV only supports Ethernet, you can share a VPN connection using a physical cable. This gives you the same VPN protection with a stable, direct connection.
Here’s how to connect your TV to your VPN-connected computer.
- Install a VPN app on your computer and connect to a server.
- Enable internet sharing for the VPN connection:
- Windows: Use the Sharing tab in the adapter settings (same as above).
- macOS: Go to System Settings > General > Sharing > Internet Sharing and switch the toggle on.
- Connect your smart TV to your computer using an Ethernet cable.
- On your TV, set the connection type to Wired or Ethernet.
Bonus: How to Configure Smart DNS on Your Smart TV
Smart DNS is a simpler alternative to setting up a VPN on your TV, especially if you can’t just install the VPN app. Just keep in mind that Smart DNS only changes your virtual location; it doesn’t secure your connection like a VPN.
Here’s how to configure PIA’s Smart DNS on your smart TV:
- On your computer or smartphone, log in to your account on the PIA VPN website.
- From your PIA Client Control Panel, navigate to Smart DNS on the left-hand menu.
- From the dropdown menu, select the smart TV you want to configure.
- Select the location that you want the Smart DNS to reflect.
- Copy your Smart DNS IP address.
- On your smart TV, go to the settings menu and find the network settings.
- Look for settings like “configure DNS,” “custom name server,” or similar options.
- Enter the Smart DNS IP address you generated via the PIA Client Control Panel.
- Confirm by clicking OK or Done.
- That’s it; your TV is now set up to use Smart DNS.
How to Use a VPN on Your Non-Smart TV
You can turn most TVs into a smart TV with a streaming stick, like an Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast device. Not only are these significantly less expensive and more convenient than a smart TV, but many of them also have VPN apps in their app stores. Below are step-by-step guides for using a VPN on popular streaming devices, whether they support VPN apps or require a separate VPN setup.
VPN on Amazon Fire TV Stick
PIA VPN has a native app for the Fire Stick, which you can install directly from the app store and control with the Fire Stick remote control.
- Plug your Fire TV Stick into your TV and connect it to Wi-Fi.
- On your home screen, go to Find > Search.
- Type in “PIA VPN” and select the app.
- Click Download to install the PIA VPN app.
- Open the app and sign in with your PIA credentials.
- Choose a server location and click Connect.
- Once connected, return to your streaming apps and start watching your favorite shows securely and privately.
VPN on Chromecast
On a Google or Android TV, you can download a Chromecast VPN app from the Play Store. But if you’re using the Chromecast dongle, you will need to use one of the two options:
- Use a VPN router: Set up PIA VPN directly on your router and connect your Chromecast to that network. This protects it and every other device on your Wi-Fi without any extra setup.
- Share a VPN connection from your computer: Use your computer to create a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot. Once you’re connected to PIA on your computer, you can share that connection with your Chromecast over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
VPN on Apple TV
Newer versions of Apple TV are compatible with VPN apps. The PIA VPN app for Apple TV is available in the App Store.
- Make sure your Apple TV is updated to tvOS 17 or later.
- Open the App Store and search for “Private Internet Access.”
- Install the app and launch it.
- Sign in with your PIA account.
- Select a server and connect.
- Your Apple TV traffic is now encrypted.
💡 PIA VPN Tip: If you’re using an older Apple TV model that doesn’t support VPN apps, you can connect it to a VPN-enabled router or share a VPN connection from your PC.
VPN on Roku
Roku devices don’t support VPN apps, so you’ll need to route traffic through a device that does.
To use a VPN with Roku, you can:
- Use a VPN router: Connect your Roku to a router that has your VPN set up. All devices on the network will benefit from VPN protection.
- Share a VPN connection from your PC: Create a virtual hotspot or share a VPN connection from a computer running your VPN, then connect your Roku to that hotspot.
VPN Not Working on Your Smart TV? Try These Troubleshooting Tips
You might run into a few common issues when setting up a smart TV VPN. To help you overcome these, we’ve laid out the most common problems with running a VPN for TV streaming and how you can fix them.
🎯 Smart TV unable to connect to VPN server: Check your TV’s internet connection, ensure your VPN app is up to date, and try a different server location.
🎯 VPN traffic blocked: Adjust your firewall settings to allow VPN traffic through.
🎯 Smart TV not launching VPN: Update your TV’s firmware to the latest version.
🎯 Slow connection speed: Select a VPN server closer to your actual location.
🎯 Unable to access content: Double-check that your VPN is connected, confirm your server location, clear your browser cache, and refresh the streaming service app.
If you’ve tried all of the fixes on this list and PIA VPN is still not working on your smart TV, feel free to contact our 24/7 customer support for troubleshooting assistance.
Can I Use a Free VPN on a Smart TV?
A free VPN might work with your smart TV, but they’re unlikely to have a dedicated app for your device and are often less reliable than premium options.
Many streaming platforms use advanced VPN detection tools that can identify and block IP addresses associated with VPN providers. Free VPNs usually have small server networks, and they may not maintain access to streaming services. A small server network also makes it difficult for the VPN to handle a lot of traffic, which can lead to slower or disrupted connections.
Many free VPNs limit your bandwidth, too. If your VPN does this, your speeds may not be good enough for high-quality streaming.
PIA VPN has a huge network of 10-Gbps servers spread across six continents. Our ultra-fast infrastructure can handle a large volume of traffic without limiting your bandwidth, so you can stream on your smart TV until you get square eyes. Try it risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
FAQ
It depends on the type of smart TV you have. You can typically install a VPN directly on Android TVs, where you can simply download the VPN app from the Play Store. Smart TVs from brands like LG or Samsung use custom operating systems that don’t support VPN apps, so you’ll need to use a workaround to connect a VPN to the smart TV.
You still have options. You can set up a VPN on your router to protect all connected devices, including your smart TV. You can also use PIA’s Smart DNS feature or share a VPN connection from your computer. These workarounds give you the same VPN benefits as if the app was installed on the smart TV itself.
The best VPNs for smart TVs are fast, reliable, and have a good selection of servers. Look for providers that offer native Android TV apps, streaming-optimized servers, and router support. PIA VPN checks all those boxes and adds unlimited connections, strong encryption, and a large server network optimized for streaming.
Using a VPN on your smart TV is legal in most countries and is a common way to enhance your online privacy and security. However, laws vary by location, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding VPN use.
Using a VPN doesn’t grant permission to engage in activities like copyright infringement, which is illegal in most places and may lead to legal consequences. Many streaming platforms also have terms of service that restrict or prohibit the use of VPNs to access their content, so be sure to review and comply with those rules.
You can try, but free VPNs come with major limitations. Free VPNs typically have slow speeds, data caps, and fewer server locations, and it’s very difficult to find a free VPN with smart TV integrations (even many premium VPNs don’t offer this). For the best experience, a premium VPN like PIA is a safer and more reliable choice – it has native apps for Android TVs, Fire Stick, and Apple TV and supports router setups to protect all the devices in your home.
Many VPN providers set a limit on how many devices you can connect simultaneously. However, as long as you stay within that limit, you won’t need to buy any additional subscriptions. For example, PIA VPN covers unlimited devices on one subscription. You can protect your smart TV, phone, laptop, tablet, and even your router with the same account. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to secure your entire digital setup without juggling multiple plans.
To confirm your VPN is active, check your IP address using your smart TV’s browser or casting device. If the IP address and location align with the VPN server you’ve connected to, you’re secure. If it’s not working, try these troubleshooting tips.