If you have a big screen Smart TV and have discovered that some of the apps can’t work, the secret to this is to learn how to use VPN on Smart TV.
In most cases, the pre-installed apps fail to function due to regional restrictions. Another best thing is that you could be doing yourself a favor by protecting your gadget from malware or cyber-attacks. A VPN is a sure bet to help you use your Smart TV and view content anywhere.
Not only will you learn how to use VPN on your Smart TV, but there are also vital steps that will allow you to enjoy all of your Smart TV.
How to use VPN on Smart TV [Easy Methods]
But not all TVs support this method. If you have an Android TV, it’s a matter of bread and butter. But with an older version like Samsung TV or Apple TV box, you need to go an extra mile.
Whether you have a new version of Smart TV or an older model, here are the steps to get a VPN on Smart TV.
1. Set up VPN on Android/Google TV
2. Set up a VPN on TVs without access to the Google Play Store
Unfortunately, you will have issues when accessing Google Play Store for your older Smart TVs. Luckily, you can maneuver through and set up a VPN. Here are two basic methods to use
How to use VPN on Android/Google TV
You can download the VPN app from the Google Play Store with an Android TV. The procedure is like the one you conduct on installing an app on your phone or tablet; it’s easy. See below:
- Go to the Google Play store and subscribe to a reliable VPN; we recommend ExpressVPN. It has most of the features one would expect in a good VPN. Surfshark and NordVPN are the other two best alternatives.
- Install the VPN app on your Android/ Google TV.
- Run the app for activation.
- Connect to a server location of your choice using the VPN.
- Connect your Smart TV to the VPN set on your Android TV and enjoy the moments.
How to Set up VPN on TVs without Android or Google Play Store
If you have an Apple TV, LG, or Samsung, you can set up a VPN. Unfortunately, you will have issues when accessing Google Play Store for your older Smart TVs. Luckily, you can maneuver through and set up a VPN. Here are two basic methods to use.
Method 1: How you can share a VPN connection over Ethernet?
If you commonly use region-blocked apps, using a VPN connection over Ethernet is best. Again, you also avoid using long cables, which can be daunting. Here is how to use a VPN on a Smart TV connection via Ethernet.
Sharing VPN through Ethernet on MacOS
- Click on the Apple Icon, choose System Preferences, and click Sharing.
- In the list at the left, click the Internet Sharing box.
- Click the pop-up menu and choose VPN. Make sure to have the device connected to Ethernet. You can select this from the Share your connection on the dropdown menu and select Ethernet on the To computers using the box icon.
- Connect to your VPN.
- Connect your devices with the Ethernet cable, and the 2nd device will connect to the VPN automatically.
By connecting to one of the best Apple TV VPNs, you can also easily watch Hulu on Apple TV.
Sharing VPN through Ethernet on Windows 10
It’s easy to share a VPN connection using an Ethernet cable from one device. Below are the steps to follows:
- Right-click on your wired connection icon to Open Network & Internet settings and select Ethernet.
- Scroll down and click on Change adapter options.
- A list of the available connections will show. Find one that has your VPN. For example, if you choose ExpressVPN, you will use the ExpressVPN TAP adapter.
- Right-click the VPN network adapter and choose Properties.
- In the pop-up window, select Sharing tab and on to the first box with (Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection).
- Choose Ethernet on the drop-down menu and click OK
- Connect your VPN to any server of choice-launch your VPN to change the default protocol.
Now, you can connect to your (two) devices through the Ethernet cable- you will connect the Ethernet cable from your Windows PC to another device you wish to have a VPN connection. You can even change the VPN location using the VPN app on your PC and enjoy a safe connection. Also, learn more about the best VPN services for Windows.
Method 2: How you can share a VPN connection over WIFI
Sharing your wireless VPN connection over WIFI could be what you need to keep all your devices at home safe. You may be tired of having cables all over your roof. Here is how to connect your VPN wirelessly.
Sharing VPN over Wi-Fi on Windows 10
- Right-click the network icon taskbar in- the bottom right-hand corner and select Network and Internet Settings.
- On your left-hand list, choose Wi-Fi and enable Mobile hotspot.
- At this point, you can change your password or network name by clicking Edit and entering your correct details.
- Down the screen, click on Change adapter options.
- Right-click on Tap. Eg. Express Windows adapter. You have to switch to the right protocol with your VPN of choice. Select properties.
- Select the “Sharing tab” and allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.
- Choose the hotspot you have generated from the drop-down menu and click OK.
- Connect your VPN on your other device and the current network and enjoy your content.
Sharing VPN over Wi-Fi on MacOS
- Go to the Apple icon > System Preference > Sharing
- On the left, check the Internet Sharing box
- Check the Share your connection from the list and select the VPN adapter
- To the right-hand box marked To computer using, select WI-FI
- Connect your VPN to the main and secondary devices to the network you have created, and enjoy your content.
Method 3: How to set up a VPN on your Router
One of the safest methods to ensure all your home devices are secure is installing a VPN on your router. Yet, routers are different; it’s vital to read the guide on installing a VPN on Smart TV. You can do this:
- Download a reliable VPN: Choose ExpressVPN. Its’ guide on VPN setup is much easier to follow. You can also consider, Surfshark or NordVPN.
- Get your router’s IP address.
- Log in to your router- You will be prompted to enter your IP address.
- Configure your router as per the guide and enjoy streaming your content.
Common Mistakes of installing a VPN on your Smart TV
The above steps on using a VPN on Smart TV have all you need to have a VPN on Smart TV. While this may seem easy to work on with no need for techies, you have a few hurdles to avoid during VPN installed on your Smart TV.
Below are pitfalls to avoid:
1. Installation of Android apps to non-Android systems
The non- Android TV doesn’t have an operating system to connect to the apps and cannot run on unsupported devices. It’s pretty easy to have an Android TV VPN; you easily get access to the Google Playstore.
But with versions such as Samsung TV, and LG Smart TV, this is not the case; you will have to use a manual VPN installation. Instead, you should share your VPN and connect Smart TV to Wi-Fi or Ethernet. You could ruin your operating system, which may not be possible to modify later.
2. Failure to read the installation guide
Every VPN installation has a guide from the company. During installation, make sure to check out all settings. Most of the settings are disabled by default, which may keep you stuck if you’re unaware of what to run on and off.
If you don’t understand something, ask! Many VPN service providers have 24/7 customer service that you can contact for any query.
3. Relying on Smart DNS wholly
Though it feels good to bypass the geo-restrictions, Smart DNS has no privacy or encryption. Your Internet Service Provider can eye on what you’re streaming. Again, it is more likely to get into buffering issues due to speed, especially when you stream often. Worse still, you will only connect to one location, whereas a VPN allows you to choose from thousands of servers.
The ‘I don’t have a smart TV’ way
Don’t feel locked out if you do not have a smart TV and feel you need to unlock global content. There are still ways to enjoy it. But this will require you to have the right equipment to install a VPN. The best way would be to run a VPN connection through a router.
Again, not every router is compatible; you need to select one that offers a smooth connection. Luckily, most reliable VPN providers have a guide on the router’s compatibility with VPN Smart TV and the installation process. Others have pre-installed apps; you don’t have to worry about the process.
If you’re a do-it-yourself person, follow all details provided in the installation. Still, it would suffice to have someone guide you to avoid issues of plug and play, which with time, could ruin your router.
With your VPN correctly installed to your router and connected to the servers of choice, you can virtually stream on anything you love.
But wait!
Not every VPN will offer you the best. You will have to consider some factors when choosing which VPN to install. The major concern should be the speed of the VPN, its ability to unblock geo-restricted content, and strong security to keep your online activities private.
You also want to consider the price and the number of servers available for connection. Again, your selection should support router connections, especially for Apple TV box, Amazon Fire TV, or Samsung TVs that may not be Android compatible.
Our recommendation goes to ExpressVPN; it is the easiest to use, but it has two other competitors that work pretty well; Surfshark and NordVPN. Any of these three will ensure you have the best experience with your Smart TV.
FAQs: How to use VPN on Smart TV
Why do I need a VPN for my smart TV?
Can I use a VPN on my Smart TV without configuring my router?
How do I use a VPN on my smart TV for Netflix?
How do I turn off VPN on my smart TV?
Conclusion
If you have been wondering how to use VPN on Smart TV, you’ve got the answer. The process is not complicated.
But if you still have issues, it’s advisable to seek assistance from your VPN service provider to guide you on how to set up Smart TV VPN. With a VPN on Smart TV, you can stream without issues and enjoy your favorite content from anywhere.