VPNs make this possible, which you may already know if you’ve tried this on a mobile phone or tablet. But can you set up a VPN to use with a smart TV?
Yes, you can. Here’s everything you need to know about installing and using a VPN with a smart TV.
Why Do You Need a VPN on Your Smart TV?
You might think that a VPN is something you need when using public Wi-Fi, or working from home. But when it comes to using a smart TV, a VPN has various benefits.
Probably the most obvious is to circumvent location-based restrictions on what movies and TV shows you can stream. If you didn’t know, Netflix operates different libraries depending on territory. So, in the UK, the movies and shows on offer are different to those you see in the USA. With a VPN set to the correct country, you can avoid these restrictions and stream movies you would otherwise not have access to.
A VPN on a smart TV can also help to encrypt and secure video calls and improve online gaming speeds. Several items in our explanation of why you should use a VPN apply to smart TVs.
Which VPNs Can Be Installed on a Smart TV?
While many VPN services are available, not all of them offer app for smart TVs. Of those that do, consider the following VPNs:
NordVPN has regular deals throughout the year ExpressVPN offers three months free to MakeUseOf readers using this link Surfshark has a 30-day money-back guarantee
Other VPN providers use smart DNS and other configuration options for smart TVs, but this isn’t the same as using a VPN.
If you already use one of those VPN services, you’re halfway to getting it set up on your smart TV. If you do not, avoid free VPNs (unless it is one of those listed offering a free trial). Using a free VPN to watch Netflix is a waste of time and will only prove to be a frustrating experience.
Router vs. App: Which Is the Best VPN Option for a Smart TV?
As useful as VPNs are, it’s generally agreed that setting up a VPN account on a compatible router is superior to using a mobile app.
Running a VPN on your router is a one-time setup. On the other hand, if your router doesn’t support VPNs, you will need a VPN client on every single device. Some VPN providers limit the number of devices you can use, which can prove frustrating.
Which option is best? Well, it depends on what you’re expecting from configuring your VPN access.
While router set up is straightforward enough and will provide encrypted internet access to every device on your home network, changing the VPN server is a bit of a chore. Compare this with using a VPN app on a smart TV (or any other device) where switching servers or disabling the service requires just a couple of clicks.
However, there is another problem.
VPNs on Android-Based vs. Tizen OS Smart TVs
How do you tell which TV operating system is running on your smart TV? Strictly speaking, if your TV is a Samsung, it is running Tizen OS. Otherwise, it is probably running Android TV.
You can also check the box or manual, which will display the logo for the smart TV OS.
The problem that you face with Tizen OS is that it may not support the use of a VPN. While many VPN client apps are available for Android TV, few VPN providers directly support Tizen OS.
Basically, if you’re not using an Android smart TV, setting up a VPN on your router (if compatible) is your best alternative. Similarly, if your existing VPN provider doesn’t offer a smart TV-compatible app, you will have to set it up on your router.
How to Install a VPN on Your Smart TV
If you are using an Android TV, installing a VPN is straightforward.
Start off by signing up to a VPN service that supports installation on smart TVs (one of the VPNs listed above is the best place to start). Ensure you have the necessary credentials (username and password) to hand.
Next, switch on your smart TV, grab the remote, and do the following:
Go to Apps > Get more apps Click Search (magnifying glass) and input the name of the VPN Select the VPN you need Click Install Wait for the installation to complete When everything is ready, open the VPN.
Input your credentials when prompted, typically with the username or password (a QR code or dedicated URL may be offered). Note that some additional verification may be required, so have a phone, tablet, or computer nearby to check your emails.
Once this is done, the VPN should be active on your smart TV. You can now use the app to select an encrypted connection to a VPN app for private TV streaming. Head back to home screen, run your streaming TV app, and enjoy.
To disable the VPN or change VPN servers (e.g. from one hosted in the USA to one in the UK) simply open the VPN app and make your selections.
Stay Private Watching Your Smart TV With a VPN
While the results aren’t the same across the board (it depends on your smart TV brand, operating system, and the system hardware), running a VPN on a smart TV is straightforward. Whether you need it to fool Netflix or another TV streaming service to give you access to a different library, or you use your smart TV for browsing the web, a VPN is a good idea.
