How to set up a VPN on a Smart TV or Fire TV Stick
Want a VPN on your TV? There are two easy routes, depending on whether your TV can run apps.
- Option A — native app. On Android TV or a Fire TV Stick, install the VPN app directly from the app store, then log in.
- Option B — via your router. If your TV has no VPN app, put the VPN on your router instead.
- Sign in and connect. Open the app, log in, choose a country, and connect.
- Open your streaming app. Launch your streaming service as normal.
Which method to use
How you set up a VPN on a TV depends on the device. A Fire TV Stick or Android TV can install a VPN app directly — the easiest route. An Apple TV, Roku or games console cannot run VPN apps, so you either set the VPN up on your router or use the provider’s Smart DNS feature.
On a Fire TV or Android TV
- Open the app store on the device and search for your VPN provider.
- Install the app, open it and sign in.
- Connect to a server and start streaming.
On Apple TV, Roku or a console
These have no VPN apps, so cover them at the network level: install the VPN on your router so the TV is protected automatically, or enable the provider’s Smart DNS on the device for unblocking without full encryption.
FAQ
Does the Fire TV Stick support VPN apps?
Yes — most major VPNs have a dedicated Fire TV app you install straight from the Amazon Appstore.
Can I use a VPN on Apple TV?
Newer Apple TV models are beginning to support VPN apps, but the reliable route for every model is a router-level VPN or Smart DNS.