A VPN for smart TVs is necessary if you want to watch content without restrictions or to simply ensure total privacy across all personal devices. Most users prefer streaming content online on a bigger screen, such as a smart TV. However, many streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, have geo-restrictions. The only way to bypass these restrictions is by using a VPN on your smart TV.
Using a VPN on smart TVs offers multiple benefits, but setting it up can seem more difficult than on other devices. Luckily, most top providers offer several ways to get a VPN on a smart TV, including native apps that you can download from your smart TV’s app store. Another easy way to use a VPN on a smart TV is by setting up a mobile hotspot.
How to get a VPN on a smart TV by using a Windows device:
- Download and install the VPN app on your Windows device. I recommend using NordVPN as it’s a premium provider guaranteeing privacy, fast speeds, and stable connections.
- Find Mobile Hotspot settings on your computer.
- Switch on the mobile hotspot and select Wi-Fi behind Share my internet connection over.
- Connect to the mobile hotspot on your smart TV and enjoy unrestricted streaming!
If you want to learn other ways to set up a VPN on your smart TV or what’s the best VPN for it, continue reading this article.
Note: A smart TV is not the same thing as an Android TV. On an Android TV, such as the Sony Bravia, it’s very easy to install a VPN, because you can just install a VPN app for Android on the TV directly. If this is what you want to do, we refer you to our article about setting up a VPN on your Android TV.
1. Connecting your smart TV to a Windows PC with a VPN
Even though this method technically doesn’t involve setting up a VPN on your smart TV, you’re still connecting to one, with all the advantages this brings. This is accomplished by installing a VPN on your Windows PC (if you haven’t done so already) and subsequently connecting your smart TV to your PC by turning your PC into a mobile hotspot. As such, your smart TV is connected to the same WiFi or broadband network as your PC, thus making use of the same VPN connection. Please note you do need to have Windows 10 installed on your PC for this method to work. Read our short and simple step-by-step guide below to use this method.
- Install a VPN on your Windows PC. Most VPN providers make this very easy to do. After all, virtually every popular VPN provider offers an easy-to-use Windows app nowadays. However, if you need some help with this, then have a look at our article about setting up a VPN on Windows.
- Set up a mobile hotspot on your PC. To do this, type in “mobile hotspot settings” in the search bar of your computer and click on it.
- Click on the little switch you see under ‘Mobile hotspot‘, so it turns on (blue). Now check to make sure the right network is displayed (your WiFi or broadband network) and to make sure WiFi is selected where it reads “share my internet connection over“.
- Now connect your smart TV to your Windows PC’s WiFi or broadband network. To do this, use the information behind “Network name” and “Network password” from the previous screen.
- Now your smart TV is connected through VPN. If you want to change your settings, you’ll have to do this from your PC. For instance, let’s say you want to watch the US version of Netflix on your smart TV, you select a US VPN server on your PC.
2. Installing a VPN on your router
Installing a VPN on your router is very useful to protect all your devices at home in one go. To achieve this, it is necessary to change the firmware on your router. This process is called flashing. Be certain to check if your router is suited to do this because not all routers are. For some help with this, check out our article on the best VPN routers.
During this process, you can damage your router irreparably. This is why it is important to follow the instructions precisely. You can read our full guide on how to install a VPN on your router to find out how to flash it.
Once you have installed the VPN on your router, you can let your smart TV connect to it, just as it normally would. Once the connection is established, your smart TV is protected by the VPN.
Install a VPN on your router
To install a VPN on your router, follow the next steps:
- Check if your router is suitable for flashing.
- Change the firmware on your router and install a VPN, such as NordVPN.
- Connect your smart TV to the flashed router. This works the same as connecting to any other Wi-Fi network.
3. Installing a VPN on a virtual router on your PC or Mac
If your router isn’t suitable for flashing or you don’t want to, you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot on your PC or Mac and set that up as a virtual router with a VPN connection. You can then connect your smart TV to the internet via the hotspot on your PC or Mac. Installing a VPN on your PC or Mac differs depending on the device and operating system. Look for a provider that matches well with your devices, and it shouldn’t be too difficult. Below you’ll find a guide that will help you install a VPN on your virtual router.
Installing a VPN on a virtual router
To install a VPN on your virtual router, follow the next steps:
- Download a VPN application on your PC or Mac. Most VPN providers have an easy installation wizard to help you install their software on your device.
- Create a Wi-Fi hotspot on your PC or Mac. How you can do this depends on your device. If you cannot figure out how to do this, you can visit the website of your device’s manufacturer.
- Connect your smart TV to the Wi-FI hotspot of your PC or Mac (which in turn is connected through VPN).
Casting from a different device
With a smart TV, it is also possible to cast content from another device to the smart TV. When you do this, you must consider a few things. You will always need your other device nearby, and if you switch between devices like your smartphone and tablet, you need to install a VPN on both of them. Moreover, the device you cast with will be protected with the VPN, but your smart TV will not be. You only use the smart TV as an external screen for your other device.
The best VPN for your smart TV
If you do not have a subscription with a VPN provider yet, it can be useful to go for a VPN that works well in combination with your smart TV. A stable and speedy connection is essential when you want to stream movies, series, or music. Go for a VPN provider that fits your needs perfectly. If you would like to watch geo-blocked content, make sure your provider always has servers you can use for this purpose. I have tested several providers, and below are three solid providers that work well in combination with your smart TV.
1. NordVPN for smart TV
NordVPN is a top choice as it offers (smart TV) users a lot of safety, privacy, geo-unblocking, and good streaming speeds. It also has some extra features like split tunneling, Double VPN, and a kill switch, which will add extra security and enhance your streaming experience even more. With NordVPN, you can also use obfuscated servers in 16 different locations, including the US, Canada, and the UK. You can also get a Dedicated IP, which is available in 30 countries. Using obfuscated or Dedicated IP servers makes it harder for streaming services to detect and block your VPN connection. Due to this, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs to use on smart TVs, as your connection will stay uninterrupted, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.
2. Surfshark for smart TV
Surfshark is an excellent and very affordable VPN to use with your smart TV. It is the cheapest premium VPN provider that I have tested, but it offers great streaming speeds nevertheless. Furthermore, Surfshark can get you access to the US version of Netflix and, with its 4500 servers in 100 countries, to tons of other geographically-restricted content as well. Moreover, Surfshark is a very safe VPN provider that respects and protects its users’ privacy. After all, it has a strict no-logs policy, first-class encryption protocols, and a kill switch. Surfshark works with your smart TV by using any of the methods described in this article. As such, it’s the perfect way to easily and affordably enjoy safety, freedom, and privacy while using your smart TV.
3. Proton VPN for smart TV
Just like NordVPN and Surfshark, Proton VPN is a good choice for smart TVs, as it allows setting up the VPN on a router to use it on various smart TVs. Proton VPN is one of the most privacy-oriented VPNs on the market that doesn’t keep logs, guarantees IP and DNS leak protection, and offers extra features. Besides, it works great for streaming Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ due to its stable connections. With 20300+ servers in 148 countries, you’ll have no issues bypassing geo-restrictions and watching content on your smart TV.
A solid cybersecurity and privacy package with a whopping 70% off
Final thoughts
Most VPNs don’t have native apps for smart TVs, but it’s still possible to set it up by creating a virtual hotspot, setting it up on a router, or simply screen casting. While it does require a few additional steps, it’s worth doing so as it will guarantee security and allow you to stream geo-restricted content from anywhere. A VPN is a necessary tool for security and unrestricted browsing, so be sure to use it for your smart TV as well.
Setting up a VPN on your smart TV: FAQ
Not sure how to set up a VPN on your Smart TV or why you should? Take a look at our frequently asked questions below and click on a question to see the answer!
Yes, you can. Although you can’t install a VPN directly on your smart TV, you can still secure this device via a (virtual) router. Set up the VPN on your router by following these steps, and enjoy more streaming possibilities as well as increased online privacy and security on your smart TV.
A VPN provides more online privacy, security, and freedom. This means your smart TV is less likely to be hacked, but also that you could, for example, access the American version of Netflix on your television even when you aren’t in the USA.
There are several VPNs that work perfectly with your smart TV. We specifically recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN, because these VPNs offer big server networks, are generally very fast, and are easy to set up with a (virtual) router.
If you want to connect with a VPN on your smart TV, you’ll need to do so via a regular or virtual router. Install the VPN on your (virtual) router and let your smart TV access the internet via this router. This way, your smart TV will use the same secure internet connection as the router and be protected. Read more about how to set up such a connection here.
My husband bought a VPN subscription to protect our online data because we have a small family business, so it is important to keep all documents and files safe from spying eyes. In the beginning we did not understand how it works and how to set it up on our router, we had like millions of questions, but customer support of our VPN provider helped us immediately with that, so I would recommend!
I see many Kodi-related reviews suggesting ExpressVPN. There's no doubt it's great, but isn't it too expensive to get just for Kodi? I'd prefer more value for money, so if you could suggest any alternatives? Atm I plan on getting a free trial from PureVPN.
Since ExpressVPN is such a good, qualitative VPN, we tend to recommend it often. It simply works the best out of all the services we test. We barely ever run into a VPN block when using Express. Don't forget that a VPN can provide you with online privacy, safety, and freedom, so if you use it smartly, you wouldn't just be using it for Kodi. Regardless, it's very understandable you'd want to spend as little money as possible. Firstly, you can have a look at our article listing the best VPNs for Kodi, which you can find right here. In general, Surfshark is a very good choice, as it's cheap and works with plenty of devices and streaming services.
In order to ensure that you can't access streaming content that is not licensed for your region, Netflix blocks most VPNs. Some VPN services, however, work hard to ensure their customers can still stream movies and TV shows. It's something of a cat-and-mouse game, and a VPN that works with Netflix today might not work tomorrow.
This is exactly right! It's a constant game between VPN services and Netflix. If you want to know exactly which VPNs keep up this game and still work with the streaming service, we've got a great list for you, including more information on this topic, over on this page with the best Netflix VPNs.