If you know what is a VPN, then you’d also know that it can be used to stream geo-locked content. So, you can watch any video, movie, or series you like, even if it’s not available in your country.
Using a VPN on your smartphone or PC is easy. You just have to download and install the app and connect. However, using it on a smart TV can be a bit tricky. There are two ways you can install and use a VPN on your smart TV.
In this post, we’ll give you a complete installation guide, so you can choose the method that suits your the best.
Note: A Smart TV is different from an Android TV. On an Android TV, you can simply download and install the VPN app from the play store, just like on your phone.
Setting Up VPN Using a Virtual Router
This is the easiest and fastest way of connecting your smart TV to a VPN. You can simply install and run the VPN on your Windows PC or Mac, create a Wi-Fi hotspot, and connect your smart TV to that hotspot.
The hotspot is now sharing your VPN connection with your smart TV. This method works best if your router has a 5GHz band. If it only uses a 2.4GHz band, then sharing the connection with other devices might slow down the connection speed.
The steps to creating a Wi-Fi hotspot might be different for different devices and operating systems. Follow these steps to create a Wi-FI hotspot on your device:
1. For windows 10 and 11
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Turn on ‘Mobile hotspot’.
- Select Wi-Fi on the “Share my Internet connection from” option.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on the “Share Over” option. We recommend Wi-Fi for faster connectivity.
- Edit your Wi-Fi name and password on the ‘Properties’ section.
2. On Apple’s Mac devices
- Select “System Preferences” from the top menu bar.
- Click on “Sharing”.
- Click on Internet Sharing and tick the “Wi-Fi” box.
- A pop-up menu will appear on the screen, click on “Start”.
Installing a VPN on Your Router
Another approach is to set up a VPN with your router. Every device connected to that router will now be using the VPN, including your smart TV. It’s a bit more complicated process, but it’s a one-stop solution for securing your entire household network.
Before you begin this step, make sure to check your router’s compatibility. Not all routers support a VPN, and some routers only support specific VPNs. If your router isn’t VPN compatible, then forcing an install might damage it beyond repair. Check your router manual or the product website to make sure.
You can follow these steps to successfully install a VPN on our router:
- You can find out your IP address through the Command Prompt on windows.
- Open ‘cmd’ and type “IPCONFIG”
- Your IP address will be listed under the section “Default Gateway”
- On Mac, go the System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced > TCP/IP.
- Go to the IP address using your browser. It should open up your router’s configuration interface.
- The username and password are usually written on the bottom of your router or in the manual guide.
- In settings, there should be a VPN option. Sometimes it’s under the advanced settings option.
- Go to the VPN Client option. Don’t choose the VPN Server option. It’s a separate option for hosting a VPN service instead of connecting to one.
- Enter the settings provided by your VPN client. You can go to your VPN providers website and find their router setup settings.
- Some VPN providers also send you an OpenVPN config file once you subscribe. You can simply upload this file, instead of filling up the details manually.
- Now every device connected to your router will be using the VPN.
Why Do You Need a VPN?
In addition to allowing you to stream geo-restricted content, a VPN has many benefits that can improve your everyday browsing experience.
Using a VPN allows securing browsing. It provides end-to-end encryption so your online activity and personal data stay under the wraps. Especially if you’re connected to a public network, like in a library, public transport, restaurant, or University, your online activities are exposed to potential hackers and stalkers.
A VPN will also protect you from bandwidth throttling. You’ll notice that your connection speed plummets during specific hours of the day. This is because your ISP is intentionally slowing it down to avoid network congestion.
Throttling can be frustrating. You’re downloading content or streaming a movie and suddenly your speed drops, even though you’re paying a good amount every month to your ISP.
However, when you use a VPN, your online activities including your IP on the network is hidden from the ISP. So, they can’t throttle or slow down your speed. You’re practically invisible to them.
To Sum It Up
Using a premium VPN will always enhance your internet browsing experience. Following our guide to installing a VPN on your smart TV can easily let your stream any content from any region, whether it’s on Netflix, Prime or any other site.
