How To Configure and Use a VPN on Your Smart TV

Using a VPN on your smart TV can be a great way to safeguard your privacy and enhance the security of your device. In this article, we’ll explain the importance of using a VPN app on your smart TV and walk you through the process of setting it up.

Why You Should Use A VPN On Your Smart TV?

Smart TVs like any other device connected to the internet can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Your data gets encrypted which makes it inaccessible to unauthorized persons. A VPN conceals your public IP address through which you get an extra layer of online privacy.

A VPN can help protect you from bandwidth throttling. Some internet service providers (ISPs) may limit your internet speeds if they observe you consuming large amounts of bandwidth even if you have an unlimited internet access plan. A VPN encrypts your smart TV’s internet connection and the probability of being targeted for bandwidth throttling based on your online activities decreases.

How You Can Use A VPN On Your Smart TV

Using a VPN app on many smart TVs is a straightforward process so follow the steps below to get started with your VPN connection:

1. Check Compatibility

Confirm that your smart TV supports VPN apps while Android TVs generally support VPN apps but if your device isn’t compatible so you can still protect it with a VPN by setting up the VPN on your router.

2. Choose a VPN Provider

There are numerous VPN providers you can choose from but we recommend to use for a premium VPN instead of a free one. Premium VPNs offer better speed, and security, and often come with additional features to boost online safety.

3. Set Up Your VPN

Once you’ve selected a VPN provider then download its app on your smart TV and open it. The app will guide you through the setup process which may involve selecting a VPN plan if you haven’t already done so.

4. Connect to the VPN

After the VPN is installed and set up, you can connect to a VPN server and encrypt your connection. Many VPN apps like NordVPN allow you to choose a specific server location or let the app find the best server based on speed and stability.

5. Confirm the Connection

Check your VPN application to see if it’s connected. Most VPN apps provide information about whether they are active. Note your IP address before turning on the VPN and then check if it has changed after the connection. If the IP address has changed so it means your VPN is working correctly.

Install a VPN on the majority of smart TVs

If you have an Android TV so you can install a VPN by downloading a VPN application from the Play Store. Many VPN providers including NordVPN offer smart TV apps for Android TVs.

To set up a VPN on your Android TV:

1. Turn on your smart TV and navigate to the Play Store.
2. Search for and download the VPN app of your chosen provider.
3. Open the app and follow the prompts to log in and complete the setup process.

You can connect to a VPN server once the setup is finished and enjoy protected internet access on your smart TV.

Securing Non-Android Smart TVs with a VPN

If you have a non-Android smart TV like an Apple TV, Samsung smart TV with Tizen OS, or LG’s webOS so you can still set up a VPN using the following methods:

Method 1: Configuring a VPN on Your Router

If you cannot install a VPN app directly on your smart TV so don’t worry you can still set up a VPN on your home router to encrypt all traffic passing through it and here’s how you can do it:

1. Open your web browser on a device connected to your router’s network.
2. Enter your router’s IP address in the browser’s search bar and press “Enter.”
3. Log in to your router using the provided credentials (usually a username and password).
4. Look for an option called “Advanced settings” or “Advanced setup” where you can specify the VPN you wish to use.

All data between the router and the VPN server will be protected by setting up a VPN on your router. However, please note that the data between your smart TV and the router will not be encrypted as your TV lacks a VPN app.

Alternatively, you can use a VPN router that comes pre-configured with a VPN to get the same results.

Method 2: Share a VPN Connection via Ethernet

If you have NordVPN installed on a device and want to share the VPN with your smart TV so you can use an Ethernet cable and here’s how to do it for Windows 11 users:

1. Right-click the network icon and select “Open network and sharing center.”
2. Click “Change adapter options.”
3. Right-click the TAP-NordVPN Windows adapter and select “Properties.”
4. Open the “Sharing” tab and enable “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”
5. Select the name of the network interface you’ll share the connection with and click “OK.”
6. Connect your PC to your smart TV with an Ethernet cable and turn on your VPN.

You can easily connect your smart TV to a VPN using an Ethernet cable by following these steps. However, note that you cannot share a VPN via your mobile hotspot.

Conclusion

Using a VPN on your smart TV can significantly enhance your privacy and security while offering protection against bandwidth throttling. Whether you have an Android TV or a non-Android smart TV, you have options to set up and use a VPN to enjoy a safer and more secure online experience on your television.