| Updated: January 3, 2025
We may earn affiliate commissions for the recommended products. Learn more.
Installing a VPN on your Android TV is straightforward, much like installing one on your Android smartphone. Most Smart TVs come with Google TV and access to the Play Store, allowing you to download and use a VPN on your Android TV easily.
Here are the steps to get started:
I’ve outlined alternative methods for installing and using a VPN on Android TV without the Play Store. My preferred approach is using a virtual router created on a VPN-enabled PC. Simply connect your Android TV to the newly created hotspot to unlock geo-restricted content.
Before proceeding with the configuration, consider getting a premium VPN like NordVPN for your Android TV. It provides optimized servers for streaming and downloading while securely encrypting your data with advanced VPN protocols.
An Android TV is a Smart TV that runs on Google’s Android operating system, specifically designed for TVs. This allows users to access millions of streaming and music apps through the Play Store, maximizing their TV’s capabilities. Setting up a VPN on an Android TV is incredibly simple and requires just a few clicks for configuration.
Much like popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify, you can search for your VPN provider in the Play Store and download the Android TV-compatible app. Most commercial VPNs now offer dedicated apps for Android TV. For those that don’t, alternative methods include screen sharing, using a virtual router, or installing the VPN directly on a physical router.
This article will discuss a few methods to install and use a VPN on Android TV in 2025. I have used several techniques to set up a VPN on Android TV and listed all the steps for easy configuration. Additionally, I recommend using a reliable VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN on your Android TV for smooth unblocking and streaming.
A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, while also allowing access to geo-locked content from anywhere in the world. Pairing a VPN with an Android TV can be a game-changer for streamers, enabling them to watch movies, TV shows, and channels that were previously region-locked. A VPN might reduce your internet speed, but here are a few tips to increase your internet speed for fast streaming.
There are four ways to use a VPN on your Android TV, both with and without the Google Play Store. The method depends on the type of Android TV you have and whether it supports Google Play. Most popular Smart TV brands run on Android and provide access to the Play Store.
If your TV’s operating system is Android, you can easily download and install a VPN directly from the Play Store. Brands like Philips, TCL, Sony, Hisense, etc, use Google Android as their TV operating system for two key reasons: user-friendliness and access to the Play Store.
Here are the methods to install and use a VPN on your Android TV in 2025:
| Methods | Play Store | Screen Mirror | Virtual Router | VPN on Router |
| Set-Up Difficulty | Easy | Easy | Medium | Hard |
| Requirements | VPN subscription | Mac/PC + VPN | Smart TV + PC | VPN-compatible router |
| Drawbacks | None | Reduced picture & sound quality | A separate PC is required | Switching servers is difficult |
| Speed | Very Fast | Fast | Medium | Slow |
I have personally tested every method to install and use a VPN on my TCL OLED Smart TV. My preferred method is downloading a VPN directly from the Play Store and using it to unblock content, as it is the easiest and most reliable option. However, if this isn’t possible, remember to opt for premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN and steer clear of cracked or unreliable VPNs for security and performance reasons.
Deal Get 70% Off a 2-Year Plan + Get 3 Bonus Months FREE! 🎉
From $4.49/m
Both VPNs offer top-notch servers optimized for streaming and unblocking geo-restricted content and apps. They also utilize modern VPN protocols to encrypt your streaming activities, protecting you from third-party trackers and the prying eyes of your ISP. Additionally, you can bypass VPN blocks in countries with strict internet policies with them.
Let’s begin with the easiest method to use a VPN on Android TV:
Downloading and installing a VPN on Android TV is as easy as doing it on an Android phone. You have to search for your VPN on the Google Play Store, download and install it, log in with your credentials, and you are done.
The goal is to change your IP address to access content unavailable in your country. This can also be done with proxies and Smart DNS; however, they don’t encrypt your traffic like a VPN. Here is a detailed guide on the difference between proxy, Smart DNS, and VPN. Here are the steps to download and install a VPN on an Android TV:
It’s recommended that you test your VPN after connecting to a VPN server. You can do this by opening Netflix on your Android TV. If the library has changed, your VPN will be correctly configured and working as expected.
However, if the Netflix region hasn’t changed, there could be several reasons, such as cached data, configuration issues, or the VPN not functioning properly. Here’s a detailed guide on why your VPN might not be working and how to fix it.
Creating a virtual router via a VPN-enabled PC or Mac may sound difficult and lengthy, but it is simple if done correctly. I often use my laptop to create a virtual router and connect my Samsung smart TV to the newly created hotspot.
I also connected the newly created hotspot to my mobile phone and tested it for mobile VPN leaks before using it on my Android TV. Here are the steps to do it correctly with a Windows 10 PC.
When sharing a VPN connection from your PC to your Android TV via a mobile hotspot, you may experience reduced internet speeds or, in some cases, no connection at all. Additionally, the PC must remain powered on whenever you use the VPN on your Android TV through this method.
For more detailed troubleshooting and setup instructions, I’ve created a comprehensive guide on setting up a VPN on Windows 10, which you can refer to if your VPN isn’t working as expected.
Here are the steps to set up a virtual router on your Mac:
Many commercial VPNs allow you to share an L2TP/IPsec VPN connection from your Mac with other devices. For example, I used ExpressVPN on my Mac to set up a virtual router using the L2TP VPN protocol. While L2TP provides less robust security, it is sufficient for this type of configuration. Alternatively, you can consider other methods for setting up a VPN on your Mac to suit your needs.
This is probably the easiest method to configure a VPN on Android TV after method #1. It allows you to cast your Google Chrome browser on your Android TV and watch geo-restricted content via your PC.
Here are the steps to do it correctly:
Ensure that both your PC and Android TV are connected to the same WiFi network. However, a downside to this method is that it may reduce video quality, as the Google Chrome browser compresses and transcodes the video during casting to other devices.
Installing a VPN on your router is probably the most difficult method mentioned in this article. However, the steps I have mentioned below can be done by anyone who knows how to use a personal computer.
Before you move forward, let me tell you about the speed reductions that happen when you are using a VPN via a router. That is because all your devices do not use the same VPN server, which significantly reduces your internet speed.
This is fine with casual browsing and streaming but not with online gaming, which requires a lower ping rate for the best experience. Here are your four options for installing a VPN on the router.
Deal Get a 30-day free trial of ExpressVPN with the Aircove router
From $189.9
There are many benefits of using a VPN on Android TV & other devices. A VPN masks your IP address, encrypts your internet traffic, and provides access to geo-restricted content. Among these, the ability to unblock content is the primary reason many users opt for a VPN on Android or Smart TVs.
A VPN transforms your Android TV experience by granting access to streaming apps and channels that may not be available in your home country. This feature is especially valuable for streamers, movie enthusiasts, and expatriates looking to enjoy a wider range of content.
| Reason | Description |
| Access Geo-Blocked Content | A VPN for Chromecast allows you to bypass geo-restrictions, giving you access to hundreds of movies, TV shows, and channels. It also lets you change your Netflix library, enabling you to stream content not available in your region. |
| Bypass ISP Throttling | Stop your internet service provider from throttling your connection while streaming. |
| Enhance Privacy & Security | Safeguard your online activities from monitoring by corporations or governments and secure your device against cyberattacks. |
Many commercial VPN providers offer optimized servers designed for fast streaming and downloading. After testing several VPNs on my Android and Smart TV, I recommend NordVPN for premium users and Hotspot Shield for those seeking a reliable free option.
ExpressVPN is another solid choice; however, their Japanese server couldn’t unblock the Japanese Netflix library when I tested it on a Smart TV. If you’re looking for step-by-step instructions, here’s a detailed guide on setting up and using a VPN on Smart TV.
NordVPN has been the first choice of strangers, gamers, and privacy enthusiasts, making it the overall best VPN. It has been placed at the top position on many VPN review websites like VPN for What and is the first choice of several YouTubers and Tiktokers.
Here are a few features that make NordVPN the best VPN for Android TV:
NordVPN successfully unblocks every streaming platform and channel I’ve tested, making it excellent for effortlessly changing Netflix regions. Additionally, you can purchase this VPN anonymously using gift cards from a physical store.
This is a smart move if you reside in regions where VPNs are illegal or heavily regulated. Enjoy thousands of movies and TV shows on your Android TV with NordVPN.
I’ve tested many free VPNs, and Hotspot Shield has become my favorite—not because it’s one of the oldest free VPNs on the market or because of its eye-catching blue shield logo, but because of the impressive features it offers in its free version.
While the number of available server locations is limited, it covers key regions like the USA, UK, and Singapore. Even with the free subscription, you get advanced security features such as a kill switch and its proprietary VPN protocol, Hydra.
In comparison, other free VPNs, like Proton VPN, provide five server locations but have poor speed. PiradoVPN has fast VPN servers but a monthly data limit of 10GB.
Hotspot Shield is an excellent choice for anyone with a limited budget for streaming or online security. I even configured it on my Android TV to stream BBC iPlayer from the US, and it worked flawlessly without buffering interruptions. With Hotspot Shield’s cancelation and refund policy, you can get a 100% refund in 45 days with the premium package.
Deal The best free VPN for streaming
Android TV is a feature-rich device that provides access to various streaming apps and OTT platforms. However, adding a VPN enhances its capabilities by enabling access to geo-restricted content, giving users more entertainment options and flexibility.
The most straightforward method to install and use a VPN on Android TV is by downloading it directly from the Play Store. Additionally, I’ve detailed alternative methods, including setting up a VPN through screen mirroring, creating a virtual router with a VPN-enabled PC, and installing a VPN on your router.
You can choose the method that best fits your needs and enjoy streaming your favorite content on Android TV. Moreover, I’ve highlighted some of the best VPN options for Android TV, covering both free and paid solutions.
Here are more guides on installing VPN on different devices:
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
