How to install a VPN on Smart TV in 2024: Samsung, LG, TCL, etc

Did you know that the global Smart TV market has reached $252.4 billion and is growing at an impressive rate of 11.9%? It is projected to reach $623 billion by 2032. Samsung is leading the Smart TV market and enjoys the lion’s share of 30% in the global market.

It did that by focusing on making big screens with modern and cutting-edge technology like QLED and OLET models. This information tells us that people love watching movies, TV shows, and live events on big screens from the comfort of their homes. However, Samsung and LG use their own operating system, which does not support VPN apps.

But that does not mean you can’t use a VPN on your Samsung or LG smart TV. I have discussed the best methods that will enable you to access geo-locked content from your Smart TV, no matter which brand you have.

How to install a VPN on Smart TV in 2024

Gone are the days when you needed devices like Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast to access streaming apps like Netflix or Prime Video on your Smart TV. TCL, Xiaomi, and Sony Smart TVs now have an Android operating system, giving you access to the Google Play Store.

You can easily find your VPN provider’s app on the Play Store, download it, and access geo-locked channels, streaming platforms, and more.

However, if your VPN provider does not offer a Smart TV-compatible VPN app or you have a Samsung or LG Smart TV that does not support Android apps, here are a few options for setting up a VPN on your Smart TV:

• Install a VPN on your router
• Connect your Smart TV to a VPN-enabled Windows PC
• Create a virtual router on your PC or Mac
• Cast your Google Chrome browser on your Smart TV
• Use a VPN-enabled streaming devices

I will only detail the most cost-effective and easiest way to set up a VPN on your Smart TV. Keep in mind that configuring a VPN may reduce your internet speed if you are using low-tier or cracked VPNs. However, premium VPNs do not have a significant impact on your speed, but if they do, here is a guide on tips and tricks to increase internet speed.

Before proceeding with the configuration process, I recommend using a premium VPN for your Smart TV. NordVPN is an excellent choice for Smart TVs, Apple TV, and other streaming devices.

It provides highly optimized VPN servers capable of unblocking restricted streaming platforms and channels. Additionally, it can bypass VPN blocks, allowing you to access your favorite movies and TV shows, even if you reside in a country with strict internet regulations and firewalls.

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Here are my taste methods to use a VPN on Smart TV in 2024:

Method#1— Connect Your Smart TV to a Mobile Hotspot from a VPN-Enabled PC

This is one of the simplest ways to unblock content on a Smart TV. All you need is a PC with a VPN connection, which you can then connect to your Smart TV.

Most VPNs now come with fully functional Windows apps. Simply download and install the VPN app on your Windows PC, and follow these steps to enable a mobile hotspot for your Smart TV connection:

1. If you haven’t already, subscribe to a reliable VPN and download its Windows app on your PC. Install the app and configure the settings to ensure it’s fully functional. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up a VPN on Windows 10.
2. Open the search bar, type “mobile hotspot settings,” and click on it to access the configuration menu.
3. Toggle the switch under “Mobile hotspot” to the “on” position (it should turn blue).
4. Ensure your WiFi or broadband network is displayed as the network being shared, and confirm that “WiFi” is selected under “Share my internet connection over.”
5. Use the network name and password displayed in the mobile hotspot settings to connect your Smart TV to the shared network.
6. Once connected, your Smart TV will route through the VPN connection set up on your PC.
7. Done! Now, you can unblock geo-locked content on your Smart TV via your VPN-enabled PC.

I recommend testing your VPN before connecting it to another device or setting up a mobile hotspot. Incorrectly configured VPN protocols can sometimes lead to connection issues.

Method#2— Screen mirror

Casting your Google Chrome browser is a simple way to watch geo-restricted content on your Smart TV. Ensure both your Smart TV and PC are connected to the same network, and disable your VPN during the casting process for seamless functionality.

1. Open your PC and launch the Google Chrome browser.
2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window.
3. Select “Cast” from the “Cast, Save, and Share” options.
4. Click on “Sources” and choose whether to share a specific tab or your entire screen.
5. Select your Smart TV as the casting destination.
6. Open the VPN app on your computer and ensure local network discovery is enabled in the app’s settings.
7. Connect to a VPN server in the desired region.
8. For example, connect to an American server to access Hulu from outside the USA.
9. Start streaming, and the content will be displayed on your Smart TV.

Casting through the Google Chrome browser may noticeably reduce video and audio quality due to compression. However, if you are ok with it, ensure your VPN is configured correctly. If you encounter problems, refer to this guide on troubleshooting VPN connectivity issues.

Keep in mind that using a VPN on your PC can reduce your internet speed. While this is a common disadvantage of VPNs, the speed drop is minimal with premium VPN services.

Method#3— Connect Smart TV to virtual router via PC or Mac

Creating a virtual router sounds difficult, but it is not the most difficult method of using a VPN on a Smart TV. All you need is an active VPN subscription and a PC or Mac to create a virtual router and access unlimited content on your Smart TV.

1. Setting up a virtual router on Windows

Here are the steps to create a virtual router in Windows 10:

1. Turn on the mobile hotspot: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot, toggle it on, and note or edit the network name and password if needed.
2. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change Adapter Options.
3. Right-click the TAP adapter with your VPN name, and select Properties.
4. In the Sharing tab, check the option to allow other network users to connect through your computer’s internet connection.
5. In the Home Networking Connection dropdown, select your hotspot, choose Local Area Connection, and click OK to save changes.
6. Open the VPN app, set the protocol to OpenVPN, and connect to a server in the location of your choice for streaming content.
7. Now open your Smart TV and search for the newly created virtual router shared via your PC.
8. Connect to it with the password we saved in Step#1
9. Your Smart TV is now connected to a VPN, and you can access geo-restricted apps and content anytime.

I have used this method several times to connect my Samsung Smart TV with a VPN. Samsung does not support the Google Play Store, and VPN apps are not available in the Samsung store. You can do the same with your Samsung or LG Smart TV.

2. Setting up a virtual router on Mac

Here are the steps for Mac users who want to create a virtual router to connect their Smart TV:

1. Open System Settings by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Go to General and select Sharing from the options.
3. In the Sharing menu, locate Internet Sharing and click the “i” (information) icon next to it.
4. If prompted, enter your password to access and modify the settings.
5. Select your connection method, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, from the available options.
6. Click on Wi-Fi Options to set up your network’s name and password.
7. After configuring the settings, click OK and then Done to save and activate your virtual router.
8. Once everything is set up correctly, a green indicator will appear next to Internet Sharing.

Most commercial VPNs support sharing an L2TP/IPsec VPN connection from a Mac to other devices. For instance, I used ExpressVPN on my Mac to create a virtual router with the L2TP VPN protocol. Although L2TP offers lower security, it is adequate for this setup. Alternatively, you can explore other methods for configuring a VPN on your Mac.

Method#4— Install a VPN on your router

Installing a VPN on your router is a slightly more time-consuming process compared to the methods mentioned above and may require some technical knowledge, depending on the router you are using. I recommend setting up a virtual router on your PC or Mac. However, if you don’t have access to a computer, you have three alternatives.

• Buy a pre-flashed router with a built-in VPN: Pre-flashed routers are available on Amazon and FlashRouter.com with a built-in VPN app. Several ASUS models come with NordVPN pre-installed, making them a convenient option.
• Get ExpressVPN’s Aircove: Aircove is an excellent choice that offers complete control over all devices connected to it and the VPN servers they can access. Plus, with a new Aircove purchase, you can enjoy a 30-day ExpressVPN free trial.
  
  

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• Configure a VPN on your router: Access your router’s admin page and check if it supports VPN configuration. This setting is usually found in the settings or advanced tab. Here’s a detailed guide on setting up a VPN on your router.
• Pre-flash your router’s firmware: If your router doesn’t support VPN configuration, you’ll need to pre-flash its firmware. Use DD-WRT or Tomato firmware, as they are user-friendly and supported by most VPNs.

Method#5— Streaming devices

You can also connect your Smart TV to streaming devices like Roku, Google Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV box. Check out these detailed guides on installing a VPN on these streaming devices and connecting them to your Smart TV.

• Install a VPN on Roku
• Set up a VPN on Apple TV
• How to install a VPN on a Fire TV Stick
• Chromecast VPN Setup

Final thoughts on using a VPN on Smart TV

A VPN masks your IP address, allowing you to access geo-restricted websites and streaming platforms that may otherwise be unavailable due to location restrictions. With the increasing popularity of Smart TVs, people enjoy watching movies, TV shows, and live sports events more than ever.

However, not all content is accessible due to these geo-restrictions, and that’s where a VPN comes in handy. With a VPN, you can unlock hundreds of channels on your Smart TV and even switch Netflix libraries to access region-specific content.

I’ve outlined four methods to use a VPN on Smart TVs, particularly for Samsung and LG Smart TVs, which don’t support Google TV. I also recommend NordVPN as the top choice for Smart TVs due to its highly optimized servers, ensuring a seamless streaming experience.