How to set up a VPN on an Android TV (box)
It’s easy to set up a VPN on an Android TV or Android TV box. As long as your chosen app is on the Google Play Store, you should have no issues with getting it to run. I’ll use Surfshark as an example.
Here’s how you install a VPN via Google Play Store:
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Install the app
You can find and download our app on the Google Play Store. Simply look up “Surfshark” on the store and click install.
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Log in
Open the app once it’s installed. Then, you can either log in to a pre-existing account or create a new one. Either way, you should be good to go in a minute or two.
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Connect to a server
Pick the server you want to use in the “Locations” tab and click “Connect”. In a few seconds, your TV will be completely protected by the VPN. Have fun watching!
Disclaimer: Surfshark does not encourage using a VPN in any way that would potentially violate the law or Terms of Service of other service providers.
Yet this may not work for everyone. Your TV or box may be running an older version of Android – older than Android 5 (Lollipop) – or you may not find the app in the store. You can set up a VPN connection manually.
How to manually connect to a VPN on Android TV (box)
This method uses the OpenVPN client which you can download and connect to any VPN service for free.
You will need to download special configuration files before you can start working. They come from your VPN service provider. In this example, we’ll be using Surfshark VPN to show you how you can do it yourself.
- Log in to your Surfshark account on the website and download the configuration files. The website will recommend the files for the server closest to you.
- Extract the downloaded .zip files anywhere you want.
- On the Google Play Store, download and install the OpenVPN Connect client.
- Launch the OpenVPN Connect client and select the “OpenVPN profile” option.
- Click “menu” on the top left of the app.
- Navigate to the folder where you extracted the configuration files and click “Import.”
- Choose whatever “Title” you want.
- For credentials, enter the automatically generated credentials shown at the bottom of this page.
- After adding the profile, click on it to connect. If you get any trust prompts, accept them.
- The status should turn green after you establish a connection.
- That’s it!
You can also connect to a dedicated IP manually on Android TV. Read our detailed guide to learn how.
A secure VPN protection will keep your DNS and IP hidden. Check for DNS and IP leaks to find out if your data has been leaked. In any case, your connection should now be established, providing you with all the benefits of a VPN. Speaking of which, what are those benefits?
Do I need an Android TV VPN?
Whether you have an Android TV or an Android TV box, you need a VPN for your device. Here are the three main reasons why:
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Stream privately and buffer-free
If you want to stream while staying secure and private, you have a right to do so. Keep your VPN on even when watching Netflix with your friends or watching Friends on Netflix alone. And if you’re worried about losing speed, just look for a provider with good server coverage and infrastructure.
In some cases, a VPN can even improve your streaming speeds.
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Bypass throttling
It’s not only hackers that you should be worried about. “Internet throttling” is when your Internet Service Provider (ISP) intentionally slows down your connection. They often do it when users stream video or download files. But a VPN can mask your internet activities. That way, the provider will not know when to throttle your connection, and you’ll be able to enjoy the full capacity of your internet.
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Protect your devices
The “smart” part of your smart TV comes from the internet. However, that same internet connection opens up your devices to hackers and other threats. A VPN adds a good layer of protection to your TV.
Experience lag-free, safe streaming with a VPN
Android TV is a great choice when it comes to smart television. Yet making it even better is only three short steps away. Improve your experience by getting an Android TV VPN. Watch safely, watch privately!
