How to set up a VPN on your smart TV: step-by-step guide

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) for smart TVs encrypts your TV’s internet connection, keeping your streaming private and secure. If you want to know how to set up a VPN on your smart TV, read along to find easy step-by-step guides for different devices.

VPN on smart TV: most common issues

Why use a VPN on your smart TV?

Installing a VPN app on your TV can have significant perks for both your viewing experience and online privacy. Here’s why you should consider it: 

1. Enhanced privacy and security:

• Encrypts your streaming data from ISPs, advertisers, and hackers;
• Keeps your viewing habits private.

2. Improved streaming performance:

• Prevents ISP bandwidth throttling during heavy streaming;
• Maintains consistent connection speeds.

3. Safe public Wi-Fi usage:

• Protects your data when using city-wide or hotel Wi-Fi networks;
• Prevents cybercriminals from intercepting your information.

4. Access to home content when abroad:

• Connect to servers in your home country when abroad;
• Access your favorite news apps and services.

In essence, a VPN not only enhances your options while traveling but also ensures your online activities remain private and secure. With a good VPN such as Surfshark, you get a reliable, easy-to-use, and highly effective service.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

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How to install a VPN on a smart TV: 4 simple methods

There are four different methods to use a VPN on your smart TV, including downloading a VPN app directly to your TV, configuring a VPN on your router, creating a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot, and setting up an Ethernet cable connection.

Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

Method 1: Direct app install

Best for: quick and easy VPN setup on an Android TV or Apple TV (tvOS 17 and later).

VPN setup on Android TV:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android TV.
2. Search for Surfshark VPN.
3. Click Install to download the app.
4. Open the app and log in to your Surfshark account. 
5. (Optional) Save your credentials in a password manager for future use.
6. Select a server location and connect.

You can also find broader instructions on how to set up and use Surfshark on Android TV in our support guide.

VPN setup on Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K:

1. Go to the App Store on your Apple TV.
2. Search for Surfshark VPN.
3. Download the app.
4. Open the app and log in to your Surfshark account.
5. Select a server location and connect.

You can also read our support guide for more comprehensive instructions on how to set up and use Surfshark on Apple TV.

Method 2: Router setup

Best for: protecting all devices on a network.

VPN setup on a router:

1. Check if your VPN provider supports your router model.
2. Open a browser and enter your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Log in with your router’s username and password.
4. Configure the router’s VPN settings. If you’re using Surfshark, follow a guide for your router model:

• Asus routers;
• DD-WRT routers;
• Tomato routers.

5. Connect the TV to your home network — it will now fully benefit from a VPN on your router.

Method 3: VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot (Windows only)

Why Windows only: macOS doesn’t natively support sharing a VPN-protected connection over Wi-Fi. Older sharing methods like using L2TP/IPSec are no longer supported by most VPNs due to security concerns.

Best for: TVs that don’t support VPN apps.

Setting up a VPN-protected hotspot:

1. Enable the OpenVPN protocol:

• Install Surfshark VPN app on your computer, launch it, and go to Settings > VPN settings;
• Select Protocol > OpenVPN (UDP);
• Make sure you’re disconnected from Surfshark.

2. Navigate to DCO (Data Channel Offload) adapter settings:

• In the Search bar, type Network connections and select View network connections;
• You’ll see all network adapters installed on your device, including DCO for Surfshark. Keep this window open.

3. Turn on mobile hotspot:

• Press Windows Key + S, type Mobile hotspot settings, and press Enter;
• Switch on Mobile hotspot;
• Below, you’ll see Network name (it will appear on other devices when searching for new Wi-Fi connections) and Network password (you’ll need it to connect to this network). You can change them by clicking the Edit button.

4. Configure the VPN adapter:

• Go back to the Network connections; you’ll find the new network adapter there, which will be used for sharing the internet connection from your Windows PC;
• Right-click the Data Channel Offload for Surfshark adapter and select Properties;
• Open the Sharing tab and check Allow other network users to connect…;
• From the dropdown, select the mobile hotspot you just created and click OK.

5. Connect to the VPN:

• Open the Surfshark app and connect to your chosen location;
• Using another device, connect to the VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot you just created and enter the Network password (from step 3).

For more comprehensive instructions with screenshots, refer to our support article on how to set up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot using Windows.

Method 4: Ethernet cable connection (Windows)

Best for: TVs that don’t support VPN apps and/or Wi-Fi.

Setting up Ethernet cable connection:

1. Enable the OpenVPN protocol:

• Install Surfshark VPN app on your computer, launch it, and go to Settings > VPN settings;
• Select Protocol > OpenVPN (UDP);
• Make sure you’re disconnected from Surfshark.

2. Navigate to DCO (Data Channel Offload) adapter settings:

• In the Search bar, type Network connections and select View network connections;
• You’ll see all network adapters installed on your device, including DCO for Surfshark. Keep this window open.

3. Configure the VPN adapter:

• Right-click the Data Channel Offload for Surfshark adapter and select Properties;
• Open the Sharing tab and check Allow other network users to connect…;
• From the dropdown menu, select Ethernet and click OK.

4. Connect to the VPN:

• Open the Surfshark app and connect to your chosen location.

5. Share the VPN connection:

• Connect your TV, gaming console, or another device to the computer using an Ethernet cable.

You can find more comprehensive instructions in our support article on how to share VPN connection through Windows using an Ethernet cable.

Setting up a VPN on streaming devices

Not all TVs support VPN apps directly, especially older, non-smart models. The good news is that you can still use a VPN on an Amazon Fire TV Stick or a Chromecast, which require only an HDMI connection to work with your TV.

VPN on Chromecast 

Setting up a VPN on Chromecast:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Chromecast.
2. Search for and install the Surfshark VPN app.
3. Log in to your account.
4. In the app, select Quick connect.
5. Your Chromecast traffic is now encrypted and secure.

VPN on Amazon Fire TV Stick

Setting up a VPN on Amazon Fire TV Stick:

1. Open the Amazon Appstore on your Fire TV Stick.
2. Search for and install the Surfshark VPN app.
3. Log in to your account.
4. In the app, select Quick connect.
5. Your Amazon TV Stick is now VPN-protected.

VPN on Roku

Setting up a VPN on Roku:

1. Roku doesn’t support VPN apps directly. Follow Method 2 or 3 above to create a VPN-protected network.
2. Connect your Roku device to the network.
3. Your Roku traffic is now encrypted and secure.

VPN on Nvidia Shield

Setting up a VPN on Nvidia Shield:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Nvidia Shield.
2. Search for and install the Surfshark VPN app.
3. Log in to your account.
4. In the app, select Quick connect.
5. Your Shield device is now VPN-protected.

Conclusion: enjoy seamless streaming with a VPN on your TV

Now that you know how to set up a VPN on both smart and non-smart TVs, you’re all set for a safer, more flexible streaming experience. Time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite shows with the added protection of a VPN.

Your TV deserves better

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