- Go to the App Store or Play Store.
- Download your VPN provider’s app.
- Log in and connect to a location.
Note: Remember to follow these steps before launching other apps or visiting platforms on your smart TV.
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How to install a VPN on a smart TV
Get a VPN app
Set up a VPN on a router
- Access your router’s control panel by typing your IP address in your browser’s URL bar.
- Find the VPN tab on the router’s interface.
- Enter your VPN provider’s details.
- Save the changes and restart your router.
- Connect your smart TV to the router’s network.
Note: Before subscribing to a service, check if your router can run a VPN.
Use smart DNS
- Sign up for a VPN that offers smart DNS.
- Activate the DNS feature on your VPN.
- Configure smart DNS on your smart TV:
- Go to your TV’s network settings.
- Select DNS settings and choose the manual option.
- Enter your VPN’s smart DNS addresses.
- Save the changes and restart your TV.
Note: Smart DNS is an alternative for TVs that don’t support VPN apps.
Need a more detailed guide on how to set up a VPN on smart TV? We have one.
How can I benefit from a VPN on my smart TV?
Enjoy safe, high-speed streaming with these VPN benefits:
- ISP throttling avoidance: prevents ISPs from slowing down streaming speeds by hiding the fact that you’re streaming video.
- Enhanced privacy: encrypts streaming activities, keeping them private from third parties that may be interested in your online habits.
- Access while traveling: allows you to watch your home country’s content abroad.
- Defense from malicious attacks: blocks malicious ads when using free streaming sites.
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.
How to choose the best VPN for smart TV
- Compatibility: Ensure your smart TV’s OS supports VPNs.
- Speed: Opt for VPNs that ensure a fast and stable connection.
- Servers: The more servers a VPN offers, the bigger the chance one is near you, which means better speeds.
- Security: Go for a provider that uses industry-leading VPN protocols and encryption.
- No-logs policy: The VPN provider shouldn’t store your data or browsing history.
- Customer support: look for 24/7 live support.
- The price: look for what’s best for your wallet and fits your needs the best. Remember to avoid free VPNs because of their shady nature and limitations.
- Trial & refund: Look for risk-free trial periods or money-back guarantees.
- User feedback: Check reputable sites for positive user reviews and expert recommendations.
Should I use a free VPN for smart TVs?
A free VPN service may give you a sub-par streaming experience while exposing your privacy and data to potential dangers.
Most free VPNs have fewer servers and limit data usage. Some even sell user data to sustain their business. The worst kind of free VPNs may infect your device with malware.
We recommend skipping free VPNs and opting for premium ones.
How to stream with a VPN on a non-smart TV
If you have a TV without app functionality, you can get a streaming adapter* (streaming dongle or a streaming stick) and install a VPN. If your dongle is Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, here’s how to set up a VPN on it:
- Plug in the dongle and turn on your TV.
- Open the dongle’s app store and look for Surfshark.
- Download the VPN app and log in to it.
- Connect to a location.
*A streaming adapter is a small external streaming device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port.
Try Surfshark risk-free
If you’re not sure whether Surfshark is for your TV, don’t worry. Test it out with our 30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not for you, request a refund within your first 30 days and get your money back.
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FAQ
Can you put a VPN on a smart TV?
Yes, you can run a VPN on your smart TV — if the manufacturer and operating system are right. If your smart TV has an app store that features VPN apps, it’ll be really easy to set up. In other circumstances, you might need to put in some extra work, like setting up a VPN on a router.
Will a VPN slow down the internet connection speed on my smart TV?
A VPN may slow down your internet connection since your data takes an additional step to “visit” the VPN servers. But with a fast VPN like Surfshark, the speed drop is minimal and shouldn’t interfere with streaming too much.
Is there a free VPN for smart TVs?
There aren’t any free VPNs dedicated to smart TVs, but there are free VPNs in general out there. A large number of those have a bad track record of maintaining user privacy. Many free VPN providers also sell their user data to third parties.
What is smart DNS?
Smart DNS is a technology that allows you to choose what DNS (Domain Name Service) provider to use for which connections. Normally, you’d use the one closest to your location, usually provided by your ISP.
However, the DNS provided by your ISP allows websites and services to learn your geographical location. Governments can also ask ISPs to censor certain websites by blocking their addresses on the DNS system.
A smart DNS service allows you to use a different DNS — like the one provided by your VPN service — for selected websites and services and the regular DNS for the rest of the internet.
What’s the difference between smart DNS and a VPN?
Smart DNS and a VPN are different technologies that work on different devices, but both change your geographical location. The main difference is that smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your connection, mask your location, or hide your traffic, but a VPN does.
Will smart DNS slow down my connection speed on my smart TV?
No, your connection shouldn’t slow down since smart DNS only changes your DNS settings. You’ll be able to enjoy streaming services and smart TV apps the same way you always do.