How To Install And Configure A VPN On Apple TV

How To Install And Configure A VPN On Apple TV

Apple TV is one of the top streaming devices available today, letting you add apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Max to your regular TV. While it's pricier than some rivals, it delivers a smoother, more refined experience—complete with stunning screensavers—and stronger privacy features.
Credit: Pixabay

Apple TV is one of the best streaming devices available today, letting you add apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Max to your regular TV. While it’s pricier than some rivals, it delivers a smoother, more refined experience—complete with stunning screensavers—and stronger privacy features.

A lesser-known benefit of Apple TV is its compatibility with several native VPN apps. With a VPN, you can access shows, movies, and sports broadcasts typically limited to other regions. By switching your IP address to a different virtual location, a VPN can trick streaming platforms into offering content from that area. Here’s how to set up a VPN on your Apple TV—and why it could be worth doing.

How to Connect a VPN to Your Apple TV

Since the release of the tvOS 17 update in September 2023 release Apple TV now supports third-party VPN apps. Setting them up is straightforward—just follow these steps (though they might differ slightly depending on the VPN):

  1. In the Apple TV App Store, either search for the specific VPN you want to install or enter the keyword “VPN” to browse available options.
  2. Download and set up the VPN you selected.
  3. Create an account or sign in.
  4. Select a server based in another country.
  5. After the VPN is active, go back to the home screen and launch your preferred streaming app. In some instances, it will provide access to a different selection of content based on your new virtual location.

We offer a detailed guide on streaming video to your TV with a VPN, including instructions for setting up a VPN on Apple TV and other methods for connecting a VPN to your device.

Reasons to Use a VPN on Apple TV

As mentioned earlier, using a VPN on your Apple TV lets you alter your IP address to appear as if you’re browsing from another country. This works because the VPN server interacts with the internet on your behalf, and encryption ensures that your true identity remains hidden. For example, if you’re in the US and connect to a UK VPN server, you’ll gain access to the UK Netflix library and be able to stream content from UK-exclusive services like BBC iPlayer.

VPNs are crucial for online security, though their benefits are most noticeable on devices like smartphones or PCs, where you do most of your browsing. If you get a VPN subscription for your Apple TV, it’s also worth using it on your smartphone and laptop. A VPN can help protect your privacy by keeping you anonymous online and safeguarding your data from cyber threats and advertising networks. If digital privacy and anonymity are important to you, it’s a good idea to use a VPN on all your internet-enabled devices.

Selecting the Best VPN

Apple TVs are compatible with only a select number of VPNs. While this may seem limiting, Apple carefully reviews the VPNs available on its App Store, ensuring that they’re reliable and trustworthy. All of the best VPNs on our recommended list are available in the Apple TV App Store.

We recommend conducting your own research when selecting a service. While all VPNs offer similar basic functions, their pricing and additional features can differ. Before making a decision, take time to explore what each option provides and check reviews from other users to find the best fit for your needs and devices.

VPN Choices for Other Streaming Services

Don’t have an Apple TV? That’s not a problem! There are plenty of solid VPN options—or alternative methods—for streaming on other major platforms too. Whether you’re using a smart TV, gaming console, or streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Chromecast, you can still access geo-restricted content and protect your privacy. Many VPNs offer dedicated apps or easy-to-follow setups for these devices, ensuring that you can enjoy secure, unrestricted streaming on a wide range of platforms. So, even without an Apple TV, you can still unlock content from around the world with the right tools.


Read the original article on: Engadget

Read more: Can The Use of Software-Defined Perimeters Replace the Need For VPN?

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