How to Set Up a VPN on Smart TV

A VPN is a great tool for securing your smart TV connection, avoiding ISP throttling, and accessing a world of streaming content. But not all smart TVs are the same, and the process of setting up a VPN on your TV can vary by manufacturer and model.

The good news is, no matter which smart TV you have, it’s possible to use a VPN with it. In this article, we’ll tell you how to set up CyberGhost VPN, and why it’s the best VPN for smart TVs.

Quick Guide: How to Set Up CyberGhost VPN on Your Smart TV

CyberGhost VPN has easy-to-use apps for Android TV, Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

  1. Subscribe to CyberGhost VPN.
  2. Download our app from the Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore and sign in. 
  3. Connect to a server.
  4. Open up a world of streaming content!

Why Use a VPN on Your Smart TV?

A VPN for TV can help you explore streaming content from all over the world. When you connect to a VPN server in another country, you get an IP address from that location. This allows you to discover local content from other countries you may otherwise not find.

It’s also useful if your dorm Wi-Fi  blocks access to streaming services. VPN encryption prevents your network administrator from seeing your online activity, helping you unblock streaming platforms on any network.

Sometimes, your ISP slows your internet speed when it sees you’re streaming. VPN encryption can prevent content-based throttling. It stops your ISP from snooping on your activity, so you can stream on your smart TV without buffering caused by slowdowns.

Just like any other device connected to the internet, your smart TV can be vulnerable to third parties and cybercriminals looking to track or steal your data. A VPN boosts your security, keeping your streaming passwords and other sensitive data out of their hands.

How to Set Up a VPN on Android/Google TV

Direct access to the Google Play Store makes setting up a VPN on your Android TV or Google TV easy. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

  1. Go to the Google Play Store, and search for CyberGhost VPN.
  2. Download the app, choose your subscription, and sign in.
  3. Connect to your chosen server.

Keep in mind that the server location you choose may affect the content available to you.

How to Set Up a VPN on a TV Without Access to the Google Play Store 

If you have a smart TV that doesn’t run on Google TV or Android TV operating systems, you won’t be able to download a VPN app from the Google Play Store. That’s because the app store is only available for devices running on these two. Other smart TVs running on a different OS may have their own app store, but they usually don’t support VPN apps.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use a VPN with them, though. You just need to know how to do it.

Option 1: Via Router Configuration

This method requires you to do some tinkering with your router settings and isn’t the fastest option, but once it’s set up, you’ll automatically be able to extend the VPN benefits not only to your smart TV, but to all the other devices connected to your network.

Before you start, make sure your router supports VPN configurations.

The setup process may vary for each VPN. The first thing you need to do regardless of router model is to download the CyberGhost VPN configuration file.

Step 1: Log in to your CyberGhost VPN account and click Download Hub on the sidebar menu. Scroll down to the Other Apps section, look for Routers or other devices, and click Configure.

CyberGhost VPN web interface showing the different download options under the Download Hub.

Step 2: Choose the OpenVPN protocol, country server, and server group. Fill out your device name (this can be any name you choose) and tick off any additional security features you want (we recommend all). Afterwards, click Save Configuration.

CyberGhost VPN web interface showing router configuration options

Step 3: Click Download Configuration

CyberGhost VPN web interface showing chosen router configuration settings and the Download Configuration button

The next step depends on which firmware your router uses. We have setup instructions for the most popular ones:

If your router doesn’t run the above firmware but has a configurable OpenVPN client feature, you can configure it via your router’s admin page. You need to know your router’s private IP address to access it. This is often printed on a sticker somewhere on your router, along with the administrator username and password. If you don’t know it, you can find straightforward instructions here for different device types. 

TP Link router login page

Once you’re logged in, follow the steps below. They may vary slightly on some models, but it should be fairly easy to see what you need to do.

  1. Go to Advanced > VPN Client.
  2. Tick the Enable checkbox and save the setting.
  3. Go to the Server List section and click Add.
  4. Fill out the description (i.e., a name for your VPN), VPN type (choose OpenVPN), and the username and password provided by CyberGhost VPN. Upload the .ovpn configuration file you downloaded earlier, then click Save
  5. Go to the Server List section and switch on the Enable toggle.
  6. Go to the Device List section and click Add.
  7. Select the devices that will automatically connect to the VPN server, then click Save.

Option 2: Via Ethernet

If you don’t mind going a bit old school, you can share a VPN connection with your smart TV using an Ethernet cable connected to your computer. If your device doesn’t have an Ethernet port, you may be able to use an Ethernet adapter to connect the cable.

The process differs depending on your computer’s operating system.

For Windows 10/11

  1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Connection Sharing.
  2. Click Adapter Settings or Show Network Connections (may vary by Windows version).
  3. Right-click your computer’s ethernet port, then select Properties.
  4. Go to the Sharing tab and tick the checkbox that says Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s shared Internet connection.
  5. Choose Home Network Connection, select Ethernet from the dropdown, and click OK.
  6. Open the CyberGhost VPN app and connect to your chosen server. 
  7. Connect your computer to your smart TV via Ethernet cable. 

For macOS

  1. Go to System Settings and click General > Sharing.
  2. Select Internet Sharing on the list of services, but don’t check the box.
  3. Select Wi-Fi from the Share your connection from menu
  4. Check Ethernet in the To computers using section. Check the box next to Internet Sharing and click Start in the dialog box.
  5. Launch the CyberGhost VPN app and connect to your chosen server. 
  6. Connect your computer to your smart TV via Ethernet cable. 

Option 3: Over Wi-Fi

A more practical way of sharing your VPN connection from your computer is to do it wirelessly over Wi-Fi. Your computer can act as a VPN-connected Wi-Fi hotspot. When your smart TV connects to this, it also gets the VPN benefits.

The connection-sharing process may vary depending on your computer’s operating system and the VPN itself.

For Windows 10/11s

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot.
  2. Click Edit and set your hotspot’s network name and password.
  3. Under Share my internet connection over, choose Wi-Fi.
  4. Under Share my internet connection with other devices, toggle on Mobile Hotspot
  5. Go to your VPN and connect to your chosen server.
  6. Connect your smart TV to your computer’s Wi-Fi hotspot.

CyberGhost VPN has a detailed walkthrough for Windows 10 users here.

For macOS

  1. Connect your computer to your router via Ethernet cable. (You might need to use an Ethernet adapter if your Mac doesn’t have a port for it)
  2. Go to System Settings and click General > Sharing.
  3. Select Internet Sharing on the list of services, but don’t check the box.
  4. Select your VPN from the Share your connection from pop-up menu.
  5. Check Wi-Fi in the To computers using section.
  6. Click on Wi-Fi Options to set your hotspot name and password. Under Security, choose WPA2 Personal, then click OK.
  7. Check the box next to Internet Sharing and click Start in the dialog box.
  8. Go to your VPN and connect to your chosen server.
  9. Connect your smart TV to your computer’s Wi-Fi hotspot.

How to Use a VPN for a Non-Smart TV

External streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV are compatible with VPN apps, and can turn your regular TV into a smart device. If you’re using Amazon Fire TV Stick, CyberGhost VPN has a native app for it. Here’s how you can set it up:

  1. Plug the Amazon Fire TV Stick in to your TV.
  2. Download CyberGhost VPN from the Amazon Appstore.
  3. Connect to your chosen VPN server.
  4. Start streaming!

Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for Smart TVs

CyberGhost VPN has native apps for Android TV, Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV, making it super easy to download via the Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore and have it all set up in a few minutes.

Our global server network covers 100 countries, allowing you to discover fresh local content in other parts of the world. It also includes streaming-optimized servers for popular platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. This means you can securely access your streaming subscriptions wherever you are.

All our servers give you blazing-fast VPN speeds so you can stream smoothly in the highest resolution available. We deploy 10-Gbps servers in our busiest locations to ensure you never have to deal with overcrowding slowing you down.

CyberGhost VPN’s strong encryption can also stop content-based ISP throttling and unblock streaming on restricted networks. Try it risk-free today with a 45-day money-back guarantee

Expand Your Entertainment Horizons With CyberGhost VPN

Consider CyberGhost VPN your ticket to a world of streaming content, all from the comfort of your couch. With a few clicks, you can change your virtual location and discover more entertainment choices on your smart TV.

No matter which TV brand you’re using, CyberGhost makes it easy to get all the VPN benefits on your device. Equip your smart TV with a VPN and unlock its full potential!

FAQ

What’s the best VPN for smart TVs?

CyberGhost VPN is the best VPN for TV streaming. We have apps for Android TV, Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV which are available in the corresponding app stores. It also has VPN servers in 100 countries, which allows you to change your virtual address and securely explore content in different locations. Try CyberGhost VPN today with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Can I use a VPN on my smart TV?

Yes. CyberGhost VPN has apps for Google TV and Android TV, available to download from the Google Play Store. It also has an app for Amazon Fire TV , which you can download from the Amazon Appstore. For Samsung or LG smart TVs – or any other model that doesn’t support VPN apps – you can configure CyberGhost VPN on your router.

Does a VPN affect streaming?

Some VPNs may slow your connection down, causing buffering or loss of picture quality. CyberGhost VPN has lightning-fast speeds that make streaming a breeze. We also have streaming-optimized servers for top platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Max, and many more.

Can I get a free VPN for my smart TV?

Free VPNs usually don’t have compatible apps for smart TVs. If you do find a free smart TV VPN, it likely can’t access streaming platforms.
Get CyberGhost VPN instead. You can easily download our VPN apps for Google TV or Android TV, or configure our VPN on your router to use it on smart TVs that don’t natively support VPNs. Our streaming-optimized servers give you secure and reliable access to popular streaming services.

How do I use a VPN on Roku TV?

Roku TV doesn’t support regular VPN apps, but you can set up CyberGhost VPN on your router to use with your Roku TV.

Which VPN works for Roku TV?

CyberGhost VPN works with Roku TV. While Roku devices don’t natively support VPN apps, you can set CyberGhost VPN up on router. After that, it automatically works with your Roku TV and every other device connected to your network.

Can I install a VPN on my Samsung Smart TV?

Samsung smart TVs aren’t compatible with VPN apps, but you can use CyberGhost VPN with one when you set up our VPN on your router. This configuration also means all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network will be connected to the VPN.

Does Samsung TV have a built-in VPN?

Samsung TV doesn’t have a built-in VPN, and doesn’t allow you to download one either. The good thing is, you can use CyberGhost VPN with your Samsung TV by configuring it on your router. If you need any help setting it up, our customer support team is available 24/7.

Can I set up a VPN on my wireless router? 

Yes, it’s possible to set up a VPN on your wireless router, as long as it supports VPN connections. While not all VPNs are compatible with routers, CyberGhost VPN is. The setup process will vary depending on the router you’re using. Check out our handy guide to setting up your router VPN here.

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