The best ways to set up a VPN for Apple TV (2024)

How to set up a VPN for Apple TV

You can set up a virtual private network (VPN) on your Apple TV in a couple of different ways. In this article, we provide four options that require various levels of involvement, effort, and technical knowledge.

One of the easiest ways to activate your VPN on Apple TV is by downloading a VPN app directly on your TVOS. However, if you don’t want to trouble yourself with downloading, you can simply hotspot a VPN from your laptop to your Apple TV.

If you want a broader VPN coverage to secure your Apple TV and all other household devices, you should consider setting a VPN on your router. Meanwhile, if you’re often traveling and would like to access your Apple TV content from abroad, you may want to think of setting up a SmartDNS.

Read on and find the instructions for each of the four options to set up a VPN on your Apple TV.

Use a VPN directly on your tvOS

One of the quickest and easiest ways to get a VPN for Apple TV is to download a VPN app and use it directly on your tvOS device. Before you download the app, make sure to choose a VPN service from a reputable and reliable provider.

Once you decide on the VPN client, download it from the App Store, which is integrated into your TVOS. If you’re a first-time VPN user, create your VPN account. In case you already have one, log into your existing account.

During the login process, you may receive a prompt to scan a QR code on your Apple TV with your phone. Afterward, you should enter the code you see on your TV screen onto your phone to confirm the legitimacy of your connection. Select a server from the list of countries and that’s it – your Apple TV traffic is now securely covered with a VPN.

Install a VPN on your router

By setting up a VPN client on your router, you can broaden the VPN coverage, securing your Apple TV as well as other devices connected to your home network. This method is highly beneficial because it eliminates the need to install VPN software on each smart device in your household. As long as your router is on – your VPN is on, so you don’t need to worry about turning it on to secure your traffic.

The instructions for setting up a VPN on your router depend on the firmware you use. However, most installations will require these three steps:

1. Find your router’s IP address.
2. Log in to your router.
3. Configure your router for a VPN connection.

If you plan to use NordVPN, check out our list of the best routers that support NordVPN software. We have also published a blog post with a step-by-step guide on setting up a VPN directly on a router.

However, using a router to establish a VPN connection may be difficult for people with minimal technical knowledge. You’ll also have to log into your router every time you need to adjust the country and server you want to connect to.

Share a VPN connection with your Apple TV

Another way to set up a VPN on your tvOS is to turn on a VPN on your laptop and use it as a router. If you connect your Apple TV to your Windows laptop, you’ll have effectively established a VPN connection.

However, this setup process is relatively advanced and requires some technical skills. You can share the virtual private network connection on your computer in these two ways:

1. Share a VPN connection via mobile hotspot.
2. Share it via a wireless connection.

Set up a VPN using SmartDNS

The main benefit of using SmartDNS to set up a VPN on your tvOS is that it helps you access your subscriptions at home even when you’re traveling abroad. The best part is that SmartDNS has a small impact on your internet speed and allows you to enjoy your subscribed content without much buffering. Keep in mind, though, that SmartDNS doesn’t protect your device or encrypt your traffic the same way a VPN does. If you’re looking for that encryption, you can consider using NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature.

On the other hand, most reliable VPN services support the SmartDNS feature and integrate it into their services. To set up SmartDNS on your Apple TV, follow the steps provided below: