How to Set Up a VPN on a Smart TV (Android, Fire TV, Samsung, LG)

A VPN on your TV encrypts the connection between the TV and the internet. People use one to keep their viewing private from their internet provider, to avoid slowdowns some providers apply to video traffic, and to stay protected on shared networks such as hotel or student Wi-Fi.

How you set it up depends entirely on the operating system inside your TV. Find yours below.

First, check which system your TV runs

Open your TV's settings and look for "About" or "System information". You will usually see one of these:

Android TV or Google TV: Sony, Philips, TCL, Hisense and many others, plus the Chromecast with Google TV and Nvidia Shield.
Fire TV: Amazon Fire TV Sticks, Fire TV Cube and Fire TV Edition televisions.
tvOS: Apple TV boxes.
Tizen: Samsung smart TVs.
webOS: LG smart TVs.

Android TV and Google TV: install the app

This is the easiest case, because these TVs run real Android apps.

Open the Google Play Store on the TV.
Search for your VPN provider's name and install the app.
Sign in with the account or activation key you received.
Choose a server close to you for the best speed, then connect.
Open your streaming app as usual.

If the provider's app does not appear in the TV's store, it may not support TV screens yet. Contact the provider before buying a workaround.

Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube

Fire TV devices use the Amazon Appstore. Search for your VPN provider from the Find (magnifying glass) menu, install, sign in and connect. Most large VPN providers publish a Fire TV app.

Apple TV

Since tvOS 17, Apple TV supports VPN apps from the App Store. Install the provider's tvOS app, sign in and allow it to add a VPN configuration when asked. Older Apple TV models that cannot update to tvOS 17 need one of the router or sharing methods below.

Samsung (Tizen) and LG (webOS): use one of these methods

Samsung and LG televisions do not allow VPN apps to protect the whole TV. You still have good options.

Option 1: set up the VPN on your router

If your router supports VPN connections (many do, often under "VPN client"), every device connected to it is protected, including the TV. Your VPN provider's help pages usually include a router guide. This is the most complete solution, but routers have less processing power than phones, so speeds can be lower.

Option 2: share a VPN connection from a computer

A Windows laptop can share its VPN connection as a Wi-Fi hotspot ("Mobile hotspot" in Windows settings). Connect the laptop to the VPN, turn on the hotspot, then connect the TV to that hotspot. It works well for a weekend or a hotel stay.

Option 3: plug in a streaming stick

A Fire TV Stick or a Chromecast with Google TV costs less than most routers and runs VPN apps directly. Plug it into an HDMI port and use it instead of the TV's built-in apps.

Getting good speed on a TV

Choose a nearby server unless you have a reason not to. Distance adds delay and lowers speed.
Use a cable if the TV is close to the router. Ethernet is more stable than Wi-Fi, especially for 4K.
Try another VPN protocol in the app settings. WireGuard-based protocols are usually the fastest on TVs.
Restart the TV after installing, so apps pick up the new connection.

Which VPN plan to choose for a TV

Look for a plan that allows several devices at once, because the TV will usually share the subscription with your phone and laptop. Our Nova VPN Premium works on up to five devices, and the annual plan brings the monthly cost down if you plan to keep it.

Not sure whether your TV model is supported? Ask us in the chat before you buy and we will check it with you.