How to Install and Use a VPN on Google TV
If you’re part of Google’s ecosystem, Google TV makes it easy to access the Play Store and download many incredible apps, like VPN services.
Considering that VPNs open up a new world of movies, shows, and live events unavailable to stream in your area, you might want to install one. Here’s how to add a VPN to your Google TV streaming device and stream without borders.
Why You Should Add a VPN to Your Google TV Device
What is a VPN, and is it only for streaming international content? No way; a VPN does much more than that, including protecting your privacy. But they also add value to your home entertainment by giving you access to content available in other countries.
For instance, with a VPN installed on your Google TV streaming device, you canwatch Netflix movies and shows in other countriesor watch live events streaming outside of your area.
What Are Your VPN Options on Google TV?
Your Google TV device likely supports a few of our favorite VPN services:
Each VPN has their differences. VPN by Google One is available for subscribers with a Premium 2TB or higher cloud storage plan and is only available in select countries. On the other hand, Mullvad VPN is for the security conscious, while Express VPN and NordVPN are aimed at general users.
Regardless of the VPN service you choose, be sure it’s a premium service rather than a free one. Whenchoosing between free and paid VPNs, remember that, generally speaking, free VPN services are less safe and unreliable and may sell your data to third parties. That defeats the purpose of using a VPN, so don’t cheap out. Premium VPNs typically cost the price of a cup of coffee each month.
How to Install and Set Up a VPN on Google TV
If you have installed a VPN on an Android device before, the process is identical on Google TV. For the new folk, we’ll walk you through the process, which should only take a few minutes.
We’ll install and set up Mulvad VPN on a Shield TV, but the process is similar, no matter your VPN or device.
Now let’s put it to work. First, let’s look at an example of using the VPN to watch content that would otherwise be unavailable in our part of the world.
How to Use a VPN on Google TV
To show you how to use your VPN, we’ll look at how it works on the Fite.tv app. Let’s assume you want to stream a pro wrestling event that’s airing outside our country. Open the Fite.tv app, and take a look at the events available before connecting to your VPN.
Those look neat, but let’s see what else is available in another country. For specific events, find out which countries and regions are streaming the event on the app in question. As always, Google is your friend here.
Next, choose the country you want to connect to in the VPN. Tap theConnect option, which “tunnels” your network through the VPN’s servers, spoofing your location.
You may see a notification on your Google TV device stating that the app wants to set up a VPN connection that could monitor your web traffic. This is normal, and since you should trust the VPN service you’re using, selectOK.
Now that you’re connected to your VPN, check out Fite.tv again. You’ll see that there’s new content to watch now.
Now it’s your turn. You can try your VPN service with any other Android TV app you have and see the content you automatically unlock.
What You Need to Know Before Using a VPN on Your Google TV
While this is a great way to unlock new content on your Android TV, the setup is imperfect. For example, if you plan to stream content using a VPN but decide to cast it on another television, it won’t work because, technically, the device is in another country.
Moreover, some streaming services block VPNs altogether. You’ll need to test which apps let you use VPN and which don’t.
Stream What You Want Using a VPN on Google TV
You don’t have to be satisfied with the content offerings available in your country. Connect a VPN to your Google TV streaming device, and binge like you’re visiting another country.
Enhance your privacy and security with these Android web browsers that all come with a free integrated VPN.
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