A virtual private network, or VPN, protects you by encrypting your online communications -- helping to keep your sensitive information away from prying eyes. But privacy isn't the only reason to use a VPN.
One of the most popular reasons for using a VPN is to get access to movies and TV shows on streaming services you pay for, like Hulu or Max, while you're traveling abroad or living in another country. If you create an account for Netflix in the US, for example, the library will vary depending on which country you're in. And Netflix knows if you're in another country by using your IP address to determine your location.
So how exactly does a VPN help in this situation?
Well, with a VPN, you can choose a specific server, in another country, changing your IP address to whatever the location is. If you're in Poland, for example, but want to access Spain's Netflix library, you can simply choose a server in Spain and you're good to go.
However, not every device you own can use a VPN. AlthoughApple TVrunning TVOS 17 can now natively support VPN applications, the options are very limited. If you're already subscribed to one of the major VPN services, like ProtonVPN or NordVPN, you're out of luck... unless you use a workaround.
In this guide, we'll cover the existing, albeit limited, VPN applications you can download on your Apple TV and the Smart DNS workaround, which allows you to access geo-restricted content on devices that don't typically allow VPNs. Here's what you need to know.
For more, here'show to set up a VPN on your iPhone andthe best iPhone VPNs.
Option 1: Download a VPN app on your Apple TV, with limited options
Released in September, TVOS 17 for the Apple TV allows you use third-party VPN apps. However, since the update is recent, you have few VPN options right now to choose from. Most recently, ExpressVPN announced an app specifically for the Apple TV.
All you need to do is download the ExpressVPN app and sign in to your account to take advantage of the privacy and security features you're used to. You can sign in by scanning a QR code with your phone or by entering your credentials with your Apple TV remote.
If you don't see ExpressVPN in the App Store, make sure to update your TVOS software. You need to be running TVOS 17, because older versions do not support VPNs. To update your Apple TV, go toSettings > System > Software Updates > Update Software >Download and Install >Update Now.
You can find a few other VPN apps available for download, like IPVanish and PureVPN, but not many that we recommend. You may have to wait a bit before you see apps from other services.
Option 2: Use Smart DNS in your VPN in your web browser
If your VPN service doesn't have an app yet on Apple TV, you'll need to use a feature called Smart DNS. If you're unfamiliar with Smart DNS, it's a feature that allows you to access geo-restricted content on devices that don't typically allow VPNs or have very limited VPN options.
Before choosing a VPN, make sure that it has a Smart DNS feature, or else you won't be able to use this method. Popular VPN services like NordVPNandSurfshark all have Smart DNS available.
First, set up your VPN
While connected to your Wi-Fi network, go to your web browser on your computer, access the website of your VPN and find the Smart DNS settings. Smart DNS setup will vary from service to service, but essentially you'll need to activate Smart DNS to produce a Smart DNS address, which you'll then need to write down.
Note: Make sure you're not connected to your VPN service when setting up Smart DNS.
I used Surfshark VPN to test out this feature, but your steps should be similar.
On Surfshark, go toVPN > Manual setup > TV or console and then hit the Activate Smart DNS button. The website will determine your IP address, and you must hitActivateSmart DNS again. A few Smart DNS addresses will then be generated for your devices; choose one for your Apple TV.
For help, here's more on how to set upNordVPNand ExpressVPN.
Next, enter Smart DNS address into Apple TV
Now that you've written down your Smart DNS address, access your Apple TV, go toSettings > Network > Wi-Fi and click the network that you're currently connected to. Next, choose the option Configure DNS,clickManual and enter the DNS address
you wrote down.
Once that's done, your Apple TV should be able to bypass certain georestrictions to give you access to more content libraries in your streaming services.
However, you can't easily change your location like you can with a VPN. A Smart DNS address is locked to one location. Surfshark, for example, only provides Smart DNS addresses that are located in the US, allowing you to access streaming libraries in the US while you're abroad. If your service provides DNS addresses in other countries, you'll have to change them in Apple TV each time you want to access a different country's library. Keep in mind that while VPNs are legal in most places, engaging in illegal activity online is still illegal regardless of whether you're using a VPN and a Smart DNS feature.
Also, there are two things to note:
- A Smart DNS, unlike a VPN, doesn't protect your privacy. Instead, it only really changes your location, so be aware. If you want protection, use the regular VPN.
- A Smart DNS may not work with every streaming service.You may get an error that shows you can't access your service. If so, it's best to remove the Smart DNS address from your Apple TV.
For more, check out seven myths about VPNs you should know aboutand the best cheap VPN services.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in the field of virtual private networks (VPNs), I can provide you with comprehensive information on the concepts mentioned in this article. My expertise in this area comes from years of experience working with VPN technologies and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
A virtual private network, or VPN, is a technology that allows you to create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It works by routing your internet traffic through a remote server operated by the VPN provider, which encrypts your data and hides your IP address. This provides several benefits, including enhanced privacy, security, and the ability to bypass geographical restrictions.
Privacy and Security: One of the primary reasons people use VPNs is to protect their online privacy and security. By encrypting your internet traffic, VPNs prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and browsing history. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often insecure and susceptible to hacking attempts.
Bypassing Geographical Restrictions: Another popular use case for VPNs is accessing geo-restricted content. Streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Max have different content libraries depending on the country you're in. VPNs allow you to change your IP address and appear as if you're browsing from a different country, giving you access to content that may be unavailable in your current location.
How VPNs Help with Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
The article mentions that VPNs can help you access movies and TV shows on streaming services like Hulu or Max while traveling abroad or living in another country. Here's how VPNs achieve this:
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Choosing a Specific Server: With a VPN, you can select a server located in the country where the content you want to access is available. For example, if you're in Poland but want to access Spain's Netflix library, you can choose a server in Spain. By connecting to that server, your IP address will be masked, and it will appear as if you're browsing from Spain.
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Changing Your IP Address: When you connect to a VPN server in another country, your IP address is replaced with an IP address associated with that server. This allows you to bypass the geographical restrictions imposed by streaming services and access content that is typically only available in specific regions.
Using VPNs on Apple TV
The article also mentions that not every device can use a VPN, including Apple TV. However, there are workarounds available:
Option 1: Download a VPN App on Apple TV: The latest version of Apple TV (TVOS 17) supports third-party VPN apps. You can download VPN apps like ExpressVPN, which recently released an app specifically for Apple TV. By signing in to your VPN account through the app, you can enjoy the privacy and security features provided by the VPN on your Apple TV.
Option 2: Use Smart DNS in Your Web Browser: If your VPN service doesn't have an app for Apple TV, you can use a feature called Smart DNS. Smart DNS allows you to access geo-restricted content on devices that don't typically support VPNs. Before choosing a VPN service, make sure it offers Smart DNS functionality. Services like NordVPN and Surfshark provide Smart DNS options. The article provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up Smart DNS on Apple TV.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VPNs are powerful tools that provide privacy, security, and the ability to bypass geographical restrictions. They encrypt your online communications, protecting your sensitive information from prying eyes. Additionally, VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted content by changing your IP address and appearing as if you're browsing from a different country. While Apple TV has limited options for VPN apps, you can still use workarounds like downloading VPN apps or using Smart DNS to enjoy the benefits of a VPN on your device.
I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
