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Generally, Smart TVs do not support VPN service natively. However, if you are using an Android TV instead, you can just download a VPN app from the Google Play Store and use it straightaway.
VPN or Smart DNS Service on a Smart TV?
If you just want to watch region-restricted TV programmes, you will just need a Smart DNS service and not a VPN. (Read more below)
However, if you need your Smart TV IP address to be changed to a different locations/Country, you can use a VPN service.
How To Connect Smart TV To A VPN?
Generally, the Smart TV does not support VPN service natively.
However, there are a few methods that you can get a VPN connection on your Smart TV and they are as per below:
- Share VPN connection from your computer via Hotspot (Connectify) app.
- Share VPN connection from your computer via a proxy server
Method 1: Share VPN Connection Over Hotspot
If you have a Windows-based computer, one worth looking at is the free Connectify app. Basically using this, you can connect the VPN on your PC and share it via your wireless or wired network to your Smart TV.
Once you’ve Setup Connectify on your computer, follow the instructions below to share your VPN connection.
- Launch your VPN app and connect to the VPN.
- Once you’re connected, launch the Connectify app on your computer.
- Finally, choose your VPN provider as the Internet to Share and click on Start Hotspot.
That’s it! Any devices connected to your hotspot will be on a secured VPN connection and protected.
If you haven’t sign up for a VPN service yet, I would suggest that you try hide.me VPN as they are free.
Method 2: Share VPN Connection Over Proxy Server
Similar to the Connectify app, you can set up your computer to act as a proxy server to share your connection. However, this can be a little bit technical for some but this method is completely free.
To set this up, please follow the instructions at the link(s) below:
Method 3: Connect Smart TV To A VPN Router
You will need to set up a VPN service on your router so your Smart TV can connect to the VPN router.
We would suggest you get a second router and configure a VPN service on it.
This method would leave you with your existing network which would be your local ISP and then a second router that would route your traffic via the VPN network. You would presumably then connect your Smart TV or any devices to the VPN network.
Using a single router solution is not recommended. It can be done, but the problem is that if there are any problems or issues with it, you have lost your connection to the Internet.
If you set up VPN on a secondary router, then any issues with VPN setup will not impact your local internet connection.
We recommend that the second router supports an OpenVPN client feature or get a router that runs a custom firmware called DD-WRT.
If you have a spare router laying somewhere, you can flash it with DDWRT firmware. The list of supported DD-WRT routers can be found here.
Please note, there are many other routers that are compatible with DDWRT and some of them come with a pre-loaded DDWRT firmware such as Buffalo WHR-300.
However, please take note that you will still then need to flash the router with the firmware and your warranty will be considered void when you do so.
If you prefer a pre-configured router without worrying about bricking it and only requires an internet connection to get started, I would recommend that you contact hide.me VPN via live chat support on their website for more information.
If you already have the router, please contact your VPN provider for further instructions on how to setup VPN on it.
Best VPN Service For Smart TV
For a reliable VPN provider, I would suggest that you give hide.me VPN a try because they provide;
- 99.99% Uptime
- Blazing Fast Speeds
- Guaranteed Privacy
More reasons why hide.me VPN is better than others.
| Features of the Best VPNs | hide.me VPN |
|---|---|
 Diverse VPN network |
2000+ servers in 75 locations |
 Privacy Protection |
Zero activity logs |
 Multiple VPN protocols |
IKEv2, OpenVPN, SoftEther & SSTP |
 Strong encryption |
AES-256 bit encryption with 8192-bit keys |
 Unlimited data |
Unlimited data transfer with Premium Plan |
 Compatibility |
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Routers, Consoles & TV |
 Multiple logins |
10 simultaneous logins with the Premium Plan |
 IP leak protection |
Complete protection against leaks (DNS, IPv4, IPv6, WebRTC) |
 Port forwarding |
Dynamic Port Forwarding with paid plans |
 Server switching |
Unlimited server switching; no extra charges |
 Affordable pricing |
Lifetime free VPN and 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
 Customer support |
24/7 customer support |
Setup Smart DNS On The Smart TV
If you just to want to access region-restricted TV programmes, you will just need a Smart DNS service that can be set up directly into your Smart TV.
We recommend Smart DNS Proxy because they support over 600+ TV channels and you can access it from anywhere in the world.
This is also a great service for those who want to cancel their expensive cable TV subscription and look for a cheaper alternative.
Once you’ve registered for a free Smart DNS proxy account, please set up your Smart TV as per the instructions at the links below:
Finally, access your favourite TV apps! Simple as that
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