Manually Install VPN on Apple TV - PrivadoVPN Blog (2024)

Like anything you do online, what you’re streaming is natively visible to anyone who happens to be watching, even on devices like Apple TV. That’s why you want to have the protection of VPN on Apple TV to keep your data secure.

Why Install a VPN on Apple TV

Streaming is one of the most popular ways to consume media for very good reason. It’s simple, inexpensive, and provides a wide range of entertainment options. You could argue that it’s hit the sweet spot between those qualities, opening up video, music, podcasts, and more to countless users around the world.

What it isn’t, however, is safe.

By using a VPN on Apple TV, you’re keeping people from harvesting your personal data. This level of privacy invasion can be reasonably innocuous, like using your viewing habits to better target ads at you when you’re browsing the web or searching on certain sites. It can be downright dangerous, such as what happens if a phisher or hacker gets ahold of even just your email address. In either case, your data is yours and you should have a say in who gets it and how it’s used.

That’s why PrivadoVPN makes it easy to install a VPN on Apple TV and protect every other device in your home at the same time. Here’s how:

Manually Install PrivadoVPN on Your Router

The trick to protecting your streaming is less to install a VPN on Apple TV directly, but rather to install PrivadoVPN on your home router so that it protects every device connected to it. This makes it a lot easier to remain safe while at home where you will transmit the bulk of your sensitive data. Moreover, it only counts as a single simultaneous connection, so PrivadoVPN premium subscribers will still have nine other ones to use for family and friends or while they’re out of the house.

Before you begin, check to see what kind of router you have. Depending on the brand name and model, the specifics of manually setting up PrivadoVPN may be different. This is a general guide. For more specific information on common routers, you can take a look at our Support Page.

Step 1 – Download OpenVPN

Download the server configuration files, ovpn_configs.zip, and extract them someplace on your computer.

Step 2 – Login to your Router

Login to your router’s backend. Depending on your router, this can be different, but generally there is an IP address or URL that you can enter into your web browser that will bring you there. Check your router manufacturer’s website for specific details.

Step 3 – Find the VPN Page

There is often a tab for VPNs in the router’s backend. Again, check your router manufacturer’s website for details on where it is for your particular router.

Once you’ve located the VPN section, you will have to add a new profile to your router. This will give you the opportunity to input your VPN username and password, the same one you use for the app.

Step 4 – Upload Your Location

While adding a new profile, you will have the opportunity to upload an OpenVPN file. Navigate to the folder where you extracted your ovpn_configs.zip file and choose the file for the location you would like to connect to. They are named after airport codes. For example, if you want to connect to the server in Los Angeles, you would upload lax-001.default.

Step 5 – Connect

Click the button to connect to the VPN. This can sometimes be called “Connect,” “Activate,” or similar.

You now have protection for every device connected to your router, including VPN on Apple TV!

Be Safe Online

Whether you’re on a computer, phone, tablet, or smart TV, we want you to be safe and keep your data secure. That’s why it’s so important that you are able to protect your personal information no matter what device you’re using. So take a few minutes to install VPN on Apple TV today!

Manually Install VPN on Apple TV - PrivadoVPN Blog (2024)

FAQs

Manually Install VPN on Apple TV - PrivadoVPN Blog? ›

Can you use a VPN with Apple TV? Yes, you can download a VPN app on Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K. You can do that via the App Store — just install them like any other map. Older generations of Apple TV can only use a VPN connection that is shared with them via a router or another device.

Can you add a VPN to Apple TV? ›

Can you use a VPN with Apple TV? Yes, you can download a VPN app on Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K. You can do that via the App Store — just install them like any other map. Older generations of Apple TV can only use a VPN connection that is shared with them via a router or another device.

How to setup a privado VPN? ›

To install a VPN on an Android phone:
  1. Sign up for an account.
  2. Select a Free or Premium plan.
  3. Visit the Google Play App Store and search for “PrivadoVPN”
  4. Download the application.
  5. Login from the home screen.
  6. Tap the PrivadoVPN logo to connect.
  7. Select one of the hundreds of available global servers.
Aug 23, 2021

Does private VPN work on Apple TV? ›

Yes, you can install PIA VPN on Apple TV running tvOS 17 and higher. If you have an older version of Apple TV, you can still get the benefits of a VPN by setting it up on your router, connecting through a mobile hotspot, or an Ethernet connection from a PIA-connected device.

Why Apple TV doesn t support VPN? ›

Why doesn't Apple TV allow a VPN? Unfortunately, not all Apple TV versions support VPN apps (only with tvOS 17, VPN apps can now be installed on the Apple TV directly).

Is there a free VPN for Apple TV? ›

Atlas VPN Free stands out as a top choice for Apple TV users seeking a complimentary VPN service. Its dedicated tvOS app simplifies the streaming experience, offering access to US-based platforms like Netflix hassle-free. Despite a lackluster interface, it delivers reliable performance.

How to set up Apple VPN? ›

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Click the Action pop-up menu on the right, choose Add VPN Configuration, then choose the type of VPN connection you want to set up.

How do I manually set up a VPN? ›

  1. If you haven't already, add a VPN.
  2. Open your device's Settings app.
  3. Tap Network & internet. VPN. ...
  4. Next to the VPN you want to change, tap Settings .
  5. Turn Always-on VPN on or off. If you've set up a VPN through an app, you won't have the always-on option.
  6. If needed, tap Save.

Why is the PrivadoVPN not working? ›

Due to the specifics of the VPN operation, different VPN apps installed on the same device may be blocking the connection. We recommend uninstalling other apps (at least temporarily) and reinstalling the Privado app from scratch. This is applicable for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and FireTV.

What type of VPN does Privado use? ›

Choose between leading VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard® to find the perfect balance of speed and security for how you use the Internet.

How to put NordVPN on Apple TV? ›

How to set up a VPN for Apple TV
  1. Get NordVPN. Pick a VPN subscription that's perfect for your needs.
  2. Download. Install the NordVPN from the App Store.
  3. Connect. Log in and connect to a VPN server.

How do I change my VPN location on Apple TV? ›

How to change your Apple TV country or region using a VPN
  1. Open the Apple TV main menu.
  2. Click Settings > Network.
  3. Select Configure DNS > Manual.
  4. Enter the addresses of the VPN provider's smart DNS servers. These will be available via its app.
  5. Click “Done”.
  6. Restart your Apple TV.
Jan 17, 2024

How to use Windscribe on Apple TV? ›

Can I set up Windscribe on my AppleTV? We are currently in the process of developing a native AppleTV/tvOS app, but it is not yet available. In the meantime, the best way to run Windscribe on such a device is through your router. This is only possible if your router supports an OpenVPN and or WireGuard VPN client.

Can I add VPN to Apple TV? ›

Yes, as of June 2023, Apple TV's tvOS now allows you to download and use a VPN app such as ExpressVPN similarly to how you would on your phone or computer.

Why won't my Apple VPN work? ›

Sometimes, a VPN profile may become corrupted or misconfigured, causing connectivity issues. Turn off your VPN app. Go to iPhone Settings and navigate to the General tab, then scroll down and tap on VPN & Device Management and remove all VPN profiles. Relaunch the VPN app and allow it to configure a new profile.

Are VPNs legal? ›

In most jurisdictions, the use of VPNs is legal. Some countries such as the U.S. and the U.K. allow citizens to use these tools to protect their online privacy and access geo-restricted content. In contrast, many countries ban VPNs as part of broader efforts to control internet access and suppress dissenting voices.

Can you AirPlay with a VPN? ›

The easiest way to use NordVPN with Apple TV is by using AirPlay to cast to your Apple TV from your VPN-protected Apple hardware (iPhone, iPad or MacBook running the NordVPN app). This option is only available to Apple users—Windows, Android and other platforms don't support AirPlay.

Does NordVPN work on Apple TV Reddit? ›

NordVPN now has an Apple TV app.

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