you don’t need to worry about how to set up a VPN on Firestick. With a Firestick, you can make your TV into a serious streaming box, streaming through Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and much more. The greater convenience associated with this hardware does come at a few risks to your privacy and security. Streaming content by not using a VPN can expose your data and limit your content access based on what is geographically available.
How to Set Up a VPN on Firestick
Why Is a VPN Required for My Firestick?
Here are some reasons why you should have a VPN with your Firestick:
1. Privacy Protection: ISPs and third-party advertisers can track what you are streaming.
2. Geo Country Lock Bypass: Different services have different content libraries depending on your location. With a VPN, one can connect to various servers of different countries and access more content than they would access with their local internet.
3. Privacy and Security: VPN helps keep your data safe from cyber hackers. It makes it difficult for hackers to reach the hard file information.
4. Prevent ISP Throttling: Some ISPs intentionally slow down the internet speed if they believe you are streaming. In this case, a VPN covers your data that is going to be streamed and, hence doesn’t attract any throttling, making sure smooth streams.
Setting up a VPN on a Firestick is not difficult at all. There are a few ways to do this, depending on your preferred VPN provider. Here are the procedures for installing your VPN on a Firestick
Method 1: Installing a VPN Application from the Amazon App Store
This is the easiest method to put a VPN on Firestick when your VPN has an app in the Amazon App Store.
1. Home Screen Using Your Firestick Remote: Use your Firestick remote to get to the home screen.
2. Search: At the top of your home screen tap the magnifying glass icon to step into the search.
3. Identify Your VPN Service: Type in the name of your VPN service, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, etc.
4. Select the VPN Application: You now see a search result of the VPN application from your search query, tap on that and click on the “Download” button.
5. Open the VPN App After downloading the app, you can open your VPN app using your account credentials to log in. If someone hasn’t registered for any VPN service yet, he will need to do so first on the website of such a service.
6. Connect to a VPN Server Select whichever server you wish according to your needs. If you want material that is only specific to the U.S., then select it for the U.S. Upon doing so, click “Connect” and you’re good to go for VPN on your Firestick.
7. Verify the Connection Once connected, all data from your Firestick will be passed through the VPN server, therefore, geo-restricted access will be circumvented, and your data will be secure.
Method 2: Use a downloader to sideload the VPN application.
If your VPN service provider does not offer an app via the Amazon App Store, you can sideload them using an app called Downloader. Here’s how to do it:
1. Apps from Unknown Sources:
Choose “My Fire TV,” then “Developer options.”
Swipe ON “Apps from Unknown Sources”
2. Downloading Downloader App
Move back to the home screen and search “Downloader.”
• Download and install the Downloader app.
3. Verify Connection:
• Connect, and then stream as you will now be streaming content securely. You will, in addition, unlock limitless streaming on your Firestick.
How to Configure a VPN on Your Router
Here’s how:
- Router compatibility:
Not all routers can function with a VPN installed, so you will need to check your VPN service to see if your router model is compatible.
2. Setup the VPN on your router:
You will need to navigate to the location in your router where you can configure your VPN settings on different models of a router, this will be located in different areas.
3. Connect Your Firestick to Your VPN-enabled Router:
• Once installed, you’ll connect your Firestick to the network on your router, and the app will automatically route all internet traffic on the device through the VPN.
4. Test the Connection: Go ahead and see if you can watch material originating from another region by opening any streaming app on your Firestick.
How can you tell if your Firestick VPN is operational?
Following the successful provision of the VPN, it should be tested to confirm if it works.
1. IP Checker App:
Open the Amazon App Store and search for an IP checker app.
Install it and open the app to check if your IP address aligns with that of the location of your VPN server.
2. Test with Streaming Services:
– Open the same streaming app and try to see if you can access geo-restricted content.
– For example, if you are connected to a U.S. server, try to access Netflix-exclusive content in the U.S. If you can get into it, your VPN is working as expected.
3. Try to visit a Geo-Blocked Website:
– Go on Firestick using the Silk Browser or any browser app you have to a website that is blocked in your country. If you see the site, your VPN is working.
How to Solve Problems with a VPN on Firestick
Use these steps to solve any issue that is related to the VPN on Firestick.
1. Clear Cache:
Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications
Choose the VPN app which, by default, should say “Clear Cache” to make it run faster.
2. Change Servers
If content is not streaming through one server, try going to another. A few will just work faster or more reliably on your network.
3. VPN App Update:
Sometimes, an outdated application could lead to connectivity issues. It should work if you get the last update of your VPN app from the Amazon App Store.
Best VPNs for Firestick
A great VPN service provider would help you enjoy the best streaming with Firestick. Here are some top VPNs which happen to be famous for their working ability with Firestick.
ExpressVPN offers fast speeds, good security, and great unblocking capabilities, which makes it one of the best choices for Firestick users.
The VPN, second in this list, has a large server network and very strong security features, as well as an easy-to-use app for Firestick.
CyberGhost VPN is a reliable choice for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy and unlock geo-restricted content. Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive server network, CyberGhost makes securing your internet activity easy for both beginners and experienced users.
Surfshark comes very cheaply and offers unlimited connections for use on any number of devices at the same time.
Also Read: Best VPN for IPTV Firestick Streaming