One of Android TV’s variations is the Android TV Box, which is basically a box (or set-top box) running Android TV that instantly transforms your regular TV into a smart TV running the Android operating system. So, if you’ve got an old TV at your home, you can use an Android TV Box to get smart functionalities on it. Talking of functionalities, you get pretty much everything — except for a few features — with an Android TV Box that you get on a TV that runs Android TV natively. And, based on your box manufacturer and the hardware running under the hood, your experience and mileage can vary from box to box.
VPN on Android TV
Since Android TV utilizes an internet connection to offer all its functionalities, it is necessary to use a VPN to secure your connection from the outside world and protect your privacy. Not just that, with a VPN, you can also increase your entertainment options on OTT platforms by getting around geo-restrictions to unblock content available in other regions.
Installing and Setting Up a VPN on Android TV
As we’ve already mentioned, irrespective of whether you have an Android TV or a regular TV hooked up to an Android TV box, you get to enjoy pretty much all the functionalities of Google’s Android TV on either device. One of these functionalities is the ability to install third-party apps using the Google Play Store. So now, similar to how you install apps on your Android phone, you can do the same using the Play Store on your Android TV. And that is exactly what we’ll be using to install a VPN service on our Android TV. Step-1. Considering you are planning to use a paid VPN service, the first thing you need is a subscription to that service. If you already have one, proceed to the next step. However, if you don’t, visit your favorite VPN provider’s website, and from there, sign up for an account and get a subscription. Step-2. On your Android TV, open Play Store and search for the VPN service provider — one you got a subscription for, in the previous step.
Step-3. Click on Install to download the app on your Android TV.
Step-4. Open the (VPN) app you just installed and sign in to your account.
Step-5. Your VPN app will now ask you to configure VPN on your Android TV. Depending on what client you use, the steps involved might be different. So, follow the on-screen instructions to navigate your way through the configuration process.
Using a VPN on Android TV
Once you have installed and set up your preferred VPN client on your Android TV or Android TV box, you are now ready to use it. In general, most VPN clients have a straightforward connection process: you open the app and click on the connect button to connect to a server automatically.
However, by default, most VPNs connect you to your nearest server location. While this works fine for regular use-cases, if you plan on bypassing geo-restrictions to access content in other countries, you need to manually select a server located in that region. You can do this by heading to the list of servers that your VPN provider offers and clicking on the one you want to connect to.
When connected, your traffic is then routed through an encrypted tunnel to protect your information on the internet. That way, you can browse the internet securely and also access geo-restricted content (websites, TV shows, movies, etc.). Lastly, to disconnect VPN, simply tap on the connect button, and you should now be disconnected.
Best VPNs for Android TV
When it comes to selecting a VPN client, there are plenty of VPN services out there: each promising to offer some advantage over the other and claiming to be more secure. As a consequence of this variety, it becomes quite a task to determine the best VPN client for your needs. Add to this the security and privacy concerns caused due to the obscure privacy policies, and the process becomes even more daunting. So, to help you with the selection process and narrow down your options, here are some of our picks for the best VPNs for Android TV:
1. ExpressVPN
Highlights: 3000+ servers in 90 countries, fast server speeds, 30-day money-back guarantee, and claimed zero-logs policy.
2. NordVPN
Highlights: 5500 servers, strong protection, 30-day money-back guarantee, and claimed no-logs privacy.
3. Surfshark VPN
Highlights: 3200+ servers in 65+ countries, double VPN, 30-day money-back guarantee, and claimed no-logs policy. [Learn more about Surfshark VPN]
4. TunnelBear
Highlights: 1800+ servers in 25+ countries, 500MB free, user-friendly, and claimed no-logs policy.
5. Proton VPN
Highlights: 1050+ servers in 54 countries, strong encryption, free access with limited servers and features, 30-day money-back guarantee, and no-logs policy.
6. Windscribe VPN
Highlights: 110+ servers in 60 countries, strong encryption, generous free access with limited servers, unlimited simultaneous connections, and claimed no-logs policy. To conclude, if you have an Android TV or an Android TV box hooked to your TV, you must definitely consider getting a VPN service to secure your activities online, and in turn, protect your identity. Besides, as already mentioned, you can also get more out of a VPN than just protecting your privacy, like bypassing geo-restricted websites and watching TV shows and movies unavailable in your region. And, with our recommendations for the best VPN clients, along with the steps on how to install and set it up, you should be able to navigate your way through the entire process quickly.
