Streaming services have become central to home entertainment, but access isn’t always straightforward. Country restrictions, limited catalogs based on region, and increasing data collection are common challenges for viewers.
using a VPN on a smart TV is evolving from a niche practice for tech enthusiasts to a basic tool for anyone seeking unrestricted content and enhanced privacy.
Why a VPN Makes a Difference on Your Smart TV
Searches for VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are surging in many countries – including much of Latin America – whenever new restrictions are imposed or services experience outages. This trend isn’t coincidental: a VPN allows users to “simulate” a connection from another country, bypassing geo-blocking imposed by operators or commercial agreements. This capability is particularly relevant as streaming platforms increasingly tailor content based on location.
Beyond circumventing restrictions, a VPN also:
- Encrypts traffic, making it more difficult for third parties to monitor viewing activity or determine location.
- Helps avoid excessive tracking by certain platforms.
- Enables access to apps or services that are regionally limited.
Among the most highly-regarded options for security and transparency is ProtonVPN, known for its privacy focus and origins linked to the CERN research organization. Fortunately, installing it on many devices running Android TV or Google TV is relatively simple.
How to Install ProtonVPN on a Smart TV with Android TV or Google TV
These instructions apply to televisions and devices such as Philips, Sony, Chromecast with Google TV, and Xiaomi Mi Stick, all of which utilize Android TV / Google TV.
1. Download and Installation from the Official Store
It’s best to start with a secure approach: avoid downloading APKs from unofficial sources shared on social media.
- Open Google Play Store from the television’s menu.
- Apply the search function and enter “Proton VPN”.
- Select the official app and click “Install”.
Using the official version is crucial. Modified versions can create vulnerabilities, potentially leading to data theft, malware, or identity theft.
Linking Your Account Without the Remote Struggle
Typing emails and passwords with a TV remote can be cumbersome, and ProtonVPN addresses this. Access is simplified as follows:
- When opening the app on the TV, a code appears on the screen.
- The user can:
- Scan the QR code with a mobile phone, or
- Enter the web address provided from a computer.
- Log in (or create a free account) and confirm the code.
This automatically links the television to the account, eliminating the demand to type passwords using the remote’s directional buttons.
Configuring the VPN to Bypass Blocks and Encrypt Traffic
Once inside the app on the Smart TV, the important part begins.
- Choose the server country:
- If the goal is to avoid local restrictions on an app or channel, it’s best to choose a third country where the service functions normally.
- This makes the platform believe the connection originates from that location.
- Connect:
- Press the connect button.
- When the icon or status changes to connected (usually green), all traffic from the television will pass through that server.
- From that point on, the virtual location is changed and the traffic is encrypted.
From that moment on, any app opened on the TV (within the limitations of each service) will operate as if the connection is originating from the chosen country.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Using a VPN on Your TV
It’s not all seamless; there are nuances:
- Speed may decrease slightly due to encryption. With robust services like ProtonVPN, the impact on streaming is usually minimal, but it may be noticeable on limited connections.
- Not all streaming services approve of VPN use, and some actively attempt to block them.
- Choosing distant servers can increase latency; sometimes a nearby country yields better results than one on the other side of the world.
Still, for many people, the balance between privacy, access freedom, and minor speed losses is worthwhile.
In Summary: More Control Over What You Watch (and Where You Watch From)
Installing a VPN on a Smart TV not only helps to avoid geographical restrictions but also adds an extra layer of protection and control over your own data traffic.
No matter the device, adding a VPN provides users with greater agency over their streaming experience and online privacy.
