How to Use a VPN on a Smart TV (UK Guide)
Running a VPN on your television unlocks streaming on the big screen and secures every device on your home network. The method depends on your TV — here are the three easiest routes.
Option 1: Install the VPN app directly (easiest)
If you have a Fire TV Stick, Android TV, or Google TV, you can install a VPN app straight from the app store:
- Open the app store on your TV.
- Search for your VPN (for example, NordVPN or Surfshark).
- Install it, sign in, and connect to a server.
That's it — your TV traffic now runs through the VPN. Our best VPN for Smart TV picks all offer native TV apps.
Option 2: Set up the VPN on your router (works with any TV)
Smart TVs without app support — such as many Samsung and LG models — can still be covered by installing the VPN on your router. This protects every device in the home at once:
- Check your VPN supports router setup (most premium ones do).
- Follow your provider's router guide to install it.
- Your TV is now protected automatically whenever it connects to Wi-Fi.
Option 3: Share a VPN connection from your computer
In a pinch, you can create a virtual hotspot on a Windows PC or Mac with the VPN running, then connect your TV to that hotspot. It is fiddlier than the other methods but needs no extra hardware.
Which TVs work best?
- Amazon Fire TV — the easiest; native apps for all major VPNs.
- Android / Google TV — also supports native apps.
- Apple TV — supports VPN apps on newer tvOS versions.
- Samsung / LG (Tizen / webOS) — no native apps; use the router method.
Tips for smooth streaming
- Choose a VPN with fast speeds for 4K — see why VPNs slow down if you hit buffering.
- For UK catch-up TV, connect to a UK server; see our BBC iPlayer guide.
- For US content, follow our US Netflix guide.
Our recommendation
For the simplest setup and the speed to stream in 4K, start with our best VPN for Smart TV recommendations.