The Apple TV is one of the best streaming devices you can buy right now, allowing you to add Netflix, Disney+, Max, and other streaming apps to your older TV. It costs more than the competition, but offers a more polished experience (the screensavers are worth the admission fee) as well as more privacy protection.
But what you may not know is that with a VPN, you can use your Apple TV to access even more content. By downloading one of the many VPN apps directly onto the Apple TV, you can spoof your IP address, making your system think you’re in another country.
And because most streaming services license different shows to different regions, flipping the VPN to an international location can help you access even more content. Here’s how to use a VPN on your Apple TV and why you should install one.
How to use a VPN on Apple TV
Since the release of the tvOS 17 software update in September 2023, the Apple TV platform supports third-party VPN apps. Setting them up is easy; just follow these steps (these may vary slightly between VPNs).
We have a comprehensive guide on how to stream video on your TV using a VPN, which includes Apple TV installation and provides alternative ways to connect a VPN to your Apple TV.
Why you should use a VPN on Apple TV
As mentioned earlier, using a VPN on your Apple TV allows you to change your IP address so that it looks like you’re browsing from another country.
This happens when the VPN encrypts your connection and tunnels it through the VPN’s digital or physical servers located in other countries.
So if you’re in the US and tunnel to a UK VPN server, you’ll be able to access the UK Netflix content library and watch shows on UK-only services like BBC iPlayer.
VPNs can also be essential security tools, although their features are best applied when you’re using them on a smartphone or PC where you do most of your internet browsing. If you purchase a VPN subscription with your Apple TV in mind, we recommend using it on your smartphone and laptop as well. VPNs can help keep you anonymous online and protect your data from malicious parties or ad networks.
If you care about digital privacy and anonymity, it’s a good practice to use a VPN on all devices with internet connectivity.
Choosing the right VPN
Apple TVs only work with a limited number of VPNs. Although this seems like a barrier, Apple vets the VPNs it allows on its App Store and you can feel confident knowing they are trustworthy options. Each of the top choices on our best VPN list is on the Apple TV App Store.
We encourage you to do your own research when choosing a service. Although each VPN has the same basic functionality, their pricing and additional features vary. Before you decide which one is right for your needs and the device you have, take some time to see what each offers and what other users say.
VPN Options for Other Streaming Platforms
Don’t have an Apple TV? Good news: there are strong VPN options (or alternatives) for the other major streaming platforms, too.