How to Setup a VPN on Apple TV

Apple TV is an exquisite device for enjoying great HD videos and reaping the benefits of on-demand streaming. You get all the content from your iPhone, iPad or Apple laptop on the screen, as well. Due to the quality features and its versatility, Apple TV has become truly popular all over the world. Nevertheless, there is a catch to beware of if you do not reside within the United States of America.

Indeed, thanks to the copyright restrictions that have been applied by the major studios and therefore by the most commonly used streaming services in the world (such as Netflix, Hulu, Pandora etc.), if you do not live in the US you will not be granted access to such content easily. Instead, you will be displayed a message indicating that your location does not permit you to bypass the restrictions and thus you are obstructed from getting the full magnitude of entertainment that your Apple TV can offer to you.

On the bright side, there is a way for you to overcome the geographical boundaries and actually get what the US residents are able to enjoy every single day on their Apple TV. With the VPN coming to the rescue, you can mask your IP address and appear to be connecting online using a remote server located in the US.

The process is quite simple and straightforward, while there is a plethora of VPN service providers that can help you out on the market. Still, since there is no built-in VPN within the Apple TV, you will be expected to follow the guidelines that we have outlined below on how to setup a VPN on Apple TV. You have got two different options, as you are about to witness yourself. Let’s rock!

Why is VPN so Important?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is actually the middle-man between your own Internet connection and Apple TV. With its contribution, location is not going to matter at all! The VPN allows you to choose the server you wish to connect to and as a result grants you the access to US iTunes and the entertainment oasis called Apple TV.

VPN also enables you to surf the web anonymously and encrypts all of your data. As you can imagine, this is your ticket to sleeping tight at night, without having to worry about hackers, snoopers, censorship of any sort and the like. It requires setup and after that it can be used to all of your devices, apart from your cool smart TV. Now, let’s see if all VPN service providers are identical or if there is something you ought to keep an eye on.

Best VPN for Apple TV

Prior to setting up your VPN for Apple TV, you have to make a prudent decision. You need to figure out which VPN does the trick for you and which solution is going to measure up to your own standards. First of all, you ought to find a VPN service provider that has proven its value over time and that offers an appealing subscription plan. The number of servers located in various different parts of the planet can be truly helpful, as much as the unlimited bandwidth and the great speed.

Since you are going to use it for live streaming, you cannot compromise speed and quality for any reason whatsoever. Additionally, the cost and the service provided are also important factors that will lead you towards selecting the perfect VPN. If we had to choose a single VPN service provider that meets all the criteria and offers a qualitative product, this would be HideMyAss (HMA). It is located in the UK and it boasts having a great many servers in various places in the world, including the US. It is credible and it offers the best value for money. However, the choice is yours and you are expected to check out the various plans featured.

1st Method: Using a Wireless Router

One of the two methods that you can use in order to install VPN on Apple TV is through the use of a wireless router. The instructions that you ought to comply with for getting the results that you have been seeking are the following:

  • Subscribe to a VPN
  • Enter the VPN details to the router
  • Find a US server and connect
  • Connect your Apple TV with the router
  • If you are getting any problem, check the VPN settings

2nd Method for Setting up VPN on Apple TV: Network Sharing

The other method that will lead to the proper Apple TV VPN setup has to do with network sharing. In order for you to be successful and start enjoying the wonderful entertainment options that Apple TV is able to offer you, the steps included are different in Windows and Mac OS X. Let’s see either one of them:

  • For Windows
    • Go to Control Panel, Network and Internet and then Network and Sharing Center
    • Head to Manage Wireless Networks, Wireless Connection, Adapter Properties
    • Alternatively, for USB or Ethernet connection you will click on Change Adapter Properties
    • Search for the Setting bar and click on Allow Other Network Users to Connect through This Computer Connection below
    • You’re done!
  • For Mac OS X
    • Go to System Preferences and then Sharing
    • Head to Internet Sharing and check Airport below Share Your Connection From
    • Choose Ethernet under To Computers Using
    • That’s it!

Of course, after having done the respective procedures and after having obtained the ability to change your IP and appear to be located in the US, you will be ready to acquire a US iTunes account.

From then on, you will be free to download the applications for cool services like Netflix, Hulu and HBO and reap the benefits of your prudence on your dazzling Apple TV. We hope that we have been of service to you! Please let us know what you think and be sure to rate our guide!

Stella Strouvali Stella is a certified writer and zealous wordsmith, a true fan of Placebo, technology, Panionios and wellness. Still, her true passion has to do with eagerly learning new things and passing them on to others. “An unexamined life is not worth living”, to quote Socrates.
Leave a Comment