The Roku smart TV platform is an accessible way to watch your favorite streaming content in a centralized location – either built-in to TVs or by affordably adding dongles or set-top boxes to older TVs. However, a common frustration for any smart TV or streaming service user is that some of the best shows and movies are unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Using a VPN is a common way to solve this problem, but unlike Fire TV, Apple TV, and other competitors, Roku systems don’t have native VPN support. But that’s not the end of the story: You can still use a VPN to access a wider range of programming through Roku—you just need to use a workaround. We’ll show you how.
Benefits of using a VPN
When it comes to streaming, a VPN has one major benefit: changing your IP address. A VPN tunnels your connection through its servers to spoof your IP and make it look like you’re viewing from somewhere else. As a result, a service like Netflix will see your location as, for example, the United Kingdom and the United States. You will then have access to a different set of programming. For example, a TV show Friends Available on Max in the US but only on Netflix in the UK.
VPNs have several other benefits related to privacy and security. VPN servers have military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, meaning they are more secure than connecting to the normal Internet. So, because you’re browsing the Internet through a tunnel through a VPN, your Internet service provider can’t see all your browsing locations (and can’t sell your browsing habits to data brokers).
The easiest way to use VPN on Roku
While Roku doesn’t natively support VPNs, there are a few workarounds. You, for example, set up a VPN on your home router. This allows you to protect your entire network and every device connected to it, keeping everyone in your home anonymous online. But it can be confusing when you want to access local services – and it requires a very high level of technical knowledge and only works with certain routers.
Instead, we recommend an easier method: connect the VPN to the Roku via AirPlay or the display. To do this, subscribe to a VPN and install it on your smartphone or laptop. Then stream content to that device and AirPlay or mirror it to your Roku TV. To do this, the icon should look like a TV with Wi-Fi rays.
We prefer this method because it is generally simpler. You can first access any geo-blocked content on your smartphone or laptop and then stream it to your smart TV.
You can make sure your Roku model is compatible with AirPlay Check out this resource on the Roku website. If not, you can always connect your phone or laptop directly to the TV using an HDMI cable or cable compatible dongle.
