Using a VPN with your Apple TV 4K can help you access content that might otherwise be restricted due to geolocation restrictions. With the release of tvOS 17, Apple TV now supports VPN apps directly, making it easy to set up and use a VPN on your device.
VPN apps currently available for Apple TV include IPVanish, PureVPN, FlowVPN, and more. With the release of tvOS 17, other VPN providers will also come into play.
Since so much video content is siled due to licensing agreements for different regions, using a VPN to virtually change your location has many advantages when it comes to streaming services. The services offer vastly different lists of content depending on where you are located geographically.
But until now, using a VPN with the Apple TV box was quite difficult. Apple TV did not natively support VPN, which meant you had to set up a VPN on your router and proxy connections through that VPN. However, with tvOS 17, Apple TV can easily be configured to use a direct VPN connection by downloading a compatible VPN app from the App Store.
How to set up VPN on Apple TV?
To set up a VPN on Apple TV, update to tvOS 17 and then download one of the compatible VPN apps listed below from the App Store.
Sign up for the VPN service and press the activation button inside the app to activate the VPN connection on your Apple TV device. Once the connection has been successfully established, tvOS will display ‘VPN App Connected’ in the corner of the screen.
Once you’re done, you can disable VPN through the app or go to the Settings app and manage installed VPN profiles in the VPN & Device Management section.
The best VPN apps currently available for Apple TV
- PureVPN: PureVPN offers high-speed connections in over 90 locations worldwide, making it ideal for streaming in 4K and HD. Its user-friendly interface allows you to easily select server locations and test download and upload speeds.
- IPVanish: IPVanish provides access to more than 2,500 servers worldwide. Its app allows you to search and save favorite server locations and offers an “Optimal Location” feature that automatically selects the best server for your connection.
- FlowVPN: FlowVPN was one of the first VPN apps available for Apple TV. It has a visual map interface to choose your preferred VPN server location. FlowVPN supports WireGuard and IPSec protocols.
- SwizzVPN: SwizzVPN offers servers in Switzerland and other countries with unlimited speed and bandwidth. It offers one-time unlock purchase options instead of monthly subscriptions, making it affordable.
- Tailscale: Tailscale allows you to create a secure peer-to-peer network without relying on an intermediate corporate server network. You can choose an output node or specify the Apple TV itself as the output node.
- VPNIFY: VPNIFY offers a generous free ad-supported tier that allows casual proxy browsing without a paid subscription. Premium paid plans are available and the service has many server locations to choose from.
- X-VPN: X-VPN offers 8,000 proxy servers in 50 global locations. It can automatically detect the fastest server for you and allows you to change your location with a single click.
- SafeShell: SafeShell promises fast and secure browsing with high-speed servers available worldwide. It supports HD streaming and offers a free trial to test the service.
To set up a VPN on your Apple TV, update to tvOS 17 and download one of these compatible VPN apps from the App Store. Sign up for a VPN service, enable VPN connection in-app, and protect your online privacy by accessing region-restricted content on your Apple TV.