Find out how to use a VPN on Chromecast or Google TV

The late, nice $30 Chromecast is not any extra. After hanging on as an choice at Google’s on-line retailer for months after the introduction of the pricier Google TV streaming box, it is gone to the nice Google graveyard. However that does not imply there aren’t numerous Chromecast dongles nonetheless serving up the best streaming services, even because the the brand new field and a rising variety of good budget-priced smart TVs now have Google TV as their default working system.

However regardless of which era of Google streamer you are utilizing, you may want a VPN (digital personal community) to develop your video choices past your property library. Thankfully, each assist a number of native VPN apps. Right here’s the right way to arrange a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you could wish to use one.

Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?

For streaming functions, VPNs have one clear profit: spoofing your IP deal with to that of a special nation so that you could entry geo-restricted content material. Should you use a VPN and hook up with a special nation’s server, you may entry its content material library on any streaming platform.

Let’s say you reside within the US however wish to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content material is free in case you reside within the UK, however blocked in every single place else. Utilizing a VPN, you may hook up with a UK VPN server and stream to your coronary heart’s content material.

VPNs even have appreciable safety advantages in case you use them in your smartphone or PC. Any worthwhile VPN encrypts your connection to the web so that you’re completely nameless on-line. Buying a single subscription means you need to use your VPN on a number of gadgets concurrently, so we suggest you store for a versatile one which helps a number of concurrent logins.

What VPNs can be found on Google TV?

Google TV doesn’t have as many VPN apps to put in in comparison with different sensible TV methods like Amazon’s Fireplace TV OS. Though this will likely seem to be a drawback, it’s truly a blessing in disguise.

With VPNs, you wish to make sure you put money into a high quality and reliable product. There are lots of untested or free VPNs accessible that promote your knowledge or falsify their encryption claims. Though this won’t be an enormous subject for streaming functions alone, it usually poses huge safety and privateness dangers.

We suggest the next VPN services for Google TV and Chromecast:

For extra particulars on why these providers high the listing, try our thorough roundup of the best VPNs.

Find out how to arrange a VPN in your Google TV or Chromecast

It’s straightforward to make use of a VPN in your Google TV (and maybe even simpler on a Chromecast). Right here’s a step-by-step information for every system.

Google TV

1. Navigate to the Google Play Retailer in your Google TV.

2. Seek for the VPN you wish to set up (alternatively, seek for the key phrase “VPN” to view your choices).

3. Set up the VPN.

4. Join (or login if you have already got an account).

5. Navigate the nation server listing and join.

Observe that you need to use your VPN on as many gadgets because it helps. So, when you’ve bought a subscription, it’s sensible to obtain it on as many platforms and gadgets you may to maximise your funding.

Chromecast

If in case you have a Chromecast, you may nonetheless get pleasure from the advantages of a VPN — you simply want to make use of your smartphone or laptop computer in tandem with the streaming gadget. Right here’s the right way to do it:

1. Set up a VPN in your smartphone or laptop computer.

2. Be sure that your Wi-Fi is enabled.

3. Activate the VPN in your smartphone or laptop computer.

4. Join your smartphone or laptop computer to your TV by way of Chromecast.

5. Start streaming your content material.

So long as your sensible TV is below the identical Wi-Fi because the gadget you’re screencasting from, you need to use the VPN securely.

VPN choices for different streaming platforms

Do not have Google TV? Excellent news: Sturdy VPN choices (or alternate options) exist for the opposite main streaming platforms, too.