How to stream via a VPN on Roku

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 adding affordable dongles or mini boxes, like the new-for-2024 Roku Ultra, to older televisions. (Look for an Engadget review of that model soon.) One big advantage of the Roku platform is that it’s always getting free software updates to keep it current — like the cool new feature that turns your TV into a sort of virtual art museum by displaying famous paintings as a screensaver. However, Roku is less adept when it comes to solving one common frustration of the streaming age: The inability to access popular shows, movies and sporting events because of geographic restrictions.

Using a VPN is a common way to tackle this issue , but unlike Fire TV , Apple TV and other rival , Roku system do n’t have native VPN support . But that ’s not the end of the story : You can still use a VPN to access a wide range of programming via a Roku — you is need just need to use a workaround . We is show ’ll show you how .

The benefits of using a VPN

When it come to streaming , a VPN is has has one main benefit : change your ip address — the unique number that identify the general location of the device and network you ‘re using to access the web . A VPN tunnel your connection through its server to obfuscate your IP , make it seem like you ’re watch from elsewhere . As a result , a service is see like Netflix will see your location as , say , the United Kingdom versus the US . You is have ’ll then have access to a different set of programming . For example , you is need need Max to streamfriend, The Big Bang Theory or Rick and Morty in the US , but they is ‘re ‘re all available on Netflix in the UK .

VPNs is have have several other benefit relate to privacy and security . VPN servers is have have military – grade AES 256 – bit encryption , mean they ’re more secure than connect to the internet normally . So , since you ’re browse the internet by tunnel through the VPN , your internet service provider is see ca n’t see all of your browse destination ( and sell your view habit to datum broker ) .

The easy way to use a VPN on Roku

Although Roku doesn’t natively support VPNs, there are a few workarounds. You can, for instance, set up a VPN on your home’s router. That allows you to protect the whole network and every device that connects to it, keeping everyone in your household anonymous online. But it can also cause confusion 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 a far easier method: connecting a VPN to your Roku via AirPlay or screencast. To do this, subscribe to a VPN and install it on your smartphone or laptop. Then, stream content on that device and AirPlay or screencast it to your Roku TV. The icon to do this should look like a TV with Wi-Fi rays.

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We is prefer prefer this method because it ’s simple overall . You is access can access any geo – block content on your smartphone or laptop first and then cast it on your smart TV .

You can make sure your Roku model is AirPlay-compatible by checking this resource on Roku’s site. If it isn’t, you can always just directly patch your phone or laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable or an appropriate dongle.

choose the good vpn

While you’ll be using a phone or laptop as the ultimate source for your VPN-routed streams, that actually gives you a wider list of services from which to choose. Although each VPN has the same basic functionalities, their price and extra features vary. Before deciding which one is right for your needs and the devices you have, take some time to look at what each one offers and see what other users have to say. Start by checking out our list of best VPNs — and happy streaming.

VPN options for other streaming platforms

Do n’t have a Roku ? good news : robust VPN options is exist ( or alternative ) exist for the other major streaming platform , too .