How to use a VPN on a smart TV
Whether your TV can run a VPN depends on its operating system. Android TV and Google TV sets install the TekLan VPN app directly; Samsung, LG and Roku TVs can’t install VPN apps at all, but there are two easy ways round that.
Which TVs can run the app
Android TV and Google TV
Install TekLan VPN from Google Play and sign in with your phone. Android TV guide · Google TV guide
Fire TV smart TVs
Install the Fire OS or Vega OS app from the Amazon Appstore. Fire TV guide
Samsung, LG and Roku TVs
Tizen, webOS and Roku OS don’t allow VPN apps. Use one of the options below.
Two ways to protect the TV
A streaming stick
Plug a Fire TV Stick, Chromecast with Google TV or Apple TV into the TV and install TekLan VPN on it. Use its apps instead of the TV’s own. Fire Stick · Chromecast · Apple TV
A VPN router
Set up TekLan VPN on a compatible router and put the TV behind it. Every device on that router is protected, and it counts as one connection. Router guide
What the TV apps do
This list follows the app releases.
| App | Status |
|---|---|
| Apple TV | Sign in with your phone: available |
| Android | Per-app split tunnelling: available DNS choice: available |
| Android TV | Sign in with your phone: available Per-app split tunnelling: available DNS choice: available |
| Fire TV | Sign in with your phone: available Per-app split tunnelling: available DNS choice: available |
| Vega OS | Sign in with your phone: available DNS choice: coming in 1.3.0 |
| Windows | DNS choice: available |
Frequently asked
Can I sign in on the TV without typing?
Yes. Choose Sign in with your phone: the TV shows a QR code and a short code. Scan it, or enter the code at teklanvpn.com/tv.
Will a VPN work with my TV’s own apps?
Only if the TV itself is protected, through a router. A streaming stick protects the apps running on the stick.
Does a router setup protect every device in the house?
Every device you route through it. Many routers let you choose which devices use the VPN.