âš¡ Quick Summary
Only Android TV/Google TV models support direct VPN apps. For Samsung (Tizen), LG (webOS), and most Sony TVs: use router VPN, Smart DNS, or plug in a Fire TV Stick with VPN installed.
Smart TV VPN Compatibility by Brand
| TV Brand | Operating System | Native VPN Apps? | Best Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Tizen OS | ✗ No | Router / Smart DNS |
| LG | webOS | ✗ No | Router / Smart DNS |
| Sony (Android) | Android TV / Google TV | ✓ Yes | Install VPN app |
| TCL / Hisense | Roku TV / Google TV | Varies | Google TV: Yes / Roku: No |
| Vizio | SmartCast | ✗ No | Router / Smart DNS |
| Philips (Android) | Android TV | ✓ Yes | Install VPN app |
Install VPN App (Android TV Only)
If you have a Sony, Philips, or other Android TV/Google TV, you can install VPN apps directly from the Google Play Store.
Setup Steps
1. Open Google Play Store on your TV
2. Search for "NordVPN" or "Surfshark"
3. Install and open the app
4. Sign in with your VPN account
5. Connect to a server and start streaming
Note: NordVPN and Surfshark both have dedicated Android TV apps optimized for remote control navigation.
Install VPN on Your Router
Works with ALL Smart TVs. Configure VPN once on your router, and your TV automatically uses the VPN connection.
✓ Pros
- • Works with any TV brand
- • Protects all devices at once
- • Full encryption
- • Set and forget
✗ Cons
- • Requires compatible router
- • 20-30 min setup
- • May slow all devices
- • Changing servers less convenient
Compatible Routers
- • ASUS: Most models with ASUSWRT firmware
- • Netgear: Nighthawk series with DD-WRT
- • Linksys: WRT series
- • FlashRouters: Pre-configured VPN routers
Use Smart DNS
Easiest method for streaming-only use. Smart DNS changes your DNS settings to unblock geo-restricted content without encryption overhead.
Samsung TV Smart DNS Setup
1. Settings → General → Network → Network Status
2. Select IP Settings
3. DNS Setting → Enter Manually
4. Enter Smart DNS addresses from your VPN provider
5. Press OK and restart TV
LG TV Smart DNS Setup
1. Settings → All Settings → Network
2. Select your Wi-Fi connection → Edit
3. Uncheck "Set Automatically"
4. Enter Smart DNS in the DNS Server field
5. Connect and restart TV
Remember: Smart DNS doesn't encrypt traffic. Your ISP can still see what you're streaming. Use router VPN for privacy.
Add a Streaming Device with VPN
The easiest workaround: plug in an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV. Both support VPN apps natively.
🔥 Fire TV Stick
- • NordVPN & Surfshark apps available
- • $30-50 cost
- • 5-minute setup
- • Works on any TV with HDMI
📺 Chromecast with Google TV
- • Full Android TV VPN support
- • $30-50 cost
- • Better for Google ecosystem
- • 4K streaming support
Best value: A Fire TV Stick with a VPN subscription often costs less than a pre-configured VPN router and is much easier to set up.
Best VPNs for Smart TVs
NordVPN
Best Overall for Smart TVs
- • SmartPlay DNS: Works without full VPN setup
- • Native apps for Android TV & Fire TV
- • Excellent router setup documentation
- • Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer
Surfshark
Best for Multiple TVs
- • Unlimited simultaneous connections
- • Smart DNS feature included
- • Android TV app with clean interface
- • Best budget option for families
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Netflix still shows my local library
Clear app cache and data, then restart. Netflix caches your location. On Samsung: Settings → Apps → Netflix → Clear Cache.
Smart DNS not working
Make sure you've registered your IP address with your VPN provider (required for most Smart DNS services). Check their dashboard.
Buffering when using VPN
Connect to a closer server. If using router VPN, try WireGuard protocol for better speeds. Smart DNS has zero speed impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Samsung TVs install VPN apps?
No. Samsung uses Tizen OS which doesn't support VPN applications. Use Smart DNS, router VPN, or a Fire TV Stick instead.
What's the cheapest way to use VPN on Smart TV?
Smart DNS (included free with NordVPN and Surfshark) costs nothing extra beyond your VPN subscription. Fire TV Stick (~$30) is the cheapest hardware solution.
Will a VPN slow down my Smart TV streaming?
Router VPN: Expect 10-30% speed reduction. Smart DNS: No speed impact. If your base speed is 50+ Mbps, you'll still stream 4K fine with VPN.
Is using VPN for streaming illegal?
VPNs are legal in most countries. Using them to bypass geo-restrictions may violate streaming service terms of service, but personal use is rarely enforced.
Unlock Global Streaming on Your Smart TV
Both NordVPN and Surfshark include Smart DNS free and support all setup methods. Try risk-free with 30-day guarantees.