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Title: How to use a VPN on Roku

Date: Thu, 08 May 2025 22:31:06 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/ho...

The Roku smart TV platform is an accessible way to watch your favorite
streaming content in a centralized location. You can either get a Roku TV
with the platform built in, or add a miniature box or dongle to an older-
model TV.

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 virtual art museum by displaying famous paintings as a
screensaver. There's one feature missing right out of the box, though ΓÇö the
ability to watch shows and events inaccessible in your home country.

Using a VPN is a common way to tackle this issue, but unlike Fire TV, Apple
TV and other rivals, Roku systems donΓÇÖt have native VPN support. But
thatΓÇÖs not the end of the story. You can still use a VPN to access a wider
range of programming with your Roku ΓÇö you just need to use a workaround.
We'll show you the simplest way.

The benefits of using a VPN

A VPN can change your IP address to make it look like you're getting online
from a different region. When you mask your IP with a VPN, Netflix sees the
VPN server's location, rather than your own. YouΓÇÖll then have access to a
different set of programming. For example, you need Max to stream Friends,
The Big Bang Theory or Rick and Morty in the US, but they're all available on
Netflix in the UK. So if you're in, say, Texas, but your VPN server is in
London, Netflix will show you the British programming menu instead.

VPNs have several other privacy and security benefits. The connection between
your home device and the VPN server is encrypted, so ΓÇö if everything's
working properly ΓÇö nobody should be able to connect you to anything you do
online. That means no worries about getting banned from streaming sites for
using a proxy. It also means your Internet service provider canΓÇÖt see all
of your browsing destinations (and sell your viewing habits to data brokers).

The easiest way to use a VPN on Roku

Although Roku doesnΓÇÖt natively support VPNs, there are a few workarounds.
You can, for instance, set up a VPN on your homeΓÇÖs router. That allows you
to protect your whole network and every device that connects to it, keeping
everyone in your household anonymous online. But it can be inconvenient if
you have to switch your server location often, and with a few exceptions
(like ExpressVPN's Aircove), it demands some technical knowledge.

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.

Engadget

We prefer this method because itΓÇÖs simpler overall than managing a VPN
through your router. You can access any geo-blocked 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 RokuΓÇÖs site. If it isnΓÇÖt, you can always just directly patch
your phone or laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable or an appropriate dongle.

Choosing the best VPN

Using a phone or laptop as the ultimate source for your VPN-routed streams
gives you a wider list of services to choose from. Although each VPN has the
same basic functionalities, their prices 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. If you're looking to stream
content that's only available in a specific region, check your chosen VPN's
website to make sure it has a server location in that region.

VPN options for other streaming platforms

Don't have a Roku? Good news: Robust VPN options (or alternatives) exist for
the other major streaming platforms, too.

How to stream using a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast

How to use a VPN on your Apple TV

How to use a VPN to stream with Fire TV

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/ho...
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