If you are following the latest technology trends, then you’re already familiar with the convenience of owning an Apple TV. As a matter of fact, it’s not actually a TV but rather a micro-console developed by Apple Inc.
This small, digital media player allows you to stream HD content on your TV, by receiving digital data from other streaming sources. But, as with many other devices, Apple TV offers most of its features to US users, while other countries have to stay satisfied with a much smaller range of apps, features, and content providers.
This means that in the US, you will get a much broader variety of entertainment content, compared to, let’s say, European countries. Besides, users outside the US face many other restrictions as well.
So, if you are not a US citizen, or you are but you happen to be traveling outside your country, there is a way to bypass these restrictions. However, keep in mind that with this you will be breaking the terms and conditions of Apple TV.
The solution is called a Virtual Private Network and is the most important thing you’ll need when it comes to using a device connected to the Internet. Even though for Apple TV users unblocking content might be the most important reason for using a VPN, this software has, in fact, many advantages.
It will keep you safe from online threats, protect you from surveillance, and make you completely anonymous on the Internet. Besides, you’ll be able to access Netflix. Isn’t that great?
Set Up a VPN on Your Apple TV
Configuring a VPN on your PC or smartphone is very easy most of the time, even if you are a first-time user. However, for other devices, this might get a little tricky. But this is where we come to the rescue.
Setting up a VPN on your Apple TV can be done in more than one way. The first is to set a VPN on your home router. This way, all of your devices that are connected on your router will be secured. And while it might sound as the perfect solution, this option has its own downsides.
For example, by doing this, chances are your Internet connection will be much slower than before, because a home router is not made for such a large amount of traffic. Moreover, your router might not be a compatible match.
The next thing that you can consider is configuring a VPN on a virtual router. If you are not familiar with the way this works, you can always ask your service provider’s tech support, or search for a tutorial on this matter.
However, the simplest way of explaining this is that you will need a spare laptop to create a Wi-Fi hotspot yourself. A virtual router uses this existing hardware to create the hotspot which will be used for every nearby device including your Apple TV console. If your laptop is connected to a VPN, the Wi-Fi signal leaving it will also be encrypted and secure.
The last option is to use a DNS proxy or Smart DNS. There are many good VPN providers that offer this feature. Before starting, make sure you contact your service provider and ask for their DNS server IP.
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a software that translates the domain names into IP addresses. This means that instead of searching for numbers, you are able to search content by a certain name/word.
However, these DNS requests are made to a certain DNS server, which goes through your Internet Service Provider, revealing your true location. By forcing your device to send DNS requests to a different server in another country, for example, the USA, you can easily unblock content because your real location will not be revealed.
In order to do this, first, open the Main menu and click Settings > Network, Then click on the Wi-Fi button at the top. After choosing your network you’ll be redirected to Wi-Fi configuration. There you should see the “configure DNS” option, and confirm that you want to do this manually.
After completing this, you can now input the number/ DNS server IP that was given to you by your VPN service provider. Save the changes you made and restart your Apple TV. Next time you connect it to your TV, you’ll be able to easily bypass the restrictions, even the one set by Netflix.
Using this option will not compromise your speed, however, it will only allow you to unlock blocked content. It’s not the safest option, as it won’t encrypt your traffic like using a VPN would do.
So, depending on your needs, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to focus on the speed and the performance or the security features. After all, Apple TV does not support a VPN connection, so getting the best of both worlds is pretty hard.
Best VPN Providers for Apple TV
1. ExpressVPN
As one of the top providers in the industry, there’s not much that ExpressVPN can’t do. With its impressive unblocking skills this VPN is a great choice for your Apple TV. It’s perfect for streaming and can access Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now/Go, BBC iPlayer and many other streaming platforms.
It has an impressive number of servers around the world, in almost 100 countries, with great speedy performances. Additionally, ExpressVPN is secure and reliable. The service provider has its own DNS Proxy service, called MediaStreamer which is especially useful for Apple TV.
Their prices are slightly higher but are not over the top. If you’re still not convinced, ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back policy which can be extremely helpful when deciding whether you want to keep using this PV service provider, or not.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best choices when it comes to streaming content. This provider has kept a high place on all VPN lists over the years. Its strong features and great prices are the main reason behind this success.
NordVPN also has its own DNS Proxy tool called SmartPlay, which can be used by your Apple TV to easily unblock content. So far, this VPN has been successful in unblocking Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and every other streaming platform. Besides, NordVPN offers double protection and a great Privacy Policy.
3. IPVanish
IPVanish is very affordable for those who are on a tight budget. The service provider offers a network with hundreds of servers owned and operated by the company. Its servers are spread across around 60 countries around the world, which makes IPVanish a great choice for reaching blocked content.
One of the main reasons that the VPN has found its place on this list is the fact that it can unblock even streaming platforms such as Netflix or Hulu. With this said, there’s not much that this provider won’t be able to do. IPVanish also has its own private DNS servers with a built DNS leak protection.
Allowing up to 5 simultaneous connections and great speeds, this VPN will serve you well no matter how you decide to install it.