Installing a VPN can give you access to content not streaming in your region. You can expand your content library by installing a VPN app and selecting the region whose content you wish to watch. The same goes for Apple TV 4K.
You can set up a VPN on your Apple TV 4K to watch movies and shows from other countries. This post will show you the steps to install a VPN on your Apple TV 4K. Ensure you are use the latest version of tvOS on your Apple TV 4K model.
How to Install and Use Native VPN App on Apple TV 4K
Earlier, you could use a VPN through your router or with a Wi-Fi hotspot (for Windows PC users). But after the release of tvOS 17, Apple has released native VPN app support for Apple TV 4K. As of writing this post, developers are releasing their respective VPN apps for Apple TV 4K. Not all apps, including the popular ones like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are available at the time writing.
For this post, we will show you the steps to install and use a native VPN app with the ones available for Apple TV 4K at the time of writing this post.
Step 1: Open the App Store on your Apple TV 4K.
Step 2: Search for VPN to see the list of apps.
Step 3: Select the VPN app of your choice and install it.
Step 4: Close App Store and open the VPN app on your Apple TV 4K.
Step 5: Sign in to your account and connect with the VPN service.
You can use the app just like you would do on any device.
How to Use VPN on Apple TV 4K Using SmartDNS
If you don’t wish to install a VPN app to save storage space, you can use SmartDNS on your Apple TV 4K. VPN services like NordVPN offer a SmartDNS option to set up on your Apple TV 4K manually. You will need your computer to follow the steps. Ensure your computer and Apple TV 4K are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 1: Open the web browser on your computer and sign in to your VPN service provider.
Step 2: Select the SmartDNS option to enable it and whitelist your IP address. For example, NordVPN calls it SmartDNS, and ExpressVPN calls it MediaStreamer SmartDNS.
You can find your IP address by just typing what is my IP address in your computer or mobile’s browser.
Step 3: Open Settings on your Apple TV home screen.
Step 4: Scroll down and select Network.
Step 5: Select Wi-Fi.
Step 6: Select the connected network name.
Step 7: Scroll down and select Configure DNS.
Step 8: Choose Manual.
Step 9: Enter the SmartDNS server address from your VPN provider on your Apple TV screen. You can find the SmartDNS address on your VPN’s website.
You can access content from other regions on your Apple TV 4K.
Mirror Content to Your Apple TV 4K Using VPN
Another option for streaming content on your Apple TV 4K is mirroring it from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad screen. You can log in to your VPN service and use Screen Mirroring from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to watch content on your Apple TV 4K. Again, you need to connect all your devices and Apple TV 4K with the same Wi-Fi network.
Mirror iPhone or iPad Screen on Apple TV 4K
Step 1: After logging in to your VPN service, open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad by swiping down from the bottom-right corner.
Step 2: Tap the Screen Mirroring icon and select your Apple TV 4K model name.
After the Screen Mirroring starts, you can play your content and watch it on your Apple TV 4K.
Check our post if Screen Mirroring is not working on your iPhone.
Mirror Mac Screen on Apple TV 4K
Step 1: Open your browser and log on to your VPN service.
Step 2: Click the Control Centre icon at the top-right corner of the Menu Bar.
Step 3: Click on Screen Mirroring and select your Apple TV 4K model name.
Use VPN on Apple TV 4K
You can set up and use a VPN on your Apple TV 4K to get more options of content streaming. You can also refer to our post if your Apple TV 4K fails to connect to your Wi-Fi network while setting up the VPN.
