The Roku Smart TV platform is built into your TV, or you can add an affordable dongle or minibox like the new 2024 Roku Ultra to your old TV to watch your favorite streaming content in a central location. It’s an accessible way to do it. One of the great benefits of the Roku platform is that it provides free software updates to keep you up to date. For example, a cool new feature that turns your TV into a kind of virtual museum. Famous paintings as screensavers. But Roku is less adept at solving one of the common complaints of the streaming era: not being able to access popular shows, movies, and sporting events due to geographic restrictions.
A common way to deal with this issue is to use a VPN, but unlike Fire TV, Apple TV, and other rivals, Roku systems don’t have native VPN support. But this is not the end of the story. You can still access a wider range of programming via Roku using a VPN. You just need to use a workaround. Here’s how.
Benefits of using a VPN
When it comes to streaming, VPNs have one main advantage. That’s because you can change your IP address (a unique number that identifies the general location of the device and network you’re using to access the web). A VPN obfuscates your IP by tunneling your connection through a server, making it appear like it’s watching you from somewhere else. As a result, services like Netflix will see your location as, for example, the UK versus the US. You will then have access to another set of programming. For example, you’ll need Max to stream Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Rick and Morty in the US, but they’re all available on Netflix in the UK.
VPNs have several other benefits when it comes to privacy and security. VPN servers use military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, making it more secure than connecting to the internet. This means that because you’re tunneling through a VPN to browse the internet, your internet service provider can’t see everything you go to (and can’t sell your browsing habits to data brokers).
The easiest way to use a VPN with Roku
Roku doesn’t natively support VPNs, but there are some workarounds. For example, you can set up a VPN on your home router. This allows you to protect your entire network and all devices that connect to it, and keep your entire family anonymous online. However, it can also cause confusion when accessing local services. It also requires very advanced technical knowledge and only works with certain routers.
Instead, we recommend the much simpler method of connecting your VPN to Roku via AirPlay or Screencast. To do this, subscribe to a VPN and install it on your smartphone or laptop. Then, stream your content via AirPlay with that device or screencast to your Roku TV. The icon for doing this should look like a TV with a Wi-Fi beam.
Engadget
This method is recommended due to its overall simplicity. You can first access geo-blocked content on your smartphone or laptop and then cast it to your smart TV.
You can find out if your Roku model is compatible with AirPlay by checking this resource on Roku’s site. If not, you can always connect your phone or laptop directly to your TV using an HDMI cable or a suitable dongle.
Choosing the right VPN
Although you’ll be using your phone or laptop as your ultimate source for streaming through a VPN, you actually have a much wider list of services to choose from. Each VPN has the same basic functionality, but differs in price and additional features. Take the time to see what each has to offer and see what other users have to say before deciding which one is right for your needs and the devices you own. Check out our list of the best VPNs to get started and enjoy streaming.
VPN options for other streaming platforms
Don’t have a Roku? Good news: Other major streaming platforms also have robust VPN options (or alternatives).
