Roku can be an effective tool if your family desires more streaming options. Simply plug the tool into your TV, and with an internet connection, now you can freely stream any content you want to see on any platform. Remember that you have to subscribe to the platform in order to enjoy its content.
Now, if the amount of available content is limited, you can use a VPN to expand the options. Other than making you able to enjoy content outside the boundary, with VPN, you can enjoy a safer streaming experience. By using VPN, you’ll be using a channeled internet connection with protected IP.
When you’re about to stream something, VPN will mask your actual IP and instead use a new one that can be used to bypass any geo-restrictions. Since your own IP is covered, no one will ever know about your location. Thus, the risks of snooping can be decreased efficiently.
Although all that seems good, there’s one big trouble: it’s not that easy to install a VPN to Roku as it doesn’t have support for VPN. So what are we going to do? Well, we need to make a few workarounds in order for the VPN to work on Roku.
In this article, we’ll tell how to install a VPN on Roku by setting up the VPN on both physical and virtual routers.
Connecting Roku to a VPN
In 2023, Roku already has its 5th generation. Roku products come in 6 different types, ranging from the most affordable ones to the advanced tools to stream 4K. However, unfortunately, Roku’s OS doesn’t have direct support for VPN, meaning that users can’t just simply connect it to any VPN service they want.
Even today, this support is still indeed missing. That’s the reason why the consumers have to set up the VPN through an intermediary device, which is the router. There’s actually a long list of methods you can use in this situation, such as:
- Using a router and connecting it to a VPN. Then, connect it to Roku
- Set up the VPN on the mobile phone, and activate the hotspot to be connected to Roku
- Screencast the phone directly to Roku
- Buy an alternative device for streaming (which will replace Roku completely)
Of course, the decision is on you. But for now, we want to share the methods to apply VPN to Roky using the routers. Let us check the physical router first.
Set Up The VPN to Physical Router
Before doing anything else, there’s one thing you need to do. First, make sure that the router actually supports the VPN connection. To check it, you can go to the router firmware by typing either “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1” in any browser. Do this with your device connected to that router.
Eventually, you’ll see an option to set up a new VPN connection. If that’s the case, it means that the router actually supports a VPN connection, and now you can finally use it.
If you can’t somehow find it, you’ll need to do something called firmware flashing. You need to install a new firmware for the router.
Please note that you have to do it very carefully, as improper installation may break the router completely. If you really don’t know what you need to do, you may ask a professional or get Youtube on Roku and watch the tutorials very carefully.
You can choose either Tomato or DD-WRT, which has the compatibility for a VPN connection. As for the VPN, use free or buy one of paid VPNs. Buying a premium VPN service is recommended as they can provide more. Although it’s a bit pricey, it’ll be worth it.
Set Up The VPN to Virtual Router
The next option you can also consider here is by using a virtual router. Many would prefer this method as it’s easier and has smaller risks. You won’t have any risks of breaking a physical router, which might cost a lot in this case.
To do it, you need to set up a portable computer that will be used to be a wifi hotspot. Yes, your own laptop can not only receive the wifi signals but also broadcast them to other devices. Here’s what you need to do:
1. First, set up the VPN connection by following the instruction from the provider
2. Use it on your laptop
3. Broadcast the connection to nearby devices, in this case, Roku
4. Once Roky is connected, check whether it works or not
5. It’s done!
Now you can finally stream any content outside of your country using Roku. Have fun!