Have you ever asked, “Do I need a VPN for Firestick?” Well, we have the answers you’re looking for!
You might be traveling abroad or looking forward to watching new content only to find out it’s blocked in your country.
If this is your experience, certain restrictions stop you from enjoying your favorite movies or TV shows.
Even if you are not traveling, using a VPN for streaming on your Firestick is worth it. Using one allows you access to geo-restricted content on your favorite streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime. A VPN also stops throttling done by your ISP. Do you need it? Not necessarily. Is it worth it? 100% Yes.
Let’s go into some of the reasons why you want to use a VPN whenever you’re streaming.
We can then proceed on the steps to set it up on your Firestick and answer more in-depth questions you’ve been dying to ask about VPNs.
Why Do I Need a VPN for Firestick
There are several situations where you will need a VPN while watching your favorite content on your Firestick.
You might be experiencing slow connections causing your movie or TV show to buffer.
You are also planning on traveling and want to take your streaming device with you. These are the cases where you want to use a VPN.
1. Stop ISP Throttling
Your ISP can start slowing your connection down, especially if you are streaming. They do this during peak network loads, and it will cause buffering.
2. Unblock Restricted Content
If you’re traveling abroad and don’t want to miss out on your favorite shows, using a VPN will unlock them.
3. Using Public Networks
Some networks like schools and hotels can prevent you from streaming. A VPN will essentially bypass that so you can continue to watch on your Firestick.
4. Safeguard Your Activities
If you don’t want the network and ISP to know that you are streaming all day, a VPN will hide that fact.
These are the reasons why using a VPN will prove advantageous. Some of these block you from enjoying your favorite content.
We can now proceed to set up your Firestick so you can enjoy all the benefits of using a VPN.
Setting Up VPN on Your Firestick
It’s important to know that you can install a VPN on your Firestick yourself.
You do not need any third-party devices since the most popular VPN services have apps that you can download directly on your Firestick.
Let’s proceed and get one running on your streaming device so you won’t have to worry about missing out on your favorite shows or watching brand-new content from other places.
Get a VPN Service
Before you start installing a VPN on your Firestick, you want to know what service you will get.
There are a lot of providers that you can get, and most of them offer similar functions and features.
The important ones you want to watch out for are: The VPN you want to get has servers all around the globe.
One that does not keep logs of your activity. Finally, you want to get a provider that offers excellent bandwidth.
You will need to pay for these, but they’re affordable for the convenience they provide.
Here’s how to set up your VPN service:
- Choose the right VPN service for your needs.
- Check whether they have an app for the Firestick or Fire TV.
- Register an account.
- Take note of your username and password.
- Get a subscription if needed.
Note: Services like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are some of the top options you want to consider.
How to Install a VPN on Firestick
There are a couple of ways to install a VPN on your Firestick. Most of the time, it’s as simple as downloading the app and setting it up.
However, some providers might not have an app ready yet, so you must perform a few additional steps. The good news is that none of them are going to be too complicated.
If your VPN has a Firestick app:
- Go to your Firestick’s home screen.
- Click on Apps.
- Search for the VPN you have an account with.
- Select it from the list.
- Click on the Get button to download it.
If your VPN doesn’t have a compatible app:
- Go to your Firestick’s settings.
- Select Device, then Developer options.
- Turn ON Apps from Unknown Sources.
- Get the Downloader app from the app store.
- Enter the URL of your VPN’s APK file.
Tip: You should be able to find the APK file of your VPN on their website. Copy the URL from there and type it on the Downloader app in your Firestick.
How to Use VPN on Firestick
Now that you have an account and the app is ready on your Firestick, it’s time to use your VPN.
It’s actually pretty simple, especially if your provider has an app that runs on your streaming device.
Here’s how to use the VPN on your Firestick:
- Open the app you just downloaded.
- Log in using your username and password.
- Select the country you want to connect to.
- Click on Connect.
- Press the Home button and launch your favorite streaming app.
Note: During your first time using the VPN app, it can ask for permission to configure your connection.
What You Need to Know Before Using a VPN on Your Firestick
Using a VPN can seem confusing. For sure, you have a ton of questions regarding how to take advantage of its features properly.
Here are some of the things you need to know while using a VPN on your Firestick:
Do I Need a VPN When Going Abroad?
If you’re leaving the country and still want access to your favorite movies and shows, we recommend getting a VPN.
It allows you to enjoy US-based content while in other countries, especially if those places do not have the right to air those.
Do I Need a VPN When Watching at a Hotel or Dorm?
Some public networks like hotels and schools can prevent you from accessing streaming sites and apps. This is mainly due to the bandwidth requirements affecting other users.
Using a VPN will bypass these blocks as the network will not see your activity as streaming but rather just connecting to the external server of your provider.
Do I Need a VPN When Watching on a Free Streaming App?
Generally, you don’t need to use one unless you’re traveling abroad and out of the country.
The content on most of these streaming apps can also be geo-restricted similar to that of Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
Do I Need a VPN for a Jailbroken Firestick?
If you jailbreak your Firestick, we highly recommend getting a VPN before watching any copyrighted or geo-restricted content.
This ensures that your activities are hidden, so you don’t get in trouble.
These steps should allow you to start using a VPN on your Firestick in case you decide to use one.
You can always contact your VPN provider if you’re unable to install, log in, or connect to their servers for assistance.
Bottom Line
Now that you know the answer to do I need a VPN for Firestick, you can weigh the pros and cons and decide for yourself.
If you are looking for a reliable VPN provider, we recommend Atlas VPN. They offer great plans with a money-back guarantee.
You can use our exclusive link to get the Atlas VPN deal at just $1.39 per month
Read Next: Can You Plug a Firestick Into a Projector?
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.