We recently covered the best VPN services to be used in conjunction with Apple TV, with that said, the task is not as straight forward as it looks. As of now, the Apple TV GUI does not allow the option to add a third-party encrypting VPN connection to the stream. In this article, we will cover the best methods used to get around this limitation.
The Apple TV is a great product use by many users to enjoy their iTunes based content as well as stream great services like Hulu, Netflix, and Pandora. The setup box by Apple is a simple device you can hookup to any TV in order to get a multimedia entertainment experience by simply plugging it in via HDMI. One limitation with this product may come from the actual services themselves. Netflix for example is only available in specific countries. Thus raising the question how can you get a VPN to work via the Apple TV.
VPN Methods
#1- Using a VPN Router
The first and easiest method is to connect a VPN router directly to your Apple TV. The Apple TV has an ethernet & wi-fi chip which allows you to connect to your network for internet access. Setting up a VPN router makes it so that tunneling your connection on your network extends out to your Apple TV once connected.
This can be achieved in a couple ways. If your router is compatible with VPN software you can use special software in order to enable it. You can also purchase preset VPN routers that are sold online.
For more information on this topic see the post we wrote on the Apple Extreme Router: https://vpnpick.com/setup-vpn-apple-airport-extreme/
After you’ve selected a VPN router or set one up you’ll need a service to connect through.
You can read our list of VPN reviews here
Finally you simply connect your Apple TV via the VPN based router/service & your good to go. Allowing you access services like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora.
#2-Network Sharing
Aside from the router method you can connect your Apple TV via your computer that’s already connected to a VPN service. Again you’ll want a VPN service running & connected your country server of choice. From there you’ll need to enable network sharing to share the connection from your mac/pc to your Apple TV.
Here’s a look at setting up network sharing on mac OS X with PureVPN
1. Open “System Preferences: & open the “Sharing” section. Finally select the “Internet Sharing” checkbox on the left.
2. Enable “Internet Sharing”. Then choose “Share Your Connection From” Ethernet or Wi-Fi depending on your needs. This allows the connection from your iMac to be shared directly from the ethernet port to your Apple TV (Connected on wi-fi on the iMac). The Wireless alternative can also be set. You’ll also want to set the same on the “To Computers Using” section. All as illustrated in the screenshot below.
3. After this has been setup you must now enable PureVPN on your desktop. Selecting said country to bypass the streaming services restrictions.
4. Lastly make sure your Apple TV is plugged in via your desired method & turn it on to enjoy your VPN based connections!
Note: Keep in mind you’ll need a US based account of course with both iTunes & any streaming video service you use.
Windows Network Sharing:
1. You’ll need to open the “Network & Internet” section via the control panel. After that select the “Network & Sharing Center”.
2. Select the “Change Adapter Settings” on the left from there select either your wi-fi or ethernet connection depending on how you want to connect to your Apple TV.
3. Right click your said connection & go into the properties. Next Open the “Sharing” tab at the top of the properties window. Enabling the “Allow Other Network Users to connect to through this computer connection”.
4. Lastly setup & connect to your VPN of choice on the windows machine. From there ensure all connections are made & turn on your Apple TV to enjoy your VPN connection.
Conclusion:
Through the following methods you can now enjoy a VPN connection directly to your Apple TV. Allowing you to use geo-restricted services of your choice to stream media like video & music. All easily through either a VPN router or desktop machine that has a VPN service setup. Taking a couple a minutes of your time to enjoy endless content.
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