How to set up VPN on Samsung Smart TV

Using a VPN on Samsung Smart TVs can improve your streaming experience in a number of ways. From unblocking your desired Netflix library to boosting your anonymity, a VPN offers it all and even more.

However, if you’ve been using Samsung Smart TV, you might know that setting up a VPN on it can be quite challenging. Since most of the Samsung Smart TVs run on the Tizen operating system, you can’t set up a VPN directly on the TV by downloading an app. Worry not – there’s a myriad of workarounds.

In this article, we’re going to walk you through the VPN installation process on Samsung Smart TV step-by-step, explain why having a VPN on your home devices is useful, and will introduce you to the best VPNs out there.

How to use a VPN with Samsung Smart TV

1. Choose the desired method of installation - via router, by sharing a VPN connection from PC, or via SmartDNS
2. Choose a compatible VPN - we recommend NordVPN, currently 68% OFF
3. Follow the instructions below to set up the VPN
4. Enjoy unblocked content

Use NordVPN with Samsung Smart TV

Install a VPN on Samsung Smart TV

There are three main ways to install a VPN on your Samsung Smart TV. You can choose the following:

1. Install via router
2. Set up by sharing a VPN connection from PC
3. Set up via Smart DNS

Each of these differs in the complexity of setting them up. For instance, setting up a VPN on your router might be the most complex one of all three. Firstly, most routers given by ISPs don’t support VPN connections. Secondly, to set up this connection, you need to have a little know-how, as you will need to flash the router with different firmware.

Fortunately, setting a VPN on your desktop device and sharing the connection with your TV or activating the Smart DNS feature (a VPN’s feature that provides access to streaming content on smart TVs) might be a little bit easier.

Installing a VPN on your smart TV also comes with a bunch of pros – all of your devices connected to the same router will be protected by a VPN, you will be able to bypass geo-restrictions, unblock, and stream your favorite shows seamlessly, your traffic will be hidden from ISP, and more.

Follow our step-by-step guidelines below to install a VPN on your Samsung Smart TV.

1. Install via router

Installing a VPN on a router is an ideal option if you want to secure your whole home network. Setting up and installing a VPN for your smart TV via router is not a one size fits all situation and will differ depending on the VPN provider used, router configuration, supported firmware, and more technicalities. In simple terms, not all VPN services support routers and vice versa. If your router doesn't support VPN software by default, you can flash other firmware onto it, such as DD-WRT or Tomato, thus making it compatible with routers.

Here are general instructions to use for the VPN installation via router:

1. Log into your router using the product’s manual or service provider, so you can make the adjustments in the settings. Usually, you can log into your router by inputting its IP address in a web browser's address bar
2. Configure your router or install VPN router firmware. This will depend on the router’s firmware or manufacturer. We recommend using an official guide from the VPN provider
3. Reconfigure the router’s settings to redirect the traffic to a specific VPN server. We recommend using NordVPN
4. After the reconfiguration, test if the connection works. You can adjust the settings on your router anytime

Check out our comprehensive VPN setup on a router to find out the workflow according to your router and firmware.

2. Set up by sharing a VPN connection from PC

Another way to get a VPN on your router is to share a VPN connection from your PC. It’s one of the easier ways to set it up. However, it works on Windows PCs only. Additionally, for it to work, your device needs to be able to act as a hotspot. Besides mobile devices, your PC can act as hotspot, if it has a cellular data connection.

In order to set it up, follow these steps:

1. Download the VPN app to your PC and log in (or create an account). We chose NordVPN.
2. Head over to the computer Settings and go to Network & Internet.
3. Look for Mobile Hotspot. You can adjust your personal information if needed.
4. Enable Mobile Hotspot.
5. Go to wifi settings on your smart TV and connect to the device you just enabled the connection from. That’s it!

3. Set up via Smart DNS

This is a very easy method to set up a VPN on Samsung Smart TV. However, not all VPN providers have a configuration for Smart DNS or SmartPlay. We recommend only the top-tier providers, such as NordVPN or Surfshark that will let you easily activate this feature.

1. Visit your VPN provider's official website and log in
2. Head to the dedicated Smart DNS page and enable the feature
3. Wait for the confirmation email (your provider will also show needed DNS details in the account section)
4. Go to Network settings on your Samsung Smart TV, select Network Status and set DNS Settings to enter manually
5. Type in DNS addresses given to you by a VPN provider
6. Once the connection test is done, restart your TV and enjoy the unblocked content

Best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV

1. NordVPN – the best overall VPN for Samsung Smart TV in 2023
2. Surfshark – affordable smart TV VPN option with unlimited connections
3. Norton VPN – added protection VPN for Samsung Smart TV
4. IPVanish – secure VPN choice for Samsung Smart TV
5. PureVPN – log-free Samsung Smart TV VPN with strong security protocols

In order to get the best experience on your Samsung Smart TV, you need to get a VPN that’s actually going to work with your router or TV. This way you can bring the best game to the table. We’ve tested at least a dozen of different VPN services and picked out the top ones with impressive speeds, worldwide server fleets, streaming capabilities, and more. Find a full list below.

1. NordVPN – perfectly suited VPN for Samsung Smart TV

Get NordVPN for Samsung Smart TV

NordVPN is the overall best VPN for Samsung Smart TV. It’s perfectly suited for TV devices with various setup methods available. Not to mention that it is an all-rounder for privacy, security, streaming, and more.

Even though Samsung Smart TV works under the Tizen operating system, NordVPN is perfectly compatible. It can be set up on a router, via a computer's hotspot, or using NordVPN’s Smart DNS technology called SmartPlay. It provides easy step-by-step instructions and it will be able to unblock multiple libraries in different streaming platforms.

Speaking of, NordVPN is one of the best streaming VPNs. It will unblock different Netflix libraries, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more effortlessly. With over 5,800 servers in 60 countries, you’ll have the pleasure to select your preferred regions to stream on Samsung Smart TV. Moreover, the proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures market-leading connection speeds, which are vital for lag-free streaming.

NordVPN is also privacy and security-oriented, as it has an independently audited no-logs policy, robust AES-256 and ChaCha 20 encryption, a functional kill switch, and more features to safeguard your online experience.

Prices are considerably fair compared to other top-tier providers on the market – plans start from $3.19/month. In addition, you can always make use of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – affordable and easy to setup Samsung Smart TV VPN

Get Surfshark for Samsung Smart TV

Surfshark is another great choice for Samsung Smart TV. It offers an Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and high compatibility with smart TVs overall.

This market-leading provider also offers a functional Smart DNS feature that you can activate to access different streaming platforms. It’s the easiest way to unblock streaming content.

Aside from Smart DNS, you can also configure Surfshark VPN on your router or share the connection via computer and access all VPN features. This includes a market-standard kill switch, which ensures your connection will always be VPN-proof, top-class encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and more privacy functionalities.

Our tests showed that Surfshark provides the industry’s top speeds, thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol.

In terms of streaming, Surfshark is a great pick for bypassing geo-blocks. It managed to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and other platforms on Samsung Smart TV. With Surfshark’s massive server fleet – 3,200+ servers in 100 countries – you can access almost any part of the world online.

Surfshark is also very budget-friendly, its plans start at $2.30/month and you can try it out with a 7-day free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our Surfshark review.

3. Norton Secure VPN – private Samsung Smart TV VPN with Wi-Fi security

Get Norton VPN for Samsung Smart TV

Norton Secure VPN is one of the best VPNs to connect to a Samsung Smart TV as it has strong encryption and security, a global server network in over 29 countries, fast speeds, and is easy to use on TV or any other device.

During our tests, Norton Secure VPN managed to unblock streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Max, and YouTube TV. The process was very easy and we didn’t encounter any major buffers. Even though it’s not the fastest VPN on the market, we didn’t notice speed drops.

You can start using Norton Secure VPN with your smart TV by setting this VPN on a router and configuring it with your Norton Secure VPN credentials. Another way is to use a media streaming device. Media streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV typically support VPN apps. You can install the Norton Secure VPN app on your media streaming device and connect to the VPN before starting to stream content on your Samsung Smart TV.

Security-wise, your connection is going to be encrypted with AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, Wi-Fi security, an ad blocker, and if you want some added security – antivirus (you can get the VPN with the antivirus suite).

Norton VPN prices start at $1.67/month and you can use a 7-day free trial. Premium subscriptions include 10 simultaneous connections.

Check out our Norton Secure VPN review and find out more about this provider.

4. IPVanish – solid speeds VPN excellent for streaming on your smart TV

Get IPVanish for Samsung Smart TV

IPVanish is another secure and TV-compatible VPN service for your Samsung Smart TV. This one stands out with advanced security features, wallet-friendly prices, and, of course – streaming capabilities.

Throughout our testing, we managed to set up IPVanish on a router (IPVanish supports high-end RT series Asus, DD-WRT, Tomato flashed routers) and unblock a decent amount of streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and more. Even though it doesn’t offer a Smart DNS feature, the VPN setup on a router was successful. It also offers a hotspot connection option and other useful resources would you need any support.

IPVanish provides unlimited simultaneous connections. Luckily, if you set it up on a router, all of your devices connected to the same network will be protected instantaneously. In addition, this VPN provider offers over 2,200 servers in 52 countries, which is plentiful for accessing streaming content.

Not to forget, IPVanish doesn’t let down on the privacy and security side either – it uses the next-gen AES-256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, a customizable kill switch, which will prevent your data from leaking to the web, obfuscation mode for bypassing VPN blocks, and more. Most importantly, connections are blazing fast because of the WireGuard protocol.

IPVanish does have fair prices, starting from $2.99/month. If you just want to try it out or change your mind, you get to use a 30-day money-back guarantee or a free 7-day trial.

For more information, read our IPVanish review.

5. PureVPN – privacy-focused and beginner-friendly VPN for smart TV

Get PureVPN for Samsung Smart TV

PureVPN is known to be an easy-to-use VPN service with a massive server fleet – 6,500+ servers in 78 countries. Its streaming functionality on a smart TV, including Samsung, is definitely not worse than the top providers.

You have the option to set up PureVPN on a router and enjoy one of the speediest streams from almost anywhere. During our thorough testing, we managed to successfully set up this VPN service on a router and access multiple streaming sites. It includes Netflix libraries, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more. We didn’t experience any major buffering or low video quality.

PureVPN’s speeds are fast enough to stream content without any buffering, as it implements WireGuard protocol. You can connect up to 10 simultaneous connections (and an unlimited number of devices if you set it up on a router).

You also get a comprehensive security and privacy suite: cutting-edge AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers to stay anonymous online, obfuscation mode, split tunneling, a kill switch to prevent your data from leaking, even port forwarding to improve the connection.

This VPN provider offers attractive plans and pricing – its premium plans start at $2.08/month. Ultimately, there’s a 31-money-back guarantee and a 7-day trial that costs $0.99.

For more information, read our PureVPN review.

Why do you need a VPN for Samsung Smart TV?

With a reliable VPN, you can not only bypass various geo-restrictions but also boost your privacy. Here are some in-depth insights on why it’s worth considering getting a VPN for your smart TV:

• Bypass geo-restrictions. With a VPN you can unlock different streaming platforms and libraries, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. Some apps on the TV’s app store can be restricted in your region. Hence, a VPN can help to unlock these apps.
• Get around bandwidth throttling. If your traffic is unencrypted, the ISP can see everything you do on the Internet and, therefore, slow down your streaming speeds. With a reliable VPN on your router, you can prevent ISP Internet throttling.
• Stay private and secure. Having a VPN on your smart TV will enhance security, as VPNs encrypt the user’s traffic and hide your IP. Therefore, third parties cannot interfere with it.

What content can I unblock with a Samsung Smart TV VPN?

Depending on the VPN, you’ll be able to unblock numerous streaming services and shows. Changing your location on a VPN to a region where the service is available will let you enjoy the content that is not available in your region.

Here are some of the most popular streaming services that you can unblock with a VPN:

Bypass geo-blocks with a VPN

Can I use a free VPN for Samsung Smart TV?

Generally – yes. However, we don’t recommend it, as it won’t be able to unblock the geo-restricted content the way a premium VPN will. Free VPNs don’t support streaming the way premium VPNs do and it simply will provide you a limited number of server locations.

Also, free VPNs aren’t recommended because they could endanger not only the router but every device connected to it due to poor security measures or even the inclusion of malware. However, freemium VPNs, the ones that have free and paid versions, could be considered decent, as usually they are legit providers and safe VPNs to use.

We encourage users to opt for a premium service in order to prevent any speed drops, data collection, intrusive ads, and potentially even cyber threats.

Free VPNs like Windscribe and Proton VPN can be set up on a router. It would also work if a Windows device is used as a hotspot. Unfortunately, none of these free VPNs have the Smart DNS feature.

Conclusion

If you’re still thinking about whether to get a VPN for your Samsung Smart TV or not – it’s definitely worth it. You will not only be able to stream endless content on your smart TV but your privacy and security will be safeguarded with the perk of a VPN. And if you choose to set up a VPN on your router – your traffic will be encrypted on your whole home network.

VPNs like NordVPN will enhance your privacy and provide top-notch streaming. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your Samsung Smart TV, make sure to get the most suitable choice of VPN and check out more.

Get NordVPN for Samsung Smart TV

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