How to use a VPN on a Fire TV Stick

The Fire TV Stick is one of the easier streaming devices to put a VPN on, because it runs a version of Android and can install apps directly. A VPN on it means your streaming traffic is encrypted and you can reach content libraries from other regions. Here’s the straightforward way to do it.

Installing the app directly

On most current Fire TV Sticks:

1. From the Fire TV home screen, search for your VPN provider by name.
2. Select the app and install it, just like any other Fire TV app.
3. Open it, sign in with your account, and choose a server.
4. Connect, then open your streaming app as normal.

For older sticks without an app

If your model is too old to install the app directly, you have two good options. Install the VPN on your router so the Fire Stick is covered automatically, or use the app’s screen-mirroring/hotspot approach from a phone that’s already on the VPN. The router route is the cleanest for a TV you use every day.

Getting streaming to cooperate

If a streaming app detects a proxy, switch to a different server in the same country — our streaming-optimised locations rotate to stay ahead of blocks. Pick a server in the country whose library you want, and choose the nearest city within it to keep speeds up so you’re not buffering. For more on choosing wisely, see how to watch your home streaming abroad.