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How to use a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast

<p>Google TV is an easy to use operating system that provides access to all of the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-streaming-services-154527042.html">best streaming services[/url] in one centralized location. But even if your smart TV runs a different OS, you can get access to Google TV easily by buying a Chromecast for as little as $30. You may also not know that if you use a VPN with your Google TV set or Chromecast, you can access even more content. Here’s how to set up a VPN  on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you may want to use one.</p>
<h2 id="jump-link-why-use-a-vpn-on-google-tv-or-chromecast">Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?</h2>
<p>For streaming purposes, VPNs have one clear benefit: spoofing your IP address to that of a different country so that you can access geo-restricted content. If you use a VPN and connect to a different country’s server, you can access its content library on any streaming platform.</p>
<span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Let’s say you live in the US but want to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content is free if you live in the UK, but blocked everywhere else. Using a VPN, you can connect to a UK VPN server and stream to your heart’s content.</p>
<p>VPNs also have considerable security benefits if you use them on your smartphone or PC. Purchasing a single subscription means you can use your VPN on any supported device, so we recommend you purchase one for its flexibility.</p>
<h2 id="jump-link-what-vpns-are-available-on-google-tv">What VPNs are available on Google TV?</h2>
<p>Google TV doesn’t have many apps to install compared to other smart TV systems like Amazon’s Fire TV OS. Although this may seem like a disadvantage, it’s actually a blessing in disguise.</p>
<p>With VPNs, you want to ensure you invest in a quality and trustworthy product. There are many untested or free VPNs available that sell your data or falsify their encryption claims. Although this might not be a huge issue for streaming purposes alone, it generally poses massive security and privacy risks.</p>
<p>When installing a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast, we recommend the following VPN services:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/proton-vpn-review-2023-why-its-our-top-choice-vpn-153046020.html">ProtonVPN[/url]</p></li>
<li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/vpn-review-expressvpn-2023-gaming-streaming-160052492.html">ExpressVPN[/url]</p></li>
<li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/surfshark-vpn-review-basic-protection-for-all-of-your-devices-170022711.html">Surfshark[/url]</p></li>
<li><p>CyberGhost</p></li>
</ul>
<p>We also have a guide to the <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-vpn-130004396.html">best VPNs[/url] where we explain why we recommend them.</p>
<h2 id="jump-link-how-to-set-up-a-vpn-on-your-google-tv-or-chromecast">How to set up a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast</h2>
<p>It’s easy to use a VPN on your Google TV (and perhaps even easier on a Chromecast). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install one:</p>
<h3 id="jump-link-google-tv">Google TV</h3>
<ol>
<li><p>Navigate to the Google Play Store on your Google TV.</p></li>
<li><p>Search for the VPN you want to install (alternatively, search for the keyword “VPN” to view your options).</p></li>
<li><p>Install the VPN.</p></li>
<li><p>Log in or sign up.</p></li>
<li><p>Navigate the country server list and connect.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Note that you can use your VPN on as many devices as it supports. So, once you’ve purchased a subscription, it’s wise to download it on as many platforms and devices you can to maximize your investment.</p>
<h3 id="jump-link-chromecast">Chromecast</h3>
<p>If you have a Chromecast, you can still enjoy the benefits of a VPN — you just need to use your smartphone or laptop in tandem with the streaming device. Here’s how to do it:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Install a VPN on your smartphone or laptop.</p></li>
<li><p>Make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled.</p></li>
<li><p>Turn on the VPN on your smartphone/laptop.</p></li>
<li><p>Connect your smartphone or laptop to your TV via Chromecast.</p></li>
<li><p>Begin streaming your content.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Additional tip: VPNs also work with screencasting. As long as your smart TV is under the same Wi-Fi as the device you’re screencasting from, you can use the VPN securely.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-google-tv-or-chromecast-140619599.html?src=rss

Source: How to use a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast (https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-google-tv-or-chromecast-140619599.html?src=rss)