Users of the Fire TV video streamer already appreciate its ability to provide access to all major streaming platforms and thousands of shows and movies in a single hub, enhancing the viewing experience on a large TV screen compared to a smaller laptop or smartphone.
However, difficulties can arise when attempting to watch shows or movies unavailable in one’s country or when trying to access content like a BBC documentary only available on the BBC’s iPlayer, if residing outside the United Kingdom. In such situations, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be useful. VPNs allow access to geo-blocked content, even from outside a designated area. Unlike Roku, Amazon’s Fire TV system includes VPN apps through its built-in app store.
For those who have a Fire TV device, it’s advantageous to select the appropriate VPN. For those without a Fire TV, add-on devices are often available at Amazon at affordable prices, sometimes as low as $25. The Fire Stick 4K Max is recommended for its price-to-performance balance, especially if priced at $40 or less. Comparisons of Fire TV streamers with competitors like Roku, Google, and Apple can be found on various lists of top streaming devices.
After setting up the Fire TV hardware, selecting a suitable VPN becomes important, with Fire TV’s operating system offering a broad range of VPNs for easy download and installation, similar to video apps. Engadget-endorsed VPNs are accessible on the Fire TV platform. While researching VPNs, users are cautioned against free VPNs due to potential data privacy issues; it is possible to install multiple VPNs to test various options.
To install the chosen VPN, users should navigate to the main menu’s “Find” section, search for their preferred VPN, and proceed with installation. The process is typically quick, allowing immediate use post-installation.
Once the VPN app is installed, users can locate it on the Fire TV dashboard. They will need to log in with their username and password or, in some cases, set up an account on another device beforehand. After logging in, users can connect by selecting the “Connect” button or by choosing a server from the list to tunnel to a specific country. Verifying any changes in content after reconnecting to a streaming platform will confirm if the VPN is operational, enabling users to start streaming.
