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How to Use a VPN with Google Chromecast

Updated Jun 28, 2024

Callum Tennent oversees how we test and review VPN services. He's a member of the IAPP, and his VPN advice has featured in Forbes and the Internet Society.

Additional Research by Luke Williams

Our Verdict

To watch geo-restricted content on your Chromecast, use a streaming-optimized VPN service. If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, install the VPN directly from the Google Play Store. If you have an older Chromecast, mirror your computer screen from Google Chrome.

a VPN being used to stream content on a Chromecast device

Using a VPN with Google Chromecast lets you stream video content on your TV that is usually not available in your location.

A VPN hides your IP address to unblock geo-restricted content on video platforms like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.

The problem is you can’t directly install a VPN application on most Chromecast devices. Unless you have the newer Chromecast with Google TV, you’ll have to follow one of the setup methods in this guide.

Quick Guide: How to Use Chromecast with a VPN

Sign up for and install a VPN service. For Chromecast, we recommend ExpressVPN.
Create a virtual router from your PC.
Connect to a VPN server in the required country. For example, connect to an American server for US Netflix.
Connect both your phone and Chromecast to the virtual router.
Stream. You’ll now have access to previously blocked TV shows and movies.

Why Trust Us?

We’re fully independent and have been reviewing VPNs since 2016. Our advice is based on our own testing results and is unaffected by financial incentives. Learn who we are and how we test VPNs.

VPNs Tested	62
VPNs That Work with Chromecast	32
Test Devices	Chromecast with Google TV & Chromecast Ultra

In this guide, we detail how to use Chromecast with a VPN and the best VPNs for Chromecast based on our tests. We’ll also explain how a VPN improves your Chromecast experience, and how to change your Netflix region on Chromecast.

How to Use Google Chromecast with a VPN

The four ways to use Chromecast with a VPN are:

Install the VPN app on Chromecast with Google TV.
Mirror your PC screen to Chromecast.
Set up a virtual router from your PC.
Install a VPN on your internet router.

If you’re unsure which VPN setup method is right for you, use our flowchart to help you decide:

We’ll run through all of the installation methods in the following sections.

1. Install a VPN on Chromecast with Google TV

Using Chromecast with Google TV allows you to download apps from the Google Play Store, so it’s easy to install a VPN on the device.

Here’s a video demonstrating how simple it is to install NordVPN on Chromecast with Google TV:

We’ve also outlined the steps from the video in the instructions below.

To set up a VPN on Chromecast with Google TV:

Hold the Google Assistant button on your remote and say “Install ExpressVPN.” If you’re using a different VPN, just say its name instead. You can see our top-rated Chromecast VPNs here.
Select Install. The VPN app will now download and install, so it might take a few minutes.
Select Open.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The process varies between VPN services, but you’ll have to either log in to your existing account or create a new one.
Confirm the connection request. Your TV will say that your VPN wants to set up a VPN connection that allows it to monitor network traffic. Click OK.

Setting up VPN on Chromecast with Google TV

Connect to a VPN server. If you want to watch geo-blocked content, connect to a server in the country hosting the content you want to see. For HBO Max Brazil, connect to a Brazilian server.

ExpressVPN on Chromecast

Stream. Open your streaming app and you’ll be able to access content from the country you’ve connected to.

HBO Max app on Chromecast with Google TV

2. Mirror Your Screen to Chromecast

You can mirror your screen from any computer using the Google Chrome browser. Then, connect your computer to a VPN to watch streaming content on your Chromecast.

This is the easiest and quickest way to use a VPN with an older Chromecast dongle.

This method works using Google Chrome on Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux. However, the streaming quality will be worse than the other methods we cover.

Note: It is not possible to use Chromecast with a VPN on Android or iOS. This applies to the operating system’s built-in mirroring functionality, as well as Google Chrome’s mobile apps. To mirror your screen to Chromecast, you will have to use a PC or laptop instead.

Here’s how to use Chromecast from the Google Chrome browser:

Make sure your computer is disconnected from the VPN.
Open Google Chrome on your computer and click the menu button. This is the three vertical dots or ‘kebab’ button.
Click ‘Cast’.
Click the down arrow next to ‘Sources’ and ensure the ‘Cast tab’ is selected.
Choose your Chromecast device as the destination.
Open the VPN app on your computer. Make sure local network discovery is enabled in the app’s settings.
Connect to a VPN server. Choose a server in the country where you want to appear to be. For example, to watch US Netflix, connect to a server in the US.
Start streaming. The content will automatically show on your Chromecast.

Netflix on Google Chrome

Note: The video quality is noticeably worse when using the above method. Google Chrome browser transcodes and compresses your video when casting your entire screen.

This is in contrast to regular casting, where your Chromecast streams the file directly from the source.

3. Set up a Virtual Router Using Your PC

You can share your VPN connection from your PC to your Chromecast. With this, when you change your PC’s location with a VPN your Chromecast will do the same.

However, to do this you need to have the computer available and switched on while you watch your movies. This means it’s not great as a long-term solution, but it’s an inexpensive and relatively simple way to unblock content on your Chromecast.

The setup method differs depending on what operating your system is running. We have instructions for both Windows and Mac devices.

Set up a Virtual Router on Windows 10

Sharing your connection is easy in Windows 10. Here’s how you do it:

Set up your virtual router. Enter the following command in the command line window: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD. Note: NETWORKNAME and PASSWORD are placeholders you need to replace with your own network name and a strong password.
Turn on the virtual router. Enter:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
Check it’s running. It should say “The hosted network started.”
Find your virtual router’s name. Press Windows key + R and enter ncpa.cpl. Find the WiFi connection you just made and make a note of its name, which is in bold.
Download the VPN app. Subscribe to your preferred VPN and install it on your computer.
Make sure you are disconnected from the VPN.
Turn on the Mobile Hotspot. Use the Start button, then go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot. Turn it on.
Go to your VPN properties. You’ll find them in Settings > Network & Internet > Change adaptor options. Look for your VPN’s Tap Adapter. Right-click it and select Properties.
Enable other devices to connect to your VPN. Click the Sharing tab and select the checkbox beside “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
Choose the connection to share. Where it says ‘Home networking connection’, open the menu and choose the hotspot you created.
Connect the VPN. Open the VPN app on your computer. Set it to use the OpenVPN protocol if available. Connect to a VPN server in the country that hosts the content you want to watch. Choose a US server for US Netflix.
Connect both your mobile device and Chromecast to the new WiFi network. To set up a new WiFi network on Chromecast, forget the existing one in the Google Home app. Go to Settings > WiFi > Forget this network. You can then set up a new WiFi network.
You’re ready to stream. You’ll now be able to watch geo-locked content on your Chromecast. If you want to change location, just reconnect to a different VPN server on your PC.

Set Up a Virtual Router on macOS

You can also create a mobile hotspot to share your VPN-protected connection from your macOS computer. You will also need an Ethernet cable to do this. If your Mac doesn’t have an Ethernet port, use a USB adapter.

Other publications claim you can only share a Mac’s VPN connection via the L2TP/IPsec protocol. However, we’ve discovered that you can actually share the connection via OpenVPN (UDP).

Our method works best with Surfshark. Surfshark allows you to share its OpenVPN connection from Mac, which will give you fast speeds and strong security.

In contrast, ExpressVPN, and most of our other top Chromecast VPNs, only allow you to share a Mac connection using the L2TP/IPsec protocol. L2TP/IPsec has known security flaws. We strongly recommend you don’t encrypt any VPN connection using it.

Here’s how to share your VPN from your Mac with Chromecast:

Download the Surfshark app from the Mac App Store.
Connect your Mac to your router with an Ethernet cable. This won’t work if you connect using WiFi.
Open the Surfshark app. It’ll open in your Mac’s menu bar.
Use the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol. You’ll find this in Settings > Protocol.
Connect to a VPN server in the country whose content you want. For example, to watch BBC iPlayer, connect to the UK.
Add VPN configuration. Two boxes will pop up, click ‘Add VPN configuration’ on the first and ‘Allow’ on the second.
Share your VPN connection on WiFi. Return to System Preferences, and click Sharing. Select Internet Sharing and choose ‘Surfshark OpenVPN (UDP)’ from the ‘Share your connection from’ dropdown menu
Create a secure connection. Click WiFi Options and use these details:
- Network Name: (make up your own)
- Channel: leave as the default
- Security: WPA2 Personal
- Password: (make up your own)
Start sharing. Return to the Sharing menu and tick the Internet Sharing checkbox. When the prompt appears, click Start. Once activated, a green light will appear next to ‘Internet Sharing’ and the WiFi symbol in your Mac’s menu bar will display an upwards facing arrow.
Connect both your Chromecast and mobile device to the new shared WiFi connection. They must be on the same WiFi network. To set up a new WiFi network on Chromecast, forget the existing one in the Google Home app. Go to Settings > WiFi > Forget this network. You can then connect to your new virtual router. Use the password you created in Step 8 above.

4. Install a VPN On Your Router

Installing a VPN on your router protects all of the devices on your network. That includes your Chromecast and the mobile device you use to control it.

Setup is complicated, and VPN routers are less flexible than other approaches. It’s harder to switch your server location too, which might be frustrating if you need to change Netflix regions to find your favorite films.

ExpressVPN is one of the only services that provides an app for routers, making it the best Chromecast VPN to use for this method. Alternatively, you can use another top-rated router VPN, like NordVPN or IPVanish, but the configuration will be more difficult.

ExpressVPN's router app connected to a US server

ExpressVPN is one of only a few VPNs that have a router app.

You have three options to get a VPN on your router:

Buy a router with a VPN pre-installed. This is the simplest solution. FlashRouters provides routers with many popular VPN services pre-installed.
Update your existing router with VPN firmware. Firmware is the software in your router that controls the hardware. Your VPN software will run on top of it. If your router is compatible with VPN software but does not have compatible firmware, you’ll need to update the firmware.
Buy a router that supports VPNs. You can remove the difficulty and the risk of setup by getting a router that already has VPN-friendly firmware installed. You simply subscribe to a VPN and follow the VPN provider’s instructions to install the VPN on the router. We recommend the Linksys WRT3200ACM and Netgear R6400 as great value options.

For more detailed instructions, read our in-depth guide to installing a VPN on your router.

Once you’ve installed the VPN, simply connect your Chromecast and other devices to your WiFi network in the usual way. All of the internet traffic sent through your router will now be protected by the VPN.

The Best VPNs for Google Chromecast

We rated and ranked the three best VPNs for Chromecast based on the following criteria:

Works with geo-restricted streaming apps, such as US Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth to allow for HD and 4K streaming.
Intuitive and user-friendly app for Chromecast with Google TV.
Clear and accessible setup guides for routers and mobile hotspots.
Available and helpful customer support to assist with setup and finding working streaming servers.
Chrome browser extension to allow for easy screen mirroring.

See how we evaluate VPN services by reading our complete and unbiased VPN review process.

Based on our latest tests, the two best Chromecast VPNs are ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

Both VPNs work well with streaming apps and you can even install them on your home router, allowing you to use them across every Chromecast device.

The Top 2 Chromecast VPNs Compared

Below is a table summarizing how ExpressVPN and Surfshark compare:

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Chromecast Overall
Ranked #1 out of 62 VPNs for Chromecast
ExpressVPN
Add to compare
Get ExpressVPN
- Works with 18 different Netflix libraries
- Easy-to-use Google TV app
- Fast download speeds for HD streaming
- Dedicated app for routers
- Huge server network
- 24-hour live chat support
- Expensive
ExpressVPN works with:
Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max

The overall best VPN for Chromecast is ExpressVPN, no matter which version of Chromecast you are using.

ExpressVPN is more expensive than many other VPN services, but it’s the best VPN for streaming, with many benefits that make it worth the higher price.

In our tests, we found that ExpressVPN works with 18 different Netflix regions, including the US and the UK.

We also unblocked numerous other popular streaming services on our Chromecast, including HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

In fact, ExpressVPN is our top-rated VPN for HBO Max, and many other popular streaming platforms.

The home screen of ExpressVPN’s Google TV app.

ExpressVPN is also the only VPN to come with a dedicated router app. If you’re using an older Chromecast model, you can easily change your server location and configure any settings.

Although ExpressVPN is fairly expensive on shorter plans, you can prepay for a longer plan to reduce the monthly cost by 49%.

You can also take advantage of ExpressVPN’s seven-day free trial when you sign up from the iOS or Android app.
ExpressVPN supports all of the connection methods for Google Chromecast:
- Chromecast with Google TV: ExpressVPN has an app you can download from the Google Play Store.
- Mirroring your screen from Google Chrome: you can use the ExpressVPN Windows or macOS app, or the Chrome browser extension.
- Sharing your connection from a PC: you can use the ExpressVPN apps for Windows or macOS.
- Installing a VPN on your router: ExpressVPN is compatible with more routers than most VPNs. It’s also the only VPN that comes with a router app, making connections easy.
Get ExpressVPN
2. Surfshark: Cheapest VPN for Chromecast
Surfshark VPN
Add to compare
Get Surfshark
- Costs just $2.29 per month
- Works with 9 Netflix regions, including US
- Servers in 100 countries
- Impressive app for Chromecast with Google TV
- Helpful 24/7 customer service
- Slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN
- No dedicated app for routers
Surfshark works with:
Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max

Surfshark is our favorite budget VPN in 2024. It costs less than half the price of ExpressVPN but still includes almost as many features.

You can purchase a Surfshark subscription for as little as $2.29 when paying for two years upfront.

Alternatively, you can use its seven-day free trial when you sign up from the mobile app, or use the VPN for longer and get refunded using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark works with Netflix in 9 regions, including the US, UK, Canada, and France.

If you connect to a server in an unsupported Netflix region, the VPN app automatically reroutes you to the American Netflix library. This is a great feature if you’re located far away from the US, but still want fast speeds from a nearby VPN server.

Surfshark’s VPN app for Chromecast.

Like NordVPN, Surfshark sells preconfigured DD-WRT routers if you don’t want to set it up yourself.

However, it doesn’t come with an app for routers, which is disappointing. Changing server location and configuring any VPN settings will be more difficult than with ExpressVPN.

Speed-wise, Surfshark is slightly slower than both ExpressVPN and NordVPN. From our latest tests, we measured a 17% speed loss on international connections while using Surfshark.
Surfshark supports most of the connection methods for Google Chromecast:
- Chromecast with Google TV: Surfshark has an app you can download from the Google Play Store.
- Mirroring your screen from Google Chrome: you can use the Surfshark Windows or macOS app, or the Chrome browser extension.
- Sharing your connection from a PC: you can use the Surfshark apps for Windows or macOS.
- Installing a VPN on your router: Setup guides available for many routers, pre-configured option available from FlashRouters.
Get Surfshark

The Benefits of Using Chromecast with a VPN

There are many advantages to using a VPN on your Chromecast. Here are the main benefits:

1. Watch Geo-blocked Streaming Services

As we’ve said throughout this guide, using a VPN with Chromecast enables you to watch a wide range of movies and TV shows that are otherwise blocked in your country.

Streaming services restrict their shows to different regions, depending on the license agreements they have with copyright holders.

When you use a VPN, you can appear to be somewhere else. If you use a VPN server in the US, Netflix will think that’s where you are and grant you access to the US Netflix library. Read more on how to change your Netflix region on Chromecast in the section below.

2. Bypass ISP Throttling and Restrictions

VPNs can also help to improve your download speeds. Though rare, some ISPs throttle (or slow down) your connection if they see you are streaming. When you use a VPN, your ISP can’t tell what you’re doing, and so can’t throttle your internet traffic.

This also applies to local network restrictions. With its portability, you can take the Chromecast with you on holidays or short breaks. However, many hotel WiFi networks block access to popular streaming apps. A VPN will allow you to bypass these restrictions, too.

3. Stronger Privacy and Security

A VPN stops companies and government agencies from spying on your internet activities, and helps to shield you from cyberattacks that target your IP address. In 2019, hackers played unwanted videos on 65,000 Chromecasts warning that they were vulnerable to attack.

How to Watch Netflix on Chromecast With a VPN

Changing Netflix region on your Chromecast is easy, but the method does depend on which model you have and the installation method you used when setting up your VPN.

Here’s how to watch Netflix on every Chromecast device with a VPN:

Chromecast with Google TV

The best Google TV VPNs will provide a dedicated app for the platform.

If yours does, simply open the VPN app on your Chromecast. Connect to a server in the country that has the Netflix content you want.

Open the Netflix app on your Chromecast with Google TV and start streaming. If you’re still not seeing the Netflix content you want to watch, select ‘Get Help’ in settings and click ‘Reload Netflix’.

Mirroring your PC or laptop screen

On your PC or laptop, open the VPN app or Chrome browser extension. Connect to a server in the country that has the Netflix content you want. Refresh the Netflix web page and start streaming.

Virtual router on your PC

On your PC or laptop, open the VPN app. Connect to a server in the country that has the Netflix content you want. Connect your phone to the same VPN server.

Open the Netflix app on your mobile device and cast the content to your Chromecast.

Physical VPN router

On your computer or phone, visit the ExpressVPN router dashboard. Click the three horizontal dots or the ‘meatballs’ menu button. Connect to a server in the country that has the Netflix content you want.

Wait a few minutes for your Chromecast to reconnect to the router. Open the Netflix app on your mobile device and cast the content to your Chromecast.

FAQs

What’s the Best Free VPN for Chromecast?

After testing 24 free VPNs on our Chromecast, we found that Windscribe Free is the best free VPN for using on Chromecast.

It’s safe, fast, and it works with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and 6 Netflix libraries. Unfortunately, it cannot unblock US Netflix.

Windscribe’s free tier is limited to just 10GB of data per month though, which isn’t enough for regular streaming on your Chromecast. It can’t be installed on routers either, so you’ll need to use an alternative setup method.

Proton VPN Free does allow for router installation and does not enforce a data cap, but it doesn’t work with popular streaming services.

You can read more in our full Windscribe review or read our list of the best overall free VPNs.

Why Can't I Cast When Using a VPN?

When casting content, your phone does not stream the video, it simply passes the file over to your Chromecast. For this to work, both devices need to be connected to the same network. When just your phone is connected to a VPN, the Chromecast cannot receive the content, and the video will fail to load.

To fix this, connect both your phone and Chromecast to the same VPN server. You can read how to do this here.

Can I Change My Google Play Country with a VPN?

Yes, you can easily change your Google Play region when using a Chromecast VPN. To do this:

Connect to a VPN server in the country that has the app you want.
Hold the Google Assistant button on your remote and say “Open Google Play Store”.
Search for the app from within Google Play.

This will allow you to download Google TV apps that are only available in certain regions, such as Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

Can I Use Smart DNS with Chromecast?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to use Smart DNS with any Chromecast device. This is because the Chromecast is hardwired to only communicate with Google’s DNS servers, even if you configure your router to use your VPN’s Smart DNS tool.