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How to Set Up & Use a VPN on Roku
Simon Migliano
Simon Migliano is a recognized world expert in VPNs. He's tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more. Read full bio
While Roku devices don’t support native VPN apps, there are several ways to use a VPN on them. The simplest is to AirPlay or screen mirror from your phone. You can also set up a VPN on your router, or a virtual router on your computer. The best VPN to use in all scenarios is ExpressVPN thanks to its fast VPN connections that beat most streaming geo-blocks. PrivadoVPN is good free alternative that supports screen mirroring, but router setup is unavailable and bandwidth limited to 10GB per month.
Roku devices are great, but there’s one really frustrating aspect about them: you can’t install a VPN app directly on them.
Gaming systems are similar in that sense, but at least they support Smart DNS. Despite what’s claimed elsewhere, Roku doesn’t even support Smart DNS since there is no option to change DNS settings.
Annoying, right? At least there are workarounds to actually have your Roku device, whether its a Roku Stick or a TV with Roku OS built-in, use a VPN connection.
The solution is to connect your Roku to a VPN-enabled device, such as a WiFi router, computer, or smartphone.
We’ve tried all types of methods and the simplest is run your VPN on your smartphone, unblock the geo-blocked content, and share it to your Roku via AirPlay or screen mirroring.
Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN on Roku
Sign up to a streaming-optimized VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN for its well-designed apps, 4K streaming speeds, and superb unblocking performance.
Install the VPN app on your iPhone or Android phone.
Launch the VPN app and connect to your chosen server location.
Access the geo-locked video content you want to watch
Activate AirPlay or Screen Mirroring and select your Roku device.
Watch your smartphone’s video content on Roku.
If you don’t want to use a VPN on mobile, then there are other options available, which we’ll explain in detail in this guide.
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VPNs Tested on Roku
61
Roku Devices Tested
Roku Streaming Stick 4K & Roku Ultra LT
Router Test Device
Linksys WRT3200ACM
How to Set Up & Use a VPN on Roku
You can use the table below to see how each installation method differs and the additional devices required:
If you’re unsure which VPN setup method is right for you, use our flowchart below to help you decide:
Follow the flowchart to set up a VPN on your Roku device.
In the sections below, we go through each of the Roku VPN installation methods in more detail:
1. AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad
The easiest way to connect your Roku to a VPN is to use AirPlay. It allows you to seamlessly share streaming content from your iPhone or iPad to your Roku device.
You can use the table below to see if your Roku device is compatible with AirPlay:
Roku Model
Supports AirPlay
TCL & Hisense TVs (2020 or newer)
Yes
Roku Ultra
Yes
Roku Streambar / Streambar Pro
Yes
Roku Smart Soundbar
Yes
Roku Streaming Stick
Yes
Roku Premiere / Premiere+
Yes
TCL & Hisense TVs (2019 or older)
No
Roku Express
No
Roku LT
No
Unlike screen mirroring, AirPlay only shares the selected piece of content instead of mirroring every action on your mobile device. This prevents others from seeing your device’s screen and maintains a much higher video quality.
As you’re streaming on your mobile, not your Roku, you don’t need to change your Roku store region. As a result, there are far fewer limitations on the streaming services you can watch.
It’s also much quicker to set up than the other methods and requires no technical knowledge whatsoever.
One major disadvantage is that Netflix doesn’t support AirPlay. You’ll need to install a VPN on a router, create a virtual router, or use screen mirroring to change your Netflix library on Roku.
Instructions: How to Set Up and Use AirPlay on Roku
Update the software on your Roku device. AirPlay is only available on Roku OS 9.4 or later. To update your Roku’s software, go to Settings > System update > Check now.
Connect your Roku and iPhone to the same WiFi network. AirPlay only works if both devices are connected to the same local network.
Enable AirPlay on your Roku device. From the Roku home screen go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
Make sure AirPlay is set to On. AirPlay should always be on by default.
Install a VPN on your iPhone. We recommend using ExpressVPN as our top-rated Roku VPN.
Connect to a VPN server on your iPhone. Ensure you connect to a server in a region where your desired streaming service is available.
Activate AirPlay in your iPhone’s control center. You can turn on AirPlay by tapping its symbol, which looks like a triangle with three circles surrounding it.
Select your Roku device & enter the four digit code. The code will appear on your Roku’s screen and should be entered into your iPhone when prompted.
Open your streaming app. Once you select a piece of content it will automatically play on your Roku device.
2. Screen Mirror from Android
You can quickly use a VPN with Roku by screen mirroring from an Android device. You don’t need any technical knowledge and the whole process can be completed in under two minutes.
It’s just a case of connecting to a VPN server, sharing your screen with Roku, and opening your streaming app.
Unlike AirPlay, screen mirroring works with every streaming service, including Netflix.
The main drawback is that Roku mirrors your Android’s screen exactly. Crucially, you can’t use your Android device until you’ve finished streaming and anyone can see your screen while mirroring.
It also tends to be a much lower video quality as the Roku is using your Android’s resolution, not its own 4K capabilities.
Instructions: How to Set Up and Use Screen Mirroring on Roku
Connect your Roku and Android to the same WiFi network. Screen mirroring only works if both devices are connected to the same local network.
Select Smart View from your Android’s quick panel. You can drag down on your Android screen to access the quick panel.
Note: Smart View may also be referred to as Quick Connect, SmartShare, AllShare Cast, Wireless display, Display mirroring, HTC Connect, Screen casting, and Cast.
Enable Smart View and select your Roku device.
Click Allow when prompted on your Roku.
Optimize your aspect ratio. Select the option to match the output device’s dimensions.
Download your preferred VPN. We suggest using ExpressVPN as our best VPN for Roku.
Stream as normal on your Android device. Your Android’s screen will be mirrored on your Roku, including streaming apps.
3. Set Up a Mobile Hotspot Using Your PC
You can share your VPN connection to Roku without using a router by creating a mobile hotspot on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. This method isn’t as technically difficult as manual router installation, and is more secure than the smartphone setup methods.
It works by turning your PC’s internet connection into a ‘mobile hotspot’ that any nearby device can connect to.
By connecting to a VPN on your PC, you can then share the VPN connection with all of your connected devices, including your Roku.
Instructions: How to Set Up a VPN on Roku Using a Windows Hotspot
Subscribe to a reputable VPN and install it on your PC: We recommend ExpressVPN as it works with every streaming service on Roku.
Turn on mobile hotspot: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hospot and toggle to On.
Make a note of your network name and password: If you need to change them, select Edit, make your changes, and click Save.
Locate the TAP adapter.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change Adapter Options. Right-click on your VPN’s TAP adapter and select Properties.
Windows 11: Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings and right-click on your VPN’s TAP adapter. From the drop-down menu, go to More Adapter options and click Edit.
Adjust your sharing settings: Click the Sharing tab and tick the box that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection”.
Select your hotspot: From the drop-down menu under Home networking connection: select Local Area Connection*. Click OK to apply the changes.
Note: This local area connection may be numbered, but it will always have an asterisk.
Start the VPN connection: Launch the VPN app and select OpenVPN as your protocol.
Connect to a VPN server in a region that hosts the content you want to watch. For example, choose a US server for Hulu.
Connect your Roku to your PC: On your Roku go to Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless and select your PC’s connection.
4. Set Up a VPN on Your Home Router
You can share your VPN connection with a Roku device by connecting it to a VPN-installed router.
This alone won’t change your Roku store location, but it can be used to unblock regional libraries within a Roku channel, such as US Netflix.
The quickest way to set up a VPN on your router is to install a dedicated VPN router app. We recommend using ExpressVPN, as its router app is the only one to work with multiple types of router firmware.
It also has the simplest setup process. You don’t need to flash your router, adjust your router’s settings, or change your network ports.
In fact, we were able to set up ExpressVPN on our Linksys WRT3200ACM test router in just under two minutes.
Video Walkthrough: VPN Router Setup
We demonstrate the process of installing ExpressVPN on a router in our video tutorial below:
It didn't take us long to install ExpressVPN on our test router.
Instructions: How to Install ExpressVPN on a Linksys Router
Subscribe to ExpressVPN and register an account.
Log into your ExpressVPN account and select Router from the devices listed on the main dashboard.
This opens a new tab. From there, select your router model from the drop-down menu entitled Select your router.
Click the green Download Firmware button.
Keep this window open as you’ll need the activation code later.
Open a new tab and enter your IP address into your browser to access your router’s settings. You can find out your IP address using our IP lookup tool.
Log into your router’s admin dashboard. The login and password are normally both admin by default. If you encounter any problems, you can refer to routerpasswords.com.
Select Connectivity, then Router Firmware Update, and upload the ExpressVPN firmware you downloaded in Step 3.
Click Start and follow the prompts to reboot your router.
Enter your activation code from Step 4 and click Sign in to ExpressVPN.
Create a WiFi username and password for your new network and click Continue.
Create a router admin password and click Continue.
Connect to a VPN server in the same region as the streaming content you want to unblock.
On your Roku select Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless and choose your newly established network.
Return to the home screen and open your preferred Roku Channel to watch the content from your new IP address location.
For instructions on how to flash a router with firmware and manually install a VPN, you can refer to our VPN router installation guide.
The Best Roku VPNs Compared & Reviewed
The table below compares the three VPNs that performed best in our tests with Roku. ExpressVPN and Nord are subscription-based, while PrivadoVPN is completely free.
Unblocks 18 Netflix regions, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer & more
Unique dedicated router app for easy Roku setup
Very fast streaming speeds with no buffering or pixelation
Extremely well-designed & user-friendly VPN apps
Works smoothly with AirPlay & screen mirroring
More expensive than many competitors
Has less advanced features than NordVPN
Pricing Plans
$12.95/mo
$6.25/mo over 16 months
$4.99/mo over 28 months
Free Trial Duration
7 Days
Servers
3,000
Countries with Servers
106
Simultaneous Connections
8
Support
24/7 Live Chat
Compatible with
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Amazon Fire TV
Android TV
Apple TV
Router
Chrome
When it comes to using a VPN on Roku, nobody comes close to ExpressVPN. Its incredibly well-designed mobile apps, its industry-leading unique router app, and its unmatched geo-unblocking performance are perfect for streaming on Roku.
ExpressVPN is simply an outstanding VPN for streaming, unblocking every Roku channel in 4K quality through instant server connections, and no buffering or blurriness.
We used ExpressVPN’s router app to stream Peacock on Roku.
Quick & Simple Setup on Roku
With its dedicated router app, ExpressVPN is the easiest VPN to set up on Roku. You just need to purchase an ExpressVPN subscription, upload its firmware to your router, and connect your Roku device to your router’s network.
You can also use ExpressVPN’s slick VPN app for iPhone to share geo-blocked content via AirPlay to LG Smart TVs and Roku devices. The Android VPN app is just as neat, and works great for screen mirroring.
As shown in the table above, ExpressVPN is the only VPN that works with every Roku setup method – refer to our flowchart to see which method best suits your needs.
Works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer & More
ExpressVPN unblocked the vast majority of streaming services on our Roku streaming stick.
By connecting to ExpressVPN’s New Jersey server, we were able to consistently unblock the Hulu, HBO Max, and DAZN channels from outside the US on our TCL Roku TV.
We also accessed 18 different Netflix libraries by using ExpressVPN’s device grouping feature.
Moreover, streaming speeds remained quick and stable throughout prolonged hours of viewing. Many VPNs tend to experience fluctuations, but with ExpressVPN our Roku maintained its 4K video quality without any buffering while connected to a USA server
These ExpressVPN servers worked best for us on Roku:
Available pre-flashed on a router for easy Roku setup
Very fast & stable connection speeds
Works with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, the Roku Channel & more
Unblocks US Netflix & 16 other libraries
Compatible with AirPlay & screen mirroring
No dedicated router application
Apps aren't as well-designed as ExpressVPN's
Renews at a much higher subscription price
Pricing Plans
$12.99/mo
$4.59/mo over 15 months
$2.99/mo over 27 months
Free Trial Duration
7 Days
Servers
7,837
Countries with Servers
118
Simultaneous Connections
10
Support
24/7 Live Chat
Compatible with
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Amazon Fire TV
Android TV
Apple TV
Router
Chrome
NordVPN performed very well in our Roku tests, and gave ExpressVPN a run for its money. We particularly loved the rapid connection speeds around the world, which resulted in flawless 4K streaming.
Similarly to ExpressVPN, the VPN unblocks most popular geo-restricted streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
The main gripes that we have with NordVPN are two-fold: firstly, its apps aren’t as intuitive as ExpressVPN’s (especially the desktop software) and, secondly, there is no dedicated router app.
NordVPN unblocked Peacock without any difficulties.
4K Streaming on All Roku Channels
NordVPN reliably unblocks every channel on Roku, including Peacock, Hulu, NBC news, and Netflix.
Using its NordLynx protocol, our video quality never dropped below 4K and we experienced no buffering.
While NordVPN is by no means hard to use on Roku, ExpressVPN is undoubtedly a more practical VPN for Roku, especially for VPN beginners.
The key difference is that ExpressVPN has put in a lot more effort and care to develop aesthetically excellent apps for all platforms.
NordVPN, on the other hand, has create rather cluttered apps that are less intuitive, especially for PC and Mac.
Another annoyance we faced involved the lack of a dedicated router app. You therefore have to either manually set up the VPN on your router, or you can buy a pre-flashed router, equipped with the FlashRouters app, but it’s expensive.
On the plus side, NordVPN worked well with the other setup methods we recommend in this guide.
using NordVPN, we were able to easily create a virtual router on our laptop, and share our mobile’s geo-unlocked video content through AirPlay and screen mirroring.
Can only really be used via AirPlay or screen mirroring
Free software can’t be installed on routers
Streaming servers have to be enabled manually
Monthly data has to be manually refreshed
Free Trial Duration
---
Servers
14
Countries with Servers
11
Simultaneous Connections
1
Support
Live Chat
Compatible with
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Amazon Fire TV
Android TV
Apple TV
Router
Chrome
PrivadoVPN’s free service is the best we used on our Roku Stick and TV, due to its surprisingly quick streaming speeds and strong unblocking performance.
It still amazes us how many content platforms the free product can unblock. It’s really rare for a free VPN to be able to do this: only Windscribe and Hide.me can compete with this.
But, secure free VPNs always come with drawbacks and restrictions, and PrivadoVPN is no different. Namely, its monthly data cap and its limited device compatibility, will undoubtedly frustrate some of you.
PrivadoVPN’s free service unblocked US Netflix.
Great for Streaming US Content
Like we said, PrivadoVPN’s free service is an excellent choice for Roku, particularly for users based outside the US, or those looking to bypass sport blackouts.
Using PrivadoVPN, we successfully unblocked US Netflix (which is extremely rare for a free VPN), Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ on our Roku stick.
That said, it’s not as effective as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, and PrivadoVPN failed to beat BBC iPlayer’s and DAZN’s VPN blocks.
We also recorded a spectacular average speed reduction of just 4% while connected to a nearby US server. This is simply exceptional for a free VPN.
PrivadoVPN’s free servers that worked best for us on Roku:
For US Streaming Services: Los Angeles
For UK Streaming Services: London
10GB Data Cap & Paywalled Router Setup
As we mentioned above, PrivadoVPN does impose a 10GB monthly data cap to its free customers. This effectively restricts you to roughly one hour of 4K streaming or four hours of HD streaming.
You also have to manually renew the free data each month by logging into your account on PrivadoVPN’s website. This is frustrating and unnecessary, especially as most other free VPNs automatically renew your data for you.
It’s also difficult to set up PrivadoVPN on your Roku. Its free version can’t be installed on routers, and we don’t recommend creating a virtual router due to the data cap.
Basically, you can only really use the VPN on Roku via AirPlay on iOS or screen mirroring on Android. At least, we found both setup methods straightforward thanks to the VPN provider’s beginner-friendly mobile apps.
As we’ve established, using a VPN will allow you to change your online location and access geo-locked content.
This includes region-specific Roku channels, such as BBC iPlayer in the UK store, as well as regional content catalogs within the same channel, like Netflix.
We’ve outlined both uses cases in more detail below:
1. Change Your Roku Store Location
By changing your Roku store location, you can gain access to apps and channels that normally aren’t available in your country.
Despite some publications claiming that this is simply a process of connecting to a VPN, additional steps are required.
Your Roku’s online location is linked to the region you first created your account in. To change it, you’ll need to delete your account, factory reset your Roku device, and create a new account in your preferred region.
Follow the steps below, or watch the narrated video tutorial:
We were able to switch our Roku store region to the US and access exclusive content.
How to Change Your Store Location on Roku
Factory reset your Roku device: Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset, and then enter the displayed code.
Press OK and then Start factory reset.
Log in to your Roku account in a web browser.
Delete your Roku account: Go to My account and under Manage account click Deactivate account. Then, type anything into the textbox and press Continue.
Download a VPN on your desktop or mobile.
Connect to a VPN server: Make sure your VPN server is located in the region you want to switch your Roku store to.
Create a new Roku account: Ensure your VPN is connected the entire time.
Choose your PIN preferences.
Add a payment method: You must use a valid payment method and ZIP code from the region you’re switching to.
Note: You can skip this step by closing the window and your Roku store region will still change, however you won’t be able to make purchases on your Roku.
Link your Roku device to your new account: Make sure you enter in the email you used in Step 6.
Activate your account: Click on the link sent to your email on any device of your choice.
Note: The device you use to open your email does not need to be connected to a VPN.
2. Unblocking Geo-Restricted Video Libraries
You can also use a VPN on Roku to access different regional libraries within the same streaming service.
Most notably, you can unblock the US library of popular streaming services, which tends to have the most content.
For example, we shared a US VPN connection with our Roku stick which allowed us to unblock the US Netflix library and stream its content.
We screen mirrored from our Android device to stream Netflix on Roku.
We’ve listed some popular VPNs below that either focus on different use cases or simply can’t be used on Roku.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN can’t unblock HBO Max, Disney+, or Hulu, and it only unblocks 2 Netflix libraries. We were also disappointed by the removal of its router app, making it harder to use the VPN with Roku.
The removal of its router app has made it much harder to use VyprVPN on Roku.
PureVPN
PureVPN fails to unblock Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and US Netflix. It also claims to have a router app, but we couldn’t get it to work on our Linksys router and the setup instructions were outdated
PureVPN can’t beat US Netflix geo-restrictions.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad does not make any attempt to focus on streaming and won’t unblock most streaming services.
Netflix detected a Mullvad VPN connection and blocked us from logging in.
How We Test VPNs for Roku
We’ve created a bespoke methodology for choosing the best VPNs for Roku.
We’ve outlined each testing category in-depth, below, along with their percentage contribution to each VPN’s overall rating for Roku:
1. Router Compatibility (30%)
Test Conducted: We checked each VPN for the availability of a dedicated router app, pre-flashed router support, or VPN software that can be manually installed on a router.
Why It’s Important: Installing a VPN on router shares its protection with all connected devices, including Roku. This allows you to bypass the lack of native VPN support on Roku devices.
Optimal Result: A dedicated VPN app for routers with a GUI, easy installation, and full feature parity with its desktop counterparts.
2. Streaming (30%)
Test Conducted: We tested each VPN with the most popular Roku channels as well as geo-restricted content libraries within specific channels, like Netflix, and recorded the result. We also noted any buffering, drops in video quality, or interruptions of any kind.
Why It’s Important: Since Roku is a streaming device, it’s essential that your VPN works with as many services as possible.
Optimal Result: Consistently unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, DAZN, Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.
3. Speed (20%)
Test Conducted: We used our custom speed test tool to record each VPN’s connection speed while connected to servers across the globe. Testing took place over several weeks, and at different times, to minimize anomalies and account for fluctuations in VPN server load.
Why It’s Important: To prevent buffering and drops in video quality while streaming.
Optimal Result: An average download speed loss of below 10% across all locations.
4. Server Locations (10%)
Test Conducted: We recorded the total number of server locations listed on each VPN’s website and compared them to their in-app server list to ensure consistency. We also used our IP lookup tool while connected to a random selection of VPN servers to verify that they were working properly.
Why It’s Important: A large server network provides access to a greater number of geo-restricted Roku channels.
Optimal Result: A VPN server network covering every inhabitable continent, with multiple servers per location.
5. Ease of Use (10%)
Test Conducted: We personally used each VPN across multiple platforms and documented our experience. We particularly focussed on mobile apps for Roku and router apps, where available.
Why It’s Important: A pleasant user experience ensures greater accessibility and makes everyday use as frictionless as possible. This is especially relevant when trying to use a VPN on a WiFi router or when using Android screen mirroring.
Optimal Result: Easy-to-use apps with a GUI for desktop, mobile, and router. We expect any iOS or Android VPN apps to work seamlessly with AirPlay or screen mirroring respectively.
Data Cap Penalty
Free VPNs usually come with a data cap to encourage users to upgrade to a premium subscription.
Data allowance is especially important for Roku VPNs, though, as streaming uses up a lot of bandwidth. For example, a standard 10GB data allowance only allows you to watch around four hours of HD streaming.
If you use up your allotted data, your IP address will no longer be in the correct location. This will prevent you from watching geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer.
We apply a penalty to the VPN’s final overall rating for Roku based on its data cap:
Unlimited bandwidth: No deduction to the overall rating
10GB per month: -20% to the overall rating
500MB per day: -25% to the overall rating
5GB per month: -30% to the overall rating
1GB per month: -35% to the overall rating
200MB per day: -40% to the overall rating
500MB per month: -50% to the overall rating
FAQs
Will Roku Ever Have Built-in VPN Support?
We don’t know for sure, but it feels unlikely that Roku will ever allow you to install a VPN app directly on its devices.
Based on several threads in the Roku Community, Roku’s policy has so far been to side closely with content providers who want to prevent viewers from bypassing content geolocation restrictions.
Does Roku Work with Smart DNS?
Roku does not support Smart DNS, or allow any DNS customization within its settings.
If you need to change your DNS settings you can do so within your router and then connect Roku to it. However, this process can be complicated and risks bricking your router if carried out incorrectly.
Does Roku Work Internationally?
Roku devices can be used anywhere in the world, although certain apps may be blocked in your region due to licensing restrictions.
You can find a complete list of countries where Roku is officially supported on the Roku website.
