How to Set Up and Use NordVPN on Chromecast

Chromecast is a device from Google that lets you stream videos, music, and more to your TV using your phone or computer. But it doesn't let you install a VPN app directly, which means you can’t connect it to NordVPN like you would on a phone or laptop. Since Chromecast uses your regular home Internet, it still shows your real location, so streaming apps may block certain shows or movies based on where you live.

That’s why using NordVPN with Chromecast is helpful. It changes your online location and hides your activity by sending your Internet traffic through secure servers. This means you can watch content from other countries and stay private online. NordVPN also helps avoid slow speeds from your Internet provider, giving you smoother streaming.

So what should you do? Well, if you have an older Chromecast (without Google TV), you can set up NordVPN on a router, which will protect all your devices on the network. Alternatively, you can share a VPN connection from your PC by turning it into a virtual router.

In this article, we will teach you how to set up NordVPN on Chrome using various methods mentioned above, with comprehensive instructions. But before that, first let's understand what things you must have in order to setup NordVPN on Chromecast!

Get Everything Ready Before Setting Up NordVPN on Chromecast

Before you can enjoy unrestricted and secure streaming on your Chromecast, it's important to have a few things ready. Chromecast doesn’t support VPN apps directly, so you’ll need to connect it to a VPN-enabled network. Setting up NordVPN for Chromecast is simple once you have the right tools. Here’s what you need to begin:

• NordVPN subscription – You’ll need an active account to access NordVPN’s servers and features.
• Working Chromecast device – Any version (1st gen, Ultra, or Chromecast with Google TV) will work.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – Streaming needs consistent speeds, so a reliable Internet connection is a must.
• VPN-compatible router or a secondary device for virtual router setup – Since Chromecast can’t run NordVPN directly, you need to route its traffic through a VPN-enabled connection.

Connect Chromecast to NordVPN – Here’s How to Do It Right

To set up NordVPN on Chromecast, you first need to check whether your Chromecast comes with Google TV. Based on that, here are your options.

1. Install NordVPN on Chromecast with Google TV

Your Chromecast with Google TV gives you access to the Play Store, which makes it easy to install NordVPN. Just follow the steps below:

1. Sign up for NordVPN by visiting its website using your computer, phone, or tablet.

2. Open the 'Play Store' app on your Chromecast with Google TV.

3. Search for NordVPN and tap on 'Get' or 'Install.'

4. Launch the VPN and log in with your credentials.

4. Go ahead with 'OK' to add a VPN profile to your Chromecast (this is a one-time setup prompt).

5. Click 'Connect Now' to connect to the nearest server, or choose 'All Countries' to pick a server.

6. Feel free to exit NordVPN and open any streaming app on your device. That's it!

2. Set Up NordVPN on a Physical Router

By setting up NordVPN on a router, you'll create a single VPN-protected Wi-Fi network that will secure all devices connected to the Wi-Fi, including Chromecast. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Get your NordVPN subscription from its official website using any Web-connected device.

2. Next, set up NordVPN on your router based on your router's firmware and brand.

3. Open the Google Home app on an iOS/Android phone, pick 'Chromecast,' and check if your smartphone is connected to your home Wi-Fi.

4. You can start streaming online content and use your Chromecast to watch it on the TV screen.

3. Share NordVPN Through a Virtual Router

Another way to use NordVPN with your Chromecast is to install it on your PC. Then, you'll share NordVPN's connection by turning your PC into a virtual router. Here's how that's done:

1. Subscribe to NordVPN using your PC and any Web browser.

2. Install NordVPN on your PC and launch its client.

3. Log in with your credentials and connect to a server of your choice.

4. Go to your Windows 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > turn on 'Mobile Hotspot.'

5. Scroll down and choose 'Advanced Network Settings.'

6. Click on the NordVPN's adapter and choose 'Edit.'

7. Click on the 'Sharing' tab.

8. Check the box, 'Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection.'

9. Select the hotspot you just created from the dropdown menu and click on 'OK.'

10. Connect your device with the Google Home app to your newly created Wi-Fi network.

11. Your Chromecast will join automatically. That's it!

4. Use a Smart DNS (NordVPN’s SmartPlay)

If you mainly want to unblock streaming platforms and don’t need encryption, NordVPN’s SmartPlay DNS feature is a great option. It works with Chromecast by changing the DNS settings on your router. Just follow these steps, and you are good to go.

1. Log in to your NordVPN account and find your SmartDNS IP address (often under network settings or advanced settings).
2. Access your router’s admin panel.
3. Navigate to DNS settings and manually enter the SmartDNS addresses provided by NordVPN.
4. Save and restart the router.
5. Connect your Chromecast to this router, and enjoy region-free streaming.

5. Utilize NordVPN via macOS Internet Sharing

Mac users can easily share their VPN connection with Chromecast by enabling Internet Sharing. It’s a simple method, but it does require an Ethernet cable to connect your Mac to the Internet while the Wi-Fi is shared.

1. Install and connect NordVPN on your Mac.
2. Go to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing.
3. Select your Ethernet connection as the source, and Wi-Fi as the output.
4. Enable Internet Sharing and confirm the prompt.
5. Connect your Chromecast to the newly shared Wi-Fi network from your Mac.

Troubleshooting Streaming Issues on Chromecast with NordVPN

Setting up NordVPN with Chromecast can be tricky, especially if you're using virtual routers or changing DNS settings. Below are some common setup issues and quick fixes to help you get everything working smoothly.

• Chromecast can’t find the network: Make sure your virtual or physical router is broadcasting a 2.4GHz signal, which is required by some Chromecast models.
• Internet not working after VPN setup: Double-check that you've selected the correct adapter when sharing your VPN connection (Windows/macOS).
• Casting fails mid-way: Restart both your Chromecast and casting device. Also, clear cached data on the streaming app.
• Smart DNS not working: Make sure your IP address has been registered on NordVPN’s SmartDNS page and that your router's DNS settings were saved correctly.

Final Thoughts

There are multiple ways to set up NordVPN on Chromecast. The easiest method is to download and install NordVPN's app from the Play Store on newer Chromecast models that come with Google TV. However, you must rely on alternative approaches if you have an older Chromecast.

Overall, installing the VPN on a physical/virtual router is the best option because it secures all devices connected to your Wi-Fi and lets you use unlimited devices with NordVPN. Advanced users will also want to read our guide to setting up NordVPN on all their devices, such as game consoles, TVs, and more.

That’s all! Now you know how to set up and use NordVPN on Chromecast. If you have further queries, drop us a comment through the button below. Thanks for reading!