How to Set Up and Use ExpressVPN on Apple TV

Apple TV streaming devices run on tvOS – and that operating system doesn’t support VPN apps. So, you can't install ExpressVPN directly on your media streamer, despite being one of the best Apple TV VPN services. However, there's still a way to set up ExpressVPN on Apple TV using various workarounds.

You can set up ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature on Apple TV by changing its DNS settings (letting you unblock new streaming apps). Then, you can cast media using AirPlay from some other device, install this VPN on a router, or share this VPN's connection from your computer.

Sounds confusing? Well, there's nothing to worry about, as we'll explain everything from scratch. So, here's how to get started with ExpressVPN on your Apple TV.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN on Apple TV

As mentioned above, there are multiple workarounds using which you can use ExpressVPN on Apple TV. These are your options:

• Method #1: Use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer on Apple TV
• Method #2: Cast Media to Apple TV Using AirPlay
• Method #3: Install ExpressVPN on a Router
• Method #4: Share Your VPN Connection from a Computer

Method #1: Use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer on Apple TV

ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer allows you to change your Apple TV's DNS address. That's how you can unblock US-based streaming services outside the US, as well as some UK-based services (such as BBC iPlayer). Here's what you need to do:

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN using your computer and any Web browser.

2. Once you subscribe, return to ExpressVPN’s website and click "My Account" using the top-placed main menu. Access your ExpressVPN account dashboard.

3. Click "DNS Settings." Then, use the "Register My IP Address" button under "IP Address Registration." Also, flip the switch next to "Automatically Register My IP Address."

4. Go back one step and return to your ExpressVPN dashboard. Click "Set Up Other Devices" and then select "Apple TV" on the left. On the right, you'll see your DNS server IP.

5. We’ll finish this procedure on an Apple TV, so turn to your media streaming device. Navigate to the Settings app. Then, go to Network > Wi-Fi. 

6. You should now see a list of Wi-Fi networks. Select the currently active Wi-Fi network. Scroll down until you see the "Configure DNS" field. Select this field. 

7. You will now get to pick from two options, and you need to select "Manual."

8. Enter your DNS server IP, as shown on ExpressVPN’s website. Double-check if you’ve entered the correct numbers. Then, select "Done."

9. Finally, restart your Apple TV for the DNS changes to take effect. 

Know that your Apple TV uses your Apple ID to determine the type of content you can access. If you’ve set your Apple ID country to ‘United States,’ your Apple TV will show you the apps and media streaming services available in the USA (even if you’re not in that country).

That’s precisely where ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer comes into play – as it allows you to unblock those apps with ease. 

Method #2: Cast Media to Apple TV Using AirPlay

AirPlay is Apple's video- and audio-casting technology. It lets you play a video on your iPhone or Mac and cast it on your Apple TV. That said, you'll most probably use your iPhone or Mac as the primary device, which opens up the possibility of adding ExpressVPN to that equation.

So, here's how to use ExpressVPN on Apple TV by relying on AirPlay:

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN using your computer or phone and any Web browser.
2. Install ExpressVPN on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
3. Use ExpressVPN to connect to any of its secure VPN servers.
4. Access your favorite streaming service (via its site or app).
5. Once you pick a video to stream, you'll get to cast it to your Apple TV via AirPlay.

As you can see, you'll use ExpressVPN to unblock and access streaming sites on your iPhone or Mac. However, know that not every streaming app supports AirPlay. For example, Netflix no longer supports that technology, but most other apps should work fine.

Method #3: Install ExpressVPN on a Router

By installing ExpressVPN on a router, you can route your household's incoming and outgoing Web traffic through a single point. So, if you set up a VPN connection on your router to a US-based server, all devices in your household will route their data through that server.

As you can imagine, that applies to Apple TV as well. To unblock streaming apps available in a specific country, you need to connect your router to a server in that country. So, here's how to get ExpressVPN on Apple TV by relying on your router:

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN using your computer and any Web browser.
2. Install ExpressVPN on a router (you need a VPN-ready router).
3. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Network.
4. Ensure that you're connected to the Internet (using your router's network).
5. You can now use any previously blocked streaming app on your Apple TV.

If you're starting from scratch, remember that you need a router that supports VPN connections. Not every router will do the job, so here's our guide on how to choose a VPN router. Then, you can jump to our list of the best VPN routers you can buy today.

Method #4: Share Your VPN Connection from a Computer

You can also get ExpressVPN on Apple TV by turning your computer into a virtual router. In other words, you can share your VPN connection/network, allowing you to connect your Apple TV to that network. The only downside is that your computer will need to be on all the time.

In other words, you will need to turn your computer into a virtual router, which is not that difficult to do on Windows or macOS. Here's what that process entails:

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN using your computer and any Web browser.
2. Download and install ExpressVPN on your Windows or macOS computer.
3. Launch the VPN app and go through the initial setup.
4. Test the VPN to see if it connects to VPN servers without any issues.
5. You now need to share your ExpressVPN connection from a Windows or macOS computer.
6. Once your start sharing ExpressVPN, turn to your Apple TV.
7. Go to Settings > Network and connect to your newly created network.
8. Your Apple TV will use your VPN connection as long as your computer is turned on.

How to Change Country on Apple TV with ExpressVPN?

Just above, we explained how to route your Apple TV traffic through ExpressVPN's DNS. That means your traffic will go through ExpressVPN's US-based servers. Just like with other VPNs, there's no way to change a location manually.

As you now know, ExpressVPN will route your traffic through the US. That also means you must change your Apple TV's location manually to access apps available in that country. So, here's how to change your country when using ExpressVPN on Apple TV:

1. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > iTunes Store > Location.
2. Now pick your preferred location (go with "United States").
3. Set up ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer based on the instructions above.
4. Restart your Apple TV.
5. Visit the App Store and check for US-only apps. That's all!

ExpressVPN Not Working on Apple TV? - Try This!

To use ExpressVPN on Apple TV, you're forced to resort to a workaround. So, problems may occur from time to time. Here's how you can resolve them:

• If You Use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer: Ensure that you've allowed ExpressVPN to log your IP address (by going to your ExpressVPN online dashboard, as explained above). Also, make sure you've entered your DNS address correctly when setting up your Apple TV.
• If You Use AirPlay: For AirPlay to work, all your devices must be on the same network. So, if you cast from your iPhone to your Apple TV, both those devices must be connected to your home network. Also, remember that not every media streaming app supports AirPlay.
• If You Use ExpressVPN on a Router: It's easy to make a mistake when setting a VPN on a router, so ensure that you've done everything correctly. If you use OpenVPN, know that you must use your OpenVPN username and password - and not your ExpressVPN credentials.
• If You're Sharing ExpressVPN from Your Computer: Test ExpressVPN on your computer by connecting to several VPN servers. See if your Web connection works during each of those VPN sessions. If everything's okay on that front, you need to re-check your Internet sharing settings by ensuring you've set everything up correctly.

It's also worth noting that Apple TV sometimes needs to be rebooted to resolve technical issues, which you do by going to Settings > System > Restart. And if you want to check other possible solutions, here are the most common reasons why your VPN isn't working.

Final Thoughts

In comparison to other VPNs, ExpressVPN remains the best option for Apple TV. That's because you can use ExpressVPN on Apple TV in multiple different ways, giving you all the freedom you need to create a system that works for you (as tvOS doesn't run VPN apps natively).

That said, turn to our main guide on how to set up ExpressVPN, showing you how to extend this VPN's protection to 60+ devices and platforms.

That would be all on how to set up ExpressVPN on Apple TV. We know this can be a confusing topic, so post your questions below using the comments section. Thank you for reading!