How to Set Up and Use ExpressVPN on Smart TV

ExpressVPN gives you a few options when it comes to smart TVs. In most cases, you'll need to set up ExpressVPN on a smart TV through a custom DNS (as opposed to running its VPN app because most smart TVs can't run VPN software). However, Android TV-powered models can run ExpressVPN's native app.

That said, before we get started with our instructions, you need to know in what way your smart TV works with ExpressVPN. So, let's check out the most popular brands:

• Samsung TVs (Powered by Tizen) – Works with ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer.
• LG TVs (Powered by WebOS) – Works with ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer.
• Sony TV (Powered by Android TV) – Works with ExpressVPN's Android TV app.
• TCL, Hisense, Panasonic, Vizio & Others – Works with ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer.

Also, one more note. ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer is just another name for the VPN's SmartDNS feature. That's not a fully featured app but a series of DNS servers that you configure using your TV's settings, letting you unblock US-based streaming apps.

Another way of using ExpressVPN on your smart TV is – via a dedicated media streaming device. That said, you can set up ExpressVPN on a Firestick, Google Chromecast (with Google TV), and an Apple TV (using a DNS method). 

How to Set Up ExpressVPN on a Smart TV

We'll show you how to get started with ExpressVPN on your smart TV based on your TV's brand. Use the quick-jump links found below to get started.

• Set Up ExpressVPN on Samsung TVs
• Set Up ExpressVPN on an LG TVs
• Set Up ExpressVPN on Sony TVs
• Set Up ExpressVPN on TCL, Hisense, Panasonic & Vizio TVs
• Other Ways to Use ExpressVPN on a Smart TV

Set Up ExpressVPN on Samsung TVs

If you have a Samsung TV, you can use ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, designed to unblock new types of content. So, here’s how to get started with ExpressVPN on your Samsung smart TV. 

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

2. Once you sign-up, return to ExpressVPN’s website. Click "My Account" using the top-placed main menu. Provide your credentials and access your ExpressVPN dashboard.

3. Select "DNS Settings," visible on the left-hand side of your dashboard. Click the "Register My IP Address" button and flip the switch next to "Automatically Register My IP Address."

4. Return one step and select "Set Up Other Devices." Pick "MediaStreamer" on the left and leave this page open. You'll now see your MediaStreamer IP addresses.

5. On your Samsung TV, navigate to Network > Network Status > IP Settings. 

6. Select "DNS Setting" and pick "Enter Manually." Enter your DNS address (from ExpressVPN’s site) and hit "OK."

7. Finally, save your changes and restart your Samsung TV. 

If you'd like to take a much deeper dive into the procedure explained above, know that we have precisely what you need. Here's our guide to how to set up ExpressVPN on a Samsung TV.

Set Up ExpressVPN on LG TVs

If you have a WebOS-powered TV, you can dive deep into customizing its connectivity options. That also means that you can use ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer. Here are the steps to setting up ExpressVPN on your LG smart TV. 

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

2. After subscribing, return to ExpressVPN’s home page and select "My Account" using the top-placed main menu. Provide your email and password and access your ExpressVPN dashboard.

3. Click "DNS Settings" on the left. Then, click on the button labeled "Register My IP Address and don’t forget to flip the switch just below ("Automatically Register My IP Address"). 

4. Return to your online dashboard and click "Set Up Other Devices."

5. Select "MediaStreamer," and you'll see your DNS on the right. Leave this page open. 

6. Using your LG TV remote, go to Settings > Network > [Your Network Connection Name] > Edit > Set Automatically.

7. Input ExpressVPN’s DNS address into the DNS field. Confirm with "Connect." Lastly, restart your LG TV for the newly added change to become active.

If you think more detailed info might help, here’s our guide on how to set up ExpressVPN on an LG TV. You’ll find plenty of screenshots there as well, helping you navigate your way through.

Set Up ExpressVPN on Sony TVs

The majority of Sony TVs run Android TV, which is excellent news. That means that you can install ExpressVPN's app and run it natively on your Sony TV, so here's how that is done. 

1. Get your ExpressVPN subscription using your computer and a Web browser.

2. On your Sony TV, launch the Play Store app. Search for "ExpressVPN." Once you open the app’s overview (in the Play Store), use the "Install" button. Then, click "Open."

3. Log in to ExpressVPN using your credentials (email address and password). Complete the initial setup by following the on-screen prompts. When asked about a connection request, make sure to confirm with "OK."

4. Use the app’s interface to connect to any server, and the UI will turn green. 

5. That’s when you can return to your Android TV and launch any other streaming app. 

If this is your first time handling a VPN app on your TV, you might need some extra help. With that said, our guide to how to install ExpressVPN on Android TV will answer all your needs. So, make sure to use the provided link.

Set Up ExpressVPN on TCL, Hisense, Panasonic & Vizio TVs 

Lastly, we have TVs that come from TCL, Hisense, Panasonic, and Vizio. We've grouped them together as they rely on all kinds of different platforms. That said, we've wanted to give a general guide for all those TV brands, offering various solutions along the way. 

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN on your computer (use any Web browser).

2. Once you subscribe, go to the home page of ExpressVPN’s site. Pick "My Account" via the top-placed main menu and log in using your email address and password. 

3. Once you’re in, select "DNS Settings" on the left. Then, click "Register My IP Address." Make sure also to flip the switch next to "Automatically Register My IP Address."

4. Return one step and select "Set Up Other Devices" (using your online dashboard). Pick "MediaStreamer," and then make sure to leave this page open. 

5. Turn to your TV and visit its "Settings."

6. Find a group of options related to Web connectivity (within your TV’s settings). You might need to select your Internet connection to access its settings. Then, your goal should be to navigate to DNS settings. That can also be called "Advanced Options," "IP Address," "DNS Settings," or similar.

7. Once you get to DNS settings, switch them to "Manual." Paste your DNS server IP(s) from the ExpressVPN website. Make sure to confirm your DNS changes and restart your TV.

Other Ways to Use ExpressVPN on a Smart TV

If you’re not able to change DNS settings on your TV, there are several things you can try. Among those – we highly recommend you set up ExpressVPN on a router.

Setting up this VPN on a router comes as the ultimate solution to getting VPN-level protection on your smart TV (and all your other Web-connected devices at once). However, keep in mind that only a group of compatible routers will do this job successfully (here are the best VPN routers).

Finally, know that you can mirror your smartphone’s screen to your TV’s screen, which comes as yet another workaround. That way, you can set up ExpressVPN on an iPhone or iPad, as well as on Android phones and tablets. Then, install any media streaming app and watch movies and TV shows by mirroring your device's screen to your TV. 

ExpressVPN MediaStreamer Not Working - How to Fix

In times when ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer refuses to work, there are several things to try. For example, you can restart your device, recheck your DNS settings, and more. Here are the troubleshooting steps you need to take:

• Update & Restart Your Device: For the MediaStreamer to start working, you need to restart your smart TV. Once you do so, your device will reconnect to the Web using the new DNS settings. We also recommend updating your smart TV, typically done via its settings.
• Recheck MediaStreamer's IP Address: It's easy to make a mistake when typing in a series of numbers using a remote. So, go back to ExpressVPN's website (Set Up Other Devices > MediaStreamer) to recheck the DNS IP you need to use. Then, make sure you've entered the correct numbers on your TV.
• Restart Your Router: In some cases, restarting your router might help with connectivity issues. You need to turn it off, keep it that way for around 30 seconds, and then power your router back on. It might take up to 5 minutes for your router to become functional again.
• Try an Alternative Method: As explained above, you can use ExpressVPN on your phone and mirror its screen to your TV. Or, you can cast media from your phone to your TV. Scroll up to learn more about those alternative methods.

Final Thoughts

ExpressVPN is among the rare VPNs to support a wide range of smart TVs. You can choose from using its 'MediaStreamer' for streaming purposes or using ExpressVPN's app on supported devices (like Android TV). And, as a final possibility, you can run ExpressVPN on a router.

That said, if you have more devices that can run this VPN (like a computer, phone, tablet, or media streaming device), check our central guide on how to set up ExpressVPN.

That would be all on how to set up ExpressVPN on a smart TV. If you have any questions, know that we’re here to assist. So, make sure to post your comment just below. Thank you for reading!