How to Install a VPN on Firestick, Fire TV, and Fire TV Cube

Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, and Fire TV Cube enable you to turn your analog TV into a streaming hub with limitless movies, TV shows, and more. Unfortunately, most media content is geo-blocked, restricting your access.

Don’t worry—there is an easy way out. You can use a VPN to change your IP address to your preferred location. The VPN will also encrypt your internet traffic to keep you safe.

But how to install a VPN on Firstick? We’ve heard you ask. Don’t worry; we will show you every method you can use to install it. So, let’s get started.

How to install a VPN on Firestick – A quick guide

Here are easy steps to configure a Firestick VPN:

Best VPNs for Amazon Firestick – A quick list

VPN NAME	WHAT MAKES IT SO AMAZING?
	NordVPN The best Firestick VPN with incredible speeds, an extensive server network, robust security, and a no-logs policy. Try it
	ExtremeVPN Affordable Firestick VPN with impressive unblocking capability and fast-speed servers. Try it
	Surfshark It offers excellent value for money as it offers solid features and supports unlimited simultaneous connections. Try it

Why do you need a VPN for Amazon Firestick?

A virtual private network (VPN) is an excellent tool for unblocking streaming content on Amazon Firestick. This will enable you to watch your preferred Netflix show while traveling abroad without worrying about geo-restrictions.

A VPN will also let you watch content in other regions. For example, you can watch the US or the UK version of Netflix outside of these locations.

Another reason you need a Firestick VPN is to enhance your online security and privacy. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and mask your online activity so you can stream anonymously.

Streaming is a data-intensive activity, and some internet service providers (ISPs) might throttle your bandwidth, significantly reducing your speed. A VPN hides your internet activity, preventing your ISP from throttling your internet.

How to install a VPN on Firestick, Fire TV, and Fire TV Cube directly

Here is a general procedure for installing a VPN on your Fire Stick device. Alternatively, you can visit the specific VPN website to learn more.

Alternative methods to install a VPN on your Amazon Fire TV

While many reliable VPNs (like the ones discussed below) have dedicated Firestick VPN apps, others don’t. Thankfully, there are some workarounds if your Fire TV doesn’t support VPNs or you can’t find your desired VPN on the Amazon App Store.

However, some of these strategies might require you to remove restrictions on installing applications from third-party sources other than the Amazon App Store.

Here is how to do it on Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, and Firestick.

This enables you to download apps from other sources. However, to be on the safe side, always ensure you do it from a trusted provider. 

After allowing the installation of apps from other sources, you should record your device’s IP address. You will need this information to install the VPN on Firestick devices. 

Download and install a VPN APK

As mentioned before, choosing a VPN with a dedicated Firestick VPN client is ideal.  

Don’t worry if you’ve already subscribed to a VPN that doesn’t have the Firestick app. You can download the VPN directly on your Fire TV device with an APK.

However, you must download the ‘Downloader’ app on your Firestick device. This will allow you to download app APKs from legitimate sources, including VPNs. Again, you should download the APK from a reliable source.

Here is how to download a VPN with a downloader.

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Sideload apps through Android 

As Firestick devices run on the Android operating system, you can sideload a Fire TV Stick VPN via an Android device.

You only need an Android device to download apps on your Firestick. For example, you can use Apps2Fire, which uploads apps on a device through an IP address. However, this can only work with a second-generation or newer Firestick device.

Here is how to sideload VPN apps on a Fire TV device.

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Use a VPN on Firestick, Fire TV, or Fire TV Cube through the router

If you are still stuck, here are other viable options if you can’t get the VPN’s APK, your device can’t support sideloading, or your Firestick or Fire TV isn’t compatible with VPNs.

Connect to a virtual VPN router

You can use your laptop to create a virtual Wi-Fi router to manage your Firestick’s internet connection. To do so, you only need to install the VPN app on your laptop and turn on the hotspot. This will enable you to enjoy the VPN’s functionality on your Fire TV.

The following guide explains how to do it.

For Windows 10

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For macOS users

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Connect to your physical VPN router

If you can’t figure out the above method, another workaround is connecting your device to your physical VPN router. 

This method allows you to use a VPN if your Amazon Firestick can connect to a VPN router. 

What is a VPN router? This is where the VPN is installed directly on the Wi-Fi router instead of any other device. As a result, all the traffic running through the router is encrypted. So, if you connect your Firestick device to this router, you don’t need to worry about installing the VPN on the device itself. 

This method’s only limitation is that you need another device, such as your smartphone or computer, to change the server location.

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How to know if a VPN works with your Firestick

Follow these steps to see if your VPN is working on your Firestick.

How to update the VPN app after installing it on Firestick

Once you install a VPN on your Firestick, you must ensure the app receives regular updates from the service provider to keep it secure.

Unfortunately, the app is unlikely to get updates since you didn’t download it from the official Amazon App Store.

So, what should you do? You can update the VPN client manually to keep it safe and secure. Follow the following steps to achieve it.

Uninstalling the VPN on your Fire TV stick

How do I control my Firestick and Fire TV to enter details?

After successfully installing the VPN app on your device, you might have trouble managing and controlling it. This is because you’re using an Android VPN app designed for touchscreens.

So, you’ll need an advanced remote control.

The first option is to use a Bluetooth mouse. While this is a convenient method to control the Firestick, it has limitations. For example, it is costly, and you won’t be able to enter text.

The second option is a remote controller app. This app turns your smartphone, whether an Android or iOS phone, into a remote control. To enjoy full control, you only need to connect your phone to the Firestick device.

Comparing the best VPNs to install on Amazon FireStick

Here is a comparison table for the best Firestick VPNs.

	NordVPN	ExtremeVPN	Surfshark	ProtonVPN	Windscribe
Supported device	Firestick, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, router	iOS, Windows, MacOS, Android, smart TV, router	Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers	Windows, Firestick, MacOS, Android, iOS	MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS,
Streaming websites	Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Max, Disney+	Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Peacock	Pluto TV, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime	HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+	Netflix, Hulu, HBO MAX, Tubi, YouTube, Popcornflix
Simultaneous connections	10	10	Unlimited	1 (free) and 10 (paid)	Unlimited
Average speed	100+ Mbps	99+ Mbps	99+Mbps	57+Mbps	44+Mbps
Best deal	$3.39	$3.29	$2.19	Free version	Free version

What is the best Firestick VPN?

We tested over 40 VPNs for Firestick, evaluating their apps, streaming speed, ge-restriction bypassing, and overall performance.

Here are our top 5 VPNs for Amazon Fire TV.

Premium VPNs for Firesticks

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is our top recommendation for Amazon Fire TV. You can download its app directly from the Amazon App Store to easily unblock media content worldwide.

We tested the VPN’s streaming capabilities on Firestick. It could unblock Netflix (on 20 libraries), Amazon Prime, YouTube TV, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. The services worked effortlessly without needing us to switch between several servers.

NordVPN’s servers have blazing-fast speed for a smooth streaming experience. It employs the proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on the WireGuard protocol) to improve speed and security. We tested the VPN’s streaming ability on distant server locations, like Australia, and its performance didn’t drop noticeably.

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2. ExtremeVPN

ExtremeVPN is another reliable and affordable VPN for Firestick. It is simple to download and use, has decent global server coverage, and offers fast speeds.

Since it doesn’t have a dedicated Firestick app, you must configure it using the methods above. The easiest way is to download the VPN on your router and connect the Firestick to the router. This will enable you to access restricted content from anywhere.

The VPN employs sufficient security and privacy measures to protect your connections online. It has AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, split tunneling, and more.

Despite these high-quality features, ExtremeVPN is one of the most affordable VPN services in the industry right now. It also offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a well-known VPN because of its exemplary service. It offers a wide range of advanced features, and the value for money is unbeatable.

The VPN has a decent network of 3,200 servers in 100 countries, enabling you to unblock media content worldwide. Consequently, the massive server network ensures less server congestion and faster speed.

Surfshark has impressive unblocking capabilities. During our tests, we easily unblocked Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. The high-speed servers allow you to stream high-definition content seamlessly. 

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Freemium VPNs for Firesticks

4. ProtonVPN

This is a great free VPN for FireStick as it doesn’t impose data caps like other freemium VPNs. As a result, you’ll be able to change your location and access blocked content without worrying about depleting data.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a native app for Fire TV. However, you can sideload it or download the APK on your device (we’ve explained the process for both above).

The provider works on a freemium module. ProtonVPN respects your privacy by not collecting your data even on its free plan, which is rare when it comes to free VPNs.

You can always upgrade to a paid subscription if you want extra features such as more servers, better speed, and simultaneous connections. This will help you avoid subscribing to and installing a different VPN on your device.

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5. Windscribe

Windscribe is another reputable free VPN for Amazon Firestick. We’ve included it on this list because of its robust features and satisfactory performance.

Fortunately, Windscribe offers a native app for Fire devices. This means you can easily configure it with your Firestick without going through the complicated workarounds.

The app has a clean interface and is user-friendly. As a result, you can easily sign in and connect to any server location to bypass geo-restrictions.

Another big plus with Windscribe is that it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, even with the free version. So, you can use it on other devices besides protecting your streaming activities.

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Methodology for choosing the best Firestick and Fire TV VPN

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a Firestick VPN.

• Support for Amazon Fire devices: If your VPN doesn’t have a dedicated app for Firestick, it should at least have a router app. This will enable you to bypass geo-restrictions through the router.
• Global server coverage: Since you’ll be unblocking content from different regions (this is one of the reasons many people use a VPN), you need a VPN with global server coverage. Besides extensive coverage, the VPN should have many servers to avoid congestion and poor performance.
• Kill switch: This essential security feature cuts your internet traffic if the VPN connection fails. So, choose a VPN with an automatic kill switch to watch your favorite content without compromising your security.
• Robust encryption: Choose a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption (the industry standard) for utmost online protection.
• Fast speed: Streaming is data-intensive, so you’ll need a VPN with fast-speed servers. Also, ensure it offers unlimited data for seamless streaming.

Can I use a free VPN for Firestick?

Yes, you use free VPNs for Firestick, but we discourage you from using them because of their shady reputations. For example, some have been caught stealing and selling user data to third parties, and others are known to embed malware in their software.

Instead, you should opt for freemium VPNs, as discussed in our above list. These are premium VPNs that offer a free VPN version. Although they have certain limitations, like fewer servers, you’ll get adequate protection and stellar performance.

Firestick VPNs to avoid

Many VPNs claim to work efficiently, but only a few do. Here are some VPNs we encountered during our research that you should avoid.

• Hide.me: It has a safe, free version. However, the VPN doesn’t unblock geo-restricted content, is slow, and no longer supports P2P sharing.
• Hola Free VPN: This VPN is known for selling free users’ bandwidth to premium users, exposing free users to privacy risks. It also logs your streaming activities.
• TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s free version cannot unblock some streaming apps. Also, it doesn’t have a dedicated Firestick or router app, which can complicate installing it on your Firestick.

Should I use a VPN for a jailbroken Firestick?

Jailbreaking or rooting a device means bypassing the manufacturer’s restrictions and getting root access to its operating system. This allows you to install apps from unknown sources.

However, jailbreaking or rooting devices can cause stability issues and increase security vulnerabilities. Also, some apps from unknown sources may add security threats.

Fortunately, you don’t need to jailbreak or root your Firestick device to use apps that are unavailable on the Amazon App Store. You only need to sideload the VPN app (as explained above).

We recommend always using a top-notch VPN like NordVPN, especially with a jailbroken or rooted device. The VPN will secure your internet traffic and keep you private.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Fire TV?

The legality of VPN usage depends upon the country in which you are currently living. Some countries ban VPN usage, and using it can get you into trouble. These countries include Belarus, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Iraq, and Oman.

Consequently, some countries only allow using government-approved VPNs. They include the UAE, Russia, China, Uganda, Egypt, India and Iran.

Since technology is crucial for global business, the regulations are ambiguous and constantly evolving. So, always check the local rules regarding VPN usage in your region before using a VPN, especially when traveling.

Troubleshooting Firestick VPN – Quick tips

If you have installed your VPN correctly and have a stable internet connection, your Firestick device should work properly with it.

However, if you face any issues, try the following tips:

• 1^st Generation Fire devices don’t support VPNs, so you should install the VPN on your router and then connect the Firestick to the router. 
• If you log in to your VPN app on Firestick, ensure you’ve entered the correct username and password. 
• If the Firestick device can’t establish a connection or shows some errors, restart it.
• If the VPN exhibits glitches or malfunctions, reinstall the app on your Firestick.
• Try switching to a different server if you experience connectivity issues or slow speeds.
• If you’ve forgotten your password, click on ‘Forgot password’ to create a new one. 
• Most VPN providers have active customer support. So, if the above troubleshooting tips don’t help, you can always contact them.

FAQs