How to set up and use a VPN on Samsung TV in 2024

As of right now, all new Samsung Smart TVs run on Tizen OS. This is an open-source, Linux-based operating system used for a plethora of common devices such as smartwatches and cameras. And while the Tizen OS is a reliable operating system, it is not compatible with VPN. So, a native Samsung TV VPN app does not exist. Without a VPN service, Samsung Smart TV users will not be able to access geo-restricted content, bypass online censorship laws, or enjoy the same level of cybersecurity as with a VPN.

Don’t get disappointed just yet, though. There are some pretty straightforward workarounds for setting up and using VPN apps on Samsung TVs. You can use a router, smart DNS, or Wi-Fi sharing to set up a VPN on your Samsung Smart TV. Undoubtedly, the addition of a VPN will allow you to access the world of geo-restricted content.

That said, not all VPN apps are made the same and not all of them work for this implementation. So, I tested 21 services and found that the best VPNs for Samsung TV are NordVPN, Surfshark, PrivateVPN, PureVPN, and Proton VPN. Their high-quality service, reliability, stability, and fast servers seemed to be just the ticket to providing me with a smooth streaming experience. So, read on if you’re looking for a guide on how to set up a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV using different methods — router, DNS, Wi-Fi sharing.

Best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The best VPN for Samsung Smart TV
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Affordable Samsung TV VPN with unlimited connections
   9.5
3. PrivateVPN

   Easy to set up VPN for Samsung Smart TV
   8.7
4. ExpressVPN

   Fast and reliable Samsung TV VPN
   8.4
5. Proton VPN

   Privacy-focused VPN app for Samsung TV
   8.6

How to install a VPN on Samsung Smart TV: 4 easy ways

A VPN allows you to access geo-blocked content on all the most popular streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. Besides, it allows you to bypass bandwidth throttling, ensuring a smooth streaming experience. Lastly, you can feel safer knowing that a VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your traffic keeping you safe while you browse.

While the Tizen OS used by Samsung Smart TVs does not support native VPN apps, there are three ways to install a VPN on Samsung Smart TV: using a router, Smart DNS feature, or through Wi-Fi sharing.

Each method requires a specific installation process. I’ll introduce you to the necessary steps below.

1. Set up VPN on Samsung TV using a dedicated app

Many VPN providers have dedicated apps for computers, smartphones, and smart TVs. If you own an Apple TV or an Amazon Fire Stick, install dedicated VPN app from reliable providers such as NordVPN or Surfshark. This is definitely the easiest way to connect your TV to a VPN service, compared to the router configuration path or the Smart DNS. Here’s how to do it:

1. Head to the App Store or Play Store directly on your TV. Here, I should mention that you will not find either of these on a Samsung Smart TV, but all the other TVs should have it. As for the Samsung Smart TV, you can add a VPN to it via a router, Wi-Fi sharing, or a Smart DNS feature.
2. Find a VPN app dedicated to Smart TVs and download it. I recommend trying out the NordVPN or Surfshark VPN service, as they consistently performed the best for buffer-free streaming and unlocking geo-blocked content.
3. Sign up or log into your account. If you don’t have an account, create it and purchase a subscription plan. Sidenote: you might be tempted to get a free version of a VPN service, but those usually come with data caps insufficient for streaming.
4. Choose a server and connect. Quick tip: choose a server in a country that has the streaming platform libraries you’re looking for.
5. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the vast content libraries available to you.

Unlock geo-blocked content with VPN >

2. Use VPN on Samsung TV via a router

Downloading a VPN app directly onto a Samsung TV is not possible. However, you can still get a VPN service on your Samsung Smart TV by installing it onto your router. NordVPN is my top pick for this task, because it is perfectly suited for TVs with various setup methods, has unparalleled streaming quality, and ensures the best privacy while you enjoy your content.

Most VPNs offer router firmware so customers can secure their entire home networks. Naturally, this method will cover your entertainment needs by changing your Samsung Smart TV location. But keep in mind that all devices connected to a router will share the same virtual location.

1. Check if your router is compatible with a VPN. You can look it up on the manufacturer’s website, read online forums, or contact the manufacturer’s customer support. If your router is not compatible with VPNs you won’t be able to install VPN onto it.
2. Get a reliable VPN service that’s compatible with your home router. I recommend NordVPN as it is the most versatile option with exceptional speeds and a flawless streaming experience.
3. Download the VPN software and choose VPN installation on the router. Once you log into your VPN provider’s app, you’ll be asked where you want to install it. In this case, choose the route option. Although the following steps after the installation might vary among providers, you’ll need to select your router type and model with each of them. Next, you’ll be guided throughout by your provider.
4. Link your Samsung TV to the VPN router. This is pretty straightforward and you can link them via Wi-Fi or LAN cable. Once the devices are connected, you should see a setup screen for the VPN router. Next, simply follow the directions.
5. Complete the setup and connect to a server in your desired streaming country. You should see plenty of choices here and be able to choose the server that works the best for you.
6. Watch exclusive TV channels on Samsung Smart TV! Now you can enjoy your favorite content safely and seamlessly.

Get VPN for your Samsung TV >

3. Set up Samsung TV VPN through Smart DNS

Smart DNS, or Smart Domain Name System, is a service that allows you to access otherwise restricted content by rerouting certain parts of your internet traffic. Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your data and doesn’t change your IP address. Instead, it’s solely focused on bypassing geo-based restrictions. Only a few VPNs support Smart DNS and my top choices for the job are NordVPN and Surfshark.

1. Subscribe to a VPN that supports Smart DNS. NordVPN is the leading provider in this regard
2. Activate Smart DNS by visiting the provider’s website. You’ll need to whitelist your TV’s IP address and note the VPN’s DNS address. Here’s how: log into your VPN provider’s website. Then, head to the Smart DNS page. Register your TV’s IP address. After that, you should get the VPN’s DNS IP address.
3. Configure the DNS on your Samsung Smart TV. Here’s how: Head to the Settings section on your TV. Find Network and then Network Status. Look for IP Settings and choose DNS Settings. Click on the Enter Manually section and enter the DNS code you just got on your VPN provider’s website. Click OK, and you’re all set.
4. Choose the VPN server of your preference. In this case, choose a country whose content you want to watch.
5. Start streaming your favorite shows or movies on Samsung Smart TV

Unblock content with Smart DNS

4. Install a VPN on Samsung TV via WiFi connection sharing

The final method is doable with practically any VPN service and is pretty straightforward. It requires first downloading and installing the VPN on your computer and then simply connecting it to your Samsung Smart TV via a personal hotspot. It’s probably the easiest way to get VPN to work on your TV, but keep in mind that your device (laptop, computer, or smartphone) has to be turned on all the time you’re using your Samsung TV. Try this method if you don’t mind involving multiple devices in your streaming setup.

1. Download and install the VPN on your device. I would recommend NordVPN, because it’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems which gives a lot of flexibility.
2. Connect to a server in the country whose content you want to watch.
3. Turn on hotspot on the PC or smartphone settings. Here’s how to do it: open the network settings on your device. You should be able to find the mobile hotspot option right away. Click on it, and if it’s a smartphone, you should be able to toggle it on right there, and if it’s a computer, click on it and then choose “Share my internet connection.” Next, activate it.
4. Connect your Samsung Smart TV to the Wi-Fi hotspot you created. To do this, you need to navigate to your TV menu and search for the Network section. Once there, choose Network Settings and Network type. Head to the Wireless option and choose the mobile hotspot you’ve just created. Click done and you’re connected to the internet via your computer’s or smartphone’s VPN connection.
5. Enjoy foreign content from the comfort of your home!

Get the best Samsung TV VPN

Best Samsung TV VPNs in 2024: our hands-on review

To get the best experience on your Samsung Smart TV, you need to get a VPN that is truly compatible with your router or TV. Additionally, the VPN service should have swift connection speeds and reliable geo-unblocking capabilities. While those two features are the most important for seamless streaming, a good VPN service will also be able to protect your cyber security while you relax with DNS leak protection, ad and tracker blocking, and a VPN kill switch.

These perks will serve you well even if your only goal is unblocking exotic movies on your Samsung TV. Check out our 5 recommended providers and pick one that seems the most appealing to you.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Samsung Smart TV

The overall best VPN for Samsung Smart TV in 2024 is hands-down NordVPN. Not only does it work perfectly on Samsung Smart TVs, but it is also compatible with all the possible setup variants. That includes router setup, your computer’s access point, or through NordVPN’s SmartPlay Smart DNS technology created specifically for streaming. I really liked how intuitive the whole setup process was with NordVPN and I particularly enjoyed the SmartPlay technology. It gave me the simplicity of a Smart DNS and the security of data encryption in one go.

NordVPN covers 113 countries with 6900 RAM-only servers. The fleet includes specialized categories, such as P2P, Onion over VPN, double VPN, and obfuscated locations. With this many servers, you are sure to find your preferred regions to stream content on Samsung Smart TV. I found accessing the content libraries of different countries a breeze, as it should be with such a vast fleet of servers in so many locations. Add to that the blazing-fast connections of up to 100+ Mbps with the proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on the next-gen WireGuard technology), and I was in for a seamless streaming session.

Movie and TV fans can unblock content on any device with NordVPN, thanks to the one-of-a-kind SmartPlay feature. Basically, it’s like Smart DNS on steroids with the benefit of hiding your IP address. It’s already there on the app, so there's no need for any additional installations or activations. As far as I know, the service was tested extensively, and it worked flawlessly with Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and numerous other streaming services.

Besides all this, using the NordVPN app also grants top-notch digital security via the Threat Protection tool. It blocks ads, trackers, and acts as an antivirus tool. Lastly, your privacy is guaranteed because the service operates from Panama and the service has multiple independent audits.

If all of this sounds too good to be true for you, go grab a NordVPN subscription for $2.99/month or try a free NordVPN 7-day trial and see for yourself. And, if you do decide that you don’t like the service after all, you can always cancel your subscription during the first month with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – affordable Samsung TV VPN with unlimited connections

Surfshark is an extremely well-priced VPN for Samsung TV with Smart DNS, router compatibility, unlimited connections, and wicked-fast connection speeds. Besides the obvious perks, setting up Surfshark VPN on my Samsung TV proved to be no bother at all whether I chose the router option, the Smart DNS, or Wi-Fi sharing. All that and more for $2.19/month minimum price. Alternatively, grab the 7-day Surfshark trial for a test run.

Customers can choose from over 3200 servers across a whopping 100 countries. Having this many servers and locations to choose from is especially important for streaming. Simply because this allows you to choose a well-operating server from a country whose content library you’re looking to access. So, in this case, a low server and country count might prove to be a bummer if you’re looking to stream unlimited content on your Samsung Smart TV.

Speaking of Surfshark, I had no trouble in accessing different libraries from various countries such as Japan, Brazil, and the UK on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney+, and all the other ones I tried. What impressed me the most, though, was the infallible 100+ Mbps connection speeds anytime and every time I switched a server. If you’re interested in the fleet parameters, Tthe entire countfleet is RAM-only and utilizes unique SDN (Software Defined Networking) technology for improved performance. Additionally, tunneling protocol options include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.

This VPN is an excellent choice for foreign content connoisseurs because of its country diversity and compatibility with streaming services. Specifically, Surfshark works well with HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Besides that, the app grants numerous security features, too, such as CleanWeb and NoBorders mode. The former wipes away ads and trackers, while the latter can bypass VPN restrictions.

And one last thing - as with any reputable VPN service provider, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re dissatisfied with the service or just want to try another provider.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. PrivateVPN – easy to set up VPN for Samsung Smart TV

PrivateVPN is a well-performing and affordable alternative for Samsung TV. While its arsenal of cybersecurity features is very well-rounded, it has fewer available servers compared to NordVPN and Surfhark. That said, with subscriptions starting at $2.00/month, and you can get a 7-day free trial.

Now, the service operates a humble network of 200 servers across 63 countries. This is definitely not an impressive number. While there are decent 35 European countries with 41 servers to choose from, the Americas only have 9 countries with 23 servers. This makes PrivateVPN susceptible to overcrowded servers, which might hurt your streaming experience quite badly. I did manage to unblock the US Netflix library and stream some content on the BBC iPlayer, but the connection speeds and the streaming quality depended on the time of day I tried it. The connections run on a combination of the OpenVPN tunneling protocol and HQN (High Quality Network) technology, but that did not really help when I encountered those overcrowded servers I mentioned before.

Although PrivateVPN lacks Smart DNS, it supports manual router configuration as an alternative. Plus, you can use one account to secure up to 10 different devices simultaneously. You’ll be happy to know that the service supports desktop computers, mobile phones, Android TV, and Amazon FireOS devices.

The PrivateVPN comes with Application Guard, which will shut off selected apps if the VPN suddenly stops working. Additionally, Stealth VPN is available to circumventfor getting around restrictions against virtual private network traffic.

Last but not least, you can check out if PrivateVPN suits your needs with a 7-day free trial or use the 30-day money-back option if you need it.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

4. ExpressVPN – fast and reliable Samsung TV VPN

ExpressVPN is another worthwhile VPN for Samsung TVs. This service has great privacy and security indicators, but the most important thing here is its low impact on connection speed and quite impressive streaming capabilities. Similarly to the other VPNs on my list, ExpressVPN was simple to set up on my Samsung Smart TV. I tried it by installing the app onto the router, via Wi-Fi sharing, and also by using its MediaStreamer service, which is basically a Smart DNS but with a fancy name.

ExpressVPN customers can connect to over 3000 servers across 105 countries. Not all of the servers are physical, but the addition of the virtual ones allowed ExpressVPN to expand the number of supported countries significantly. Besides that, almost almost servers support 10 Gbps speeds, and users can aim for that with the Lightway protocol.

As for streaming itself, ExpressVPN did an excellent job unblocking geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Max, and other platforms. I liked the consistency of speed and streaming quality every time I used it. I guess it’s no wonder why it's so often favored among streamers and gamers.

If ExpressVPN sounds like just the ticket for you, be prepared to pay $4.99/month if choosing the annual plan. A one-month subscription comes at a pretty steep $12.95. However, you can always try their 7-day free trial with one caveat - it’s only available for mobile devices. Lastly, you can purchase a subscription and get a full refund in the first 30 days if you don’t like it.

For a deeper investigation of ExpressVPN, read our ExpressVPN review.

5. Proton VPN – privacy-focused VPN app for Samsung TV

Proton VPN is an excellent VPN for Samsung TVs focused first and foremost on security and privacy. The Swiss-based provider supports manual router configuration, guarantees lightning-fast speed, and grants loads of extra features.

The network contains 9200 servers across 110 countries. Fast connection speeds between them are provided with WireGuard and the proprietary VPN Accelerator. I found this feature to be a great addition to the streaming quality on my Samsung Smart TV as it reduced various inefficiencies and provided a noticeable performance boost when I connected to faraway locations.

Proton VPN offers excellent privacy because the service boasts an independently-audited no-logs policy, Swiss jurisdiction, and open-source software. The same trustworthy developers also created services for encrypted email, cloud storage, and online calendars. However, it’s important to note that this privacy-focused provider isn’t the best regarding video content unblocking. That’s mostly because the Proton VPN free plan does not allow you to stream content, offers servers in just 5 countries, and does not have a functioning ad blocker.

That said, the paid premium plan comes at $3.59/month, which is a bit more than the average. Proton VPN does not offer a 7-day free trial anymore, but you can get started with the unlimited free plan. Remember that the free plan is not the best for streaming, so my advice would be to buy a full subscription and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if need be.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Best Samsung TV VPNs: comparison

Explore new content with VPN >

How I tested and selected these Samsung Smart TV VPNs

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what aspects I considered when compiling the list of best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV.

1. Device compatibility with Samsung TV. It’s not worth opting for VPN services without multiple ways of setup for smart TVs. That’s why I selected those who either have an app that works with my router or have a Smart DNS feature. Plus, a worthwhile provider should support multiple simultaneous connections with one account, ideally for a diverse device fleet.
2. Connection speed. Streaming video in 4K can be a data-intensive task, especially if you’re connecting to VPN servers across the globe. As such, you’ll want your Samsung Smart TV VPN to be as fast as possible to guarantee lag-free connectivity. I found NordVPN to be the best for the task because it never dropped my connection speed more than 20%.
3. Server network. A good VPN service provider for streaming should have plenty of available servers worldwide. This way, you’ll be certain to access the geo-blocked content you were looking for. My top three choices in this regard are NordVPN, Surfshark, and PrivateVPN, all of which have over 100 countries available on their lists.
4. Security and privacy features. Respectable VPNs should have all the latest security and privacy features. Think trustworthy encryption protocol, reliable IP masking performance, and a firm zero-logs policy verified by third-party audits. The provides I included on this list tick all the boxes, so rest assured with your choice.
5. Subscription price. In selecting these apps, I aimed to provide you with a choice between prices. Some are below the industry average, and some are a bit more expensive. However, what I did not want to do was offer services that were not worth your while.

VPN is not working on Samsung Smart TV: solution

There’s a small chance your VPN won’t immediately work with Samsung Smart TV. This problem can arise from a faulty installation or issues with the streaming platform you’re trying to unblock. Here are a few fixes you can try before reaching out to customer service.

1. Make sure your IP address on Samsung TV has changed. Go to your TVs network settings and ensure that the IP address actually changed to a different one.
2. Check for DNS leaks. A faulty VPN connection can expose your true location by leaking DNS requests. Use a website like dnsleaktest.com to ensure that your VPN tunnel is airtight.
3. Switch to another server. Streaming services try to limit the influence of VPNs by blocking their server IP addresses. This practice can cause issues when trying to change your Netflix region. Thankfully, you can easily get a new one by connecting to another server.
4. Update your software. Make sure you’re using the latest version of your VPN to get the best possible results.

Can I use free VPN for Samsung Smart TV?

Yes, it’s possible to use a free VPN service for Samsung Smart TV. However, I don’t recommend it if you want to unlock your device’s full potential. Here are a few reasons why:

• No router firmware
• Slow connection speeds
• Can’t unblock geo-restricted streaming content
• Monthly data caps
• Abysmal server selection
• Inferior security features

And if all of this isn’t a strong enough deterrent for free VPNs, a recent study by The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) found that 67% out of 283 free Android VPN apps tracked user activity, and a whopping 84% did not encrypt personal online data properly. So, not only a free VPN for Samsung TV will do practically nothing beneficial except change your IP address but they’ll also collect excess data about you. And because they still have to make money somehow, they sell that information to offset the fact that you’re not paying anything.

In conclusion, there’s no such thing as the best free VPN for Samsung Smart TV because that’s simply non-existent. No high-quality provider will provide its services free of charge, especially for a streaming device. As such, your best bet is to utilize a VPN with a trial period and a 30-day money-back guarantee. My choice here is NordVPN, as I found its trial period and the money-back option very uncomplicated to subscribe to and cancel. Which is, honestly, kinda rare these days. And once you see how splendidly a certain provider works, you’ll see the benefit of signing up for a premium subscription.

Get NordVPN 7-day trial

What can a VPN unblock on your Samsung TV?

A proper VPN service can unblock most of the popular content from all over the world. That includes streaming the Olympic Games, watching the newest movies on Disney+, or enjoying the good old Sopranos on HBO from anywhere in the world. And if you’re into adult content or exotic films, a VPN can also help you with that. Here’s a sample of what popular series and movies you can find on the biggest streaming platforms and in which countries to look for it:

Unblock content with NordVPN

Conclusion

Only a handful of VPNs are suitable for Samsung Smart TV because the services must contain router compatibility, excellent connection speeds, and top-notch geo-block removal capabilities. Without these, you’ll have to deal with laggy video and little access to foreign movies and TV shows. After all the tests I did, I can firmly say that the best Samsung TV VPN is NordVPN. It consistently provides top speeds, unblocks all content, and offers top-notch cybersecurity features

---

You may also like to read:
Best VPN for Amazon Fire Stick
Best VPN for routers
Best VPN for Xbox One
How to watch American TV abroad
How to get Netflix cheaper
How to watch FIFA World Cup

---

FAQ

Why is there no VPN on my Samsung smart TV?

Samsung Smart TVs do not have built-in VPNs and no native VPN apps for you to download and install directly onto your device. However, you can still enjoy the benefits of a VPN on your Samsung TV with a couple of simple workarounds.

Are there workarounds to use VPN apps on Samsung TV?

Yes, there are tried-and-tested workarounds for getting a VPN service to work on your Samsung Smart TV. You can download and install a VPN app directly onto your router, use it with Wi-Fi sharing, or use a Smart DNS feature.

Can I install a VPN on my Samsung Smart TV?

No, you cannot download a VPN app directly on Samsung Smart TV because its operating system doesn’t support such software. Instead, you’ll need to use alternative setup methods (router configuration, Smart DNS, or hotspot sharing).

Can I install VPN on Tizen TV?

No, you can’t install a VPN directly onto Tizen TV, as its operational system does not support any VPN apps. However, you can still get a functioning VPN service, for instance, by installing it on your router.

How do I get VPN on my Samsung Frame TV?

While there are no native VPN apps for Samsung Frame TV, you can set up a VPN service directly onto your router, use a Smart DNS service to unlock geo-blocked content or enjoy the freedom a VPN gives you via Wi-Fi sharing with your other devices.

How to get a free VPN on my Samsung Smart TV?

You can’t get a free VPN on Samsung TV because the device doesn’t support such software. However, alternative installation methods exist, such as configuring your home router with a VPN or via Smart DNS. Unfortunately, free VPNs don’t provide these features.

What is the best VPN for Samsung TV?

For the best Samsung Smart TV VPN, consider NordVPN, Surfshark, Private VPN, Express VPN, and ProtonVPN. All of these providers have more than enough available server and country choices to unlock content, are known for their excellent speeds, and offer excellent security. You can utilize all of them on your home entertainment device via a Smart DNS feature, router configuration, or hotspot without much hassle.