Learn how to use your Google TV or Chromecast to stream by way of a VPN

Google is infamous for killing off initiatives in each its {hardware} and companies divisions. And, certainly, the announcement of the Google TV streaming box was successfully seen as an epitaph for the extra reasonably priced Chromecast model that Google had constructed up within the earlier decade. However this is the bizarre factor: Months after being pronounced useless, the $30 Chromecast is shambling alongside at Google’s on-line retailer. Perhaps it’ll ultimately exit of inventory, however within the meantime, you should purchase three for the value of a single Google TV.

A lot the higher, as a result of each Google streaming platforms are nonetheless sturdy contenders, with straightforward interfaces that present entry to all the best streaming services in a single centralized location. On the similar time, a rising variety of modestly priced smart TVs have Google TV built-in. However regardless of which Google viewing choice you utilize, you’ll be able to entry much more video content material, because of their sturdy help for VPNs (digital personal networks). Right here’s the best way to arrange a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you could wish to use one.

Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?

For streaming functions, VPNs have one clear profit: spoofing your IP handle to that of a special nation to be able to entry geo-restricted content material. If you happen to use a VPN and hook up with a special nation’s server, you’ll be able to entry its content material library on any streaming platform.

Let’s say you reside within the US however wish to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content material is free if you happen to dwell within the UK, however blocked in every single place else. Utilizing a VPN, you’ll be able to hook up with a UK VPN server and stream to your coronary heart’s content material.

VPNs even have appreciable safety advantages if you happen to use them in your smartphone or PC. Buying a single subscription means you need to use your VPN on any supported gadget, so we suggest you store for a versatile one which helps a number of concurrent logins.

What VPNs can be found on Google TV?

Google TV doesn’t have as many VPN apps to put in in comparison with different sensible TV programs like Amazon’s Fireplace TV OS. Though this will look like a drawback, it’s truly a blessing in disguise.

With VPNs, you wish to make sure you spend money on a top quality and reliable product. There are various untested or free VPNs out there that promote your knowledge or falsify their encryption claims. Though this won’t be an enormous concern for streaming functions alone, it usually poses large safety and privateness dangers.

When putting in a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast, we suggest the next VPN companies:

We even have a information to the best VPNs the place we clarify why we suggest them.

Learn how to arrange a VPN in your Google TV or Chromecast

It’s straightforward to make use of a VPN in your Google TV (and even perhaps simpler on a Chromecast). Right here’s a step-by-step information on the best way to set up one:

Google TV

Navigate to the Google Play Retailer in your Google TV.
Seek for the VPN you wish to set up (alternatively, seek for the key phrase “VPN” to view your choices).
Set up the VPN.
Enroll (or login if you have already got an account).
Navigate the nation server record and join.

Notice that you need to use your VPN on as many units because it helps. So, when you’ve bought a subscription, it’s smart to obtain it on as many platforms and units you’ll be able to to maximise your funding.

Chromecast

If in case you have a Chromecast, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from the advantages of a VPN — you simply want to make use of your smartphone or laptop computer in tandem with the streaming gadget. Right here’s the best way to do it:

Set up a VPN in your smartphone or laptop computer.
Be certain your Wi-Fi is enabled.
Activate the VPN in your smartphone/laptop computer.
Join your smartphone or laptop computer to your TV by way of Chromecast.
Start streaming your content material.

Further tip: VPNs additionally work with screencasting. So long as your sensible TV is below the identical Wi-Fi because the gadget you’re screencasting from, you need to use the VPN securely.

VPN choices for different streaming platforms

Haven’t got Google TV? Excellent news: Strong VPN choices (or alternate options) exist for the opposite main streaming platforms, too.

This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-your-google-tv-or-chromecast-to-stream-via-a-vpn-140619571.html?src=rss

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