How to Install a VPN on Fire TV Stick: Complete 2024 Guide

Todd Faulk
Updated on: October 10, 2024 Senior Editor

A VPN is a great tool for FireStick to stream more securely and privately. Unfortunately, they are pretty tricky to set up if you don’t choose the right VPN.

Plus, not all VPNs are compatible with FireStick. On top of that, many VPNs that work with FireStick devices often have complex and buggy apps, slow connection speeds, or don’t have any streaming support.

After testing dozens of VPNs, I’ve found 3 that work really well with Fire TV Stick, and I quickly mentioned them in this article. My top pick is ExpressVPN since it has a dedicated Fire Stick app that’s super intuitive, and it also has excellent streaming support and impressive speeds. Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

TRY EXPRESSVPN

What Are the Benefits of Installing a VPN on Your Fire TV Stick?

Installing a VPN on your Fire TV Stick has many benefits. I highly recommend it for the following reasons:

• Maintain privacy. VPNs encrypt your online activities, safeguarding your data from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), hackers, and other prying eyes. This ensures your browsing habits and personal information remain private.
• Improved security. With a VPN, your connection is encrypted. This ensures that your personal information, including your IP address, is secured from potential cyber threats. Plus, your ISP won’t be able to see any of your streaming activities!
• Prevent throttling. ISPs sometimes slow down your internet speed if they detect heavy data usage, such as streaming HD videos. A VPN prevents your ISP from seeing your online activities, which then prevents bandwidth throttling.

Best VPNs for FireStick & Fire TV in 2024

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company

How to Install a VPN on Fire TV Stick (Step-By-Step Guides)

There are multiple ways to install a VPN on your Fire TV Stick, and the choice depends on the VPN provider and your personal preference. The easiest method is to get a VPN that offers a native app in the Amazon App Store since you won’t have to configure anything manually, but there are a few other options as well.

How to Install a VPN From Fire TV Stick’s Apps Section

• Make sure your Fire device supports VPNs. Namely, 1st-gen FireSticks don’t support them, so you’ll have to go for 2nd generation devices and later.
• Choose a provider with a native Fire TV Stick app. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it has a user-friendly dedicated FireStick app that’s also feature-rich.
• Search for a VPN app. You’ll find it under the Apps and Games tab once you navigate to your FireStick home screen. Use the search bar to find your chosen VPN app.
• Download and install the app. Hit the Download button to install the app and wait for the installation to complete (it shouldn’t take longer than 30-60 seconds).
• Launch the app and log in. Open the VPN app from your application list and log in using your VPN account credentials.
• Connect and stream. Connect to a server and start watching.

How to Install a VPN on Fire TV Stick From an APK File

• Prepare your device by setting up permissions. Navigate to Settings on your Fire TV Stick, select My Fire TV then Developer Options, and enable Apps from Unknown Sources.
• Get the Downloader app. Install the Downloader app from Amazon’s app store. This app is free, and it will allow you to download apps that aren’t available in the App Store. Open the app.
• Download the VPN’s APK file. You’ll find the link on your VPN provider’s website. I don’t recommend downloading APK files from a third-party website, as they might contain malware. Copy and paste this link into the Downloader app, and then hit Install.
• Launch the app and log in. Navigate to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications to find your VPN app. Open the app and log in using your credentials.
• Connect to a server. You can now start streaming your favorite content.

How to Install a VPN on a Fire TV Stick With a Physical Router

• Choose a VPN that supports routers. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it is one of the only VPNs with a dedicated router app, so you won’t need to manually configure the app. Another option is to purchase a router with built-in VPN functionality or go for a VPN that supports manual router setups.
• Set Up the Router. If you choose a VPN without a dedicated router app, you’ll have to manually set up a VPN on your router. That’s why you should find the tutorial with relevant instructions and (hopefully) screenshots in your VPN provider’s support section.
• Open your Fire TV Stick device and start watching. Hook up your router to your internet connection and log into your VPN account. Now, all of the devices connected to your router, including your Fire TV Stick device, are connected to a VPN.

How to Install a VPN on Fire TV Stick With a Virtual Router

Windows

• Go to Network and Internet settings. After you connect to a server, open Network and Internet settings, choose the Mobile Hotspot option, and turn it on.
• Navigate to Advanced Network Settings. From there, find More Network adapter options, find your VPN network adapter (it’s usually under the name Ethernet 2), and right-click on it.
• Allow sharing. Find the sharing tab under Properties, check the box that says Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection, and click OK to save the changes.
• Connect to a VPN server. Now, you’ll see your VPN app. Click on it to open it and connect to a server.
• Connect your Fire TV Stick device to the shared network. Navigate to your Wi-Fi settings, find your PC’s shared network, and connect to it. Now, you’re using your PC as a mobile hotspot and you’re ready to start streaming.

macOS

• Share your internet connection. On your MacOS device, go to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing. In Share your connection from, choose your VPN. In To computers using, check Wi-Fi.
• Create a network name and password. Click on Wi-Fi options and create a network name for your hotspot connection. Set a password that will be required to join this network. If you get a notification saying To share your Internet connection, you must turn on Wi-Fi, click Turn Wi-Fi On.
• Turn on internet sharing. When you see a pop-up message stating Are you sure you want to turn on Internet sharing?, click Start. This will enable your new virtual router.
• Connect your VPN. Launch your VPN app on your Mac and select a nearby server.
• Configure your FireStick. On your FireStick, navigate to Settings > Network, then connect to the network you just created on your Mac.
• Start streaming on FireStick. With your FireStick now connected to your VPN through your Mac’s hotspot, you’re all set to enjoy secure streaming.

Tried Installing a VPN on Fire TV Stick, But It’s Not Working? Try These Troubleshooting Steps

• First, check if your device is compatible with FireSticks. VPNs generally work with the 2nd generation of Fire TV Stick devices and above. The 1st-gen FireStick doesn’t support VPN apps, so if you have this older model, you might need to upgrade your device or install the VPN on your router instead.
• Try a different server. Some servers might be overcrowded or not work as expected. Try connecting to a different server in your location.
• Restart your Fire TV Stick. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it often works. Simply go to Settings, select My Fire TV, and click Restart.
• Reinstall the VPN app. Sometimes, glitches during installation can cause issues. Uninstall the VPN app, restart your FireStick, and then reinstall the VPN app.
• Check your login details. Make sure you have entered the correct login details for your VPN service. Mistyped usernames and passwords are common errors. Also, your subscription might be deactivated or you might be exceeding your device limit.
• Update your FireStick. Make sure your FireStick is running the latest software version. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates. If you find any available updates, install them by following the instructions.
• Verify your internet connection. Conduct a test on your internet connection without the VPN to confirm that your network isn’t the problem. If your connection is unreliable, it could lead to the VPN malfunctioning.
• Contact support. If all else fails, reach out to your VPN provider’s customer support. They might have specific troubleshooting steps for their service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a VPN on Amazon FireStick?

Yes, you can definitely use a VPN on your Fire TV Stick. Many VPNs are compatible with FireSticks, but they don’t all have native apps. In this case, you can either sideload the VPN app onto your FireStick or install the VPN on your router. When choosing a VPN for your FireStick, consider factors such as its speed, streaming support, security features, and whether it has a dedicated FireStick app. You can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN, as it ticks all these boxes.

What is the best VPN for FireStick?

ExpressVPN is my top pick for Amazon FireStick devices. It offers excellent streaming support, lightning-fast speeds, and strong security features. Plus, with its dedicated FireStick app. What’s more, it’s #1 on our list of the best VPNs for Amazon FireStick. That said, the other VPNs I mentioned are also great picks.

Can you use a free VPN on FireStick?

Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Many free VPNs don’t support FireSticks, and many that do often don’t allow streaming, come with limitations such as data caps, have slow speeds, offer a limited number of servers, and lack key security features. For these reasons, a premium VPN such as ExpressVPN is a better option since it has excellent streaming support, really good speeds, and very secure apps.

Why won’t my VPN work on my FireStick?

There could be a number of reasons why your VPN won’t work on your FireStick. It’s possible that your device isn’t compatible with VPNs, especially if you have a first-generation FireStick. Additionally, not all VPNs have a dedicated FireStick app (ExpressVPN does and it’s very user-friendly) or allow sideloading on Fire devices.