How to Use a VPN on a Fire TV Stick (Easy Installation Guide)

We tested popular VPN services to determine the best VPN to use on Amazon Fire TV Stick. If you want the most bang for your buck, Surfshark is the best VPN to use with a Fire TV Stick. It offers fast connections and an extensive server network at a more affordable price. Additionally, it includes a top-notch ad blocker and unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices. 

Our other two picks include NordVPN, a high-speed VPN that offers advanced security features, and IPVanish, which also boasts unlimited simultaneous connections but without perks. 

Let’s explore how to use a VPN on a Fire Stick, including installation instructions and the best VPN services for Fire Stick use.

How to install a VPN on your Fire TV Stick

You generally have two options to choose from for using a VPN on a Fire TV Stick. 

1. Downloading a VPN app on the Fire TV Stick.
2. Using a VPN router.

Unless you already have a VPN router or are planning on getting one, downloading an app is most likely the easiest option for using a VPN on a Fire Stick.

Download a VPN app on your Fire TV Stick

You usually need a subscription before you can start using a VPN on your Fire Stick. If you already have a subscription, follow these steps to get started:

1. Open the Amazon Appstore from the home screen and search for your VPN.
   
2. Install the app, open it, and log in.
3. Connect to the VPN and you’re all set.

Install a VPN on your router

Installing a VPN on a router is an effective way to provide all internet-connected devices in your home with access to more security and privacy. This includes Fire TV devices and smart TVs, as well as other smart devices that don’t usually provide VPN app functionality. 

Here is a general overview of how to install a VPN on your router. Be sure to check out our complete guide on how to install a VPN on a router

1. Check router compatibility.

2. Choose one of the best VPN apps for routers.

3. Log in to your router.

4. Configure your router.

5. Test the VPN connection.

Why use a VPN on your Fire TV Stick?

We use a virtual private network (VPN) on our Fire TV Stick to unblock streaming content. This is usually the primary reason for many Fire Stick users. This allows us to watch Netflix with a VPN while traveling or at home, without worrying about geo-restrictions.

For example, watching U.S. Netflix content while in the U.K. is typically not possible unless you use a VPN. The same goes for using other streaming platforms while abroad, including HBO Max and Hulu.

Another reason you might use a VPN on your Fire TV Stick is to increase your online security and privacy. VPNs work to encrypt and hide your online activity, so you can anonymously go about your business.

Using a VPN could also help you avoid internet throttling. Your internet service provider (ISP) may throttle your bandwidth usage for various reasons. Regardless of the reason, using a VPN could help hide your online activity from your ISP and prevent it from throttling your internet.

Note that using a VPN to avoid internet throttling may not be effective in all cases. You might have to upgrade your internet package to allow for more bandwidth or simply use less bandwidth to avoid throttling.

What is the best VPN for Fire TV Stick?

In our opinion, the best VPN for a Fire TV Stick is one that’s easy to set up and does what you want it to. For us, this means providing advanced VPN encryption, unblocking streaming services, and offering a clean and easy-to-use interface.

The VPN providers we tested offer high levels of privacy and various security features at different price points, but not all are easy to use. Some users experienced issues with streaming TV shows and movies across different regions.

We recommend Surfshark as our overall top pick, with NordVPN and IPVanish as close runners-up. 

	Starting price per month	Connection speed	Streaming access	Logging policy	User-friendly app
	$1.99/mo (billed every two years)	Fast		No logs
	$3.39/mo (billed every two years)	Fast		No logs
	$2.19/mo (billed every two years)	Fast		No logs

1. Surfshark

Surfshark is a solid, budget-friendly option for streaming content on a Fire TV Stick. Its Fire TV app features an easy-to-use interface, and we were able to unblock international regional streaming content on Netflix and Disney+. Additionally, all Surfshark plans include CleanWeb, an advanced ad blocker that helps you stream uninterrupted and blocks ads on Amazon Prime Video.

It was also nice that Surfshark provided an easy way to log in to your account on the Fire Stick using a phone or computer. This was so much easier than manually typing in an email and password using the Fire TV Stick remote.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN offers a similarly easy login option as Surfshark, allowing you to avoid the difficulty of using the Fire TV Stick remote to input account information. The Nord app was also able to unblock out-of-market streaming content with Netflix and Disney+. NordVPN is one of the best VPNs available, but it doesn't offer unlimited simultaneous connections, unlike Surfshark or PIA. 

3. IPVanish

 

IPVanish also unblocks Netflix and Disney+ content while connected to international servers and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. The downside to this affordable VPN app is that it lacks a quick connect option. We had to slowly input our email address and password using the Fire TV Stick remote.

How to change the Amazon region on the Fire Stick

You can manually change the location on your Fire TV Stick by adjusting some settings in your Amazon account. You might want to do this if you’ve physically moved to another country and want to update your address. Here’s how to get started:

1. Log in to your Amazon account.
2. Select the Account & Lists dropdown menu and choose Content & Devices.
3. Select the Preferences tab and then choose Country/Region Settings.
4. Click the Change button to complete a form with your new address.
5. Restart your Fire TV Stick and register your device with the new location.

Note that following these steps may not always work in every situation to unblock regional streaming content. You often need to use a VPN with your Fire TV Stick to successfully unblock different streaming platforms. A VPN can also mask your IP address and physical location.

Fire Stick VPN troubleshooting tips

Having trouble getting your VPN to work with your Fire TV Stick? Consider these top tips.

Check your Fire TV Stick

Many popular VPN services provide Fire TV Stick apps for their VPNs. But you typically need a second-generation Fire Stick or newer to be compatible with these apps. You might be out of luck with using a VPN app if you have a first-generation Fire Stick.

Check your internet connection

You need some bandwidth to establish a secure VPN connection, which could slow down your internet speeds. You may experience connectivity issues when trying to use a VPN on a Fire TV Stick if you don’t have the fastest internet or your router is overloaded with devices.

Reinstall the VPN app

There’s not necessarily any rhyme or reason, but sometimes a quick reinstall of a program or app can resolve your issues. Consider deleting and reinstalling a VPN app on your Fire TV Stick if it’s not functioning properly. This step may also be necessary if you’re using a Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android app.

Reboot your device

Have you tried turning it off and on again? This type of advice may be a bit clichéd at this point, but it remains a legitimate solution for all types of technology. A quick reboot of your Fire TV Stick could be the refresh your device needs to get your VPN working.

Fire Stick VPN FAQs

Bottom line

Fire TV Sticks are convenient options for streaming content from just about anywhere with a TV and internet connection. But you typically need a VPN to unblock regional streaming content, especially if you want to access U.S. content libraries while traveling abroad.

We recommend Surfshark for its fast speeds, high levels of security and privacy, and easy-to-use interface. Plus, it's one of the most affordable high-end VPNs on the market. Learn more in our Surfshark review.