Here’s why ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app is brilliant news for Netflix users (2024)

Here’s why ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app is brilliant news for Netflix users (1)

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If you’re fed up of having all the best Netflix shows locked out of reach because you’re in the wrong location, you’re in luck. That’s because ExpressVPN has just brought its VPN app to the Apple TV, meaning you can bypass the restrictions and watch whatever you want, even if it’s not available in your country.

Sure, I know what you’re thinking: we’ve been able to do this for a while. If you’re a Roku customer or use an Amazon Fire TV stick, you’ve been able to use VPNs to do exactly this for ages. If you’ve known where to look, things like Netflix’s restrictions aren’t all that restrictive.

So why is ExpressVPN coming to Apple TV big news? Well, there are a couple of reasons, for me at least. The first is that it’s perfect if your home is already full of Apple devices. The Apple TV is a great device whether or not it can bypass Netflix’s rules, and plenty of people already use it quite happily. For people like that, this is another boost to an already strong setup.

After all, the Apple TV is more than just a set-top box. You can use it as a hub to control all the best smart home devices, for example. Or you might use it as a lightweight gaming system, or as a way to exercise with your fitness apps. Now that it can also let you watch content from all over the world, it’s an even more tempting proposal for your home.

Protecting your privacy

The other reason this is good news is that it involves ExpressVPN. It’s been our pick for the best VPN service for years, so getting it on your Apple TV means another device can benefit from the app’s class-leading privacy protection, regardless of its geolocation-busting abilities.

Previously, if you wanted to stay anonymous while using an Apple TV, you had to configure your router – there simply wasn’t an option for Apple’s set-top box itself. Not everyone is willing to get their hands dirty with their router, so the ExpressVPN app just makes things much easier for everyone involved.

Apple first made VPNs available on the Apple TV with tvOS 17. Interestingly, it did this by saying the feature was intended for education and business users who want to access private networks. Whether or not that’s what most Apple TV users will use it for is anyone’s guess.

There could be more good news on the way: according to The Verge, NordVPN is now thinking about bringing its own VPN to the Apple TV, perhaps prompted by ExpressVPN’s actions. That can only be good news for Apple TV users wanting to protect themselves and get around Netflix’s limitations.

So, if that sounds good to you, you can download the ExpressVPN app from the Apple TV’s App Store. Now excuse me, I’ve got some TV to watch.

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Here’s why ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app is brilliant news for Netflix users (3)

Alex Blake

Freelance Contributor

Alex Blake has been fooling around with computers since the early 1990s, and since that time he's learned a thing or two about tech. No more than two things, though. That's all his brain can hold. As well as TechRadar, Alex writes for iMore, Digital Trends and Creative Bloq, among others. He was previously commissioning editor at MacFormat magazine. That means he mostly covers the world of Apple and its latest products, but also Windows, computer peripherals, mobile apps, and much more beyond. When not writing, you can find him hiking the English countryside and gaming on his PC.

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Here’s why ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app is brilliant news for Netflix users (2024)

FAQs

Here’s why ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app is brilliant news for Netflix users? ›

If you're fed up of having all the best Netflix shows locked out of reach because you're in the wrong location, you're in luck. That's because ExpressVPN has just brought its VPN app to the Apple TV, meaning you can bypass the restrictions and watch whatever you want, even if it's not available in your country.

Is Netflix blocking ExpressVPN? ›

ExpressVPN is optimized to work with Netflix so you can enjoy online privacy and security all the time, without the VPN interfering.

How do I get ExpressVPN to work with Netflix? ›

iOS or Android

Connect to a VPN server location you want to stream from. (If there is more than one server location available for the same country, choose the one that is closest to your physical location.) Check your IP address and run a DNS leak test to verify you are connected to the VPN successfully. Open Netflix.

Does ExpressVPN have an Apple TV app? ›

On your Apple TV, go to the App Store and search for ExpressVPN. Select Get. Select Get again. The ExpressVPN app will be downloaded to your Apple TV.

What is the best VPN for Netflix? ›

Simply put, everyone looking to use a VPN with streaming services such as Netflix can, and probably should, use NordVPN — it's really that good for streaming. Between its consistently good speeds and history of successfully unblocking, we think NordVPN can't be beat.

Where is the best VPN location for Netflix? ›

If you're looking for a VPN location for streaming, any city in the US or the UK is the best. They have the biggest Netflix libraries and access to such streaming services as Hulu, HBO Max, etc. Servers in European countries will also unblock some regional or country-specific TV channels and streaming sites.

Can Netflix detect VPN? ›

Netflix can detect such DNS leaks and identify you are on a VPN. Netflix keeps a track of all the requests it has seen so far and their IP addresses. If it detects a suspiciously high volume of traffic from one IP address, it can flag that IP address as VPN. Netflix also looks at cookies.

Which is better, NordVPN or ExpressVPN? ›

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are great options for streaming VPNs. They have powerful unblocking and streaming capabilities on various devices – from mobile to smart TV. However, NordVPN is our #1 pick overall because of better speeds and top-notch features.

Why use VPN for Netflix? ›

While Netflix has content libraries in 190 countries, they are geo-restricted. To bypass Netflix's restrictions to watch a documentary, movie or show from another country or keep up with shows whenever abroad, you'll need the best VPN for Netflix.

Does Apple TV have a built in VPN? ›

Unfortunately, not all Apple TV versions support VPN apps (only with tvOS 17, VPN apps can now be installed on the Apple TV directly). But you don't need to worry – even if you can't install a VPN app with one click, there are other ways to configure a secure VPN connection on your Apple TV.

Why is ExpressVPN not in the Apple Store? ›

If you do not see the ExpressVPN app in your App Store, try changing your App Store country. After the app has finished downloading, tap OPEN to launch the ExpressVPN app. Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Does Apple TV+ work with VPN? ›

One of the quickest and easiest ways to get a VPN for Apple TV is to download a VPN app and use it directly on your tvOS device. Before you download the app, make sure to choose a VPN service from a reputable and reliable provider.

Does ExpressVPN work with Amazon Prime? ›

ExpressVPN's fast network is compatible with popular services like Prime Video*, Netflix, Disney+, and more. Stream privately on any network.

What is the best use of ExpressVPN? ›

Accessing sensitive information: If you're checking your bank account, making online purchases, or accessing any sensitive personal information, a VPN can secure your internet connection, ensuring your data remains private.

What is the smart location of ExpressVPN? ›

ExpressVPN's Smart Location feature automatically picks the VPN server location that provides the optimal experience for you using metrics such as download speed, latency, and distance. Note: If you do not want to connect with Smart Location, you can connect to any of our VPN servers across 105 countries.

Why is Netflix blocking my VPN? ›

Netflix blocks VPNs because viewers use them to bypass geographical restrictions. To be precise, Netflix must enforce these limitations due to legal obligations. The platform only has licenses to distribute movies and TV shows in specific regions, not worldwide.

Why is Netflix not letting me use VPN? ›

You can't use a VPN while watching Netflix if you have an ad-supported plan. Go to your Account page to check your current plan. If you have an ad-supported plan: You'll need to change to an ad-free plan to use a VPN while watching Netflix.

Is Netflix still banning VPN? ›

Does Netflix ban VPN users? No, Netflix does not ban users who use a VPN. However, you won't be able to watch anything if Netflix detects that you're using a VPN.

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