How to Install a VPN on Your Amazon Fire TV Stick (2024)

The Amazon Fire TV Stick transforms any normal TV into a smart TV. However, streaming sites limit the shows and movies you can watch based on where you live. Luckily, with a Fire Stick VPN, you can easily bypass geographic restrictions and watch your favorite content from different international libraries.

After extensive testing of 80+ VPNs, we’ve come to rely on NordVPN as our go-to Fire Stick VPN because it’s reliable and consistent in its security, speed, and unblocking. With over 6331 servers in 111 countries, you can watch shows and movies from anywhere in the world!

Method 1: Install a VPN on Your Amazon Fire Stick from the Appstore

There are several ways to install and use a VPN on your Fire TV devices. Some of these can be quite time-consuming and are best used if none of the other methods work for you.

Our preferred method to install a VPN on your Amazon Fire TV device is to download a VPN from the Amazon Appstore. You only need to find the app on the Appstore, download it, and log in to the VPN app. Most leading VPN providers, including NordVPN, offer apps specifically built for FireOS.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a VPN on your Amazon Fire Stick by downloading it from the Amazon Appstore:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider that offers an Amazon Fire Stick app. NordVPN, our top-ranked Fire Stick VPN, offers an easy-to-use but secure app for the Fire.

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2. Open the Appstore on your Fire TV Stick device. You can find the Appstore by clicking right on the remote from the Fire TV home screen.

   

3. Search for the Firestick VPN of your choice. If you can’t find your preferred VPN, it probably doesn’t have an app for the Amazon Appstore and you’ll have to use one of the alternative methods listed below.

   

4. Download and install the VPN from the Appstore.

   

5. Find the VPN app in your apps library. The library can be accessed by navigating to the right from the Home screen.

   

   See Also

   The best VPNs for Amazon Fire TV Stick in 2023 | Expert ReviewsBest VPNs for Amazon Fire Stick 2024Best VPN for Firestick 2024 [Top Free & Paid VPNs For Streaming]Best Fire Stick VPN in 2024

6. Once you open the app, you’ll be asked to log in or subscribe to the VPN provider. If you bought a subscription in Step 1, log in with your ID and password or use an alternate device for verification. If not, you’ll have to purchase a VPN subscription.

   

7. After logging in, select the VPN server you want to connect to. If you don’t select a VPN server, the provider usually connects you to the fastest available server. For us, this was NordVPN’s server in Thailand.

   

8. Your Fire Stick should now be connected to a VPN! Look for a green connected signal on your VPN app to ensure you’re connected. You can also use our free IP address tool to check if you’re successfully connected.

   

With a VPN setup on your Fire Stick or Fire TV Cube, you can now freely watch movies and shows on your favorite streaming service, be it BBC iPlayer or HBO Max. In fact, we use NordVPN on our Fire TV Sticks to keep up with live sporting events, such as the UEFA Champions League.

Method 2: Install a VPN on Your Amazon Fire Stick Using an APK file

Amazon Fire Sticks run Fire OS, which is based on Google’s Android. As a result, you can download and install Android application packages (APKs) on your Fire device. This method works if your VPN provider hosts an official APK on their website but not on the Amazon Appstore.

We explain how you can install a Fire Stick VPN with such an APK below:

1. Open the Settings menu on your Amazon Fire Stick.
2. Select “My Fire TV” from the Settings menu.

   

3. Scroll down to the Developer Options tab and click on it.

   

4. Enable ADB Debugging and allow installation of apps from unknown sources. We need to allow this since we will be downloading and installing the application from the VPN provider’s website, which is an unknown source.

   

5. Find and install the “Downloader” app from the Amazon Appstore. This app lets you download APK and other files directly from the internet.

   

6. Get the URL for your VPN provider’s APK from their website. For instance, you can get the link to the NordVPN APK from its downloads section.

   

7. Open the Downloader app and enter the URL you obtained in the previous step.

   

8. Download the file using the Downloader app. Once the download is complete, you will be prompted to install the downloaded APK.

   

9. Your VPN for Fire Stick should now be installed! This can be confirmed by checking if the VPN app shows up in the Apps library.

For further instructions on setting up your VPN after installation, follow the previous section from step six onwards. Remember to only download the APK file from your VPN provider’s website.

If you’re unsure about which VPN provider to choose, we recommend sticking to NordVPN, which has a verified APK available on its website. NordVPN also topped our list of the fastest VPNs available today, so you’re sure to have a lag-free binge-ing experience!

Method 3: Install a VPN on Your Router

If you have a first-generation Fire Stick or if your preferred VPN provider doesn’t have a verifiable APK file, you’ll need to install a VPN on the router your Fire Stick is connected to.

By installing a VPN on your router, the internet traffic on all devices connected to it is automatically encrypted and protected.

Once you have a router with firmware that supports VPNs, follow the steps below:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider that supports your router’s firmware. NordVPN works on virtually all major leading routers, including ASUS and Netgear.
2. Get your service credentials and server details from the VPN provider’s website.

   

3. Log in to your router’s firmware by entering its IP address in your browser, which is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

   

4. Configure the VPN using the “Advanced” or “Menu” section on the router’s settings page.

   

5. Save the settings and reboot your router.
6. Connect your Fire Stick to the router’s network.

Connecting your router to a VPN ensures that all traffic is encrypted. This applies not just to your Fire Stick, but also to every device connected to your router.

Not only does NordVPN support most major leading router manufacturers, but it also offers a range of pre-flashed routers with VPN protection out of the box! We particularly like the ASUS RT-AX86U, which has a 5700 MBps data transfer rate and comes with NordVPN installed.

Of course, if your router firmware already supports VPNs, then you need only install NordVPN on your router. NordVPN is offering a 58% discount if you use our link below:

Method 4: Set Up a VPN on Your Wi-Fi Hotspot

If you can’t or don’t want to change the firmware on your router, you can also turn your PC or Mac into a virtual router. Simply install a VPN on your PC or Mac, turn on its hotspot, and then connect the Fire TV Stick to the hotspot.

The steps for setting up a WiFi hotspot vary depending on your laptop’s operating system. We have detailed guides for installing VPN apps on your Windows and Mac virtual routers, which you can check out for step-by-step instructions.

A quick overview of the steps involved in setting up a virtual VPN router on Windows is provided below:

1. Set up a virtual router on your Windows device. The easiest way is through a software application, such as Virtual Router Plus. You can also use Command Prompt if you are comfortable entering some lines of code.

   

2. Subscribe to a leading VPN provider like NordVPN.

   NordVPN

   Our choice

   Deal

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   From

   $ 3.09

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   See Also

   4 Best VPNs for Firestick and Fire TV (April 2024)

   • Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
   • Perfect for privacy and streaming
   • Trusted by many, with over 14 million users

   VisitNordVPN

3. Download and install the VPN application on your Windows device.
4. Connect to a VPN server in your preferred location. We connected to a US NordVPN server to demonstrate.

   

5. Allow other network users to connect through your computer’s internet connection within your internet connection settings to complete the process.

   

Why You Should Install a VPN for Fire Stick

Installing a VPN on your Fire Stick has several benefits besides protecting traffic and browsing activity. However, there are also some potential downsides to installing a VPN on Firestick. The table below captures both the pros and cons of using a Fire Stick VPN:

The Top 5 VPNs for Fire Stick

Now that we know the benefits of using a VPN on your Fire TV Stick, let’s learn a little more about the best Fire Stick VPNs. After extensive testing, we’ve shortlisted five premium VPNs based on their speed, ease of use, unblocking capability, and privacy and security.

Check out the table below for a quick overview of each VPN’s key features:

NordVPN emerges as our top Fire Stick VPN as it offers robust security, great speeds, and seamless unblocking at a reasonable price. Click on the link below to get a limited-time deal on NordVPN!

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Fire Stick

Features:

• Official Fire Stick app: Yes
• Unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
• Dedicated streaming servers: No
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days

NordVPN is our best overall VPN, and it’s the best VPN for the Amazon Fire TV Stick, as well. Nord’s official Fire Stick VPN app is easy to use, taking no more than 5 minutes to download and set up. It also offers an official APK in case you have trouble downloading from the Amazon Appstore.

With Nord’s 6331 servers in 111 countries, you can unblock virtually any movie or show you want to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms. Its fast yet stable speeds ensure you can stream content on your Fire Stick with barely any buffering.

When it comes to security and privacy, few VPN providers compare with NordVPN. It uses the latest encryption protocols, including its own NordLynx protocol, and has a robust no-logs policy.

Our full NordVPN review goes into greater detail on the VPN’s speed and security features. If you’re someone who prefers trying out a service before buying it, be sure to make use of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

2. Surfshark: The fastest VPN for Amazon Fire Stick

Features:

• Official Fire Stick app: Yes
• Unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.
• Dedicated streaming servers: No
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Surfshark is one of the best streaming VPNs we’ve tested on the Amazon Fire TV stick. It successfully maintains its speeds across its vast server network that spans 100. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it to protect all devices in your household or office.

Surfshark’s excellent speeds are coupled with great unblocking capabilities, making it a potent streaming VPN. We used Surfshark to watch shows and sports on leading streaming platforms, including Peaco*ck and ESPN+. Surfshark also offers dedicated IP addresses, which belong only to you. These help avoid geo-blocking by streaming platforms.

When using Surfshark, all traffic on Fire Stick is secured with military-grade 256-bit encryption. It also has a proven no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t store any data on user traffic. What’s more, its kill switch protects user data in case your VPN connection falters.

Want to know more about this provider’s offerings? Check out our full Surfshark review. Be sure to try it out for yourself using Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. CyberGhost: A budget-friendly Fire Stick VPN

Features:

• Official Fire Stick app: Yes
• Unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
• Dedicated streaming servers: Yes
• Money-back guarantee: 45 days

If you’re on a tight budget but still want a high-quality Fire Stick VPN, CyberGhost is your best bet. Having first made its name as a free VPN, CyberGhost now offers a great premium VPN that works across multiple platforms, including the Amazon Fire Stick.

While not as fast as Surfshark, CyberGhost is fast enough to stream content in 4K and HD without any significant lag. It also has a massive server network, with 11188 servers in 100 countries, letting you access content from several different libraries globally.

CyberGhost’s dedicated streaming servers are another standout feature. These servers are optimized for streaming, and our tests revealed that they load content faster than normal servers. Moreover, CyberGhost’s dedicated Fire TV app is very easy to use, making it a great fit for first-timers.

For an in-depth overview of this provider, read our full CyberGhost review. Alternatively, try out CyberGhost for yourself using its generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN: The best Fire Stick VPN for security

Features:

• Official Fire Stick app: Yes
• Unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.
• Dedicated streaming servers: No
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days

ExpressVPN is a household name when it comes to VPNs, known for its robust security and privacy. However, it’s also one of our best streaming VPNs and can be easily installed on the Amazon Fire Stick.

During our tests, ExpressVPN unblocked all major streaming services, including ITVX and Hulu. We recorded some of our fastest overall speeds while using its proprietary Lightway protocol, leading to a seamless streaming experience.

Of course, security is ExpressVPN’s strongest selling point. It uses the latest encryption protocols to secure your internet connection and boasts a robust no-logs policy, ensuring user data is neither collected nor shared with third parties.

Want more information about ExpressVPN’s robust security and performance? Check out our detailed ExpressVPN review. ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee provides a great way to try out the app without committing to a long-term subscription.

5. Private Internet Access: Fire Stick VPN with a large server network

Features:

• Official Fire Stick app: Yes
• Unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more.
• Dedicated streaming servers: Yes
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days

With over thousands servers, PIA has the largest network of all VPNs on this list. When testing the Fire Stick app, we easily accessed popular streaming services such as HBO Max using its servers in the UK and US.

PIA offers both optimized streaming servers and dedicated IP addresses, ensuring you’re unlikely to face a geo-block when using the service. We were also pleasantly surprised by PIA’s consistently fast speeds, even for servers located further away.

User privacy and security are also key concerns for PIA. It uses leading encryption protocols to safeguard user data and does not retain any logs of your traffic, making it a great Fire TV Stick VPN.

Check out our full PIA review for more details on the provider! And, of course, take full advantage of PIA’s 30-day money-back guarantee to test this VPN service for free.

How to Change Your Amazon Region on Fire Stick

Amazon’s content library varies across different regions. If you’d like to access shows and applications available only in select countries, you may need to change your region on the Fire Stick. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Sign into the Amazon website.
2. Click on the “Accounts & List” drop-down menu and select Your Content.

   

3. Select “Devices” from the “Digital Content and Devices tab” on the subsequent page.

   

4. Click on “Preferences” in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

   

What to Do If Your Fire Stick VPN is Not Working

If your Fire Stick VPN connection doesn’t work despite following the instructions above, don’t fret. Instead, try out one of the troubleshooting tips listed below:

• Switch Wi-Fi networks: Some WiFi networks are configured in a way that doesn’t work well with VPNs. Trying an alternate WiFi network can help determine if the problem is with the WiFi or the VPN.
• Change VPN server or region: VPN servers can suffer from congestion or downtime, which affects your connections. Switching to a different server or region can help resolve such an issue.
• Alternate VPN protocols: Not all VPN protocols operate the same. If you’re having trouble connecting to the VPN network using a particular protocol, try switching to a different one and see if the problem is resolved.
• Reboot your router: Rebooting your router can reset your network configuration, which can automatically resolve any hindrances your VPN connection may face.
• Try another VPN app: If none of the above tips work, consider choosing a different VPN provider. The alternate provider may have better coverage in your region.
• Clear cache/browsing data: Over time, cached data can pile up, leading to performance hitches. Clearing this cache and your browsing history on the Fire Stick might give your VPN the boost it needs.

Final Thoughts: Installing a VPN for Firestick

Using a VPN on your Fire TV Stick devices has several benefits, most notably being able to unblock geo-restricted content. Most leading VPN providers now have dedicated apps for the Fire TV Stick, which makes getting a Fire TV VPN very simple.

Here’s a quick recap of the steps involved in installing a VPN for Fire TV:

1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service, like NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your Fire Stick from the Amazon App Store.
3. Log in to the app and connect to your preferred VPN server.

NordVPN’s excellent unblocking capabilities, intuitive Fire TV app, and bulletproof security make it our best VPN for Fire Stick. Be sure to try out NordVPN on your Fire TV device using its 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about setting up a VPN on other streaming devices by reading these articles:

• How to Install a VPN on Android TV
• How to Set Up a VPN on Apple TV
• How to Install a Chromecast VPN

Mohit ChawdhryAuthor

Tech Journalist

Mohit is a legal and public policy researcher whose work focuses largely on technology regulation. At VPNOverview, he writes about cybersecurity, cryptocurrencies and sports events.

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