Apple TV is an incredible digital media player for streaming films and shows, enjoying music, and playing games. However, like most other internet devices, it can’t access geo-restricted content from other regions.
And that’s where NordVPN comes in. By learning how to install NordVPN on Apple TV, you can effectively view geo-blocked content libraries for a border-free streaming experience. Beyond that, you’ll also benefit from enhanced online privacy and security.
In this guide, I’ll show you the steps to set up NordVPN on your Apple TV, including some troubleshooting tips in case you run into issues. Let’s dive in!
- Show Full Guide
Install NordVPN on Apple TV – Quick Guide
- Subscribe to NordVPN and download the application through the App Store on your Apple TV.
- Open the NordVPN’s TV app, scan the QR code with your smartphone, and sign in to NordVPN on your phone.
- Connect to a VPN server in your chosen country through your TV and enjoy high-quality, unrestricted streaming with NordVPN.
Does NordVPN Work on Apple TV
Yes, NordVPN works on Apple TV and offers an intuitive native app for tvOS. You can download the NordVPN Apple TV app from the App Store and seamlessly switch between 100+ countries.
Before the release of the NordVPN tvOS app in December 2023, setting it up on Apple TV wasn’t as straightforward. You’d have to configure the VPN on your router or use SmartDNS, which are more complex and time-consuming methods.
To ensure you don’t run into issues with NordVPN on your Apple TV, keep your tvOS and the NordVPN app updated.
Which tvOS Versions Support NordVPN?
Apple rolled out support for third-party VPN apps with tvOS 17, so you’ll need to update your device to this version or later to use NordVPN. tvOS 17 is available on the following Apple TV models:
- Apple TV HD (2015)
- Apple TV 4K 1st Generation (2017)
- Apple TV 4K 2nd Generation (2021)
- Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation (2022)
If you have an older Apple TV model, I’ve explored alternative installation methods below, like setting up NordVPN on your router or using SmartDNS.
Why Do I Need NordVPN on Apple TV?
Along with boosting privacy and safety online, a NordVPN is the perfect addition to elevate your content viewing experience on Apple TV. Here are a few benefits of using this secure and fast VPN service with your streaming device:
- Border-free Content Access: A VPN makes it appear like your device’s internet traffic is coming from a different country than the one you’re physically in. It does this by routing your data through servers in other countries before delivering it to its final destination — a streaming platform or website. NordVPN offers 6,300+ servers across 111 countries, which massively expands your content library by letting you access media unavailable in your region across platforms like Netflix, Prime, Disney+, and more.
- Evade ISP Throttling: When many users simultaneously consume a lot of data, Internet service providers (ISP) throttle bandwidth to ensure stable service across the network. Having NordVPN on your TV will hide your IP address and prevent the ISP from surveying your online activities, helping you avoid targeted slowdowns.
- Enhanced Privacy and Safety: NordVPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, your online streaming patterns and habits on Apple TV remain hidden from ISPs, bad actors, and advertizers. Moreover, all your data is transmitted through its secure NordLynx or OpenVPN protocols, which hackers can’t intercept.
For a better understanding of NordVPN, check out this detailed NordVPN review.
How to Install NordVPN on Apple TV via the tvOS App
Subscribe to NordVPN
Visit NordVPN’s official website and pick a subscription you like.
Download NordVPN from the App Store
Head to the App Store on your Apple TV, search for NordVPN, and tap Get to download it.
Launch and Log In
Open the NordVPN app, tap Log in, and tap Agree & continue. Scan the QR code on the screen with your phone and enter your login details. Then, input the verification code displayed on the screen on your phone to complete the sign-in.
Connect to a Server
You’ll now land on the NordVPN home page. To auto-connect to a speedy server in any country, tap Quick Connect. You’ll get a notification asking NordVPN to add VPN configurations. Tap Allow.
Connect to a Specific Country
To manually select a server, swipe through the countries listed at the bottom and tap the one you want to connect to. If the country has servers in multiple cities, swiping down on it will reveal a full list to choose from. Tapping Quick Connect at the top of the list will auto-connect you to one of the cities in the country.
Stream Without Restrictions
After connecting to a server, launch a streaming app, like Netflix, and you’ll find the content library is updated to reflect the virtual region of your VPN connection.
How to Configure NordVPN on Apple TV Through the SmartDNS Feature
You may want to consider installing NordVPN on Apple TV through SmartDNS if you have an older Apple TV that doesn’t support tvOS 17 and VPN apps:
Visit the NordVPN Website
Navigate to NordVPN’s website through your phone or PC. Ensure you connect to the same Wi-Fi network you’ll use on your Apple TV. Next, log in and click NordVPN in the left-hand menu (under Services).
Activate SmartDNS
Under Additional features, find SmartDNS and click Enable under it. Ensure your VPN is turned off and click Activate SmartDNS. Upon activation, you’ll receive an email notification with more information, and under SmartDNS in your NordVPN account, you’ll find a Primary DNS and Secondary DNS.
Update the DNS Address on Apple TV
Launch Settings on your Apple TV, then go to Network > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi network you connected to in step 1 > Configure DNS > Manual. Enter NordVPN’s SmartDNS server address from the previous step, and you’re all set.
Although SmartDNS lets you stream global content, keep in mind that it doesn’t safeguard your Apple TV through encryption as a VPN does.
How to Set Up NordVPN on Apple TV via Router
You’ll want to set up NordVPN on your router if your Apple TV doesn’t support tvOS 17 and you’re not keen on using the less-safe SmartDNS method. But for this, your router will need to support VPN configurations:
Find Your IP Address
Open your device’s network settings to find the IP address. You can find it on Windows by opening Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Hardware and connection properties > IPv4 default gateway.
Open the Router Configuration
Input the IP address in your web browser and press Enter to launch the Router Configuration. Input your username and password to log in.
Configure the Router for VPN
Look for VPN client in your router’s configuration dashboard and follow the guidelines to complete setting up the VPN.
Although more secure than SmartDNS, setting up NordVPN on a router is more complex, and changing the country or server can be cumbersome.
How to Fix NordVPN if It’s Not Working on Apple TV
As one of the best VPNs for streaming, NordVPN is user-friendly and simple to set up, but occasionally, you may run into issues. Here are some common problems and solutions in case NordVPN isn’t working on your Apple TV:
- The Server’s IP Address is Blocked: Some streaming platforms block frequently used VPN IP addresses to prevent access to the content libraries of other regions. If you can’t access a specific platform, connect to a different server in the NordVPN app and retry the streaming service. Although NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are handy for hiding that you’re using a VPN, the feature isn’t available on Apple TV as of October 2024.
- Apple TV is Out of Date: Only tvOS 17 and newer support VPN apps. Ensure your Apple TV is updated by going to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software.
- NordVPN Log-In Issue: If you can’t log in to NordVPN on your Apple TV, try updating the DNS address. Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi network you’re connected to > Configure DNS > Manual. Enter NordVPN’s smart DNS server address (103.86.96.100 or 103.86.99.100) and restart your Apple TV.
- Router Configuration Problems: If you have NordVPN set up on the router and it’s not functioning correctly, try rebooting the router. If that doesn’t fix it, you may need to re-check your router’s VPN configuration settings.
Conclusion – How to Install NordVPN on Apple TV
Apple TV is among the best streaming devices. But using it together with NordVPN will completely transform your streaming experience, giving you access to the impressive content catalogs of dozens of regions. You’ll also enjoy superior online security from hackers, avoid ISP throttling, and stay hidden from online surveillance.
NordVPN‘s native app for Apple TV (available on tvOS 17 and later) makes setup a breeze, and the intuitive interface is suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. If you’re using an older model, alternative methods like configuring SmartDNS or installing NordVPN on your router make for practical solutions.