How to change Apple TV region using a VPN

When you travel abroad, you may find that you’re unable to watch your favorite shows on Apple TV because your access has been blocked.

If you want to access Apple TV content from another region or country, you will need to switch your home region.

Thankfully, with the help of a VPN, this can be done without too much hassle. Apple TV devices don’t support VPN apps natively, but by installing a VPN on your router, you will be able to reap the benefits of a VPN for Apple TV.

How to change Apple TV region with a VPN

While Apple TVs don’t support VPNs by default, most users can get around this by configuring a VPN on their router.

Here’s how you can change the region on your Apple TV with a VPN:

1. First, you will need to sign up for a reliable VPN that can be installed on a router. I recommend using NordVPN. It is fast, offers a very large server network, and has strong security measures in place.
2. Log in to your router and follow the instructions provided by your VPN provider to set up your VPN connection based on your router model.
3. Note that some routers don’t support VPNs. For these routers, you may have the option of replacing the firmware with a firmware that supports VPNs, such as DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato.
4. After completing the setup process on your router, you can check your IP address on a device connected to the internet via your router using an IP address checker.

Later in this article, I review the best VPNs for changing your Apple TV region in detail. However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for changing your Apple TV region:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Apple TV. Offers over 7,800 servers in 118+ countries, fast connection speeds, and strong security measures. This service can also be installed on routers and bypasses many different services, such as Apple TV. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A great budget option for changing your IP address. It has more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. It can unblock services with ease, has strong security measures, and can be installed on routers.
3. IPVanish: Great option for streaming devices like Apple TV. It has long been trusted by the Kodi community thanks to its streaming prowess and fast speeds.
4. ExpressVPN: A solid streaming VPN with servers in over 105 countries. Users can buy pre-configured Aircove routers for use with this service.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Offers over 11,500 servers in more than 100 countries. It is also easy to use and unblocks most popular streaming platforms.
6. PureVPN: Great support for routers and a decent-sized network of servers around the world. Excellent security and privacy features.
7. Proton VPN: A solid choice for those looking to change their Apple TV region. It works on Linux and routers.
8. Private Internet Access: A lightweight VPN that can easily change your Apple TV region. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
9. PrivateVPN: Smaller, privacy-focused VPN that provides decent advanced security features. It can be installed on routers.

While looking for the best VPNs for changing your Apple TV region, I considered many different factors to ensure I found the right providers:

• Compatible with routers
• Offers a Smart DNS service
• Able to access streaming platforms
• Large global server network
• Fast streaming speeds
• Strong security measures
• Ease of use
• Value for money

For more information about the criteria I used, check out the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for changing Apple TV region

Here are the best VPN options for changing your Apple TV region:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has a global network of 7,800+ servers in 118+ countries. It offers fast connection speeds and allows users to work their way around various geographical restrictions. Because of these features, it is an excellent option for changing your Apple TV region.

It also offers strong security measures, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. Plus, this service doesn’t store logs and accepts cryptocurrency payments. Crypto payments don’t associate users’ names with payments, unlike traditional credit cards, making them more anonymous.

Users can download NordVPN onto routers manually. In addition, apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 10 simultaneous device connections are allowed, but if you install it on your router, all devices connected to your router will be protected. The customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Specialized Smart DNS features designed to work with Apple TV
• No logs are stored
• Apps are available for many platforms
• Compatible with routers

Cons:

• The desktop app is sometimes slow

BEST VPN FOR CHANGING APPLE TV REGION:NordVPN can be installed on routers, which allows you to connect devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, such as Apple TV. Connection speeds are fast, and there are strong security measures. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent budget VPN that doesn’t skimp on quality despite its affordability. Connection speeds are fast, and 3,200+ servers can be found in 100+ countries, which makes it a good pick for accessing geo-restricted content. Users can install this service directly on their router or configure its Smart DNS service to change their location on Apple TV.

Surfshark has strong security measures in place, such as 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch. There is also a traffic scrambling option.

24/7 customer support is available via email and live chat. Apps are available for Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, and iOS. Plus, you can manually install it on select home routers or buy a pre-flashed router. Allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• No logs stored
• Router configuration and Smart DNS options for Apple TV
• Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

MOST AFFORDABLE VPN FOR APPLE TV:Surfshark is cheap but doesn’t skimp on quality. It offers fast connection speeds, strong security measures, and can be installed on routers. Unlimited number of connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish’s network consists of over 2,400 servers in 140+ locations. It has been trusted by the Kodi community for several years thanks to its streaming prowess, with fast speeds and excellent unblocking capabilities. You can use a DD-WRT, AsusWRT, Merlin, or Tomato router with your Apple TV.

The provider has several security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There is also a traffic scrambling option and it stores no logs.

IPVanish has apps available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. In addition, this service can be manually installed on Linux devices. It also supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Users have access to the customer service team 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Great option for torrenters and Kodi users
• No logs stored
• Unlimited number of connections

Cons:

• Some apps don’t work with Netflix
• Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is secure and offers fast streaming speeds. It can be set up on routers and offers users an unlimited number of connections. It is a solid choice for changing your region on Apple TV. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a great choice for major streaming platforms. This doesn’t exclude Apple TV, since ExpressVPN can be set up on routers. In fact, ExpressVPN has its very own line of Aircove VPN routers. This provider is fast, reliable, and easy to use, too.

The provider’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. It also has a .onion site which can be accessed through the TOR network. The TOR network is heavily encrypted and is an excellent option for those who want to browse anonymously. Plus, you can pay using cryptocurrency payments.

Apps are also available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux. The customer support team can be reached 24/7 via the provided live chat. Eight simultaneous device connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Can unblock top-tier streaming services
• Has its own line of Aircove VPN routers
• Strong security measures

Cons:

• More expensive than some other options
• Lack of customizability can be frustrating for advanced users

GREAT STREAMING VPN:ExpressVPN offers very fast speeds and unblocks most major streaming platforms. Has no issue with Apple TV and offers its own line of Aircove VPN routers. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has the second-largest number of servers on this list, with 11,500+ in 100+ countries. It can unblock most streaming platforms and offers servers that are specialized for tasks such as streaming and gaming. It’s a great option if you’re looking to change your Apple TV region, which can be done through DNS configuration or connecting a router to the VPN service.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and a choice of OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. CyberGhost also accepts cryptocurrency payments.

Apps are available for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. The customer support team is available 24/7, and seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• Dedicated streaming servers
• User-friendly interface
• Compatible with routers
• Extended 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer much control over advanced features
• Can be unreliable in highly restrictive regions

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY VPN:CyberGhost is very easy to use and has a huge network of over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries. It can be set up on routers and offers strong security measures. Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

6. PureVPN

PureVPN has more than 6,000 servers in 65+ countries. It is a good option for streaming and can be set up on routers. For these reasons, it is a decent choice for changing your Apple TV region while traveling abroad.

There are also strong security measures in place. These measures include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. PureVPN does store logs, but the information stored is only a timestamp and the total amount of bandwidth used when connected to a server. No information that can identify a user is stored.

In addition to routers, PureVPN can be installed on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. PureVPN allows for 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Strong encryption protocol
• Allows torrenting
• Server locations globally

Cons:

• Somewhat unpredictable speeds
• Can’t unblock Netflix

RELIABLE AND SIMPLE TO USE:PureVPN is easy to use, keeps your data secure, offers a decent network, and can be set up on routers. It is a solid streaming option in general and comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

7. Proton VPN

Proton VPN has over 12,000 servers in more than 117 countries. Its excellent streaming ability is down to its fast speeds and reliable unblocking credentials. It can be set up on a router and is a good option for those who use Linux.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, split tunneling, port forwarding, a kill switch, and an independently verified zero-logs policy, so you don’t need to worry about your ISP or government monitoring your activities. Plus, there’s even a built-in ad-blocker, ensuring you don’t have to wait before your favorite shows on Apple TV start.

Proton VPN is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 10 simultaneous connections are allowed and the provider offers 24/7 customer support.

Pros:

• Strong security
• Can be installed on routers
• Works for torrenting

Cons:

• No live chat support available
• Could be more user-friendly

GREAT LINUX OPTION:Proton VPN is a lightweight VPN that is good for Linux and Apple TV users since it can be set up on routers. It offers a handy CLI (command line interface) app and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has several customization options and allows users to change the app’s interface to their liking. This service makes use of the lightweight and fast WireGuard VPN protocol, enabling speedy connections. It has the largest server network on this, boasting a massive 35,000+ in 91+ countries.

Strong security and privacy features are offered by PIA, including a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, a zero-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. This service can also be set up on routers, making it a solid choice for Apple TV due to its Smart DNS feature.

PIA apps can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Its customer service can be reached via the provided live chat 24/7. An unlimited number of connections is supported.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• WireGuard VPN protocol supported
• Several customization options

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well in China
• App design could be improved
• Doesn’t offer streaming-optimized servers

MASSIVE SERVER NETWORK:PIA is lightweight and fast, and has a huge 35,000+ servers in 91+ countries. There are several customization options, and the provider allows users to easily change their Apple TV region. 30-day money-back guarantee.

9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider with a network of just over 200 servers across 63+ countries. While the total number of servers is small, this provider’s global footprint is not. This means that users still have several different options for bypassing services that may be restricted, such as TV abroad. Since this VPN can be set up on routers, it is also good for changing a user’s Apple TV region.

The provider has strong security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. This provider also stores no logs and accepts cryptocurrency payments.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Users also have the option of configuring routers manually for this service. It should be noted that customer service agents for PrivateVPN can only be reached during regular Swedish business hours. 10 devices can be connected using a single subscription.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• No logs are stored
• Works in China

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support team isn’t reachable 24/7
• Not the fastest VPN on this list

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs available. It has strong security features that keep users safe online and works to change your Apple TV region. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for changing your Apple TV region

When looking for the best VPNs for changing your Apple TV region, there were several factors that I took into consideration.

• Large global server network: Having a large server network ensures that users are able to change their region on their Apple TV to their liking.
• Support for routers: Since Apple TV doesn’t support VPN apps, the most reliable way of connecting it to a VPN server is by connecting to the internet through a router that supports VPN connections.
• Excellent unblocking ability: Not only do these VPNs reliably unblock Apple TV overseas, but they’re also able to access other major streaming platforms. This includes Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, HBO Max, and more.
• Fast streaming speeds: While VPNs slow down your connection slightly, this is negligible with a top-tier VPN option. All of the VPNs here offer fast streaming speeds, which ensures that Apple TV users don’t experience lag or buffering.
• Strong security measures: Strong security measures ensure that users’ security and privacy are protected in the online environment.
• Ease of use: VPNs must be suitable for beginners and experts alike. Apps should be easy to navigate, so you can make the most of your subscription. If things do go wrong or you need support, all of these VPNs offer good customer support services.
• Value for money: To ensure you get plenty of bang for your buck, I only recommend VPNs that provide excellent value for money. Plus, they should offer discounted subscription rates and money-back guarantees. Some even offer free trials.

For more information about my criteria, check out this VPN testing process guide.

Other methods for changing Apple TV region

In addition to using a VPN, there are some other options that you can use to change your Apple TV region. These are:

• Using a DNS proxy or Smart DNS
• Setting up a virtual router hotspot on your laptop

Here, we will describe how these two methods work.

Using a DNS proxy or Smart DNS

Having your device send DNS requests to a different country can get you past geo-restrictions/change your Apple TV region.

Here’s how you can change DNS servers on Apple TV (4th gen and later):

1. Access the Apple TV main menu.
2. Click Settings > Network.
3. Select Configure DNS > Manual.
4. Enter the address of your provider’s Smart DNS server and click Done.
5. Restart your Apple TV.

Here’s how you can change the DNS servers on the 3rd-generation and earlier Apple TV:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Click on iTunes Store and then Location.
3. Select the appropriate country for the content you’d like to unblock.
4. Return to Settings.

5.. Click General > Network.

6. Choose Wifi or Ethernet.
7. Select Configure DNS > Manual.
8. Enter the DNS address.
9. Navigate to Settings > General > Restart to restart your device for the changes to take effect.

I recommend using ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, which is included in an ExpressVPN subscription, if you choose this method. It allows you to use ExpressVPN’s DNS servers separately from the VPN.

Setting up a virtual router hotspot on your laptop with a VPN

Another way to connect your Apple TV to a VPN is to use a virtual router hotspot on your laptop. Setting up this option varies depending on the operating system. However, there should be a mobile hotspot option in the network settings of your device.

How to change your Apple TV region FAQs