While Atlas VPN cannot directly connect to Roku OS, there is an effective way to link the device to an Atlas VPN network.
If you’re an avid movie and series fan like me, you’ll understand that a Roku media device can add to your entertainment.
You’ll also appreciate the privacy and viewing opportunities a quality VPN like Atlas VPN offers when streaming content from third-party apps.
Though, Atlas VPN has one disadvantage when it comes to Roku – it doesn’t have an app for routers.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and you can easily connect your Roku device to an Atlas VPN hotspot (I’ll show you how below) to enjoy all the benefits.
Read on to find out how you can use Atlas VPN for Roku…
How to Use Atlas VPN With Roku?
Roku OS does not accommodate VPNs at all.
This means that no matter what VPN you use, you’ll have to connect via your router.
However, VPNs like Atlas VPN that don’t offer a dedicated router app can still be used with Roku devices via a virtual router or hotspot connection.
I asked Atlas VPN’s support team if I could create a virtual router for Roku with Atlas VPN:
This was the response I received:
So, I headed off to the link Joel provided and put his suggestion to the test.
Great news – it worked!
The thing is, it only works with Windows 10 – so if you’re an iOS or Android user, Atlas VPN won’t work with your Roku device.
On the bright side, I added excellent VPN alternatives below!
But if you do have a Windows device prepped and ready, purchase your Atlas VPN subscription now and follow these easy steps:
- Sign in to your Atlas VPN account and download and install the VPN on your PC or Windows mobile device.
- Once installed, open your app, and click on “Settings.” You may be asked to verify your account. Follow the prompts until you access your full settings dashboard.
- Next, scroll until you see the heading “Protocols” (found directly under Advanced Settings). Click on this dropdown menu and select “IPSec/IKEv2.”
- Connect to an Atlas VPN server.
You’ll probably have a better Roku experience if you’re connected to a US server.
Choose a server that’s optimized for streaming for the best results!
- Now, enable the hotspot so you can share your VPN connection. To do this, access the settings window on your Windows device. Go to “Settings” and select “Network and Internet.”
- Then, select “Mobile Hotspot” (found in the right-side panel). Use the toggle to enable your PC’s hotspot functionality.
Edit your network name, so it’s easily recognizable.
I changed mine to “Shared Hotspot.”
- Once your PC’s hotspot is turned on, scroll down within the same “Network and Internet” panel, and click “Change Adapter Options.”
- A window will open that lists available connections. Click on the connection titled “Atlas VPN IKEv2” and select “Properties.”
- Select “Sharing.” Make sure the box for “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection” is ticked. Now, choose the mobile hotspot adapter. You can recognize it by the asterisk symbol and the number. Then click “OK.”
- You can now detect the created network with your Roku box, phone, or any other device. Try connecting to it. I tested it with my Android phone, and it worked!
- Now, access your Roku device via its app. Connect the device to your TV and then click on the following prompts: “Home > Settings > Network > Set Up Connection > Wireless.”
- Wait for Roku to scan for available wireless connections. Your Atlas VPN hotspot connection should become visible. Select it when it appears (scan again if it doesn’t appear the first time).
- Enter your network password. Once entered, select “Connect.”
- When you enter your password correctly, you’ll be connected to your Atlas VPN-protected network! Now you can enjoy smooth streaming on a protected connection!
When connected to Atlas VPN, you can enjoy fast, unbuffered streaming.
You will also have peace of mind knowing that your activity is untraceable and your media device is optimally protected.
VPNs With Router Apps for Roku (Alternative VPN Options)
If you prefer connecting your VPN directly to your router, you’ll need a Roku VPN with router compatibility.
As I mentioned, Atlas VPN does not provide this feature, but the VPN alternatives I listed below do.
These VPNs offer similar speeds to Atlas VPN and provide the same level of privacy – with great unblocking features to boot!
Continue reading for reviews of the best router VPNs for Roku.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has a powerful dedicated router app that offers incredible speeds.
So, like Atlas VPN, you can stream your content smoothly, even in 4K!
The VPN unblocks Hulu, HBO Now, and BBC iPlayer with ease.
Even unblocking US Netflix from South Africa was a breeze!
ExpressVPN has many of the same privacy qualities as AtlasVPN and combines military-grade 256-bit encryption with a strict no-logs policy to keep your streaming activity off the grid.
PLUS, this provider sells pre-flashed routers with custom firmware.
So, routing devices, such as a Roku, through any VPN is easier.
Click here to receive a discount on your ExpressVPN subscription (you’re welcome)!
Made your purchase?
Follow this link for a guide to setting up ExpressVPN on Roku.
NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent unblocking VPN that pretty much gives you access to anything you throw at it, including Roku.
This is because of its “Smart Play” feature (an encrypted DNS proxy service that allows you to bypass geographic licensing restrictions).
Like ExpressVPN and VyprVPN, the speeds are pretty much on par with Atlas VPN.
So, you won’t lose out on a smooth streaming experience.
Security is on par with the aforementioned VPNs, too.
Top-tier encryption (with an exclusive DoubleVPN) and DNS leak protection will keep your activity safe from opportunists.
Oh – and like ExpressVPN, you can also purchase a pre-flashed DD-WRT router to make life a tad simpler.
Try NordVPN for yourself; get the VPN here.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming services on Roku with ease.
Speaking of ease – this VPN’s dedicated router app is optimally user-friendly and a great option for VPN novices.
Although it’s a smaller provider than Atlas VPN, VyprVPN has some top-tier features topped with a budget-friendly price on long-term plans.
For example, its exclusive zero-knowledge DNS service helps users avoid any third-party intervention during streaming – a bonus if you’re accessing copyrights on the down-low.
As mentioned, the speeds are good – well, good enough to avoid annoying lag during streaming.
Want to give VyprVPN a go?
Get it here (and grab a discount while you’re at it)!
How to Change My Roku Region to the US With Atlas VPN?
Roku has been designed to cater to the US market.
However, there are ways to use this media service in other countries.
To do so, you need a VPN service with excellent unblocking features (like Atlas VPN).
The first step is purchasing your VPN.
The second step is installing the VPN on your router (if it has a dedicated router app) – or creating a virtual router network/hotspot like I did with Atlas VPN.
Important to note – not all routers are VPN capable.
So, make sure your router can accommodate a VPN before purchasing.
Alternatively, you can brush up on your tech skills and install open-source firmware, which “flashes” the VPN (but this is risky because you can damage your router if you make a mistake).
Sticking to the safer option, I suggest contacting your preferred VPN provider to ask which router models work best with their VPN.
If you already have a router, ask them if it’s a good fit.
Customer support will also give you the steps you need to connect their VPN to your router model.
Read:
Once your VPN is set up, remember to connect to a US server so you can use your Roku to access a wide variety of content.
Atlas VPN has an impressive number of servers in the US, so I know it won’t let you down in this regard.
The following US Atlas VPN servers are optimized for streaming:
| New York |
| Los Angeles |
| Miami |
| New Jersey |
| Phoenix |
| Las Vegas |
| Dallas |
Once your VPN is connected to a US server, you’ll also need to set your device up, so it matches your VPN’s location.
Change your Roku’s region setting by following these steps:
- Start by resetting your Roku’s factory settings. Go to your “Home” screen.
- Select “Settings.”
- Scroll down and click on “System.” *See steps 1-3 in the image below.
- Next, scroll to “Advanced System Settings” and push the “OK” button on your remote.
- Select “Factory Reset” from the new list of setting options and click on the option “Factory Reset Everything.” Complete the task by following the reset wizard’s on-screen instructions.
How to Factory Reset Your Roku Using the Device’s Reset Button/Pinhole Reset?
- All Roku devices include a factory reset option found on the hardware. Newer models will have a reset button, while older devices will have the old-school pinhole.
- Press and hold the button for 20 seconds. Use a paperclip to press the button if your device has a pinhole reset.
- Keep an eye on your Roku’s indicator light. Once this starts blinking, the reset is complete.
- Switch your device on and follow the prompts until you arrive at the option to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Select the Atlas VPN hotspot connection (or your VPN alternative connection) to link to the protected network.
- Once connected, you must ensure that the location of your account matches the location of your VPN. For example, if you connect to a US New York server, put the US as your Roku’s location.
- Once your account is set up, you’re good to go!
Well done!
You’ve successfully changed your Roku region to the US!
Now you can enjoy Roku’s large selection of content and have peace of mind knowing your network is secured.
FAQ
Can I Use My Roku Anywhere With Atlas VPN?
Roku devices are geo-restricted to the United States, the brand’s country of origin.
BUT!
You can use Roku anywhere if you connect your device to an Atlas VPN server situated in the US.
Without a VPN like Atlas VPN, you’ll be blocked from using your Roku to stream US Netflix, HBO GO, etc., outside of the US.
Luckily, Atlas VPN is excellent at extending your digital reach without slowing speeds.
I tested it and enjoyed a smooth streaming experience watching US Netflix from South Africa.
Does Atlas VPN Keep Log Files for Roku?
Atlas VPN has a strict no-logs policy, and there has been no record of the provider sharing user details to date.
Repeating Atlas VPN’s own words, the provider promises “not to collect information that would allow us to trace internet usage on our VPN back to individual users.”
This means you can stream your favorite series, movies, sports, and music on Roku without Atlas VPN collecting or sharing your user activity.
A solid no-logs policy is essential if you want to stay anonymous online.
This anonymity will help prevent law enforcement from tracking you down if you stream copyrighted material.
It also means your ISP can’t track your activity and limit your bandwidth while streaming.
Can I Jailbreak My Roku and Use Atlas VPN?
You cannot jailbreak a Roku device in the traditional sense.
Most streamers like to jailbreak media devices to install third-party software, allowing them to access free or restricted content.
But Roku has closed system software, making it impossible to jailbreak.
However, there are other workarounds.
For example, you can use Screen Mirroring or Screen Casting to play content from your smartphone via your Roku.
And then, of course, there’s the VPN option, where you access geo-blocked content via a VPN server.
This is where Atlas VPN excels and can, in essence, help you “jailbreak” Roku in the nontraditional sense.
Signing Out…
Atlas VPN doesn’t have an app for routers, making it a bit tricky for Roku.
Still, I give it credit for being one of the best VPNs for smooth streaming and overcoming geoblocks.
So – if you’re prepared to create a hotspot, I’m not going to hold you back!
Click here to get your Atlas VPN now!
