Tired of finding your favorite Roku channels and apps unavailable due to geo-restriction?
You are not the only one.
But the good news is, there’s an easy solution to this problem – using a VPN.
With a VPN, you can spoof your IP address and access all of Roku’s streaming services from anywhere in the world.
Below is a step by step walkthrough of how to setup IPVanish on Roku.
Does IPVanish Work With Roku?
But first, before we dive in, you should note that Roku does not have built-in VPN functionality.
To use IPVanish with Roku, you’ll need to install it directly on your router.
Alternatively, you can set up the VPN on your Mac or PC and share your connection via Wi-Fi.
What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial
Given that Roku does not allow you to install VPN apps directly, the process is a little bit complicated. That said, if you have all the necessary items, the process can be a breeze.
To be able to follow this tutorial, here are a few things you’ll need:
- IPVanish VPN app and subscription
- Roku account
- Router
- Your PC, Mac, or Android device
Setting Up IPVanish on Roku
As I’ve alluded to, there are several ways of setting up IPVanish on Roku.
Of these, the best approach to setup IPVanish on Roku is by installing the VPN on your router. You’ll then need to the Roku device to the router connection.
You can also use your PC, Mac, or Android to connect IPVanish to Roku. All you’ll need to do is install the VPN on any of the devices and create a virtual VPN hotspot.
I know this sounds technical and complicated but it’s actually much easier than you think.
Let’s start with my favorite method.
Setting Up IPVanish On Roku Via a Router
To use this router method, you’ll first need to confirm your router is compatible with IPVanish.
Currently, the VPN service supports DD-WRT and Tomato flashed routers as well as routers running ASUSWRT firmware or ASUS-Merlin firmware.
For more information on compatible routers, you can visit IPVanish’s website.
If your router is compatible, the best way to install the VPN is to use the native app. But, the router doesn’t have built-in VPN support, you’ll need to manually install the IPVanish.
Not to get ahead of myself, but you’ll also need to install the VPN on the devices involved in the other methods.
IPVanish has an easy-to-follow setup guide for each of the supported router models. But you not sure how to go about you can refer to their support page for additional help.
Once you’re done installing the VPN in the router, the rest should be as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by connecting to IPVanish.
- Next set your Roku location to match that of the server location that you intend to use.
- Open Roku’s Settings and navigate to Network > Setup Connection > Wireless.
- Connect to the Wi-Fi connection by entering the network’s credentials.
Voila!
You can now stream content on Roku without worrying about any geo-restrictions.
Setting Up IPVanish On Roku Using Your PC
Another way is to install the VPN on your PC and then turn Windows mobile hotspot. This allows you to establish a VPN connection that you can then connect to with Roku.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Download the client app compatible with your pc from IPVanish’s official website.
- Proceed to install the app on your PC.
- After completing the installation, open the Settings window. Navigate to the ‘Network & Internet’ menu.
- Scroll through the menu to find ‘Mobile hotspot’ and click this option.
- Toggle On the option to share your internet connection with other devices.
- On the left side of the menu, you will see other related settings. Click on ‘Change adapter options’.
- Select the IPVanish Tap Adapter and navigate to Properties. Here, choose the option that allows other users to access the internet connection.
- Now, launch the IPVanish VPN app and enter your credentials to log in.
- Once you’ve logged in, choose your preferred server.
- As with the router method, configure Roku to the server location you’ve picked on the VPN.
- Go your Roku Setting menu and select the ‘Network’ option. Move to the ‘Set Up Connection’ option and choose ‘Wireless’.
- You’ll see the VPN hotspot you’ve set. Click on it and enter the credentials to start using Roku with IPVanish.
Setting Up IPVanish On Roku Via Your Mac
As in the case of your Windows PC, you can also use Mac as a virtual router. But, it is not as straightforward since you need to plug in the Ethernet cable.
Here is a step by step guide on how to go about it:
- On the top corner, find and click the Apple logo followed by the ‘System preferences.’
- Choose the ‘Network’ option and click the Add (+) option.
- Select ‘Interface’ followed by ‘VPN’. Under VPN type, choose IKEv2. Type in the network name and then fill in the US server address remote ID.
- The next step is to authenticate the connection by filling in your credential.
- Select the ‘Advanced’ option and then confirm on ‘Send all traffic over VPN connection’.
- Apply the changes then connect.
- Go back to the Apple logo again but this time navigate to System preferences.
- Under the ‘Sharing’ options and select ‘Internet Sharing’.
- Move to the Wi-Fi settings. Under ‘Network name’ type as follows “Channel: [default]”, “Security” as WPA2 Personal.
- For “Password”, type in your chosen password. Verify the process by retyping your password. Confirm the process by clicking ‘ok’.
From here what’s left is to connect Roku to the connection you’ve created and enjoy the massive content library.
There is also another way of using Roku with IPVanish, but it is not guaranteed to work with all Android phones.
Setting Up IPVanish On Roku Via Your Android Device
Start by connecting your Android and Roku devices to the same internet connection. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to configure Roku to enable screen mirroring.
- Open the Settings menu and move to the System option.
- Click on screen mirroring.
- Next, choose the ‘Always Allow’ option to enable the feature.
Now move to the phone and follow these steps:
- Launch the IPVanish app and connect to a server location.
- Go to the phone settings and open the Bluetooth settings.
- Select the option to cast and choose Roku on the list of the available devices.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has been helpful and that you’ve been able to set up IPVanish (grab a discount) on your Roku.
As always, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or experience issues with the setup process.