Looking to install NordVPN on Android TV but are at a loss on how to go about it? Well, you’ve landed on the right page!
Android TVs are amazing streaming devices but depending on your location, geo-blocks can ruin your experience.
Setting up NordVPN allows you to unleash new content on your Android TV box from anywhere in the world.
In this guide, I’m going to show you how to set up and use NordVPN on Android TV in a few easy steps.
Let’s dive in.
Easy Steps to Set Up NordVPN on Android TV
Follow the steps below to install and use NordVPN on your Android TV:
- Subscribe to NordVPN (Grab the Exclusive Discount).
- Open Play Store and search for NordVPN.
- Click the Install button to download and set up the NordVPN app.
- Launch the NordVPN app and sign in to your account.
- Connect to your preferred server or simply click Connect now.
- Start streaming.
What You’ll Need to Follow This Tutorial
Setting up NordVPN on an Android TV box is fairly easy. But to do so, you will need the following two things:
- NordVPN subscription
- Android TV
Downloading NordVPN on Your Android Device
There are two simple ways that you can use to get the NordVPN app into your Android TV:
- Download NordVPN from the Google Play Store.
- Download NordVPN from the official website.
Setting Up NordVPN for Android TV
When setting up NordVPN on Android TV, there are two different methods that you can use:
- Set up NordVPN via the app
- Set up NordVPN manually
Both solutions offer largely the same benefits in regards to speed and security. But installing the VPN manually affords you a few extra perks especially when it comes to customizability.
Let’s walk through each of the two processes:
Setting Up NordVPN Via the App (Easiest)
By far the easiest option, this method is quite easy to follow and perfect for beginners. Just follow the steps below:
- Click here to go to the NordVPN website and subscribe to a suitable plan.
- Now, on your Android TV open the Google Play Store.
- On the search bar, type NordVPN to download the app.
- Once installed, launch NordVPN and enter your credentials to log in.
- Click Connect now to connect to the best server in your location or go to the server list and pick your target server location.
- You’ll be asked to grant permission to connect to NordVPN, click Continue.
- On the next screen, check the box next to I trust this application and press OK.
Now, is that not simple?
You’re now connected to NordVPN. You can switch server locations by clicking any of the country buttons under the ‘All Countries’ menu.
If you want to connect to Obfuscated, Dedicated IP, Double VPN, or P2P servers, you can do so under Specialty servers.
Other NordVPN features like CyberSec, Custom DNS, and Trusted apps are located in the Settings section.
Setting Up NordVPN Manually With OpenVPN Connect
While setting up NordVPN manually does offer additional security benefits, it’s a little trickier. That said, I’ve broken down the process into 7 simple steps to make it easier to follow:
- Subscribe to NordVPN.
- On any of your Android TV browsers, download the NordVPN configuration files from the official site.
- Now, open the Google Play Store.
- Search and download the OpenVPN Connect app.
- Next, launch the OpenVPN Connect app and click the menu icon.
- Click Import to upload the configurations you downloaded earlier.
- Enter your NordVPN username and password and click Connect.
Sideload the NordVPN App on Android TV
If for any reason you can’t access the Google Play Store, you can choose to sideload the NordVPN app.
There are several ways you can do this – from the difficult process of setting up ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on a computer to using a cloud file manager on your Android TV.
I recommend the second method – it’s the easiest and will take you only a matter of minutes. But you can only use it if you have access to the Play Store since you’ll first need to download a cloud file manager like Send Files to TV.
That leaves us with the ADB method. It’s a bit complicated, but if you follow the steps below, you’ll be using NordVPN on your Android TV in no time:
Step 1: First, download ADB from Google’s official page on your computer.
Step 2: Run the SDK Manager exe file to install ADB (Make sure you uncheck everything except “Android SDK Platform-tools”.)
Step 3: On your Android TV, go to Settings>About.
Step 4: Navigate to “Build” and click on it several times to enable Developer Mode.
Step 5: Go back to Settings and select Developer Options.
Step 6: Scroll to USB Debugging and turn it on.
Step 7: Connect your Android TV to your computer with a USB cable.
Step 8: On your computer, go to the folder where the NordVPN APL is located.
Step 9: Press shift + right-click on an empty space inside the folder.
Step 10: Select “Open command window here”.
Step 11: Enter the following command to make sure your Android TV is connected.
adb devices
Step 12: If it’s connected, enter the command below to install the NordVPN APK.
adb install NordVPN.apk
Note: You must make sure that the name of the APK file matches the exact name you enter in the command window.
Step 13: After the installation is complete, you’ll receive a Success message in the command window.
Step 14: Go to Settings>Apps to launch to the NordVPN Android TV app.
Step 15: Log in to your NordVPN account and connect to a server.
There you go!
Why Use NordVPN to Watch Android TV?
NordVPN is one of the leading VPN providers in the market. It has consistently ranked as my top VPN for the past two consecutive years and has continued to impress.
NordVPN comes with lots of unique and advanced features that make it perfect for Android TV.
Stay Safe Online
Whether you’re streaming on Netflix or downloading torrents for offline viewing, NordVPN can keep you safe.
The VPN comes with military-grade AES 256-encryption, which is as good as it gets. But that’s not all. NordVPN also features DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch ensuring your browsing history is protected in the unlikely event your VPN connection drops.
In my NordVPN review, I put the VPN through IP, DNS, and WebRTC tests, and it came out clean in all three. No leaks whatsoever.
Another thing I like about NordVPN is CyberSec which blocks phishing domains and other malicious websites. CyberSec also takes care of annoying ads, which not only speeds up but improves your browsing experience.
I also found NordVPN’s Double VPN to be quite impressive. Get this – The security feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers, changing your IP twice and giving you double the encryption.
Additionally, the provider maintains a strict no-logs policy. They do not track, collect, or share what you stream or download on your Android TV.
Stream at Full Speed
NordVPN offers blazing fast speeds making it ideal for Android TV. You don’t have to worry about buffering or broken videos thanks to the provider’s streaming optimized servers.
The provider has one of the most extensive server networks, which helps keep connections stable. In my tests, the VPN barely impacted my internet connection and I was able to stream Ultra HD movies and TV shows.
Avoid Bandwidth Throttling
If your internet speeds dip whenever you’re on sites like Netflix, then your ISP is probably throttling your streaming traffic. Thanks to NordVPN’s encryption, you stop the slowdown and enjoy full speeds on any website.
Plus, NordVPN does not impose any data or bandwidth caps, which means you can stream as much as you want.
User-Friendly Android TV App
NordVPN provides a dedicated app for Android TV which is perfectly integrated with your Android TV’s native TV mode navigation.
Even better – it allows you to connect with a single click.
24/7 Customer Support
You’re binging on a really good show on Netflix and then suddenly, the “Streaming error: You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” message fills the screen. We’ve all been there and it can be quite frustrating.
And it’s even more frustrating when you can’t reach your VPN provider’s customer support to resolve the issue.
NordVPN customer service is reliable and available 24/7 via live chat. The support agents are helpful and respond within minutes.
Best NordVPN Deals for Android Users
NordVPN plans are fairly priced. Currently, the provider has three subscription plans, and below are the best two for Android users:
- 2-year plan: This is by far the best NordVPN plan for Android users. It comes with a massive 68% discount and is available at $3.71 per month. The plan is also fully refundable for 30 days.
- 1-year plan: If you want to spend less in the short-term, then the 1-year plan is a good alternative. It’s priced at $4.92 per month and is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN Issues and Their Solutions
My experience with NordVPN has been smooth with little to no problems. But while rare, that doesn’t mean you can’t run into challenges at all.
Below are some of the common issues and their solutions so you can know what to do if you into the same:
What to Do if NordVPN Is Not Working on Android TV?
When this happens, the most likely culprit is usually your internet connection. So, start there. If your internet connection is working fine, you should try to switch to a different server to resolve the issue.
If none of these solutions work, reinstall the NordVPN application and reboot your Android TV.
Unable to Connect to NordVPN
There are usually two main reasons why you can’t connect to NordVPN from your Android TV. First, check and make sure there are no issues with your NordVPN account and that it’s active.
The other one is a connectivity issue. If your account is active, switch between the different connection protocols and try connecting after each change.
Slow Connection
An overloaded server is a likely cause of a slow connection. Try to switch to a different server or use the ‘Connect now’ feature to connect to the best performing server. If the issue persists, try changing the DNS servers to NordVPN’s.
Why Does the NordVPN App Cause My Android TV to Turn Off?
The most common cause of this problem is the auto-connect feature. At the moment, the only working solution I’ve found is to turn off auto-connect.
If the issue happens after you’ve put your Android TV on standby, try disconnecting the VPN before going into standby.
Can You Watch Netflix Using NordVPN on Android TV?
Unfortunately, NordVPN does not unblock Netflix on Android TV. I tested the VPN severally and every time Netflix detected I was using a VPN.
On contacting customer support, their response was:
“Hello there! Our service does not support Amazon Prime and Netflix on Android TV devices, sadly. However, HBO GO should work with all of our servers.”
One way to get around this, it’s to stream Netflix on your mobile device and cast it to your Android TV. NordVPN works perfectly with Netflix Android smartphones and tablets.
The Android app is available for download on the Google Play Store. Simply install it, sign in, and you’ll be good to go.
Alternatively, you can set up NordVPN on your router and connect to the VPN-enabled network.
NordVPN Transfer Protocols
NordVPN supports several transfer protocols, each with different security and performance levels. The main protocols are:
- OpenVPN: This is the most reliable and secure NordVPN protocol. It’s open-source and its versatility allows it to support both TCP and UDP connections. OpenVPN supports robust encryption algorithms including AES-256-GCM and it’s the best protocol for security-sensitive tasks.
- IKEv2/IPsec: IKEv2 provides excellent security and speed. It provides incredible stability thanks to its ability to hop through connections, including Wi-Fi and cellular without dropping NordVPN’s connection. It supports AES 256-bit encryption and is used by default in the NordVPN iOS and macOS apps.
- WireGuard (NordLynx): The newest kid on the block, NordLynx is the fastest protocol offered by NordVPN. It’s the best option for streaming and uses state-of-the-art cryptography to encrypt and protect your data.
FAQ
Does NordVPN Work on Android TV?
Yes, NordVPN works perfectly on the Android TV box. You can download and install the app from the Play Store or set up the VPN manually using OpenVPN Connect.
Does NordVPN Have a Free Trial?
NordVPN does not have a free trial but you can try the service risk-free using their 30-day money-back guarantee.
How Many Simultaneous Devices Does NordVPN Allow?
NordVPN supports a maximum of 6 devices at a go which allows you to cover all your primary devices on a single subscription.
Conclusion
Installing NordVPN on your Android TV can help you unlock new apps and content. The setup process is quite straightforward and the steps I’ve outlined in this guide should help you out.
If you liked this tutorial, don’t forget to share it with your friends.
Enjoy!
