How to Set Up and Use NordVPN With Apple TV? (2026)

Written by Bram Jansen Fact-checked by Kevin Parker Updated on

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You can set up and use NordVPN on Apple TV with its native tvOS app, or via Smart DNS, VPN router, or by sharing your VPN connection. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be guaranteed super-fast streaming speeds and reliable content unblocking.

So, let’s get started with how to set up NordVPN on your Apple TV.

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How to Set Up NordVPN on Apple TV in Minutes?

NordVPN has a native Apple TV app (tvOS 17 or later), and installing it is the quickest method:

  1. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for NordVPN, and install it.
  2. Open the app and log in to your account, or subscribe in the app.
  3. Pick a country from the list on the main screen, or select “Secure my connection.”

On older tvOS versions, use NordVPN’s Smart DNS, router setup, or PC connection share instead.

How to Set Up NordVPN on Apple TV via SmartDNS?

The NordVPN Smart DNS is available at no extra cost and works with US streaming apps like Max, Peacock, and Disney+.

Here’s how to set it up on Apple TV:

  1. Sign up for NordVPN (grab discounts).
  2. Go to your NordVPN account and log in with your credentials.
nordvpn log in page
  1. Select NordVPN on the left-hand side.
nordvpn services
  1. With your VPN disabled, go to the SmartDNS section and click “Enable.”
enable smartdns on nordvpn
  1. Click “Activate SmartDNS” to enable the service.
activate smartdns on nordvpn
  1. Wait for NordVPN to update your account with your SmartDNS addresses. Note the addresses, as you’ll need them later.
nordvpn smartdns addresses
  1. Go to your Apple TV and open Settings.
apple tv settings
  1. Select “Network.”
apple tv network settings
  1. Choose “Wi-Fi.”
apple tv wi-fi settings
  1. Select your WiFi network from the list and click “Configure DNS.”
configure dns on apple tv
  1. Select “Manual.”
manual dns configuration on apple tv
  1. Click “Enter manually,” then enter the NordVPN SmartDNS addresses you noted earlier and click OK.
dns setting on smart tv
  1. Restart your Apple TV, and that’s it. You can now access Max, Peacock, Paramount+, and more on your Apple TV from anywhere.

How to Use NordVPN on Apple TV via Windows Hotspot?

Using NordVPN on Apple TV via Windows hotspot gives you access to the provider’s entire server network, allowing you to unblock any app and content.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Subscribe to NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the NordVPN app on your Windows PC.
  3. Choose the “OpenVPN” protocol. Go to Settings > Connection and security > VPN protocol > OpenVPN (UDP).
openvpn udp vpn protocol
  1. Connect to a server in a country where the app or content you want to unblock is accessible. For example, connect to a UK server to unblock BBC iPlayer.
  2. On your PC, go to Settings > Mobile hotspot.
  3. Select “Wi-Fi” under “Share my internet connection from” and enable Mobile hotspot.
enable mobile hotspot settings on windows os
  1. Click “Change adapter options” on the same window (in the top right corner under “Related settings“).
change adaptor options on widows os
  1. Navigate to the OpenVPN Data Channel Offload for NordVPN adapter (or TAP-NordVPN if that doesn’t work). Right-click and select Properties.
network connection settings on windows os
  1. Select the Sharing tab and check “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”
internet connection sharing enabled on windows os
  1. Open the drop-down menu under “Home networking connection” and select your mobile hotspot connection.
local area connection in sharing properties
  1. Select OK to save your new network settings.
  2. Turn on your Apple TV and connect to the NordVPN-enabled mobile hotspot you’ve created.

How to Use NordVPN on Apple TV via Router?

If you don’t have access to a Windows PC, you can install NordVPN on your router and connect your Apple TV to the resulting network. Here’s a straightforward video guide to help you out:

The VPN is compatible with a wide range of router firmware, including

  • DD-WRT
  • Tomato
  • pfSense
  • Mikrotik
  • OpenWRT
  • Gl.iNET
  • Padavan
  • Sabai
  • DrayTek
  • TP-Link
  • EdgeRouter
  • OPNsense
  • NetDUMA

Once you’ve configured the VPN, connect your Apple TV to the router’s WiFi network.

The setup process is slightly less intuitive, but I’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you.

Explore Apple TV Content Better

There you go! You can now unblock Netflix, Max, Hulu, and any other streaming apps on your Apple TV with NordVPN.

And thanks to the VPN’s ultra-fast speeds on Apple TV, you can watch anything in 4K without buffering.

Ready to unleash new movies, TV shows, and documentaries on your Apple TV? 

Grab our limited-time NordVPN sign-up discount and save big on your first subscription!

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