How to Set Up and Use Private Internet Access on Android TV? (2026)

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

We are reader supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

You can install Private Internet Access (PIA) on Android TV by downloading the PIA app from Google Play Store.

Once installed, your Android TV can connect to one of PIA’s servers in 91 countries to unblock geo-restricted content. But if the PIA Android TV app isn’t working, you can also set up and use PIA on Android TV via SmartDNS.

Keep reading for both setup methods!

Use PIA on Android TV

Try Alternative

How to Use PIA With Android TV via the App?

Android TV has access to the Google Play Store, so you can download the PIA app like you would on your Android phone.

Here are the steps:

  1. First, sign up for a discounted PIA deal.
  2. Turn on your Android TV and launch the Google Play Store app.
google play store on android tv
  1. Click the search bar on the top right and type in “Private Internet Access” to find the VPN app. Install it.
search icon on google play store
  1. Open the app and log in.
  2. Select a server in the country you want to unblock content in.
  3. You’re ready to start watching your favorite geo-blocked content on Android TV.

How to Use PIA With Android TV via SmartDNS?

SmartDNS is an excellent alternative for using Private Internet Access on Android TV – especially since PIA warns that the Android TV app might malfunction due to incompatibility with smart TVs.

Here are the steps:

  1. Sign up for and save with an annual PIA plan.
  2. Head to the Private Internet Access control panel and log in.
pia log in
  1. Go to “Smart DNS” and select which device you’re using.
smart dns setup on pia
  1. Next, go to “Select Location” to choose from the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, or the Netherlands, and press Select.
smart dns ip address on pia
  1. Open the DNS settings on your Android TV.
  2. Select the “Enter manually” option and type in the Smart DNS address.
dns server settings on android tv
  1. Press OK and wait for your Android TV to reconnect to the internet.

What’s the Best PIA Protocol for Android TV?

The best PIA protocol for Android TV is WireGuard since it offers the fastest speeds without sacrificing security.

Normally my base speed is 473.5 Mbps, but when I tested PIA with WireGuard, I got 375.3 Mbps. That’s a 21% speed reduction but 5% faster than OpenVPN, which scored 355.8 Mbps. This made streaming World on Fire in 4K on my Android TV easy.

Stream on Android TV With PIA Today

Using PIA With Android TV is easy, whether you download the app or use SmartDNS.

Thus, you can easily access Netflix US (plus other foreign libraries), BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO Max, and other streaming apps on your Android TV worldwide.

Check out these Private Internet Access discounts and save while protecting your Android TV.

Explore More