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

PrivateVPN isn’t directly compatible with Apple TV, but you can use it with the streaming device through your router, Windows mobile hotspot, or Airplay.

Using these methods, you can unblock all geo-restricted apps and content on your Apple TV to access more movies, TV shows, documentaries, and even Live TV.

Keep reading to learn how!

Use Apple TV With PrivateVPN

Try Alternative

How to Set Up PrivateVPN on Apple TV in Minutes?

Apple TV can only run a VPN through a native tvOS app (NordVPN’s, for example, needs tvOS 17 or later), and PrivateVPN doesn’t have one, so the only way you could directly unblock geo-restricted apps and content would be through Smart DNS.

Unfortunately, PrivateVPN doesn’t offer a Smart DNS service.

So, you need additional hardware – a router, Windows PC, iPhone, iPad, or Mac – to use the VPN with your Apple TV.

Set Up PrivateVPN on Apple TV via Windows Hotspot

This method requires setting up PrivateVPN on your Windows PC and sharing the VPN-protected connection to your Apple TV.

Here are the steps:

1. Sign up for PrivateVPN. (Claim our first-signup discount).

2. Download and install the PrivateVPN app on your Windows PC.

3. Launch the PrivateVPN application and sign in.

4. Connect to your preferred server location.

5. On your Windows PC, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet and select Mobile hotspot.

6.  Toggle on the “Share my internet connection with other devices” option.

7. Click “Change adapter options” under “Related settings” in the top-left corner of the same window.

8. Right-click the PrivateVPN network connection.

9. Click the ”Sharing” tab and enable “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”

10. Open the “Select a private network connection” drop-down menu and select the Windows mobile hotspot connection you set up earlier.

11. Click OK to share your PrivateVPN connection to your Apple TV over Windows mobile hotspot.
12. Go to your Apple TV and open Settings.

13. Select “Network.”

14. Choose “Wi-Fi” and connect to your Windows mobile hotspot.

15. Congratulations! You are now using PrivateVPN on your Apple TV.

Set Up PrivateVPN on Apple TV via Router

If you don’t have a Windows PC, you can create a PrivateVPN-enabled WiFi network connection using a physical router.

PrivateVPN is compatible with most routers brands and firmware, including:

• DD-WRT
• Asus RT
• Tomato
• Synology
• Linksys
• pfSense

Setting up PrivateVPN on a router is relatively easy, and I’ve outlined the key steps below:

1. Log into your router’s admin panel.
2. Navigate to the VPN section and enter your PrivateVPN account details.
3. Open the PrivateVPN server list on your browser.
4. Pick a PrivateVPN server and enter the address.
5. Connect.

Check out our guide on how to set up PrivateVPN on a router for a more detailed walkthrough.

Screen Mirroring With AirPlay

If you have an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Macbook, you can use PrivateVPN on your Apple TV through AirPlay.

It’s easy to set up since PrivateVPN has a native app for iOS and macOS that you can quickly download and install from the Apple App Store.

Here’s how to use PrivateVPN with Apple TV via screen mirroring with AirPlay:

1. Install PrivateVPN on your iPhone, iPad, or Macbook.
2. Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to your preferred PrivateVPN server.

3. Launch the streaming app you’re trying to watch.
4. Open the Control Center and select “AirPlay.”

5. Select “Apple TV” in the list of AirPlay devices to initiate screen mirroring.

That’s it! You can now watch geo-blocked movies and shows on your Apple TV.

Best PrivateVPN Server for Streaming on Apple TV?

The best PrivateVPN server for streaming on Apple TV depends on your location and your Apple TV streaming app.

If you’re watching Hulu, the best PrivateVPN server is the US server with the lowest ping. You can view the ping for each server on the Windows app, making it easy to identify the fastest server in any location.

But if you’re watching locally available content, I recommend using the nearest PrivateVPN server.

Best PrivateVPN Alternatives for Apple TV

While PrivateVPN works reliably with Apple TV, it doesn’t offer Smart DNS, making it harder to use. It also only has 200+ servers, which can affect its reliability and stability when streaming.

So, here are the best alternatives:

NordVPN

NordVPN has a native Apple TV app (tvOS 17 or later), plus a free SmartDNS service you can set up on your Apple TV to access American streaming apps. The SmartDNS can’t unblock BBC iPlayer, ABC iView, and other streaming apps outside the US, so use the app for those.

Additionally, NordVPN delivers faster speeds than PrivateVPN, making it a better option for streaming on your Apple TV in 4K.

It also has a larger server network – 7,000+ servers in 150 countries – for unblocking streaming apps on Apple TV. That’s far more countries than PrivateVPN’s 63, and more servers ensure superior speeds and reliability.

But it’s more expensive than PrivateVPN. Still, with our exclusive NordVPN deal, you can get the VPN at an incredible discount.

Stream Apple TV With NordVPN

---

Surfshark

Surfshark is also faster than PrivateVPN and boasts one of the most extensive server networks of any VPN I’ve tried with Apple TV.

Thanks to its 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, you can unblock almost any Apple TV app worldwide (using a router or hotspot).

Surfshark ended its SmartDNS service in February 2026, but its native Apple TV app (tvOS 17 or later) lets newer models skip the extra hardware.

On the bright side, Surfshark is affordable and offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great fit if you have numerous devices in your home.

Unblock Apple TV With Surshark

---

CyberGhost

If you want an easy-to-use VPN for unblocking apps on Apple TV, CyberGhost is an ideal option. It has simple, intuitive apps and streaming-optimized servers for 10+ Apple TV apps.

So, you can quickly unblock Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more on Apple TV by connecting to an applicable streaming server.

CyberGhost used to provide SmartDNS locations in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, but it now says its SmartDNS is no longer compatible with streaming services.

So, to watch apps like BBC iPlayer (UK), Joyn (Germany), and Hulu Japan on Apple TV, you’ll need CyberGhost on your router or a shared connection from your computer instead.

CyberGhost also has servers in 100 countries, more than PrivateVPN’s 63 countries. It also delivers top speeds to stream 4K videos without interruptions.

On top of that, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more generous compared to PrivateVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark’s 30-day refund period.

Try CyberGhost With Apple TV

---

FAQ

Get More Shows on Your Apple TV With PrivateVPN

Although PrivateVPN isn’t directly compatible, you can still use it with your Apple TV.

And whether you set it up via Windows hotspot, router, or Airplay, you’ll enjoy super-fast speeds and access to virtually all streaming apps on Apple TV, including Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix.

Don’t forget to grab our limited-time PrivateVPN discount!

However, if PrivateVPN’s lack of SmartDNS is a deal breaker, I recommend NordVPN.

It’s super-fast, and its native tvOS app and SmartDNS make it a more user-friendly option for Apple TV.