How to Watch Roku With PrivateVPN?

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

Are you trying to watch Roku with PrivateVPN?

Well, you’ve landed on the right page.

And in this guide, I’ll give you a complete walkthrough.

I’m a VPN enthusiast and researcher, and I’ve reviewed 150+ VPNs over the last 5 years. To date, PrivateVPN has been one of the standout performers, and the service works reliably with Roku.

However, since Roku doesn’t support VPNs, you will need to set up the service on a compatible device and share the connection via WiFi.

Does PrivateVPN Work With Roku?

Yes, PrivateVPN works with Roku. But as I mentioned earlier, you will need to set it up on a router or computer and share your connection since Roku lacks built-in VPN functionality.

Fortunately, PrivateVPN is compatible with  a wide range of routers, including:

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

You can also set it up on Windows and macOS and share the VPN connection via mobile hotspot.

Quick Walkthrough on How to Set Up PrivateVPN on Roku

Since Roku does not support VPNs, you can only set up PrivateVPN through either a physical or a virtual router.

#1 Solution: Setting Up PrivateVPN on Roku Via Physical Router

There are different ways you can go about it, and the steps will differ depending on your router.

First, I’ll take you through the universal steps and then cover the installation process for:

  • ASUS RT
  • DD-WRT

Step 1: Get PrivateVPN

To get started, first get a PrivateVPN subscription.

The provider has 3 pricing plans to choose from – 1 month, 3 months, and 24 Months.

As you would expect, the 24-month offers the most significant savings, but it will cost you more initially.

Check our exclusive discount on PrivateVPN.

If you’re looking to spend less in the short-term, then the 1-month and 3-month plans are great options.

Step 2: Create Your PrivateVPN Account

Create Secure PrivateVPN Account

After you’ve settled on a subscription plan, the next step is to create your PrivateVPN account.

To do so, simply enter your email address and pick a secure password.

Step 3: Select Your Payment Method

Select a preferred method of payment

Choose your preferred payment option and type in your information to finish the signup process.

PrivateVPN accepts a wide range of payment methods, including:

  • Credit card – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, Diner’s Club
  • PayPal
  • Bitcoin

Step 4: Install PrivateVPN on Your Router

Regardless of your router,  setting up PrivateVPN comes down to the following universal steps:

  1. Find the Network and VPN sections on your router.
  2. Enter your PrivateVPN account details (email and password).
  3. Download and upload the PrivateVPN certificate.
  4. Select a server in the location you want to connect to.

These are more or less guiding steps that will help you set up PrivateVPN on any router.

When I was testing the VPN service with Roku, I used both ASUS and DD-WRT routers, and I’ve outlined the step by step process below:

How to Set Up PrivateVPN on ASUS RT Router

PrivateVPN supports 3 protocols with ASUS RT models – OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP.

In this quick walkthrough, I’ll be setting up the VPN using the OpenVPN protocol since it offers the perfect balance between speed and security.

Here is the step by step process:

Step 1: On your browser, go to http://router.asus.com/ and log in.

Step 2: Select VPN on the left-hand side.

Select the VPN" on Asus Router settings

Step 3: Next, click on the VPN client tab.

Select VPN client tab

Step 4: Click Add profile.

Click Add profile

Step 5: Download and unzip this file: https://privatevpn.com/client/PrivateVPN-TUN-router.zip

Step 6: Next, select OpenVPN on the tab.

  • Description: Enter PrivateVPN
  • Username: Enter your PrivateVPN username
  • Password: Enter your PrivateVPN password

Now, press Browse and select the configuration file.

Select Configuration file

Step 7: Click on Upload and then click on OK to import the configuration file.

Step 8: Click Activate to establish the PrivateVPN connection.

Click Activate button
How to Set Up PrivateVPN on DD-WRT Router

To set up PrivateVPN on your DD-WRT Router, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Log in to your DD-WRT control panel through the web browser.

Step 2: Click on Setup and then on Basic Setup.

DD-WRT Basic Setup

Step 3: Under the Network Address Server Settings (DHCP) change Static DNS 1 and 2 to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Fill in Static DNS

Step 4: Click Save and Apply Settings.

Click Apply Settings

Step 5: Click on Administration and then Commands.

Click on Administrations > Commands

Step 6: Download the PrivateVPN DD-WRT OpenVPN script and paste the text into the Command field.

Step 7: Edit the following lines:

  • USERNAME=“Enter your username for PrivateVPN”
  • PASSWORD=“Enter your password for PrivateVPN”
Edit following lines

Step 8: Choose your preferred server from the PrivateVPN server list and enter the server address between “remote” and the port number under REMOTE_SERVERS.

For example, us-las.pvdata.host, which will be: remote us-las.pvdata.host 1194.

Step 9: Click on Save Startup and go to Management and click Reboot Router.

Reboot router

That’s it! Your PrivateVPN connection will run automatically once the router restarts.

Step 5: Connect Roku to Your Router

After setting up PrivateVPN on your router, the next step is to share your WiFi connection to Roku. To do so, simply follow the steps below:

    1. Open Roku and navigate to Settings, then Network, and press Ok.Network settings on Roku
    2. On the next screen, click on “Set up new wireless connection.”Set up new wireless connection
    3. Roku will show all the available Wi-Fi networks. Select the option that matches the PrivateVPN-enabled WiFi you set up earlier.
    4. When prompted, enter your password and click “Connect.”Enter network password if needed and click Connect

Voila! You’ve successfully set up PrivateVPN on your Roku. You can now bypass geo-restrictions and watch any content you want!

#2 Solution: Setting Up PrivateVPN on Roku Via Virtual Router

If you don’t have a physical router or you find the first solution a bit challenging, you can alternatively set up PrivateVPN on Windows or Mac and create a virtual router.

How to Share PrivateVPN Connection Via Mac

If you use a Macbook, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Subscribe to PrivateVPN.

Step 2: Download the PrivateVPN application on your Mac.

Step 3: Locate the app installer in your Downloads folder and right-click to open.

Step 4: If you get a prompt about “unidentified developer.” Click on Open.

Click Open

Step 5: Now, follow the onscreen instructions to install the app.

install privatevpn

Step 6: When asked to, type in your Mac’s username and password and click Install Software.

Click Install Software

Step 7: Once PrivateVPN has installed, launch the app. When prompted to install the helper tool, enter your macOS username and password.

Click Install Helper

Step 8: Now enter your PrivateVPN username and password to log in.

Enter your login details

Step 9: Go “System Preferences,” and then click on “Sharing.”

Sharing on Mac

Step 10: Next, choose “Internet Sharing” and configure as follows:

  • Share your connection from: VPN (L2TP)
  • To computers using: Wi-Fi

Step 11: Go to “Wi-Fi options” and key in the following, and click OK.

  • Network Name: (enter any name)
  • Channel: (leave as default)
  • Security: WPA2 Personal
  • Password: (enter a password)
  • Verify: (re-enter your password)

Step 12: Next, mark the box next to “Internet Sharing” to turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot.

Internet Sharing: Off

Step 13: When prompted, click Start to switch on Internet Sharing.

Internet Sharing: On

Now open Roku, connect to the WiFi network!

Share PrivateVPN Connection via Windows 10 in Minutes

PrivateVPN has an easy-to-use native client for Windows, which you can use to connect to its VPN servers and share your connection to Roku.

Here is the step by step walkthrough:

Step 1: Get a PrivateVPN subscription.

Step 2: Download the application on your Windows PC.

Step 3: Sign in with your PrivateVPN account email address and password.

PrivateVPN on Windows

Step 4: On your PC, navigate the Settings>Network & Internet and then click Mobile Hotspot.

Select change adapter options

Step 5: Select “Change adapter options” and right-click on the PrivateVPN connection, and select Properties on the next window.

PrivateVPN adapter

Step 6: Click on the Sharing tab and mark the box next to the “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection” option.

PrivateVPN Properties sharing

Step 7: Under “Home networking connection,” pick Wi-Fi from the drop-down menu and press Ok.

Step 8: Open the PrivateVPN app and click on your target server location.

PrivateVPN Locations

Step 9: Lastly, switch on the mobile hotspot and connect Roku to the Wi-Fi network.

How to Change My Region on Roku to the U.S?

If you want to stream US exclusive content on Roku, be it via Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max, you’ll need to configure Roku with US settings.

Here is how you can change your Roku region to the US:

Step 1: First, open PrivateVPN and connect to a server in the US.

Step 2: If you had already created a non-US account, go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset.

Step 3: Enter and confirm your PIN code to initiate the factory reset process.

Step 4: Open your browser, and visit the my.roku.com/signup page.

Step 3: Next, you’ll be required to enter your first name, last name, email address, and password.

Note: Your email address should not be tied to another Roku account.

Step 4: After you’ve entered your personal info, click “Continue.”

Your Roku account should now be active!

If asked to provide payment details but you don’t have a US credit card, you can simply skip this step without providing any information.

Read Also: Best VPNs to Stream Roku

Can't Stream Roku With PrivateVPN. What Now?

From my experience, PrivateVPN works reliably with Roku and unblocks virtually all Roku channels, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

However, if you find you can’t Stream Roku with PrivateVPN, first check your Roku region to make sure it matches with the channel you’re trying to access.

For instance, to watch Hulu, you will need to make sure your Roku region is set to the US. On the other hand, to stream BBC iPlayer shows, you should have a UK-Roku account.

If your Roku settings are configured perfectly but you’re still experiencing issues streaming with PrivateVPN, I suggest reaching out to customer support.

Alternatively, you can switch to ExpressVPN – my top VPN for Roku in 2021. Other VPN services that impressed me in my tests are Surfshark VPN and NordVPN.

FAQ

Does PrivateVPN Offer a Free Trial?

Yes, PrivateVPN offers a 7-day free trial (No credit card needed). To test the service free of charge, you will need to email the provider at support@privatevpn.com to receive a gift code.

Will PrivateVPN Improve My Roku Streaming Experience?

Yes, PrivateVPN can improve your Roku streaming experience by allowing you to both unlock tons of new content and avoid ISP bandwidth throttling.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a VPN that won’t give you a headache when setting up or using Roku, PrivateVPN is an ideal choice.

I found their Windows and Mac apps intuitive and straightforward to use, and the fact that the VPN supports all the primary router firmware is a bonus.

PrivateVPN also works with all the popular Roku channels, and it delivers fast speeds, allowing you to stream in HD. It’s also affordable and perfect if you’re on a budget.

What are you waiting for? Grab our time-limited deal and unblock your favorite Roku content.

PrivateVPN logo
PrivateVPN devices
EXCLUSIVE November DEAL!
Our partner, PrivateVPN, offers an exclusive discount for a limited time! Don't miss out on the chance to save extra money.
OFFER EXPIRES IN:
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
TODAY!
VIEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Or Try PrivateVPN for FREE