Streaming movies, TV shows, and other video content online is one of the most common uses for a virtual private network (VPN). The best VPNs have a large network of servers in a wide range of locations, meaning it’s easy to access content from other countries while travelling abroad.
However, if you’re the type of person that likes to have a dedicated device for watching TV and films, you might not want to deal with plugging your laptop, phone, or tablet into a TV or monitor to catch up on your favorite shows.
That’s where the Amazon Fire Stick comes in – Amazon has been a key player in the popularization of smart TV sticks, but what some might not realize is that it’s entirely possible to install and use the best Fire Stick VPNs directly on this handy piece of hardware.
Installing a VPN on your Amazon Fire Stick means you’ll be able to spoof your location and access geo-locked streaming services as if you were still at home. A VPN might sound like a technical concept, but it’s no more difficult to install and set up than any other app or service.
Keep reading for our easy guide to setting up a VPN on your Amazon Fire Stick.
How to set up a VPN on Amazon Fire Stick
As well as unblocking geo-locked content, using a VPN on your Amazon Fire Stick is a great way to boost your overall online privacy. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic (that’s the data that travels back and forth between you, apps, websites, and other computers and servers).
That makes it harder for would-be snoopers to track and trace your online activity.
Here’s how to get started with your Fire Stick VPN:
- Create a VPN account: Choose a VPN that has an official Fire Stick app. We recommend Surfshark – it’s the best cheap VPN, with fast connection speeds and a large network of servers. Once you’ve made your choice, create an account on the VPN’s website or app.
- Download the app on Fire Stick: Switch on your Fire Stick and head to the Amazon Appstore. Search for your VPN of choice and download the official app.
- Log in to the app: Once the app installs onto your Fire Stick, open the app and log in with the account you created in step 1.
- Connect to a VPN server: The UI will prompt you to connect to a VPN server. The best VPNs (including Surfshark) have a wide range of servers to choose from; to access your usual catalogue of shows and films, select a server in your home country.
- Start streaming: That’s it! You’re ready to stream with a fast and secure VPN connection, and you can tune into geo-locked content wherever you go.
Want more streaming options?
Not every VPN is a viable option for streaming, or for use on Amazon Fire Stick. Some VPNS, especially free VPNs, might not offer connections that are stable or fast enough for high-quality video, and some don’t have official apps or support for Fire Stick just yet.
In terms of accessing streaming services, most of the best VPNs proudly state that they can access the biggest streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video.
For more options, with details on each, head to our guide to the best streaming VPNs for a full rundown.
