How to change Apple TV region or country with a VPN

Do you need help unlocking your favorite streaming content on your Apple TV while overseas? What you’re experiencing is the bane of every modern global citizen: geo-restriction. It’s that uninvited guest who blocks your access to Apple TV just because you’re away from your home country. Luckily, there is a solution. We explain how to change your Apple TV region or country with a VPN and access a world of content from anywhere.

While Apple TV unfortunately doesn’t offer native support for VPN software, don’t despair; there are other ways to achieve the desired outcome. These include configuring a router connection and making use of smart DNS. Don’t panic, we’ll walk you through each of these methods in simple steps.

In addition, we’ve listed the best VPNs for the job based on our experts’ hands-on testing. These VPNs don’t just work with Apple TV but also circumvent geo-restrictions and offer superior encryption to secure your data, enhancing your online privacy like an impenetrable fortress. We’ll go into more detail about each of them later but in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a summary of their features.

The best VPNs for changing your Apple TV region:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 recommendation. Network of over 6,000 servers. Pre-configured routers for changing Apple TV country/region. Speedy, no-logs VPN with 24/7 support. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Apple TV.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Offers a Smart DNS service for unblocking Apple TV. Also boasts high enough speeds for lag-free streaming, strong security, and no connection limits.
3. IPVanish: Secure reliable provider. Works with select routers for use with Apple TV. Connect all of your devices simultaneously. No-logs policy and encryption keep your data secure.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable servers in over 100 countries. 24/7 support and strong security. Pre-configured routers for changing Apple TV country/region.
5. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly apps, speedy servers, and a vast network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. Ideal for tech novices.
6. PrivateVPN: Very fast servers in dozens of countries. Changes Apple TV region/country via compatible routers. Beginner-friendly apps and encryption.
7. Private Internet Access: Customizable encryption options improve Apple TV streaming quality. Connect unlimited simultaneous devices.
8. PureVPN: Supports most types of router and reliably unblocks most major streaming platforms. One of the fastest VPNs on the market, with 24/7 support and automatic obfuscation.
9. ProtonVPN: Speedy zero-logs provider boasting one of the most comprehensive security toolkits we’ve seen. Great streaming ability, a large network, and lots of support available.

How to change your Apple TV iTunes region

Apple TVs come with apps pre-installed. In order to access apps from another region, you’ll have to change the iTunes region on your Apple TV.

Here’s how to change iTunes region on Apple TV: (3rd gen or earlier)

1. Go to Settings
2. Select iTunes Store
3. Go to iTunes Location > Location
4. Choose your preferred iTunes region
5. Restart your Apple TV for the new apps to appear
6. You’ll now be able to watch the content with a suitable VPN such as NordVPN or via a smart DNS

How to change Apple TV iTunes region (4th gen or later)

The process for changing your Apple TV iTunes region is different for the Apple TV 4. In this case, you need to have an iTunes account for the country you’d like to switch to. First of all, you’ll have to sign out of your current iTunes account:

1. Select Settings
2. Go to iTunes Store
3. Select Apple IDs > Sign Out

Now you can create a new iTunes account for the country you want to unblock content from.

Here’s how we have found to change your iTunes location:

1. Scroll to the bottom of iTunes and select your preferred country
2. Find a free app and select it
3. Create a new Apple ID
4. Provide a different email address than that of your regular Apple ID
5. Select ‘None’ on the payment page
6. Enter a valid billing address for the country you’re trying to access
7. Log into Apple TV with your new account

How to change Apple TV region with a VPN

The easiest methods to change the region or country of your Apple TV are to configure a VPN connection on your router or use a DNS proxy.

How to use a router to change Apple TV region with a VPN

Apple TV doesn’t support VPNs by default, so we need to configure the VPN on an upstream device. For most of us, that means setting up the VPN on a Wi-Fi router. Connecting your home router to the VPN is one way of changing the region or country of your Apple TV. Some VPNs make this especially easy since they offer apps for routers. You’ll need to make sure that your router is compatible or buy a pre-configured router. NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN all sell pre-configured routers that are already set up to use their VPN servers.

1. Sign up for a suitable VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Log into the dashboard of your router by opening your web browser and entering 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You’ll then need to enter your credentials.
3. Once you’re on the dashboard, you may find an option to set up a VPN connection. The exact setup process varies, so follow the instructions provided by your VPN provider.
4. If your router doesn’t support VPN connections, there’s the option of replacing the router’s firmware with one that supports VPNs. DD-WRT and Tomato are two free and open-source options that we particularly recommend, and NordVPN, in particular, makes great free and easy-to-use firmware for subscribers with compatible router models.

Note: Flashing your own firmware requires some tech savvy and can permanently damage your device if not done properly. If you aren’t comfortable with the risks, you may prefer to purchase a pre-configured router like NordVPN’s.

How to use a DNS proxy or smart DNS to change Apple TV region

A DNS proxy or smart DNS is another way in which you change the region of your Apple TV. DNS stands for “Domain Name System” and translates domain names into IP addresses. Opening a website in your browser sends a DNS request to a DNS server, which finds the appropriate IP address. DNS requests are typically sent to the servers of your internet service provider (ISP) – the country where you’re located.

Many streaming sites check the origin of DNS requests in order to verify a user’s location. By having your Apple TV send DNS requests to a server in a different country, you can get past these geo-restrictions and unblock Apple TV content from other locations.

Unlike VPNs, Apple TV comes with built-in support for custom DNS servers.

Here’s how to change DNS servers on Apple TV (4th gen and later):

1. Access the Apple TV main menu
2. Click Settings > Network
3. Select Configure DNS > Manual
4. Enter the address of your provider’s smart DNS server and click Done
5. Restart your Apple TV

How to change DNS servers on Apple TV (3rd gen and earlier):

If your Apple TV is 3rd generation or older, you’ll find that the process is a bit different. You may need to change your location. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Navigate to Settings
2. Click on iTunes Store and then Location
3. Select the appropriate country for the content you’d like to unblock
4. Return to Settings
5. Click General > Network
6. Choose WiFi or Ethernet
7. Select Configure DNS > Manual
8. Enter the DNS address
9. Navigate to Settings > General > Restart in order to restart your Apple TV for the changes to take effect

If you decide to go down this route, we particularly recommend ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, which is included in the ExpressVPN subscription. It lets you use ExpressVPN’s DNS servers separate from the VPN.

Setting up a virtual router hotspot on your laptop with a VPN

Another way in which you can change your Apple TV region or country is by setting up a virtual router hotspot on your laptop. This allows you to broadcast wifi from your laptop to other nearby devices, such as an Apple TV. Any device you connect to the hotspot will be routed through the VPN installed on the laptop.

If configuring a physical router or using smart DNS is not an option, you can follow our tutorials on how to set up a virtual router on a Macbook and how to set up a virtual router on Windows.

How we selected the top VPNs for Apple TV

Wondering how we came up with our list of the top VPNs from the hundreds of providers available? Well, we found the best VPNs to change the region or country of your Apple TV by testing for the following criteria:

• Servers located worldwide, particularly in countries where Apple TV is supported
• Fast and reliable servers for high-quality streaming (HD as well as 4K if possible)
• Strong encryption, as well as other important security features
• A strict no-logs policy when it comes to your data
• Accessible customer support providing knowledgeable answers

You can read more about the process we use to rank our VPNs in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones on our list.

Best VPNs for Apple TV: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Apple TV.

The best VPNs to change Apple TV region or country

The following reviews are based on our extensive testing process and first-hand experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the providers that consistently impress us.

Here is our list of the best VPNs to change the region on your Apple TV:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first pick for an Apple TV VPN. This provider has a particularly large network of servers with over 6,000 servers in 110+ countries and can securely access many popular websites. Notably, NordVPN works with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It outperforms most other VPNs in our speed tests, and we don’t experience any issues with buffering or lag while streaming. There’s also 24/7 live chat support, should you need it.

When it comes to security, NordVPN is one of the best. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and DNS leak protection, while an automatic kill switch ensures traffic is blocked should your VPN connection drop. What’s more, NordVPN offers several specialty servers, including Double VPN and Dedicated IP. A no-logs policy means your personal data remains private to you.

In order to set up NordVPN on your Apple TV, you can install it on your router. While the process is different for each router, NordVPN does provide tutorials. If your router isn’t VPN-compatible, you do have the option of purchasing a router that’s pre-configured with NordVPN. Alternatively, it’s possible to set up a VPN connection on a laptop and share it with your Apple TV.

NordVPN apps are available to download for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. In addition, one subscription allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR APPLE TV:NordVPN is our #1 pick. It offers preconfigured routers for changing Apple TV country and region. Over 6,000 high-speed servers worldwide. Works with Netflix and offers 24/7 live chat support as well as servers optimized for enhanced privacy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free deal.

Read our full NordVPN review or check out the video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great budget alternative. Users can either install this service directly on their router or simply configure its Smart DNS service to change their location on Apple TV. Either way, with around 3,200 servers in 100+ countries and the ability to securely access major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, you’ll have plenty of choices. Better still, unlike most of its rivals, Surfshark lets you secure as many devices as you like.

This VPN offers effectively-uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, as well as automatic ad-blocking and malware scanning. Users can also take advantage of the split-tunneling feature to let certain apps bypass the VPN entirely (for instance, so you can use streaming services from two regions simultaneously). This service keeps no logs and offers 24/7 support over email and live chat.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, Android, Linux, MacOS, and iOS. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on select home routers or buy a pre-flashed router.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR APPLE TV:Surfshark lets you connect all the devices you want, provides speedy connections, and unblocks all but the toughest streaming platforms. This security-focused provider even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish stands out for offering fast, reliable connections. It has a network of more than 2,200 servers in 60+ countries. Aside from being able to securely access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Now, IPVanish is also very easy to use with Kodi. Our browsing experience with IPVanish was very smooth, and we were able to stream HD videos without interruption.

This is a VPN that offers excellent value since you can use it on every device you own simultaneously. IPVanish also offers good security with features including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Further, this provider has a strict zero logs policy, which only serves to better protect your privacy.

When it comes to using IPVanish with your Apple TV, you can use a DD-WRT, AsusWRT, Merlin, or Tomato router. Not all routers are compatible with VPNs. In this case, you can always buy a VPN router that is already IPVanish-enabled. Alternatively, you can share your laptop’s VPN connection with your Apple TV.

You can download IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV, while Linux requires manual setup.

IPVanish speed test data

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish can be configured with select routers for changing Apple TV region. Lets you connect all of your devices simultaneously. Fast, consistent servers and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN unblocks plenty of geo-restricted content. This includes Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. With over 3,000 VPN servers in more than 100 countries, ExpressVPN provides lots of options. This VPN’s impressive speeds make it an excellent choice for streaming in HD or even 4K. Should you encounter any problems, ExpressVPN offers live chat-based customer support, 24/7.

ExpressVPN provides a high level of security with 256-bit AES encryption. Aside from DNS leak protection and a kill switch, it features split tunneling functionality that lets you route some traffic through the VPN while some devices or applications continue to run on a non-VPN network. This provider doesn’t keep any identifying connection or activity logs of its users.

ExpressVPN offers a couple of convenient ways in which you can change your Apple TV region or country. One option is using MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN’s smart DNS proxy service. While MediaStreamer unblocks content without encrypting your traffic, the ExpressVPN app for routers lets you take advantage of the service’s full functionality. In this case, there are two options available: install the app on your existing router (be sure to check that your router is compatible) or buy a pre-configured router directly from ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN offers apps for the following devices: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. MediaStreamer is compatible with Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. VPN browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome and Firefox.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. Offers a smart DNS proxy service and an app for routers for changing Apple TV region or country. Highly secure service with encryption. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an exceptional choice for Apple TV users seeking a VPN service with an extensive server network and reliable performance. Boasting over 10,000 servers across 100+ countries, CyberGhost ensures seamless access to geo-restricted content on streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, and more, regardless of your location.

Designed with Apple TV users in mind, CyberGhost delivers the speed required for a smooth viewing experience. This VPN service consistently provides impressive speeds to prevent buffering, bandwidth throttling, and network limitations, with average speeds of 296.1Mbps in our tests.

Setting up CyberGhost on Apple TV is a breeze, with the quickest method being through DNS configuration. Alternatively, users can opt to connect their router to the VPN service for broader coverage.

CyberGhost offers a range of robust security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, a built-in kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and a choice of OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. The service allows up to seven simultaneous connections, ensuring multiple devices in your household are protected.

To support users, CyberGhost offers 24/7 customer service and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, providing peace of mind and assurance in the quality of their service.

BEGINNER FRIENDLY PICK:CyberGhost has over 10,000 global servers including streaming-specific servers. Highly secure, easy-to-use service with strong encryption and intuitive apps. Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a fast VPN service ideal for streaming content on Apple TV. This is a VPN that can securely access streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. A smaller VPN provider, PrivateVPN has around 200 servers located in about 60 countries around the world, but some of the highest speeds we’ve seen. Plus, it lets you secure up to 10 devices at once.

Another area in which PrivateVPN excels is security. Aside from using 256-bit AES encryption, it offers DNS and lPv6 leak protection and a built-in kill switch. This VPN has a zero data-logging policy and states that it has no knowledge of what users do online. You can use PrivateVPN with your Apple TV by configuring the service on a compatible router.

You can use the following PrivateVPN apps: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual configuration is required for Linux.

IDEAL FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN has fast servers for uninterrupted streaming. Compatible with Apple TV via select routers. Connect 10 devices simultaneously. Very user-friendly apps as well as strong security with encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access makes our list of the best VPNs for Apple TV due to its colossal network of over 10,000 servers in 90+ locations. It operates from the United States, and speeds are consistently good regardless of where you connect from.

PIA doesn’t offer a native app for Apple TV. However, you can install the VPN on supported routers, which allows you to use the Apple TV app on another device via your router. Interestingly, PIA lets you disable encryption entirely. While it’s usually not recommended to do this, streaming on Apple TV doesn’t generally need encryption and can produce a much smoother stream without it. Aside from that, PIA offers AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a network kill switch.

It has apps available for most platforms and allows unlimited device connections, letting your entire household stream simultaneously. PIA is good at accessing providers like Netflix but struggles with Disney Plus and Prime Video. You’ll have 30 days to request a refund after joining if you’re not 100% satisfied.

CUSTOMIZABLE ENCRYPTION:Private Internet Access allows unlimited devices and lets you tweak your encryption level to maximize Apple TV speeds. A 30-day money-back promise is included with all PIA plans.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN works well with Apple TV and most other region-locked apps. In fact, with servers in more than 60 countries, there are very few restrictions on what you’ll be able to watch. We’re big fans of this provider’s speeds, too; in our latest tests, it averaged roughly 400 Mbps, making it one of the quickest on the market. That’s not all: PureVPN has a generous connection limit, offers 24/7 live chat, and even works in places like China.

While this service was designed for beginners, it doesn’t compromise on security. Every connection is protected with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Further, PureVPN refuses to keep logs of your activities, and we know this for sure because it’s been audited multiple times. There are additional charges for tracker blocking and port forwarding, which is unfortunate, given that other services tend to include these at no extra cost. Still, not everyone will want or need these features, so it’s not the end of the world.

PureVPN offers apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It works with most types of router too, though you’ll have to configure your connection manually.

ULTRA FAST:PureVPN is one of the speediest providers we’ve seen and refuses to compromise on security. Detailed support documentation and one-on-one customer support. Sign up today and you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.

Take a look at our in-depth PureVPN review.

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9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN boasts exceptional streaming ability, making it a natural choice for anyone hoping to change Apple TV region. Its network spans an impressive 90+ countries, and thanks to its top-tier performance, you’ll be able to watch all of your favorite shows in the highest possible quality. There’s even a built-in ad-blocker, ensuring you won’t have to wait around for content to start. Just be aware: you can’t choose server locations or reliably access streaming platforms on the free plan. On the plus side, paid subscriptions also include 24/7 support and a 10-device limit.

Can ProtonVPN keep you safe? Absolutely. It offers uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, plus an independently verified zero-logs policy. In other words, there’s no need to worry about your ISP or government monitoring your activities. There are plenty of more advanced features, too, such as split tunneling and port forwarding, plus special Secure Core servers that send user traffic through multiple locations. Bitcoin and cash payments are accepted, making it as easy as possible to register anonymously.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Want to protect more than 10 devices simultaneously? Check the website for manual router setup guides.

DOESN’T KEEP LOGS:ProtonVPN puts your privacy first and can access just about any region-locked platform (including Apple TV). Delivers first-class speed and security, plus 24/7 support. Paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for Apple TV: Our methodology

Deciding which VPN to use can be a little tricky. After all, some just won’t work with Apple TV, and others might lack the security to let you stream safely. We’ve ensured that our recommendations really are up to the task by using the criteria below to whittle down the competing VPNs until only the best remain:

• Streaming ability: Naturally, the VPNs all have to be able to access Apple TV. That said, we also test them with services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ to really see what they’re capable of.
• Speed: We regularly perform a series of intensive speed tests to give us an understanding of which VPNs are the fastest and which have changed the most over time. This way, you can trust that you won’t run into any lag or stuttering while streaming.
• Server choice: Apple TV+ might be available in over 100 countries, but you’ll usually get the best performance from a nearby server. That’s why we value providers with large networks and a presence in lots of countries around the world.
• Security and privacy: VPNs are designed to help keep your online activities private, and this isn’t something we’re willing to compromise on. To even be considered, a service must offer 256-bit encryption, a no-logging policy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. If there are even more advanced tools on offer, all the better.
• Ease of use: We strongly prefer services that go out of their way to be user-friendly. As such, all of our recommendations have apps for a variety of devices, live chat-based assistance, and beginner-friendly designs.
• Price: We don’t want you to pay more than you absolutely have to, which is why we only recommend VPNs we think are priced fairly. We’ll always include details of any discounts or money-back guarantees that are available too.

Interested in learning more? We’ve broken down our full VPN testing process to provide as much transparency as possible.

Changing Apple TV region: FAQs

See also: Best VPN for Apple TV in 2024