How To Change Apple Tv Region Watch Your Favorite Shows Abroad

If you’re struggling to access online content from abroad with your Apple TV, the good news is that you can change your Apple TV region or country with a VPN. This will then allow you to access geo-restricted content. VPN is short for “virtual private network” and essentially encrypts a device’s traffic before routing it through an intermediary server of your choosing. This hides your true IP address and thus your location, enhancing your privacy in the process.

While Apple TV doesn’t support VPN software, there are a few options available if you have an Apple TV. In particular, you can install a VPN on your home router or use smart DNS. We’ll take a closer look at these a little later.

How to change your Apple TV iTunes region (3rd gen or earlier)

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:

Go to Settings
Select iTunes Store
Go to iTunes Location > Location
Choose your preferred iTunes region
Restart your Apple TV for the new apps to appear
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:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Select Settings
Go to iTunes Store
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 to change your iTunes location:

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

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. Of course, you’ll need to make sure that your router is compatible or buy a pre-configured router. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all sell pre-configured routers that are already set up to use their VPN servers.

You can 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. Once you’re on the dashboard, you may find an option to set up a VPN connection. The exact setup process varies depending on your VPN provider and router model.

If not, 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. However, 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 ExpressVPN’s.

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

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):

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

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:

Navigate to Settings
Click on iTunes Store and then Location
Select the appropriate country for the content you’d like to unblock
Return to Settings
Click General > Network
Choose WiFi or Ethernet
Select Configure DNS > Manual
Enter the DNS address
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 to 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 on how to set up a virtual router on Windows.

What’s the best VPN for Apple TV?

While we’ll cover each of the best VPNs for Apple TV in depth, here’s a quick summary of each in case you’re short of time:

NordVPN: Our #1 recommendation. Network of over 5,400 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.
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.
ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable servers in 94 countries. 24/7 support and strong security.
IPVanish: Works with select routers for use with Apple TV. Connect all of your devices simultaneously. No-logs policy and encryption keeps your data secure.
PrivateVPN: Very fast servers in dozens of countries. Changes Apple TV region/country via compatible routers. Beginner-friendly apps and encryption.
Private Internet Access: Customizable encryption options improve Apple TV streaming quality. Includes a 10 simultaneous device limit.

Wondering how we came up with the above list? We found the best VPNs to change the region or country of your Apple TV by selecting those that meet 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

Best VPNs for Apple TV – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for 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

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

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
Background
FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

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.

BEST VPN FOR APPLE TV:NordVPN is our #1 pick. It offers preconfigured routers for changing Apple TV country and region. Over 5,400 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.

Pros:

Cons:

Desktop app takes multiple clicks to disconnect

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

This VPN offers effectively-uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and 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.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR APPLE TV:Surfshark lets you connect however many 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.

Excellent unblocking capabilities
Generally high speeds
Includes plenty of powerful security features
Accepts cryptocurrencies
Offers 247 live chat
Doesn’t have as many servers as some rivals

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

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 direct from ExpressVPN.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers in 94 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.

Offers two ways in which you can change Apple TV region/country
Large network of over 3,000 servers across 94 countries
Works with many popular streaming services including Netflix
Provides live chat and email support, available 24/7
Secure service thanks to encryption and no identifying logs
Slightly more expensive than most VPNs
Limited advanced features in apps for power-users

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

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.

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.

Configurable with select routers for changing Apple TV country
Use on any number of evices simultaneously
Works particularly well with Kodi
Keeps your data secure with encryption and no-logs policy
No option to pay in Bitcoin/cryptocurrency
Doesn’t offer any browser extensions

Read our full IPVanish review.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

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.

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 kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Can be configured with compatible routers for use with Apple TV
Very fast speeds for streaming as well as torrenting
Lets you have up to 10 simultaneous connections
Protects your privacy with encryption and no-logs policy
Smaller network of approximately 200 servers
Limited choice of apps and no browser extensions

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Private internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access makes our list of the best VPNs for Apple TV due to its colossal network of over 10,000 servers in 80+ 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 offers a 10-device connection limit, 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 includes a 10 simultaneous device limit and lets you tweak your encryption level to maximize Apple TV speeds. A 30-day money-back promise is included with all PIA plans.

Customizable encryption level
Operates over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries
Can connect up to 10 devices at the same time
No Smart DNS support
Doesn’t unblock all streaming sites

Read our full Private internet Access review.

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 remained:

Streaming ability: Naturally, the VPNs above 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.

How to change your Apple TV iTunes region (3rd gen or earlier)#

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

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

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

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

What’s the best VPN for Apple TV?#

Best VPNs for Apple TV – at a glance#

The best VPNs to change Apple TV region or country#

1. NordVPN#

Pros:#

Cons:#

2. Surfshark#

3. ExpressVPN#

4. IPVanish#

5. PrivateVPN#

6. Private internet Access#

Finding the best VPNs for Apple TV: Our methodology#

Streaming Apple TV abroad: Frequently Asked Questions#