However, the above process can sometimes be a bit tricky. Fortunately, you can set up a virtual router instead, which is much easier: Looking for a fast and secure VPN that works with Chromecast? We recommend NordVPN: Of course, this might be a new topic for you, which is why we’ve explained how to install a VPN for Google Chromecast below, along with some of the best VPNs for Chromecast based on their features.
How to Install a Chromecast VPN
Instead, you quite literally “cast” the content from your smartphone or computer to the Chromecast device. When it’s plugged into your TV, for example, the Chromecast lets you see that content on a bigger screen. You simply hit a button within the supported application. But what if the content is blocked in your country? To access geo-blocked content, you’ll need a Chromecast VPN. There are two main ways to install a VPN on Chromecast, which we’ve covered below.
1. Set up a VPN on a physical router
All of your internet-connected devices access the web through your router. So, by setting up a VPN on your router, you can protect them all simultaneously without installing a VPN on each device. This includes protecting your Chromecast with a VPN.
First, though, we need to check your router is compatible with a VPN. Installing this software will require you to change your router’s firmware – a process known as “flashing” – and not every router allows this. If you have a suitable router, you can go ahead with flashing it, but be aware that it comes with risks. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can damage your router. As this process can be quite tricky, we recommend reading up on how to install a VPN on your router and the best VPNs to use on a router. Assuming your router does support a VPN or you have set up the right firmware, these are the steps you need to take to install a VPN: Once you’ve gotten hold of a suitable router, you’ve flashed the firmware, and you’ve installed your VPN, you’ll be ready to use the VPN on Chromecast. You’ll need to connect the Chromecast to your internet via the router if you haven’t done so already.
2. Set up a VPN on a virtual router
Not possible to change the firmware on your router? Perhaps you find the process too much trouble or confusing? Well, the good news is that you can also create a virtual router that’s separate from your physical hardware. A virtual router is essentially a “hotspot.” If you’ve ever tethered a device to your smartphone’s internet connection, it’s the same principle – you’ll connect your Chromecast to your computer’s internet connection.
Virtual router on Windows PC
Virtual router on Mac
On Mac, the process is largely similar. To create a hotspot on Mac: This is a much simpler method for securing your Chromecast and bypassing geographical restrictions. However, you should keep in mind that this method can slow down your internet for other network users.
The Best VPNs for Chromecast
We’ve tested the best VPNs for Chromecast based on speed, server locations, and overall quality. The following providers scored well in these categories and are perfect to use for your Chromecast with Google TV or any other USB-supported television. There are some free VPN services too, but these don’t work very well if you want to stream on Chromecast with a VPN due to limitations on speed and data usage.
1. NordVPN for Google Chromecast: Secure streaming
NordVPN is one of the most popular, tried-and-tested VPN providers, and it’s also our best VPN for Chromecast. Streaming requires stable, high-speed connections, and you get just that with NordVPN. Assuming your internet connection is stable, you’ll have no problem streaming as much content as you like with NordVPN over Chromecast. NordVPN is mostly known for its robust security features and ability to safeguard your data and identity, so it is worth investing in this provider. You also gain access to more than 5,000 VPN servers around the world in over 55 countries. Best of all, NordVPN can unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, among other streaming platforms. When casting to your Chromecast from a computer that’s using NordVPN, you’ll be able to access foreign content libraries on multiple services.
2. Surfshark for Google Chromecast: Fast speeds
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN provider that has quickly built a loyal fanbase, and that’s particularly true with streamers. This provider’s network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries is fast enough to stream or cast in 4K HD without buffering. We’ve also tested Surfshark for unblocking Netflix, and the results were promising. In our Surfshark review, we tested multiple locations and could access the content libraries for at least 20 different countries. Surfshark has no limit for the number of people that can use one account at the same time. This is ideal if you want to install it on multiple devices besides using it as a Google Chromecast VPN. It’s also worth mentioning that Surfshark is also one of the cheapest VPN providers out there!
3. CyberGhost for Google Chromecast: Large server network
CyberGhost has more than 6,000 servers in 88 countries worldwide. Aside from being lightning-fast, a good number of those servers are optimized for streaming too. This makes them perfect when using a VPN for Chromecast. Simply select the “For Streaming” filter in your interface to locate a dedicated streaming VPN server. In our CyberGhost review, we tested these dedicated servers and found that performance in streaming was higher than on their regular servers. We were able to unblock multiple streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
What If Your Chromecast Is Not Working With Your VPN?
There may be occasions when you’re having problems getting your Chromecast to work with your VPN. However, there are ways you can tackle this. First, you must ensure that your Chromecast is connected to a router that has a VPN. Based on what we discussed above, you should have either set your phone or computer as a virtual router or installed a VPN on your physical router. Therefore, you must ensure that Chromecast is connected to one of them to use it successfully. If you are using a physical router, there may be an update you need to install as far as its firmware is concerned. You should be able to see that when you log into the router’s settings. Finally, it is worth checking at what frequency band your Chromecast works. The earliest versions used only the 2.4GHz frequency, so if this is the case, then you will need to select this frequency on your router, too.
Why Use a VPN on Chromecast?
Using a VPN on Chromecast might not be something you thought about when you bought the device. But installing a Chromecast VPN can open up new content for you while providing other benefits too.
You can bypass censorship
If one or more of your favorite Chromecast apps is blocked by geographical restrictions, a Chromecast VPN can help you access them. This includes apps from other countries with extended content libraries. For example, you may find that you cannot access certain videos on YouTube or you don’t have the same movies on Netflix as your friend in another country. Using a VPN can help you with all that and give you access to a wider range of content.
You’ll avoid having your connection throttled
ISPs (internet service providers) may often throttle (slow down) your connection due to overuse. Since streaming is such a data-intensive task, it could risk incurring your ISP’s wrath. But with a VPN, you can avoid the risk entirely. By using a VPN, your ISP will not know which services you are trying to communicate with. Therefore, if you are trying to access a service like Netflix, your connection speed may be better if you use a VPN.
You gain improved privacy
The privacy afforded by a VPN is particularly useful when you’re browsing, shopping, and surfing online. A VPN will redirect your traffic and encrypt any information you send through the internet. Hence, a Chromecast VPN will cloak any trace of whatever you decide to stream, allowing you to access content safely without exposing you to malicious threats.
Final Thoughts: Should You Install a Chromecast VPN?
Installing a Chromecast VPN can be tricky; it’s certainly not as easy as it is for Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. That said, you do have some options. While you can install a VPN on your router, you can also install a Chromecast VPN on a virtual router on your PC or Mac. This simply means setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on your computer before connecting your Chromecast to the network. In both cases, your Chromecast will be protected by the VPN if it connects to one of these networks.
