Samsung Smart TVs offer a world of entertainment, but some content may be restricted based on your location. ExpressVPN is a tool that helps you access geo-blocked content and enhances your online privacy. However, Samsung Smart TVs don’t support VPN apps directly. This article will guide you through alternative methods to set up ExpressVPN on your Samsung Smart TV.
What is the Challenge
Samsung Smart TVs operate on the Tizen OS, which doesn’t support VPN applications like ExpressVPN. This means you can’t install the VPN directly onto the TV. But don’t worry, there are effective workarounds to enjoy the benefits of ExpressVPN on your Samsung Smart TV.
Method 1: Using ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer
MediaStreamer is a SmartDNS service provided by ExpressVPN. It allows you to unblock certain streaming services without encrypting your traffic. This means faster streaming speeds but without the full security benefits of a VPN.
Steps to Set Up MediaStreamer
1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN: If you haven’t already, sign up for ExpressVPN.
2. Register Your IP Address:
- Log in to your ExpressVPN account.
- Go to the “DNS Settings” section.
- Click on “Register My IP Address.” This ensures that MediaStreamer recognizes your device.
- Enable “Automatically Register My IP Address” for convenience.
3. Obtain MediaStreamer DNS Addresses:
- Navigate to the “Set Up Other Devices” section.
- Select “MediaStreamer.”
- Note the DNS server IP addresses listed.
4. Configure DNS on Your Samsung Smart TV:
- Press the “Menu” button on your remote.
- Go to “Network” > “Network Status.”
- Select “IP Settings.”
- Choose “DNS Setting” and set it to “Enter Manually.”
- Enter the MediaStreamer DNS addresses you obtained earlier.
- Save the settings and exit.
5. Restart Your TV: This ensures the new DNS settings take effect.
Note: While MediaStreamer allows access to geo-restricted content, it doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic. For full encryption and privacy, consider the next methods.
Method 2: Setting Up ExpressVPN on a Physical Router
Installing ExpressVPN on your router provides VPN protection to all devices connected to your network, including your Samsung Smart TV.
Steps to Set Up ExpressVPN on Your Router
1. Check Router Compatibility: Not all routers support VPN configurations. Ensure your router is compatible with ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN provides a list of supported routers on their website.
2. Access ExpressVPN Router Setup:
- Log in to your ExpressVPN account.
- Navigate to the “Set Up Other Devices” section.
- Select “Manual Configuration.”
- Choose “Router” from the list of devices.
3. Download Firmware (If Applicable): Some routers may require custom firmware provided by ExpressVPN. Download the appropriate firmware for your router model.
4. Install Firmware on Your Router:
- Access your router’s admin panel, usually by entering its IP address into a web browser.
- Navigate to the firmware upgrade section.
- Upload the ExpressVPN firmware and follow on-screen instructions.
5. Configure ExpressVPN on the Router:
- After installing the firmware, connect to the router’s Wi-Fi network.
- Open a web browser and go to the router’s admin panel.
- Log in using the credentials provided by ExpressVPN.
- Enter your ExpressVPN activation code.
- Choose a VPN server location and connect.
6. Connect Your Samsung Smart TV to the Router:
- On your TV, go to “Settings” > “Network.”
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network of your VPN-configured router.
Note: This method encrypts all internet traffic from your TV, providing full VPN benefits.
Method 3: Using a Virtual Router (Windows PC)
If you don’t have a compatible physical router, you can use your Windows PC to create a virtual router. This allows your PC to share its VPN connection with your Samsung Smart TV.
Steps to Set Up a Virtual Router
1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN: Ensure you have an active ExpressVPN subscription.
2. Install ExpressVPN on Your PC:
- Download and install the ExpressVPN app for Windows.
- Log in using your credentials.
3. Enable Mobile Hotspot on Your PC:
- Go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Mobile Hotspot.”
- Toggle the switch to “On” to enable it.
- Note the network name and password.
4. Configure Sharing Settings:
- In the ExpressVPN app, connect to your desired server.
- Open “Network Connections” by typing it into the Windows search bar.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. VPN Not Working on Samsung TV?
- Solution: Restart your router, TV, and VPN connection.
2. Slow Streaming Speeds?
- Solution: Connect to a nearby server or use Lightway protocol (if available).
3. MediaStreamer Not Unblocking Content?
- Solution: Ensure your IP is registered in ExpressVPN’s DNS settings.
This article explains how to use ExpressVPN on a Samsung Smart TV, even though Samsung TVs don’t support VPN apps directly. It covers three main methods:
Using ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer – A SmartDNS feature that helps unblock streaming services but does not encrypt traffic.
Setting Up ExpressVPN on a Physical Router – This method routes all internet traffic through the VPN, providing full encryption and security.
Using a Virtual Router (Windows PC) – Turning a Windows computer into a hotspot that shares its VPN connection with the TV.
Each method is explained with step-by-step instructions to ensure easy setup.
