Do You Need a VPN for Firestick?
I have an Amazon Fire TV Stick, and I use a VPN for it. Some people think that you only require a VPN for specific devices you use that are connected to the internet.
However, that is not true and, in this article, I show you that you always need to have your internet data encrypted and secure no matter what device you use that utilizes the internet
You need a VPN for a Firestick if you wish to view content that is region-locked and intend to stream illegal content such as content on PLEX or Kodi. Another reason to use a VPN is that the Firestick, just like another device connected to the internet, generates traffic and data. This information is visible to your ISP, and anyone who has access can view said information.
This article will explain what a Firestick is, how it works, and what features and functions it offers to its users. After going through those headings, you will have a firm grasp of why you would want to use a VPN or not with it.
Then we cover why you would want to use a VPN with the Firestick, how to install and set up a VPN on your Firestick, and lastly, I list all the top VPN services available on the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
What is a Firestick
The Amazon Fire TV Stick (Firestick for short) is a portable streaming device that is joining the home entertainment ranks turning your TV into a smart TV. It allows you to access thousands of movies, series, games, music, and applications.
The Firestick can house all your favorite content and is tiny enough (shaped like a large USB drive) to make it portable so you can take it anywhere. The Firestick comes in two versions; the basic and then the 4k version.
The difference between the basic and 4k version is that the 4k version lets you stream in 4k.
What makes the Firestick great is that it is free to use and free to setup. Furthermore, it is free to download almost every major app. One thing to note is that if you intend to watch subscription services such as Hulu or Netflix, you will need a subscription to those services.
How does the Amazon Fire TV Stick work?
There are three parts to the Firestick, and these are notably the Firestick itself, the USB charging cable, and the remote.
The Firestick is designed to look like a portable USB flash drive (however, it is slightly larger than that). You plug it directly into your TV’s HDMI port, and it can even be used on your computer monitor.
After you have plugged in your Firestick, you need to plug in the charging cable that comes with it for it to power on. On your TV or monitor, switch to the HDMI port that your Firestick is plugged into.
Once on and running, you need to register your Firestick with an existing Amazon account before you can continue to proceed through its setup. Another thing to note is that you can deregister an account and use a new one at any point.
For the most part, you will be navigating through the Firestick via its top menu options, where you will be able to select your desired feature.
What features and functions does the Amazon Fire TV Stick have?
In terms of streaming services, apps, and games, you get all the bells and whistles, including Prime Video, which is Amazon’s streaming service; however, it also lets you rent and buy films and series from Amazon whether you are a Prime member or not.
In terms of other streaming services, you also are able to download and install streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Britbox, and Hayu. You also get tons of free services like YouTube, XUMO TV, Tubi, IMDb TV, Kanopy, hoopla, and more.
Without getting into too much detail, you can also get thousands of apps for news, sports, classic films, and music. Lastly, you are also able to download thousands of games.
Does a VPN work on the Amazon Fire TV stick?
You are able to download VPN apps to your Firestick, signup, and use them. Installing and using a VPN on your Firestick is hassle-free and very easy.
This is not the case for Xbox users who need to get a VPN client enabled router or route their internet connection through a computer or MAC that utilizes VPN software.
However, you are able to connect to a VPN via the same way of using a VPN client enabled router; however, this is not necessary.
If you would like to know more about how to get a VPN on an Xbox, read my article here.
We will get into VPN installation and setup of a VPN on a Firestick after discussing why you would even need one in the first place.
Check out the Amazon Fire TV Stick on Amazon here
Check out the 4k Amazon Fire TV Stick on Amazon here
Why would you need a VPN for the Amazon Fire TV Stick?
You have to remember that your Firestick is connected to the internet just like your computer and other mobile devices, and as such, it can generate a lot of traffic. This traffic is visible to your ISP (Internet service provider). This is not ideal in the best circumstances.
You never know what your ISP will do with this information, and besides that, when you are not using a VPN, you open yourself up to unwanted malicious circumstances.
The Firestick is also region-locked. This means that it is locked to your region only showing the available content in your area when you use a streaming service. For example, if you live in the United States, then you won’t be able to watch shows that are region-locked to the United Kingdom.
Using a VPN, you can select a server based in a different location and thus can view content outside of your region. Users who also intend to stream illegal content (like Kodi and Plex) should use a VPN to keep their anonymity.
How to install and set up a VPN on the Amazon Fire TV stick
The easiest way to install a VPN on your Firestick is via the apps section. All you have to do is simply type “VPN” in the search bar under the apps section, and an array of VPN services will be at your disposal.
Once you have chosen the VPN service you wish to download, you have to navigate to that app’s details page and hit the download button. The installation process should not take more than a couple of minutes; all you do then is open it up and either register or sign in to your VPN account.
What are some of the best VPNs to use with the Amazon Fire TV Stick?
You get a wide variety of VPN services you are able to choose from on the fire stick, and we have listed the top 7 for you.
- Express VPN
- Surfshark
- CyberGhost
- Private internet access
- NordVPN
- ULTRA VPN
- IP VANISH VPN
Conclusion
An Amazon Fire TV stick is a great device that has brought us closer to the edge of entertainment, which you can enjoy from the comforts of your living room. This streaming device is small, portable, and is packed with amazing features and functions.
From streaming services that allow you to watch movies, series, and news, to listening to your favorite songs on Spotify, to playing your favorite android games, this little device has it all.
There are limitations to it though, and like with any other device you may have that is connected to the internet, it generates traffic and data.
This data and information is visible to your ISP and anyone who has the ability to do so (cybercriminals, corporations, and governments) unless it is encrypted and secured by a VPN.
Furthermore, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is also region-locked so if you want to stream illegal content or watch content from other regions, then using a VPN is necessary.
Lucky for us, the Amazon Fire TV stick makes searching for, installing, and setting up a VPN on it very simple and hassle-free.
All in all, I would suggest using a VPN for your devices connected to the internet to protect your data and anonymity.
