Set-Up a VPN For Your Amazon Firestick the Easy Way
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick – shorthanded to the Firestick – is a rather remarkable device that connects to the HDMI port of a TV and gives instant access to everything from games to music to photos to TV shows to movies to subscription-based services.
For users of Amazon Prime, the Firestick comes preloaded with their preexisting account number, meaning all Amazon Prime content is automatically available once the Firestick is plugged into the HDMI port. This includes a supply of Amazon Original programming that cannot be accessed by Firestick users that are not Prime members.
The Firestick comes with:
- 1GB of memory
- 8GB of internal storage
- Dedicated VideoCore4 GPU
- Dual-band, dual antenna Wi-Fi
- Optional voice support
The Firestick is a competitor for services like Roku and Chromecast. In addition to the Amazon perks, there are hundreds of games and apps that can used for free. Some, like YouTube, are free to use, while others such as HBO are at a premium.
Why Use a VPN with Firestick?
Using as much security and privacy protocols is a smart way of operating when connecting to the Internet in 2018. Using a VPN encrypts data being sent from a device to the Internet as well as all data being requested from the Internet. Using a VPN would prevent anyone hacking into a user’s Firestick to see what they are downloading or using, as well as keeping potential hackers out of their Amazon Prime account information.
A second function of using a VPN with a Firestick is that lots of services that offer streaming are also geo-locked, meaning they are only available in certain countries or regions of the world because of licensing agreements in other countries. Because VPNs have severs set up all over the world, it is possible to use one to emulate being in the same country as the service you wish to use.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Firestick
There are several factors to consider when selecting a VPN for Firestick. Chief among them is the speed offered by the VPN. Since most people use their Firesticks to stream video, having a lot of connection choices is pivotal in your VPN selection. Strong security functions are another must. Selecting a VPN that does not keep user logs heightens the user anonymity.
While all VPN providers must be taken on a case-by-case basis to determine which is the best to fit your needs, there are a few that stand out for the rest when considering use with a Firestick. They include:
1SaferVPN
Founded in 2013 and based in Israel, SaferVPN has an impressive range of packages based on user need – be it enhanced security, geographic unlocking or simply a really good VPN. It stores neither logs nor IP addresses, and has the ultimate in protection in a kill switch that shuts down your Internet connection instantly if the VPN connection is interrupted. It has more than 760 servers spread across more than 35 countries and works with Netflix, a feather in the cap of any VPN.
2IPVanish
IPVanish is located in the United States, which is particularly advantageous if you are trying to unlock services that only function within the US borders. IPVanish is routinely listed among the top two VPNs in terms of speed, which is huge considering how much streaming most Firestick users do. It has more than 1,000 servers available spread across 60 countries with around 40,000 IP addresses. At present, IPVanish does not have a Netflix solution, however.
How to Setup VPN for Firestick
Setting up VPN for Firestick can be done in 10 easy steps.
- Turn on / plug in your Firestick
- Highlight Apps on the top of screen and press the middle button on your Amazon remote to bring up the sub-menu.
- Scroll to “Categories” in the sub-menu.
- Select “Utility”
- Find and select the VPN of your choice.
- Select the name of the VPN of your choosing.
- Select “Get” to download the app of the VPN of choice.
- When the installation is complete, select “Open”
- Sign into the app using your VPN username and password.
- Select a server location.
That’s it! You can now stream, download and do so knowing that your information is all protected.