How to change your Apple TV country or region

A VPN allows you to change your Apple TV location and access your favorite content from anywhere. Follow the instructions in this step-by-step guide to get started.

It’s frustrating being denied access to TV shows and movies while traveling abroad or because you live in a particular country. The good news is that there’s a solution. Using a VPN makes it possible to change your Apple TV country or region – allowing you to watch content from around the world. 

Apple TV devices don’t work with VPN software directly, but this can be circumvented by either configuring a router connection or making use of smart DNS. We’ll tell you which VPNs are best for this, as well as providing instructions for using them.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows users to connect to any server in the VPN provider’s network – which can span 100+ countries. In doing so, the user’s device assumes the IP address of that server. Furthermore, all of the internet traffic flowing to and from that device is encrypted. This prevents any third parties – like ISPs – from being able to find out which websites the user is visiting. 

We’ll examine individual VPN providers in more detail later. For now, here’s a summary of our top choices.

Best VPNs for changing your Apple TV region: 

1. ExpressVPN: Our recommended VPN for Apple TV. Has a dedicated router app and RAM-only servers available in 105+ countries. It provides a smart DNS service. Subscription plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN: Best budget VPN for Apple TV. Compatible with numerous router brands and provides step-by-step instructions for configuring connections. RAM-only servers are available in 61+ countries and it has a smart DNS service. 
3. Surfshark: Works with multiple router models and provides detailed instructions for configuring connections. Speedy RAM-only servers are available in 100+ countries and it comes with a smart DNS feature.
4. PrivateVPN: Compatible with routers and can offer remote control assistance for configuring connections. Works with all major streaming platforms and is fast enough for streaming in 4K. Servers are available in 63+ countries.
5. Proton VPN: Good for both streaming and torrenting, with servers in 71+ countries. Works with routers that support OpenVPN and IKEv2 and has instructions for configuring connections. Provides one-click access to the Tor network.
6. IPVanish: Notably fast connection speeds and owns the majority of its server network. Works with modern Asus routers and those flashed with DD-WRT and Tomato firmware. Company has an audited no-logs policy.

Summary Table

Trying to choose between the multitude of available providers can be a little off-putting – particularly for those who haven't used VPN software before. To make it easier to objectively differentiate between them, we test each against a list of specific criteria, summarized below. You can read more about our testing methodology section later in the article. 

• Compatible with routers
• Offers a smart DNS service
• Ability to access streaming services and reliable servers 
• Fast connection speeds
• Large server network
• Strong privacy and security features
• Helpful customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we additionally require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. 

How to change your Apple TV country or region using a VPN

The two most straightforward ways to change your Apple TV country or region are by using a DNS proxy or by configuring a VPN connection on your router. We’ll consider each method separately. 

Changing Apple TV location using smart DNS

When you enter the name of a website in your browser’s search bar, DNS (Domain Name System) servers find the IP address associated with that name and give it to your browser so that it can retrieve the requested data. 

Your ISP will normally provide the DNS servers used by your browser, which is why streaming services often use them to identify where you’re based. A smart DNS service – such as that provided by ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark – instead uses the VPN provider’s own DNS servers and allows you to choose which region you want your DNS requests resolved in. 

Because Apple TV comes with built-in support for custom DNS servers, you can provide it with the addresses of your chosen VPN provider’s DNS servers as follows:

1. Open the Apple TV main menu.
2. Click Settings > Network.
3. Select Configure DNS > Manual.
4. Enter the addresses of the VPN provider’s smart DNS servers. These will be available via its app.
5. Click “Done”.
6. Restart your Apple TV.

Alternatively, if your Apple TV was made before 2015 – i.e. third generation or older – you’ll need to do the following:

1. Go to “Settings”.
2. Open the “iTunes Store” and then click “Location”.
3. Select the country needed to access the desired content.
4. Go back to “Settings”.
5. Click General > Network.
6. Choose “WiFi” or “Ethernet”.
7. Select Configure DNS > Manual.
8. Enter the VPN provider’s DNS address.
9. Go to Settings > General > Restart. This is required before the changes will take effect.

Note that using DNS proxy servers is not the same as a VPN connection. The software will not encrypt all of your traffic, and your DNS queries will be visible to your ISP. On the plus side, the lack of encryption may mean that you get better internet speeds than you would using a VPN tunnel. 

Changing Apple TV location using a VPN

As mentioned previously, Apple TV devices don’t natively support VPN software. This isn’t a problem; many VPN providers make it easy to configure a VPN connection on a router. Once set up, it’s easy to change the virtual location of all devices – including Apple TV – that are connected to the router. 

Instructions for configuring a VPN connection on specific routers are available on our recommended VPN provider’s websites. The easiest routers to configure a connection are those with an OpenVPN client. If you discover your router doesn’t support VPN connections, you can replace its firmware with an open-source alternative like Tomato or DD-WRT.  

Configuring a connection with a compatible router typically involves the following steps: 

1. Sign up to a VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Open the router’s control panel by entering either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into your browser’s address bar – note that you’ll need to be on the router’s network.
3. Enter your login credentials when asked for them. These may be printed on the back of your router. Default credentials can be found by searching for your router model online. 
4. Set up a VPN profile by following the instructions provided by your chosen VPN service. 
5. Use the router control panel to import any files provided by your chosen VPN service.
6. Confirm the new connection. 
7. Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices. 

Best VPNs for changing your Apple TV country or region 

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

ExpressVPN has a dedicated router app that makes it easy to change your Apple TV location. The company’s custom firmware replaces the original manufacturer’s firmware on your router, and allows you to specify a virtual location for all connected devices. 

Alternatively, Apple TV users can make use of the company’s MediaStreamer DNS servers to change their location – though only to the US. 

Once connected, ExpressVPN is fast enough to stream video in 4K and able to access a range of content libraries from the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+.

Features include a proprietary connection protocol that’s both fast and secure, a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network, obfuscation that’s enabled by default, and the reinstallation of every server’s operating system on a weekly basis. 

Well-designed apps are available for macOS and iOS, as well as Windows, Android mobile devices, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These all have built-in leak protection, strong encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and a Threat Manager Tool. 

ExpressVPN was acquired by cybersecurity firm Kape Technologies in 2021. Prior to becoming Kape, the company was known as Crossrider and specialized in making software designed to inject adverts into users’ browsers. 

ExpressVPN has said that it continues to operate independently of other Kape brands. Since the acquisition it has verified its no-logs policy through several third-party audits of its infrastructure and software.

BEST VPN FOR APPLE TV: ExpressVPN has a dedicated app for routers and smart DNS servers for changing Apple TV location. Its proprietary connection protocol helps ensure speeds are fast enough for 4K streaming. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN is compatible with a range of routers and provides clear instructions on how to configure connections. Apple TV users can change their locations using NordVPN with modern Asus routers, as well as those from GL.iNet, Netgear, EdgeRouter, Ubiquiti, Peplink/Pepwave, Netduma, and MikroTik. 

Another option is to use the company’s SmartPlay feature. This provides users with DNS proxy servers that they can use to change their Apple TV location.

Once connected, NordVPN works with a large range of streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, HBO Max, Hulu, and ESPN. Connections are fast enough for watching video in 4K and the NordLynx protocol ensures user-date isn’t stored on the company’s servers. 

Other NordVPN features include RAM-only servers in 61+ countries, one-click access to the Tor network, access to MultiHop connections, and obfuscation that helps internet traffic evade censorship in China and elsewhere. 

Aesthetically pleasing apps are available for Apple devices as well as Windows, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These all come equipped with a built-in kill switch, split tunneling, strong encryption, and leak protection. 

In 2018, NordVPN experienced a minor attack on a third-party data center.  In response, it made its entire server network RAM-only and began buying – rather than renting – its servers. The company has an externally validated no-logs policy, with audits carried out by Deloitte, Cure53, and PwC.

GREAT VALUE: NordVPN has a smart DNS feature for easily changing your Apple TV country or region. It works with several router brands and provides access to speedy RAM-only servers in 61+ countries. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Surfshark works with any router that has an OpenVPN or L2TP client. Once configured, Apple TV users can change their country or region by connecting to Surfshark servers in 100+ countries. These are all RAM-only and fast enough for streaming video in 4K. 

Compatible routers include the Asus RT-AC56U, RT-N66U, RT-AC87U, RT-AC66U, and RT-AC68U; as well as GLiNet routers like the GL-AR750S-Ext, GL-MT300N-V2, and GL-AR300M.

Alternatively, Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature gives Apple TV users the addresses of DNS proxy servers that they can use to change their location to the US. This enables access to the US content libraries of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max.

The company’s Nexus technology rotates users’ IP addresses in-session and allows them to create bespoke MultiHop connections by choosing entry and exit servers. Other Surfshark features include unlimited device connections, easy access to static IP addresses, and a Camouflage mode that obfuscates traffic to evade detection in countries like China. 

Surfshark makes apps for Apple devices as well as for Windows, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. All apps have a full GUI as well as strong encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. 

The company’s no-logs policy has been independently verified through an audit of its server network. The Surfshark browser extensions have also been audited by a third-party. 

In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, marking a further shrinkage in the VPN market’s diversity. For its part, Surfshark said that it would continue to operate autonomously. 

UNLIMITED DEVICE CONNECTIONS: Surfshark works with many modern routers and has DNS proxy servers available for changing Apple TV country or region. Plans include unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PrivateVPN is compatible with routers running AsusWRT, Tomato, or DD-WRT firmware. It provides detailed guides on configuring a connection. Best of all, its support team offers remote control assistance for customers that need help configuring a connection or using a router to change their Apple TV location. 

The service enables access to a range of streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Disney+. Private VPN has servers in 63+ countries which provide connection speeds fast enough for streaming video in 4K.

The provider allows users to adjust the level of encryption used on their data. Reducing it from 256-bit to 128-bit provides a speed boost, though with a marginal reduction in security. Available connection protocols include OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2. 

Other features include obfuscation that can bypass Chinese VPN blocks, and access to a SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy. Apps are available for Apple devices and for Windows, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. These all come with app-specific and system-wide kill switches, protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and a kill switch. 

The provider is a good option for torrenting as it allows port forwarding and provides access to P2P-optimized servers. 

PrivateVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy and has never had a data breach. In 2022, the company was acquired by Miss Group – an international web-hosting business. This gives it access to the company’s proprietary server network.

STEALTH MODE: Compatible with a range of routers and can provide assistance with configuration. Great for both streaming and torrenting, with fast connection speeds and servers in 63+ countries. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Proton VPN works with routers running AsusWRT, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, and FreshTomato firmware, and provides step-by-step guides for configuring a connection. Apple TV users can change their country by choosing a server in any one of the 71+ countries covered by the provider’s server network.

Extra secure connections are available, with Proton VPN able to route sensitive traffic through its own data centers in Sweden, Iceland, and Switzerland. 

All of the company’s apps are open-source and work with Apple devices as well as Windows, Android, Android TV, and Linux. Features include split tunneling, strong encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. 

It’s a good option for streaming and is able to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. Speeds are impressively fast, making it easy to watch 4K video without buffering. 

Proton VPN allows port forwarding, which makes for faster downloads and uploads while torrenting. Tor users can access the network in a single-click, thanks to the company’s optimized servers. 

While connected, users’ traffic is protected using 256-bit AES encryption for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols and ChaCha20 for WireGuard. The company adheres to a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited. 

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Proton VPN works with numerous routers and provides easy-to-follow configuration instructions. Connection speeds are notably fast and it’s a good choice for streaming and torrenting. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

IPVanish is compatible with routers running AsusWRT, Asus-Merlin, DD-WRT, or Tomato firmware. The company’s website provides instructions for configuring a connection that allows Apple TV users to change their location.

IPVanish owns the majority of its large server network and it has impressive connection speeds. Its streaming abilities are good, with easy access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. 

Apps are available for Apple devices and for Windows, Android, ChromeOS, and FireTV. These all come with built-in DNS leak protection, split tunneling, automatic start-up, a kill switch, and access to a SOCKS5 proxy. Subscribers are allowed to connect as many devices as they want simultaneously.

IPVanish protects customer data using a combination of 256-bit encryption, SHA512 for authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2048 key exchange. It has an audited no-logs policy, which is just as well given that it’s located in the US.

It’s worth mentioning that IPVanish – while under previous ownership – provided the US Department of Homeland Security with the data logs of one of its customers. It did this despite public claims that it stored no user data. The company has been bought out several times since this incident – which occurred in 2016. It now forms part of J2 Global’s NetProtect business.

FAST SPEEDS: IPVanish is compatible with routers and provides detailed guides for configuring connections. It’s very fast and good for streaming. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs

Choosing a VPN provider isn’t easy – particularly when the device you want to use it with doesn’t actually support VPN software. We’ve found those VPNs that provide the best Apple TV workarounds while also ensuring a satisfying user experience. We considered the following aspects using our testing methodology:

• Compatible with routers: Setting up a router connection is the easiest way of using an Apple TV with a VPN. However, only a limited number of VPNs are compatible with routers. We have identified those VPNs that offer the most straightforward configuration options for establishing a connection to bypass location services. You'll also be able to use the VPN with other devices using third-party apps.
• Offers a smart DNS service: As part of its service, Apple TV allows users to opt for custom DNS servers. By using the DNS servers provided by VPNs with a smart DNS service, users can change their Apple TV location to that of the VPN’s DNS servers.
• Ability to access streaming services: The major streaming platforms are adept at identifying and blocking servers located in data centers commonly used by VPNs. So, while plenty of VPN providers advertise their ability to access geo-restricted content, very few are able to reliably do so. We conduct regular testing to determine which VPN providers provide continued access to the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The VPN should also work with services like Apple Music.
• Fast connection speeds: The last thing you want when streaming is a VPN that causes your internet connection to significantly slow down. We regularly perform speed tests on VPN providers to identify the fastest, and to weed out any poor performers. At the very least, we require VPNs to be able to stream HD video without buffering.
• Large server network: VPNs that have servers in lots of countries make it possible to access otherwise restricted content libraries and online services. The best providers have multiple servers in each region. This provides greater flexibility in establishing reliable connections and helps distribute network traffic more evenly.
• Strong privacy and security features: While VPNs are great for changing your Apple TV location, they should first and foremost keep you safe online. As such, we expect providers to offer 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. Ideally, they should also provide access to MultiHop servers, obfuscation, split tunneling, and port forwarding. The VPN must not leak your actual location in the process.
• Helpful customer support: Configuring a router connection or using a smart DNS service isn’t as straightforward as just connecting to any old VPN server. For this reason, we look for VPN providers that offer round-the-clock assistance to subscribers struggling to change their Apple TV location.  

Bonus points

To make it to one of our top three positions, VPN companies must additionally offer the following features:

• Access to China: China has spent the past 10+ years trying to prevent its citizens accessing VPN software. Its ability to identify and block VPN traffic is now highly developed and capable of stopping all but a handful of VPN providers. Those that do still work are highly valued by anyone trying to get online in China and other similarly restrictive countries. 
• Diskless servers: The better VPN providers have entirely RAM-only server networks. Servers with volatile memory pose less of a security risk as all data is wiped when the server is powered down or rebooted. By contrast, those with magnetic disk drives or solid state memory can store data long-term unless time is set aside to remove it. In the interim, they are vulnerable to attackers seeking to acquire the stored data.  
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: The existence of cross-border intelligence-sharing alliances is well-established. For example, the Five Eyes alliance allows Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States to gather information on each other’s citizens and share it. This enables them to bypass domestic laws that prohibit them directly spying on their own citizens. To avoid being co-opted by these alliances, the better VPNs incorporate their companies in countries beyond their jurisdiction – such as Panama and the British Virgin Islands. 
• Audited software and infrastructure: VPN providers have traditionally required subscribers to trust that their software does what they say it does. Unfortunately, some providers betray this trust by, for example, keeping data logs when they claim not to do so. In response, some VPN providers bring in third-party auditors to assess their software and infrastructure. As well as verifying any no-logs claims, these audits identify any vulnerabilities that could pose a threat to security.

Can I use a free VPN with an Apple TV?

It’s not very likely, as the majority of free VPNs are incompatible with routers and don’t have a smart DNS feature. Furthermore, most use servers that have been identified as belonging to a VPN provider and subsequently blocked by streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Getting something for nothing is always tempting, which is why free VPNs tend to have plenty of users. Unfortunately, their relatively small server networks normally struggle to manage the resulting congestion. This results in sluggish connections at best.

Most ad-based free VPNs will store at least some user data, which they may sell to data brokers or advertisers. Others fail to use sufficient encryption on internet traffic. As it’s difficult to know which free VPNs pose security and privacy risks without trying them out, it’s safest to avoid them entirely. 

How to change your Apple TV location using a VPN – FAQs

What’s the difference between Apple TV and Apple TV+?

Apple TV is a streaming box designed to show content on your smart TV from streaming platforms such as Hulu, Peacock, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. It can be used with a Siri remote.

Apple TV can also be used to stream Apple TV+, which is a subscription service for watching on-demand

Can I buy a VPN router?

Yes, you can. To save you the trouble of configuring a connection yourself, some VPN providers have worked with router manufacturers to create routers with pre-configured connections. The ExpressVPN Aircove comes with the ExpressVPN firmware pre-configured, while the InvizBox 2 VPN Router is available pre-configured with either Surfshark, Proton VPN, or NordVPN. Note that subscriptions to the respective VPN services are still needed with pre-configured routers.

How do I change my Apple ID country or region?

Changing your country or region is easy – provided that you are able to update your payment and billing information to match the new country or region. Apple will not allow any changes if you cannot provide new payment details. 

If you have new payment details, follow these instructions to change your region on an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open “Settings”. 
2. Tap your name, then tap “Media & Purchases”.
3. Tap “View Account” and enter login credentials if required.
4. Tap “Country/Region”.
5. Choose your desired country or region.
6. Tap “Agree” in the top right-hand corner, then tap “Agree” again to confirm.
7. Select a payment method and enter payment and billing info – this must match the country or region specified earlier. 

On an Apple computer, do the following:

1. Open the Music app or iTunes.
2. Click “Account”, then click “View My Account” or “Account Settings”.
3. Sign in with your Apple ID.
4. On the Account Information page, click “Change Country or Region”.
5. Choose your desired country or region.
6. Click “Agree” and then “Agree again” to confirm.
7. Enter your new payment information and billing address – this must match the country or region specified earlier. 
8. Click “Continue”.

Note that before updating your location info, you must spend any store credit and cancel any subscriptions – these are linked to your Apple ID and cannot be carried across to a new one.