How to use a VPN on your smart TV during the World Cup | Tech Radar
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How to use a VPN on your smart TV during the World Cup
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(Image credit: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
World Cup 2026 has kicked off — and if you’re looking to keep up with the latest matches wherever you are, or just keep your connection secure, it’s a good idea to use one of the best VPNs while streaming.
It’s well known that most major VPN providers offer apps for desktop, mobile, and tablets, but some go a step further with apps that you can install straight onto your TV.
Having a VPN app on your TV means skipping the hassle of connecting via a phone or laptop and allows you to keep your streaming activity and personal data private.
However, not all TV operating systems are alike when it comes to VPN availability — while Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire OS TVs and Apple TVs support native VPN apps, Samsung’s Tizen OS and LG’s web OS don’t. But don't worry, we’ll cover a workaround below.
Nord VPN runs on Android TVs (as pictured), as well as other common TV operating systems. (Image credit: Nord VPN)
Which VPN will work on your TV depends on which platforms your VPN service is available on and whether your TV allows VPNs to run on its operating system.
Some VPNs are widely available across platforms. Norton VPN has a native app on Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV, and Android or Google TVs can run the Google Play version of the app natively.
The same is true for Nord VPN and Express VPN, which both support all four platforms. However, it’s worth checking your VPN service’s specific device support information. Amazon’s latest Vega OS Fire Sticks, for example, is not compatible with Express VPN or Norton VPN.
For more details on the operating systems supported by different VPNs, it's worth checking out our roundup of best smart TV VPNs.
As for Samsung TVs running Tizen OS and LG TVs running Web OS, VPN apps are not natively supported — but this doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’re looking to watch the World Cup securely.
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Watch your World Cup stream uninterrupted. Norton VPN delivers fast, secure connections with servers available around the world, so you can stream from anywhere.
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Samsung TVs, like the S90F pictured above, do not support VPNs by default. (Image credit: Future)
To access VPN-like functionality on a Samsung or LG TV, you'll need to use Smart DNS. This effectively reroutes your Domain Name System (DNS) queries, so you can access your favorite shows from home. However, it won't mask your IP address or encrypt your traffic like a VPN does.
It’s not a given that a VPN service will offer a Smart DNS feature. Of the best VPNs, Express VPN comes with its Media Streamer Smart DNS tool, while Nord VPN also has a Smart DNS capability. Cyber Ghost, which features in our best smart TV VPN list, also offers this functionality.
Using this method isn't always that easy and success isn't guaranteed. The simpler solution s to run a VPN on a laptop or mobile device, stream the World Cup (or whatever you’d like to watch) on that device, and then connect to your TV with a HDMI cable.
Can I cast a VPN stream to my TV with Air Play or Chromecast?
Unfortunately, casting from a phone running a VPN to a TV not running a VPN usually doesn’t work, because the two devices aren’t part of the same network environment.
Casting relies on communication between devices on the same network, so using a VPN on only one device can interrupt the connection between them.
If you link both your TV and phone to the same network — either behind the VPN or with Smart DNS — you’ll have a better chance of casting, but it’s still not as reliable as using a native VPN on your TV, or even using Smart DNS.
So the tip worth remembering: if you're TVs operating system allows it, download a VPN direct to your device. If it doesn't, you can always use your laptop and connect to your TV using a standard HDMI cable.
Jamie is freelance journalist who has written for Tech Radar and Music Radar as well as various specialist news outlets and music blogs. A lifelong tech-obsessive, Jamie began his writing career as a music blogger before studying journalism at Goldsmiths College, and worked at Tech Radar between 2024 and 2026. He thinks the i Phone 5S is the greatest phone of all time, but is currently an Android user.
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- News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
- Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
- Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards
- Unlock instant access to exclusive member features
- Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards
