How to Set Up VPN on Samsung TV
Ever since the end of April 2020, our world has changed and so has our media consumption. Thanks to the “summer of boredom” we were forced to spend more time at home and that means we have become more reliant on our televisions. The pandemic has also made us rethink our internet and data usage with many people choosing to freeze their online accounts as a precautionary measure.
While the situation in various countries is still uncertain, it’s clear that the world is now digitally divided into “us” and “them”. Those that can afford it have access to fast wide-band internet and sufficient computer resources, while poorer countries are still struggling to keep up with demand and prevent overload.
Even those of us that remain connected have changed the way we interact, consumed content, and even watched television. As people have become more reliant on their TVs, the demand for devices that allow for video streaming have increased, resulting in a new breed of TV that combines the best of the old with the innovative twists of the new.
Whether you’re a seasoned internet user or someone that uses the device for the first time, setting up a VPN on your Samsung TV can help protect your personal information and provide you with greater access to the content you want to watch.
What is VPN?
VPN, or virtual private network, is a software or hardware device that allows for secure and private browsing across a public network. This is especially beneficial for people who use the internet for business or for personal reasons and are worried about their personal information being compromised. For example, if you connect to a public WiFi network at a restaurant or coffee shop, the owner of that network could see everything you’re doing online because they have access to the device itself.
Setting up a VPN on your Samsung TV allows you to connect to a secure and private network through a public WiFi network. Once connected, your internet connection is secure and private, meaning your personal information cannot be eavesdropped on. Your location can also be hidden from the websites and apps you visit, ensuring you feel protected while using the device.
VPN is also known as a “gateway” product because it allows for safer and more convenient access to private networks and resources across the internet. This is particularly beneficial for people living in restricted countries that require a VPN to access certain sites or services, like social media or streaming services. Using a VPN puts those services for everyone, including you, the user.
How Do I Set Up VPN on Samsung TV?
Setting up a VPN on your Samsung TV is easy and can be done in three simple steps:
- Step one: Head to your TV’s settings.
- Step two: Select “Internet” and then “WiFi”.
- Step three: Select the “VPN” option from the resulting drop-down menu.
After connecting your TV to a WiFi network, you’ll see a popup with suggestions for available VPN apps. Select the one you want to use and connect to the network.
Depending on your device, you may then need to authenticate with your email address or password. Once that’s done, you can optionally set up a PIN code to further ensure authentication. This is common option for people that use their devices frequently while on the go so they can keep track of their identity when connecting to various WiFi networks.
To learn more, check out our comprehensive guide to VPN: Setting up & using VPN on your Samsung device.
Why Do I Need a VPN On Samsung TV?
With so much content available online and through various streaming services, it’s no secret that the internet has become something of a treasure trove for those that want to watch or listen to what they want, when they want. But, with so much accessible content come the risks of misuse and accidental damage, meaning you must keep your personal information and accounts secure at all times.
Using a VPN on your Samsung TV is a great way to ensure your information remains private and safe. Instead of connecting to a public WiFi network at a café or restaurant, you can choose to use your personal, home network whenever possible. Doing this allows you to be sure everything you do is secure, as no one else has access to your network.
You’ll find many reputable VPNs available for download from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and other major app stores, meaning you don’t have to look further than your phone’s home screen for the solution.
Some services offer desktop clients that can be used to connect to networks, while some only offer mobile clients, so you can access your account from anywhere. This makes it much easier to use a VPN while traveling or even at home while using multiple devices.
When using a VPN while traveling, your location can be determined by your IP address. In most cases, this means you’ll be asked to input the country you’re traveling to when logging in, allowing you to remain anonymous while browsing the internet. As before, everything you do on the VPN is kept secure and private, meaning your personal information cannot be accessed by anyone, including the service provider.
For those that use their device frequently while traveling, having a VPN is the best way to ensure they can still access content while abroad. Many VPNs are completely free, while others offer a freemium model, which allows for restricted use for free, followed by a paid subscription.
A VPN can also be used to access content restricted in your country, like live sports or entertainment channels. Using a VPN while in another country than your own allows you to access content that may not be available locally, like Hulu or Spotify, as well as enable location-based restrictions (e.g. geo-blocking).
Setting up a VPN on your Samsung TV allows you to take advantage of the internet’s vast content to the fullest. Whether you want to secure your personal information or want to be able to access content that may not be available in your country, a VPN can help. Plus, as more people turn to technology to help them navigate the pandemic, it’s clear that security will be at the forefront as well.