How to Setup VPN on Kodi with PureVPN

For most of us, keeping our digital information secure is a daily concern. Between our email being hacked, our Instagram being plagued by fake accounts, and our personal data being leaked online, it’s enough to make us reach for our VPN at all times. And what is a VPN, you ask? Let’s take a quick look at what a VPN is and how you can use it to protect your privacy.

What Is A VPN?

Put simply, a VPN is a virtual private network that gives you privacy and security when online. Think of it as a private app or extension to your internet connection that hides your IP address and encrypts your data before it travels to its destination. When you use a VPN, your digital footprints remain hidden, which prevents your personal information from being tracked and stolen by hackers, marketers, or even the government.

To learn more, check out this helpful guide from Googledocs or this comprehensive guide from geekytips.com.

Why Do I Need A VPN?

The recent WannaCry and Petya attacks made it clear that even the most secure of our digital devices can be hacked. More specifically, the WannaCry attack targeted Windows users and encrypted their files. While it’s not clear exactly how Petya infected PCs, it similarly encrypted their contents and demanded a ransom from the victims to decrypt their data.

Simply put, without a VPN, the security of your digital footprint and the privacy of your data are not guaranteed. Even if you use a secure browser like Google Chrome, login information like your email and password are still sent in the clear, unencrypted. Think of it this way: when you use a VPN, the person you’re connecting to knows exactly what city you’re in, what hotel you’re staying at, and what room you’re in. Not exactly the most private information. Now, you might be wondering if using a VPN is that big of a deal, and for most situations, it’s not. But what if you’re accessing a site that’s meant for businesses or educational use? Or a country where government surveillance is common?

In these cases, the benefit of using a VPN is invaluable. To give you an example, let’s say you’re traveling in a country with tough internet regulations. If you don’t use a VPN to access prohibited content or download pirated movies and music, you’ll never know what kind of information the government might collect on you. Furthermore, if you’re using a public WiFi hotspot while you travel, having a VPN will stop other users from peeking at your web traffic and viewing your personal data. It’s worth noting that not all VPNs are made equal. Some are more private than others, so make sure you read reviews before buying.

How Can I Set Up A VPN On Kodi?

If you already have Kodi installed on your device, then you can use one of its built-in VPN apps to connect to one of its servers. From there, you can navigate your favorite apps, videos, and websites with the same ease as before, but with increased security. For a step-by-step guide, check out this helpful How-To Geek article.

Can I Use A Rooted Or Chromecast TV To Setup VPN On Kodi?

Yes. While you can use almost any device to connect to a VPN (phones, tablets, and laptops work well), we recommend using a dedicated set-top box or a Chromecast to do so. These devices already have a TV tuner built in, so all you need to do is connect to a Wi-Fi network and you’re good to go. Once connected, you can access content from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. Since they’re both rooted, you can install a VPN client on either one of them.

Is A VPN Better Than An Anti-Virus Or Firewall On Kodi?

While a VPN can protect your personal data and keep your browser secure, an anti-virus or firewall can also do the same things. But in addition to keeping your device safe, it can also stop online threats before they even reach your computer. Install both on your device and you’ll be well-rounded in protecting your data and staying private while online.

Is A Dedicated WiFi Connection Better Than Using My Mobile Phone To Access VPN?

Yes. When using your mobile phone to access the internet, there’s no telling where its signal might pop up. If you get a good enough connection, you might even be able to pull in other signals that are unintentionally broadcasting on the same frequency. This could cause serious interference issues, as well as reveal your personal data to anyone within range. While this is a valid concern, it’s one that can be easily remedied by connecting to a dedicated WiFi connection at a nearby café, hotel, or airport. When using public WiFi, you’re also at the mercy of the network’s security protocols and any hackers and bots within range. The fewer connections you make, the less likely you are to encounter issues. But having a single, dedicated connection ensures that you’ll always have a good signal and can move around without any hiccups.

How Many Devices Can I Use To Access My VPN On Kodi?

This depends on the type of VPN you have. Some allow you to log in with just one device, while others require you to have at least two. For the best experience, we recommend using a laptop and a smartphone. Doing so ensures that you have a fast, reliable connection whenever you want, as well as the ability to connect to a VPN from anywhere. If you’re using a desktop computer, it’s also worth considering an external hard drive as a secondary device for storing files and backing up photos. This way, you’ll always have your vital documents and media available, even if your computer is ever infected with a virus or becomes inaccessible for some reason.

As we mentioned above, not all VPNs are created equal. Some are more private than others, so it’s important to do your research before buying. Thankfully, there are reputable VPNs out there, like PureVPN, that put your privacy first and don’t log any of your data. This ensures that your personal information is always safe, regardless of where you visit on the internet. Furthermore, PureVPN was one of the first VPNs to offer a kill switch that automatically stops your internet connection if your mobile phone detects a possible attack or interference. This gives you added peace of mind in knowing those around you can’t access your data without your permission.