您购买了一台闪亮的新Apple TV，并希望在其上安装和设置VPN服务。唯一的问题是你找不到任何VPN应用程序或VPN设置页面！
在Apple(Apple) TV上使用VPN时，这并不简单。但这就是为什么我们在这里帮助您完成这个简单的教程！
为什么为您的 Apple TV 选择 VPN
虚拟专用网络(Private Network)( VPN ) 技术通过互联网创建安全且加密的连接。VPN技术有利于增强隐私，因为它增加了针对在线威胁的额外保护层，例如黑客和互联网服务提供商 ( ISP(ISPs) ) 监视您的在线行为。
除了增强隐私性之外，VPN还可以隐藏您的 IP 地址。VPN还可以帮助您绕过地理限制并访问您所在地区可能不可用的内容。(VPN)尽管大多数使用Apple TV 的人都希望使用VPN访问区域限制的内容，但在某些情况下，您可能不希望ISP也知道您正在观看的内容。
在Apple TV上使用VPN的要求(VPN)
在使用Apple TV VPN之前，您需要满足以下条件：
- 注册(Sign)与Apple TV兼容的VPN服务。
- Apple TV（显然）
- 可访问互联网的 Wi-Fi 连接。
- VPN 路由器。
“ VPN路由器”内置有VPN服务。(VPN)您可以使用此路由器为所有设备提供安全连接，而不是在每台设备上配置VPN服务。(VPN)这意味着您只需一种配置
即可在所有设备（包括Apple TV）上使用VPN 。
如果您不确定选择哪种VPN服务，请查看我们精选的最适合流媒体电影和电视节目的 VPN(best VPNs for streaming movies and TV shows)。
在 Apple TV 上设置 VPN
与Mac(Mac)、iPad 或 iPhone不同， Apple TV(Apple TVs)本身不支持VPN连接。这意味着您无法安装VPN应用程序或手动输入VPN的连接设置。
为了解决这个问题，它的工作原理如下：
- 购买VPN路由器：确保它与您选择的(VPN)VPN服务兼容。
- 执行路由器设置：将其连接到您的互联网服务提供商 ( ISP ) 并配置VPN设置。此过程可能因路由器而异，因此请按照路由器制造商和/或您的VPN提供的说明完成设置过程。
- 将Apple(Apple) TV连接到VPN路由器：设置VPN路由器后，您需要将(VPN)Apple TV 连接到其Wi-Fi网络。
- 验证VPN连接：您可以通过检查您的 IP 地址或访问显示您的 IP 地址的网站来验证(website showing your IP address)Apple TV上的连接。确保它与您的VPN服务提供的 IP 地址匹配。您还应该通过VPN路由器在网络浏览器上运行(VPN)VPN泄漏测试，以检查它是否像宣传的那样安全。
一些VPN提供商出售预配置的路由器，因此，如果您对自己遵循为这些路由器提供的设置说明的能力没有信心（而且您无论如何都需要一个新的路由器），那么这是一个不错的选择。
在某些情况下，尽管您的路由器可能不正式支持VPN，但您可以使用自定义第三方固件（例如Tomato或DD-WRT）将此功能添加到现有路由器中。
使用虚拟路由器
如果您不想花钱购买VPN路由器，您可以重新调整某些设备的用途，使其充当“虚拟”路由器。这适用于任何允许您访问VPN的“TAP 适配器”并提供 Wi-Fi 热点功能的设备。
TAP网络适配器是VPN连接中使用的虚拟网络适配器。它允许VPN软件通过网络连接透明地传递所有网络数据包。换句话说，TAP适配器充当VPN软件和物理网络之间的接口，允许所有网络流量通过(VPN)VPN连接传输和接收。
根据您的硬件、Windows版本和VPN服务，您可以使用TUN 适配器(TUN adapter)而不是TAP适配器。这两个虚拟适配器之间的差异在这里并不重要，并且它也不会改变设置虚拟路由器时的实际步骤。
您可以将Windows PC 变成虚拟路由器，并使用Windows内置的Internet 连接共享(Internet Connection Sharing)( ICS ) 功能共享您的(ICS)VPN连接。具体步骤可能会有所不同，具体取决于您使用的
Windows版本：
- 右键单击通知区域中的网络图标。这看起来像Wi-Fi条或小电脑屏幕，具体取决于您使用的是Wi-Fi还是以太网(Ethernet)。从弹出的菜单中选择网络(Select Network)和Internet 设置。(Internet Settings)
- 选择移动热点。
- 写下(Write)或记下网络名称和密码。稍后你会需要这个。然后打开您的移动热点。
- 检查“共享(Share)我的互联网连接”和“共享”(Share)是否正确反映了您的设置。例如，如果您的计算机通过以太网(Ethernet)连接到互联网，则第一个选项应该是“以太网(Ethernet)”。
- 返回“网络(Network)和Internet”并选择“高级网络设置”(Advanced Network Settings)。
- 在相关设置下选择更多(Select More)网络适配器选项。
- 在此窗口(Window)中，您可以看到所有物理和虚拟网络适配器。请注意此处标记的Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct 虚拟适配器(Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter)。这是在您打开移动热点时创建的。
- 您会注意到我们这里有TAP和TUN VPN连接。如果您不知道您的VPN使用的是哪一个，请在打开此窗口的情况下激活您的(Window)VPN。红色“X”将从活动连接中消失。
- 右键单击您确定(Right-click)VPN当前使用的任一VPN ，然后选择“属性”。
- 切换到打开的属性窗口的共享选项卡。(Sharing)然后选中允许其他网络用户通过此计算机的 Internet 连接进行连接旁边的框。
- 在家庭(Home)网络连接下，选择移动热点虚拟适配器。
- 现在，使用VPN的Windows应用程序连接到您选择的VPN服务器。(VPN)
- 要测试VPN连接，请使用其他设备（例如智能手机）连接到热点。然后访问任何显示您的公共 IP 的网站。这里我们使用了whatismyipaddress.com。如您所见，我们连接的VPN服务器的位置是正确的。
- 使用Apple(Apple) TV连接到热点，现在流媒体服务应该通过VPN连接运行。
请记住(Remember)，某些流媒体服务（例如Netflix）会保留(Netflix)VPN服务器地址的阻止列表，因此您无法仅使用任何VPN来解锁(VPN)美国 Netflix(US Netflix)（例如）。相反，您必须注册为您提供个人 IP 地址的服务，流媒体服务无法将其与任何其他常规用户的 IP 地址区分开。
在这种情况下，我们都访问互联网并通过Wi-Fi共享它。并非所有计算机都能做到这一点；即使您的计算机能够做到这一点，它也不是最有效的选择，并且可能会导致缓冲问题。对于大多数人来说，最好的解决方案是使用以太网电缆将(Ethernet)Windows计算机连接到物理路由器，然后通过Wi-Fi共享其连接。
如果您足够幸运，计算机上有两个以太网网络端口，则可以将物理路由器连接到一个端口，将(Ethernet)Apple TV 连接到第二个端口（如果您拥有带以太网功能的(Ethernet)Apple TV 型号）。
也可以在 macOS 上创建这样的虚拟路由器，并且大多数 VPN 提供商都会在其网站上提供有关如何执行此操作的说明。
SmartDNS作为媒体流(Media Streaming)的替代方案(Alternative)
如果您不想购买或修改路由器来运行VPN，并且您主要感兴趣的是访问受限制的内容而不是改善您的隐私，那么 SmartDNS是(SmartDNS)Apple TV的更好选择。有些VPN服务甚至在套餐中包含Smart DNS服务，例如Express (Smart DNS)VPN的MediaStreamer服务。
这是因为您可以轻松更改Apple TV 上的(Apple)DNS服务器设置，而不需要特殊的技巧或方法。智能DNS服务会拦截对某些网站的请求并重定向它们，以使该服务认为您位于不同的区域。
要更改Apple TV上的DNS设置以获得智能DNS功能，您需要执行以下步骤：
- 前往Apple TV 上的“设置”。
- 选择网络。
- 选择您的 Wi-Fi。
- 选择您的 Wi-Fi 网络。
- 向下滚动(Scroll)并选择“配置 DNS”(Configure DNS)。
- 将设置更改为手动。
- 输入(Enter)智能 DNS(Smart DNS)服务(DNS)提供的DNS地址。
- 选择完成。
请务必注意，具体步骤可能会有所不同，具体取决于Apple TV 的型号和操作系统版本。
智能 DNS(Smart DNS)服务需要额外的步骤。智能DNS(Smart DNS)需要知道您的公共 IP 地址是什么。因此，您必须打开一个特定的网页，然后（通常）选择一个按钮来刷新您当前的 IP 地址。
如果您通过ISP(ISP)获得了静态 IP 地址，则只需执行一次此操作。但是，如果您拥有动态 IP 地址（就像大多数人一样），则必须定期刷新智能 DNS(Smart DNS)服务记录的 IP 地址。
使用 Android TV 代替
如果您特别想在Apple(Apple) TV上使用VPN来访问其他地区的内容，您最好购买Android TV 设备。与 tvOS 不同，Android允许您侧载任何您想要的应用程序，并且(Android)Google Play 商店(Google Play Store)上也有许多出色的VPN应用程序。
例如，我们在Android TV 设备上使用(Android)ExpressVPN并取得了巨大成功，该应用程序甚至具有分割隧道功能，允许您从 VPN 中排除某些应用程序(VPN)。例如，您可能想要本地Netflix选择，但Hulu通过VPN运行，反之亦然。大多数VPN服务提供 30 天退款保证，因此您可以尝试不同的服务，看看哪一种最适合您。
您可以将Android TV 设备与Apple TV 一起运行，并且在Amazon等网站上可以找到许多便宜的Android TV 选项。我们推荐小米盒子 S 4K(Xiaomi Mi Box S 4K)作为 Apple TV 的高品质替代品或补充，且价格仅为
Apple TV 的一小部分。(Apple)
How to Install and Use a VPN on Your Apple TV
You’ve bought a shiny new Apple TV and want to install and set up your VPN service on it. The only problem is that you can’t find any VPN apps or a VPN settings page!
While using a VPN with your Apple TV, it’s not straightforward. But that’s why we’re here to help with this easy tutorial!
Why Choose a VPN for Your Apple TV
Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology creates a secure and encrypted connection over the internet. VPN technology is beneficial for enhancing privacy since it adds an extra layer of protection against online threats, such as hackers and internet service providers (ISPs) monitoring what you do online.
Apart from increasing privacy, a VPN also hides your IP address. A VPN can also help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may not be available in your region. Although most people using an Apple TV want to use VPN to access region-restricted content, there are some instances where you may not want your ISP to know what you are watching too.
Requirements for Using VPN on Apple TV
Before you can use an Apple TV VPN, here’s what you’ll need:
- Sign up for a VPN service compatible with Apple TV.
- An Apple TV (Obviously)
- A Wi-Fi connection with internet access.
- A VPN Router.
A “VPN router” has a VPN service built into it. Instead of configuring a VPN service on each device, you can use this router to provide a secure connection for all your devices. This means you can use the VPN on all your devices, including your Apple TV, with just one configuration.
If you aren’t sure about which VPN service to choose, check out our selection of the best VPNs for streaming movies and TV shows.
Setting Up a VPN on Your Apple TV
Unlike a Mac, iPad, or iPhone, Apple TVs don’t-natively support a VPN connection. This means you can’t install a VPN app or manually enter your VPN’s connection settings.
To get around this, here’s how it works::
- Buy a VPN router: Ensure it works with your chosen VPN service.
- Perform the router setup: Connect it to your internet service provider (ISP) and configure the VPN settings. This process can vary depending on the router, so follow the instructions provided by the router’s manufacturer and/or your VPN to complete the setup process.
- Connect your Apple TV to the VPN router: Once the VPN router is set up, you’ll need to connect your Apple TV to its Wi-Fi network.
- Verify the VPN connection: You can verify the connection on your Apple TV by checking your IP address or visiting a website showing your IP address. Make sure it matches the IP address provided by your VPN service. You should also run a VPN leak test on a web browser through the VPN router to check that it’s as secure as advertised.
Some VPN providers sell pre-configured routers, so if you aren’t confident about your ability to follow the setup instructions provided for these routers (and you need a new router anyway), this is a good option.
In some cases, although your router may not officially support a VPN, you can use custom third-party firmware such as Tomato or DD-WRT to add this functionality to your existing router.
Using a Virtual Router
If you don’t want to spend money on a VPN router, you can repurpose some devices to act as a “virtual” router. This will work with any device that allows you to access the VPN’s “TAP adapter” and offers a Wi-Fi hotspot feature.
A TAP network adapter is a virtual network adapter used in a VPN connection. It allows VPN software to pass all network packets transparently through the network connection. In other words, the TAP adapter acts as an interface between the VPN software and the physical network, allowing all network traffic to be transmitted and received through the VPN connection.
Depending on your hardware, Windows version, and VPN service, you may use a TUN adapter instead of a TAP adapter. The difference between these two virtual adapters isn’t relevant here, and it also changes nothing about the actual steps when setting up a virtual router.
You can turn your Windows PC into a virtual router and share your VPN connection using the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) feature built into Windows. The exact steps may vary depending on the version of Windows you’re using:
- Right-click on your network icon in the notification area. This will look like Wi-Fi bars or a little computer screen, depending on whether you use Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Select Network and Internet Settings from the menu that pops up.
- Select Mobile hotspot.
- Write down or make a note of the network name and password. You’ll need this later. Then toggle your mobile hotspot on.
- Check that Share my internet connection from and Share over correctly reflect your setup. For example, if your computer is connected to the internet via Ethernet, the first option should be “Ethernet.”
- Go back to Network & Internet and select Advanced Network Settings.
- Select More network adapter options under Related settings.
- In this Window, you can see all physical and virtual network adapters. Note the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter marked here. This was created when you toggled the mobile hotspot on.
- You’ll notice we have both a TAP and TUN VPN connection here. If you don’t know which one your VPN is using, activate your VPN with this Window open. The red “X” will disappear from the active connection.
- Right-click on whichever one you’ve determined your VPN currently uses, and select Properties.
- Switch to the Sharing tab of the properties window that opens. Then check the box next to Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.
- Under Home networking connection, select the mobile hotspot virtual adapter.
- Now, use your VPN’s Windows app to connect to the VPN server of your choice.
- To test the VPN connection, connect to the hotspot using another device, such as your smartphone. Then visit any website that shows your public IP. Here we used whatismyipaddress.com. As you can see, the location is correct for the VPN server we’ve connected to.
- Connect to the hotspot using your Apple TV, and now streaming services should run through the VPN connection.
Remember that some streaming services, such as Netflix, keep a blocklist of VPN server addresses, so you won’t be able to unblock US Netflix (for example) with just any VPN. Instead, you’ll have to sign up for a service that offers you a personal IP address, which a streaming service can’t distinguish from any other regular user’s IP address.
In this case, we’re both accessing the internet and sharing it over Wi-Fi. Not all computers are capable of this; even if your computer is capable of this, it’s not the most efficient option and can lead to buffering issues. For most people, the best solution is to connect your Windows computer to your physical router using an Ethernet cable and then share its connection over Wi-Fi.
If you’re lucky enough to have two Ethernet network ports on your computer, you can connect your physical router to one and your Apple TV to the second if you have an Apple TV model with Ethernet.
It’s also possible to create a virtual router like this on macOS, and most VPN providers will have instructions on how to do it on their websites.
SmartDNS as an Alternative for Media Streaming
If you don’t want to buy or modify a router to run a VPN, and you’re mainly interested in getting access to restricted content rather than improving your privacy, a SmartDNS is the better choice for an Apple TV. Some VPN services even include a Smart DNS service in the package, such as ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer service.
That’s because you can easily change the DNS server settings on an Apple TV easily without needing special tricks or methods. A smart DNS service intercepts requests for certain websites and redirects them to make the service think you’re in a different region.
To change the DNS settings on an Apple TV for smart DNS features, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings on your Apple TV.
- Select Network.
- Select your Wi-Fi.
- Select your Wi-Fi network.
- Scroll down and select Configure DNS.
- Change the settings to Manual.
- Enter the DNS address provided by the Smart DNS service.
- Select Done.
It’s important to note that the exact steps may vary depending on the model and operating system version of your Apple TV.
Smart DNS services require an additional step. The Smart DNS needs to know what your public IP address is. So you’ll have to open a specific web page and then (usually) select a button to refresh your current IP address.
You only need to do this once if you have a static IP address through your ISP. However, if you have a dynamic IP address (as most people do), you’ll have to periodically refresh the IP address on record with your Smart DNS service.
Use an Android TV Instead
If you specifically want to use a VPN with your Apple TV to access content from other regions, you may be better off purchasing an Android TV device instead. Unlike tvOS, Android lets you sideload any applications you want, and there are also many great VPN apps on the Google Play Store.
For example, we’ve used ExpressVPN with great success on our Android TV devices, and the app even features split tunnelling that allows you to exclude certain apps from the VPN. So, for example, you may want your local Netflix selection, but Hulu runs through the VPN or vice versa. Most VPN services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can experiment with different services to see which works best for you.
You can run an Android TV device alongside your Apple TV, and there are many inexpensive Android TV options available on sites like Amazon. We recommend the Xiaomi Mi Box S 4K as a high-quality alternative or supplement to the Apple TV at a fraction of the price.
