ExpressVPN tops our list of thebest VPNs. It mitigates one of the biggest issues introduced by connecting to a VPN, reducing your connection speed, by hosting servers in more locations than many of its competitors. Regardless of where you are in the world, odds are there’s an ExpressVPN server that’s local to you.

A shorter distance to your VPN’s server means less lag and faster connection and transfer speeds. Everything from browsing to streaming to downloading is smoother and less prone to buffering or interruption. While we may be Android stalwarts here at AP, we appreciate the appeal of Apple TV’s platform, especially considering the service’s growing library of high-quality content (thanks to CODA, itbeat Netflix and Prime Video to a Best Picture Oscarat last year’s Academy Awards).

A screenshot of Apple TV’s Software Updates menu with the Automatically Update feature highlighted in red

As with any streaming service, one issue with Apple’s platform is how some content is region-locked, meaning you may’t view it if you’re not in a specific country or part of the world. But thanks to the magic of VPNs and ExpressVPN’s compatibility with different operating systems, you can bypass that restriction (and keep your streaming habits private) by convincing AppleTV you’re in an area where the content you want to watch is available.

Installing ExpressVPN on your Apple TV

Previously, using ExpressVPN on an Apple TV streaming device involved jumping through several hoops and was more complicated. ExpressVPN has since released an app that users can download directly on their streaming devices, making the process simpler and more streamlined. Before you install ExpressVPN on your Apple TV, you’ll need to set up a subscription.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has long been one of the planet’s best VPNs thanks to the speed of its connections, massive server choice, handy 24/7 customer support, and the ability to unblock geo-restricted streaming services.

Make sure your Apple TV is running tvOS17

Before installing the ExpressVPN app, update your Apple TV’s operating system to tvOS17 or later, or the app won’t be available in the App Store.

How to turn on automatic updates

How to update tvOS on Apple TV

If you’re able to’t update your Apple TV, ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If the progress bar gets stuck below an Apple logo without text, and you’ve been waiting for over an hour, restart your Apple TV. Unplug it, plug it back into power, and then update again. If you still can’t download and install the update,contact Apple Support.

If your Apple TV device is up-to-date, you may download, install, and log in to the ExpressVPN app. If you’re a new user, you’ll need to have a ExpressVPN subscription.

A screenshot of ExpressVPN in the Apple TV App Store’s search interface

Uninstalling the ExpressVPN app from your Apple TV is just as simple

If you don’t like the app, cancel your ExpressVPN subscription, or want to uninstall it for any reason, removing it is a simple process.

Stream your favorite content from anywhere

Adding a dedicated ExpressVPN app to the Apple TV app store makes the setup a breeze. A VPN is a great way to unlock geo-locked content and can be handy if you travel and bring your Apple TV streaming device. That way, even if you’re out of the country, you can connect to a server in your home nation and stream all the content available there. You won’t lose access to your favorite shows or films while you’re overseas.

Now that you’ve set up a VPN on your Apple TV, it may be time to clean up that unruly home screen. Check out our guide tomanaging apps on Apple TVto institute a touch of digital feng shui in your streaming ecosystem.

A screenshot of the ExpressVPN app landing page in the Apple TV App Store

A screenshot of the Sign In screen for ExpressVPN on Apple TV

A screenshot of the sign in options for ExpressVPN on Apple TV