The 2026 World Cup has started – and if you want to catch the latest matches wherever you are, or just want to keep your connection secure, it’s a good idea to use one of the best VPNs when streaming.
It’s common knowledge that most major VPN providers offer apps for desktop, mobile, and tablets, but some go a step further by offering apps you can install directly on your TV.
Having a VPN app on your TV means avoiding 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 the same when it comes to VPN availability – while Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire OS TV and Apple TV support native VPN apps, Samsung’s Tizen OS and LG’s webOS do not. But don’t worry, we’ll cover a workaround below.
Which VPNs work on TVs?
Which VPN will work on your TV depends on the platforms your VPN service is available on and whether or not your TV allows VPNs to work on its operating system.
Some VPNs are widely available on all platforms. Norton VPN has a native app on Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV, and Android TVs or Google TVs can run the Google Play version of the app natively.
The same goes for NordVPN and ExpressVPN, both of which support all four platforms. However, it’s worth checking the device-specific support information for your VPN service. Amazon’s latest Vega OS Fire Sticks, for example, aren’t compatible with ExpressVPN or Norton VPN.
For more details on the operating systems supported by different VPNs, it’s worth checking out our roundup of the best VPNs for smart TVs.
As for Samsung TVs running Tizen OS and LG TVs running WebOS, VPN apps aren’t natively supported, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you want to watch the World Cup securely.
How to use a VPN with a Samsung or LG TV
To access VPN-like features on a Samsung or LG TV, you will need to use Smart DNS. This effectively redirects your Domain Name System (DNS) queries, so you can access your favorite shows from home. However, this will not mask your IP address Or encrypt your traffic like a VPN does.
It is not a given that a VPN service will offer SmartDNS functionality. Among the best VPNs, ExpressVPN comes with its MediaStreamer SmartDNS tool, while NordVPN also has a SmartDNS feature. CyberGhost, which is on our list of best VPNs for smart TVs, also offers this feature.
Using this method is not always this simple and success is not guaranteed. The simplest solution is to run a VPN on a laptop or mobile device, stream the World Cup (or whatever you want to watch) on that device, then connect to your TV with an HDMI cable.
Can I stream a VPN to my TV with AirPlay or Chromecast?
Unfortunately, streaming from a phone running a VPN to a TV not running a VPN usually doesn’t work, because the two devices are not part of the same network environment.
Broadcasting relies on communication between devices on the same network, so using a VPN on just one device may break the connection between them.
If you connect your TV and phone to the same network – either behind the VPN or with SmartDNS – you’ll have a better chance of streaming, but it’s still not as reliable as using a native VPN on your TV, or even using SmartDNS.
So here’s the tip to remember: if your TV’s operating system allows it, download a VPN directly to your device. If not, you can still use your laptop and connect to your TV using a standard HDMI cable.
