How to Install ExpressVPN On Firestick & Fire TV [2022 Guide]

How to Install ExpressVPN On Firestick

In this article, we’ll show you how to install ExpressVPN on Firestick with step-by-step guidelines. You can follow these instructions to install ExpressVPN on any Firestick variant, including Firestick 4K, Fire TV Cube, or Fire TV Stick Lite.

Firestick is a media streaming device that lets you stream movies on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many other streaming platforms. But apart from that, you can install apps and play music also on your TV via Firestick connected to the TV’s HDMI Port.

So it’s a worthy gadget if you want to enjoy a movie night with a bunch of friends.

However, the frustration initiates when you cannot stream everything you want. You see, streaming platforms have libraries according to different regions. And if you’re in a country where your favorite movie or TV show is geo-blocked, you will not be able to watch it.

For that, you’ll need a VPN. A VPN changes your IP address and geo-spoofs your location so you can unlock streaming catalogs of different regions.

And since we’re talking about VPNs, how can we miss ExpressVPN? ExpressVPN is one of the top-tier VPN services that works great with Firestick. It has a dedicated app for Firestick and it offers a MediaStreamer feature for movie geeks to break the barrier of geo-restrictions.

Moreover, you can unlock almost any region’s Netflix catalog with ExpressVPN’s pool of 3000+ server locations.

But enough with the ExpressVPN gossip as it’ll take us forever to tell you about the amazing services it offers. But if you really want to know more about it, read our full guide: How Does ExpressVPN Work.


Short on time? Here’s a Short Summary of How to Install ExpressVPN On Firestick

  1. Sign up for an ExpressVPN plan by paying the subscription fee.
  2. Download the ExpressVPN app from Amazon App Store.
  3. Launch ExpressVPN and sign in with your VPN account.
  4. Choose a server location and connect to the VPN.
  5. Launch Netflix and enjoy watching your favorite show with some hot popcorn.


How to Install ExpressVPN On Firestick Using Amazon App Store?

You can easily download and install ExpressVPN from the Amazon App Store on your Firestick device.

Step 1: Get a VPN plan from ExpressVPN by visiting this page.

Step 2: Turn on Firestick and open the Find tab.

Step 3: Search for the ExpressVPN app.

Search for ExpressVPN

Step 4: Download the ExpressVPN app on your Firestick.

Download ExpressVPN

Step 5: Once the downloading completes, launch the app.

Launch ExpressVPN

Step 6: Sign in with your ExpressVPN account.

Sign in with ExpressVPN account

Step 7: Select a location server and connect to the VPN.

Select a location server


How to Install ExpressVPN On Firestick By Sideloading an APK File?

If you can’t find the ExpressVPN app on the Amazon App Store then you can sideload an apk file of ExpressVPN with the help of the Downloader app. Here’s how you can do it.

Step 1: Get an ExpressVPN subscription plan.

Step 2: Go to the Settings of your Fire TV device and head to My Fire TV.

Settings > My Fire TV

Step 3: Go to the Developer Options.

Developer Options

Step 4: Select Apps from Unknown Sources and then select Turn On.

Turn on Unknown Sources

Step 5: Go to your Firestick’s home page.

Step 6: Enter Downloader in the search panel.

Step 7: Install the Downloader app and launch it.

Downloader app

Step 8: Enter the ExpressVPN apk URL in the URL field and click on Go.

Enter the ExpressVPN URL

Step 9: Once the downloading completes, install the apk file on your Firestick.

Install ExpressVPN APK

Step 10: Launch the ExpressVPN app and sign in with your ExpressVPN account.

Step 11: Select a location server and connect to the VPN.

Select a location server


How to Install ExpressVPN On Firestick Using MediaStreamer?

MediaStreamer is a smart DNS feature offered by ExpressVPN. It’s included in all the subscriptions plans of ExpressVPN. MediaStreamer will let you geo-spoof your location but it will not encrypt your traffic.

This means if you’re not up for anonymity and just want to stream geo-restricted content by changing your region then ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is a good option.

You will not witness any buffering screens and your streaming experience will be magical.

Here’s how you can set up ExpressVPN MediaStreamer on your Firestick device.

Step 1: Sign up for an ExpressVPN subscription plan.

Step 2: Sign in with your ExpressVPN account on a computer and click on the My Account tab.

Step 3: Under the My Subscription tab, click on Set Up ExpressVPN.

Step 4: Click on the MediaStreamer option.

Step 5: You’ll see two MediaStreamer IP addresses. Keep this tab open, we’ll need the IP addresses later.

Step 6: On your Firestick, go to the Settings and navigate to Network.

Step 7: Select your Wi-Fi network and click on Forget.

Step 8: Select your Wi-Fi network. Type your Wi-Fi password and select Advanced Option. Type the same range router IP address where needed and type your router’s actual IP in the Default Gateway.

Step 9: Paste the two MediaStreamer IP addresses from Step 5 in the relevant fields.

Step 10: Click on Connect.


How Does Firestick Work With a Smart TV?

Firestick is a media streaming device. It works with all regular or smart TVs. You can use streaming services Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.

All you need to do is plug in the Firestick to your TV’s HDMI port. You have to provide power to the Firestick device via a USB or a power cable.

Put the correct HDMI on your TV and you should see the Firestick display. Initiate the setup process with the Firestick remote by pressing some clicks and you should be able to use Firestick on your Smart TV.


How to Use ExpressVPN Kill Switch On Firestick?

ExpressVPN’s kill switch is called Network Lock or Network Protection. It covers your back when your VPN crashes out of nowhere. It disconnects your internet to keep your IP address secure. Then the internet connection is restored when the VPN is up and running.

Enabling the Network Protection feature is easy and here’s how you can do it.

Step 1: Launch the ExpressVPN app and go to Options.

Go to Options

Step 2: Navigate to the Settings.

Go to Settings

Step 3: Select Network Protection.

Select Network Protection

Step 4: Turn on the toggle button for the option “Block internet when enable to connect or reconnect to VPN“.

Turn on the Network Protection button

That’s it. Your online identity is secure now, even if your VPN drops.


Bypassing Geo-Restrictions On Firestick With ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has made its way among the top-tier VPN providers worldwide. It has a count of more than 3000 servers in 94 different countries.

Streaming devices like Firestick or Fire TV cannot run native VPN apps. You have to either sideload a VPN or directly install a VPN on your router to bypass geo-restrictions and stream geo-blocked content.

With a VPN you can change your Netflix region and access different region libraries to enjoy blockbuster movies and TV shows.

You can even unblock streaming platforms that only work in specific countries, like HBO Max and Hulu. Shows like Runaways, Prison Break, and Game of Thrones are a few of the many amazing TV series that are available on these platforms. And to access these streaming giants, you just have to change your location to the United States.


Can I Run Android Apps On Firestick?

Yes. You can run Android apps on Firestick or Fire TV by sideloading an apk file.

You see, Firestick runs on the operating system called Fire OS, which is a fork of Android. This means if an app is running on Android, then it can run on Firestick too. That’s why the Android apk file of ExpressVPN works on your Fire TV.

Fire TV has Amazon Services and you can download apps from the Amazon App Store, while Android has Google Play Services, and you can download apps on your Android device from the Google Play Store.

You can say that Fire OS is basically Amazon’s version of Android.


Why Should I Choose ExpressVPN For Firestick?

There are many VPN providers in the industry so why you should choose ExpressVPN for your Firestick device? Well, the game depends on the quality of service that ExpressVPN provides to its users.

Here are some of the reasons to choose ExpressVPN for your Firestick.

Blazing Speed

ExpressVPN is one of the top VPNs known for its speed and uninterrupted connection.

Ordinary VPN providers face the issue of speed as they offer a few VPN servers which often get crowded when many users connect at the same time. And when the server takes that load, your activities have to face a delay.

However, ExpressVPN has more than 3000 servers spread across 94 countries. This means you will not experience any decrease in the speed of your connection. And even if you do, you have plenty of other servers as an alternative option.

Streaming Support

ExpressVPN has proved to be one of the most successful VPN providers to unblock major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC IPlayer, Disney+, and many more.

And if you just want to stream movies without encrypting your traffic, you can use ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature. It is a DNS proxy specially designed for streaming services.

Streaming with ExpressVPN will make you forget what a buffering screen is.

Privacy and Security

Although ExpressVPN works great on streaming platforms, a VPN’s primary job is to keep you secure on the open web.

ExpressVPN uses all the advanced techniques such as the 256-bit encryption method to encrypt your sensitive information. You can use the Lightway or OpenVPN protocol to keep the hackers away.

A built-in kill switch known as Network Lock keeps your online identity safe in case your VPN drops somehow.

ExpressVPN runs its servers on a volatile memory to make sure the user’s data is not tracked and it also has a strict no-log policy to keep their customers assured that their data is not logged.

User-Friendly Interface

ExpressVPN has an easy-to-navigate environment. You can easily connect to a VPN server in less than 3 seconds!

The ExpressVPN app lets you connect to the default server with just a click of a button.

It automatically finds the best match based on the nearest and fastest server and connects you to it. You can also connect to your preferred location server by taping the Location button.


Customizing the ExpressVPN Features

Customizing Features

ExpressVPN offers some useful features like a kill switch, split-tunneling, and auto-connect. You can customize the features and use them in your own style. Here’s how you can do it.

Auto-Connect: The Auto-Connect feature when enabled, connects you automatically to the previously connected VPN server when you turn on your Firestick device.

Network Protection: It is the kill switch tool of ExpressVPN. A kill switch terminates your internet connection when your VPN drops because of any reason. It makes sure you don’t expose your online identity accidentally on the web. When your VPN connection is restored, it works again in the normal flow.

Split-Tunneling: With the Split-Tunneling tool, you can bypass some apps through the VPN connection. Some apps which don’t require a VPN or don’t work properly with a VPN connection will force you to turn off your VPN. But if you have a split-tunneling tool, you can just select those apps and you can access them easily with a public network.

VPN Protocol: VPN protocols are a set of rules which instruct your traffic on how to route. If you’ve selected Automatic, the VPN app will select the best protocol based on your internet connection. However, you can select your preferred VPN protocol between PPTP, SSTP, L2TP/IPsec, or OpenVPN.

Apps and Website Shortcuts: This feature lets you access the apps and websites faster. The apps and websites will appear on your ExpressVPN dashboard whenever you connect to a VPN server. From there, you can easily access them while the VPN app runs in the background.


Other VPN Providers

NordVPN

Best VPN for iPhone users

surfshark

For unlimited simultaneous connections

cyberghost

Ideal Choice for Frequent Travelers

IPVanish

For Cyber Security Geeks

To know more about other VPN providers, visit our detailed review guides of NordVPN & Surfshark VPN.


Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Streaming platforms can detect you’re using a VPN if the VPN server you’re using has been blacklisted before by the streaming service.

No. Firestick is a media streaming device. You just have to pay the purchasing fee for the first time and that’s it.

You cannot use Firestick as your normal TV but yes, you can use apps that offer live TV facilities to the customers, like Kodi.

The MediaStreamer feature is a DNS proxy service that lets you access different region libraries of streaming platforms. It’s an amazing feature if you’re just looking to watch geo-restricted content without encrypting your internet traffic.

ExpressVPN offers a decent amount of location servers so you can have access to maximum Netflix libraries. Also, ExpressVPN works great on major streaming platforms, so you will not get bugged by that annoying buffering screen again and again.


Check out the ExpressVPN guides for:


Wrapping it up!

By now you should know how to install ExpressVPN on Firestick. The drill is simple. If you see the ExpressVPN app on Amazon App Store, carry on with the regular procedure. But if you don’t, sideload an apk file.

And if for some reason both of these methods fail, then go with the third option and take advantage of the MediaStreamer feature.

Although it’s not recommended as MediaStreamer doesn’t encrypt your traffic, it just geo-spoofs your location so the effective solution would be to install ExpressVPN directly on your router.