How to Install ExpressVPN On Roku? [Updated April 2022]

In this article, we tell you how to install ExpressVPN on Roku using different methods. These methods are applicable for Roku Express (including 4K & 4K+), Roku Streaming Stick (including 4K & 4K+), Roku Ultra, Roku Ultra LT, Roku Streambar, and Roku Streambar Pro.

Roku is a media streaming device that lets you watch your favorite content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC IPlayer, HBO Max, etc.

It has a user-friendly interface with a smooth experience while operating and you can navigate or control everything with a Roku Remote.

However, you are missing out on many things if you’re using Roku with your public network.

You see, streaming giants like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video are on licensing terms with the producers of the content they show. And that’s why many movies and TV shows are not available to stream in certain regions even when they’re a part of Netflix.

That’s because each region has a different streaming catalog. And you can only access it when you’re present in that region.

But what if you could change your region to somewhere else without even moving from your couch?

With a VPN or Virtual Private Network, you can easily change your location and unlock any region’s streaming catalog with a tap of a button.

But you have to be wise in choosing a VPN provider because not all VPNs can unblock streaming services as it requires a lot of hard work and resources.

That’s why we recommend ExpressVPN. With ExpressVPN’s large fleet of servers, you can unblock Netflix catalogs of countries like the US, UK, Japan, France, Ireland, and many more.

So let’s dig a little deeper to know the different ways to install ExpressVPN on your Roku device and also check out if ExpressVPN is really worthy of your money.

For more information on ExpressVPN, visit our detailed guide: How Does ExpressVPN Work

How to Install ExpressVPN On Roku?

Installing a VPN on Roku is not as simple as installing it on your smartphone. Roku cannot run native VPN apps. But there are other ways. We have three techniques for you from which you can bypass geo-restrictions and watch your favorite movie on your preferred streaming platform.

1. Install a VPN on your router.
2. Create a virtual router and connect your Roku device to it.
3. Cast your VPN-enable phone to your Roku TV.

Method # 1: How to Install ExpressVPN On Roku By Setting Up VPN On Router?

Devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Firestick do not have the capability to run native VPN apps. So installing a VPN on your router covers them.

Not only this, any device that is connected to your Wi-Fi network is secured by a VPN tunnel, may it be your smart fridge or security camera.

Before installing a VPN on your router, check if your router has VPN capabilities. You can do this by accessing your router’s admin panel. To access the admin panel, go to your browser and enter 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

Enter your username and password. The default login credentials are “admin” if you haven’t changed them before.

Find the VPN tab and follow the system-specific instruction to install a VPN on your router.

However, if your router is not VPN capable, you have to flash your router first. Flashing is a process that formats your router’s operating system and enables the VPN feature.

It can be a risky process so make sure you have the skills and knowledge to carry out everything smoothly. Because if you mess up during the process, it can damage your router’s normal functionality.

ExpressVPN has the compatibility to work with Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers. But not to worry if you have a router other than these, you can go for the Manual Configuration.

To know how you can set up a VPN on your router, visit our detailed guide on how to install ExpressVPN on a router.

Method # 2: How to Install ExpressVPN On Roku By Creating a Virtual Router?

You can create a virtual router on your Windows PC and connect your Roku device to that network. But you have to keep the computer running in order to have a VPN connection.

Here’s how you can create a virtual router on your Windows computer.

Step 1: Get a VPN subscription plan from ExpressVPN.

Step 2: On your computer, go to the Settings > Network & Internet.

Step 3: Select Mobile Hotspot and enable the toggle button for Mobile Hotspot.

Step 4: Select Status and click on Change Adapter Options under Advanced Network Settings.

Step 5: Find ExpressVPN TAP Adapter and right-click on it. Go to the Properties.

Step 6: Head to the Sharing tab and check the box that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection“.

Step 7: Click on the drop-down menu and select the network you just created. Click on OK.

Step 8: Launch the ExpressVPN app and connect to a VPN server.

Step 9: Start Roku and go to the Wi-Fi section. Connect to your newly created network.

Method # 3: How to Install ExpressVPN On Roku By Casting Your Phone?

You can watch the content of your smartphone device by mirroring or casting it on your Roku TV. It is the simplest method to watch geo-restricted content on Roku.

First, make sure your Roku TV and mobile device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then follow the steps below.

Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN and download the ExpressVPN app on your mobile.

Step 2: Launch ExpressVPN and connect to a VPN server of your preference.

Step 3: Launch Netflix or any other streaming service of your choice and play something.

Step 4: Go to the Control Center of your mobile device and enable the option that says Screen Cast or Wireless Projection.

Step 5: Find your TV in the list and connect your device to Roku TV. If you’re using an Apple device, then you’ll need to verify first by typing in a code on your phone which will be visible on your TV screen.

Now you can watch the content of your device on your TV screen.

Make sure that your phone has the casting or wireless projection feature. If it doesn’t, then you’ll have to install a VPN on your router or by creating a virtual router.

Why Use ExpressVPN With Roku?

Major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc have distributed their content according to different regions. If a movie is available in a country where your friend lives, it is possible that the same movie would not be available in your country.

This is called geo-restriction. Streaming platforms and content producers are on licensing terms to only show their content where they want. That’s how they recover the money they invest.

However, a VPN bypasses these restrictions by changing your location. And ExpressVPN is one of the best players to geo-spoof your region and let you stream geo-blocked content on streaming platforms.

Streaming Support

ExpressVPN has the capability to unlock 19 different Netflix libraries. You can easily change your Netflix region or any other streaming platform in a matter of seconds and enjoy your favorite movie with some hot popcorn!

Security & Privacy

When you’re using a VPN, it encrypts all your traffic. So if someone is on to you, they will not be able to track your activities or monitor what you’re doing. May it be government bodies or even your internet service provider, when your traffic is passing through the VPN tunnel, you are turning them blind.

Fast Servers

ExpressVPN has more than 3000 servers covering 94 locations. This means that you will not experience a crowded network every time you connect to the VPN. And even if you do, there are tons of other servers that work smoothly on streaming platforms.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions