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How to Use a VPN with Google Chromecast

Updated Sep 10, 2024

Callum Tennent

Callum Tennent oversees how we test and review VPN services. He's a member of the IAPP, and his VPN advice has featured in Forbes and the Internet Society. Read full bio

Additional Research by Luke Williams

Our Verdict

To watch geo-restricted content on your Chromecast, use a streaming-optimized VPN service. If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, simply install the VPN directly from Google Play. If you have an older Chromecast, we recommend mirroring your computer screen from Google Chrome.

a VPN being used to stream content on a Chromecast device

Using a VPN with Google Chromecast lets you stream video content on your TV that is usually not available in your location.

A VPN changes your IP address and unblocks geo-restricted content on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Max, and BBC iPlayer.

The problem is unless you have the newer Chromecast with Google TV you can’t install a VPN directly on your Chromecast device. To get around this, you’ll need to use one of several workaround methods.

The simplest of these is using Google Chrome’s built-in Casting feature. By running a VPN on your computer and casting your screen to Chromecast, you can easily stream geo-restricted content on your TV.

Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN with Any Chromecast

Sign up for and install a VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN due to its unmatched ability to access geo-blocked streaming services.
Open Google Chrome on your laptop and initiate the Casting feature: Click the menu button > Cast, save and share > Cast > Click the name of your Chromecast.
Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the required country. For example, connect to an American server for US Netflix.
Stream. You’ll now have access to previously blocked TV shows and movies.

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How to Use Google Chromecast with a VPN

Here’s a summary of the different ways you can use a VPN on Chromecast:

	1. Install from Google Play	2. Mirror Your PC Screen	3. Set up a Virtual Router	4. Install on Router
Set-Up Difficulty	Easy	Medium	Medium	Hard
Requirements	Chromecast with Google TV	Chromecast dongle & PC	Chromecast dongle & PC	A router-compatible VPN
Limitations	None	Reduced picture quality	A spare computer that must be running at all times	Switching VPN servers is difficult
Speed	Very Fast	Fast	Fast	Slow

If you’re still unsure which VPN setup method is right for you, use our flowchart to help you decide:

We’ll run through all the installation methods in the following sections.

1. Install a VPN on Chromecast with Google TV

This is the easiest way to use a VPN on Chromecast, but it requires that you have the Chromecast with Google TV and a subscription to a VPN with a dedicated Google TV app.

Here’s a video demonstrating how simple it is to install NordVPN on Chromecast with Google TV:

We’ve also outlined the steps from the video in the instructions below.

How to Set Up a VPN on Chromecast with Google TV

Find the VPN in Google Play. You can do by this holding the Google Assistant button on your remote and saying the name of the VPN. Alternatively, you can enter the name of the VPN in the field labeled ‘Search for apps and games’.
Download the VPN’s Google TV App. Once you find the VPN in Google Play, select Install, wait for it to finish downloading, and then select Open.
Log in to the VPN. Follow the on-screen instructions to log in to the VPN with your existing subscription. The process varies between VPN services, but the easiest method is to scan a QR code on your mobile. If it asks for a connection request, click OK.
Connect to a VPN server. To watch geo-blocked content, connect to a server in the country hosting the content you want to see. For example, we wanted to watch the US library of Tubi, so we connected to a US IP address.
Stream from the app. Open the streaming service’s Chromecast app, and you’ll now be able to access content from the country you’ve connected to. You might need to download the streaming service’s app from Google Play after changing your IP address.

2. Mirror Your Screen to Chromecast

You can mirror your computer screen to Chromecast when using the Google Chrome browser. Then, connect to a VPN server and watch geo-blocked content on your Chromecast.

This is the easiest and quickest way to use a VPN with an older Chromecast dongle and works using Google Chrome on Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.

However, there are downsides to this method: it is not possible to use Chromecast with a VPN on Android or iOS. In addition, the streaming quality will be worse than the other methods we list because Google Chrome browser transcodes and compresses your video when casting the entire screen.

How to Mirror Your Screen from Google Chrome to Chromecast

Ensure you’re not connected to your VPN.
Open Google Chrome on your computer and click the menu button. This is the three vertical dots or ‘kebab’ button found in the top right corner of the browser window.
Go down to Save and Share and click Cast.
Click the down arrow next to Sources and ensure that Cast tab is selected.
Choose your Chromecast as the destination.
Open the VPN app on your computer. Make sure local network discovery is enabled in the app’s settings.
Connect to a VPN server. Choose a server in the country where you want to unblock content. For example, to watch US Netflix, connect to a server in the US.
Start streaming. The content will automatically show on your Chromecast.

3. Set up a Virtual Router Using Your Computer

You can share your VPN connection from your computer to your Chromecast. This way, when you change your PC’s virtual location with a VPN your Chromecast will do the same.

This is an inexpensive and relatively simple way to unblock content on Chromecast. However, you need to have your computer switched on while you’re streaming, so it’s not the best long-term solution.

The setup method differs depending on what operating your system is running. We have instructions for both Windows and macOS devices.

Set up a Virtual Router on Windows

Sharing your connection is easy in Windows 10. Here’s how you do it:

Turn on mobile hotspot. This is found in Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot. Toggle to On.
Note down your network name and password. You can change them by selecting Edit.
Locate your VPN’s TAP adapter. To do this, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change > Adapter Options. Right-click the VPN’s TAP adapter and select Properties.
Change your sharing settings. Click the Sharing tab and select the box that says Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.
Select your hotspot. Click Home networking connection > select Local Area Connection* > OK to apply the changes.
Share the VPN connection. Go to your VPN app and select OpenVPN as your protocol. Connect to a VPN server in the country that hosts the content you want to watch.
Connect your Chromecast to the new WiFi network. Go to Profile & System > Settings > General Network Settings > Set up Wireless Network and select the your new WiFi network.
You’re ready to stream. You’ll now be able to watch geo-locked content on your Chromecast. If you want to change location, just reconnect to a different VPN server on your PC.

Set Up a Virtual Router on macOS

You can create a mobile hotspot to share your VPN connection from your macOS computer. You will need an Ethernet cable to do this. If your Mac doesn’t have an Ethernet port, simply use a USB adapter.

Other publications claim you can only share a Mac’s VPN connection via the L2TP/IPsec protocol, but that’s not true. We discovered you can actually share the connection via OpenVPN (UDP), which offers better performance and security.

Our method works best with Surfshark, which allows you to share its OpenVPN connection from macOS for stronger security.

In contrast, ExpressVPN and most other Chromecast VPNs, only allow you to share a Mac connection using the L2TP/IPsec protocol. L2TP/IPsec has known security flaws. We strongly recommend you don’t encrypt any VPN connection using it.

Here’s how to share your VPN from your macOS with Chromecast:

Download the Surfshark VPN app from the App Store. Do not download it directly from the Surfshark website, as this will disable the OpenVPN protocol on macOS.
Connect your Mac to your router with an Ethernet cable. This won’t work if you connect using WiFi.
Open the Surfshark app. You’ll need to log in with your subscription details.
Use the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol. You’ll find this in Settings > Protocol.
Connect to a VPN server in the country whose content you want. For example, connect to the UK to watch BBC iPlayer.
Add VPN configuration. Two boxes will pop up, click Add VPN configuration on the first and Allow on the second.
Share your VPN connection on WiFi. Return to the macOS System Settings, and click Sharing. Select Internet Sharing and choose Surfshark OpenVPN (UDP) from the Share your connection from dropdown menu.
Create a secure connection. Go to WiFi Options and use these details:
- Network Name: (make up your own)
- Channel: leave as the default
- Security: WPA2 Personal
- Password: (make up your own)
Start sharing. Return to the Sharing menu and tick the Internet Sharing checkbox. When the prompt appears, click Start. Once activated, a green light will appear next to Internet Sharing and the WiFi symbol in your Mac’s menu bar will display an upwards facing arrow.
Connect both your Chromecast and mobile device to the new shared WiFi connection. They must be on the same WiFi network. To set up a new WiFi network on Chromecast, forget the existing one in the Google Home app. Go to Settings > WiFi > Forget this network. You can then connect to your new virtual router. Use the password you created in Step 8 above.

4. Install a VPN On Your Router

Installing a VPN on your router protects all the devices on your network, including your Chromecast.

VPN routers are less flexible than other approaches and setup can be complicated. It’s harder to switch your server location too, which might be frustrating if you want to change Netflix regions frequently.

ExpressVPN is one of the few services that provides an app for routers, which helps to reduce a lot of the problems with routers and makes it the best Chromecast VPN to use for this method.

Alternatively, you can use another top-rated router VPN, like NordVPN or IPVanish, but the configuration will be more difficult.

Here are the 3 options to get a VPN on your router:

Buy a router with a VPN pre-installed. This is the simplest solution. FlashRouters provides routers with many popular VPN services pre-installed, and ExpressVPN offers its own router, called Aircove.
Update your existing router with VPN firmware. Firmware is the software in your router that controls the hardware. Your VPN software will run on top of it. If your router is compatible with VPN software but does not have compatible firmware, you’ll need to update the firmware.
Buy a router that supports VPNs. You can remove the difficulty and the risk of setup by getting a router that already has VPN-friendly firmware installed. You simply subscribe to a VPN and follow the VPN provider’s instructions to install the VPN on the router. We recommend the Linksys WRT3200ACM and Netgear R6400 as great value options.

For more detailed instructions, read our in-depth guide to installing a VPN on your router.

Testing the ExpressVPN Router App

ExpressVPN’s router app as it appears on our test Windows device.

Once you’ve installed the VPN, simply connect your Chromecast and other devices to your WiFi network in the usual way. All the internet traffic sent through your router will now be connected to the VPN.

The Best VPNs for Google Chromecast

Based on our latest tests, the two best VPNs for Chromecast are ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

Both of these VPNs are widely compatible with streaming apps and can be installed on your home router, allowing easy use across every Chromecast device.

Below is a table summarizing how ExpressVPN and Surfshark compare:

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Chromecast Overall
Ranked #1 out of 61 VPNs for Chromecast
ExpressVPN
Add to compare
Get ExpressVPN
- Easy-to-use Google TV app
- Excellent dedicated app for routers
- Works with 18 Netflix libraries, Disney+, Hulu & more
- Fast download speeds for buffer-free streaming
- Huge server network
- 24-hour live chat support
- Expensive
- No kill switch on Google TV app
Pricing Plans
$12.95/mo
$6.25/mo over 16 months
$4.99/mo over 30 months
US Netflix Yes
Simultaneous Connections 8
The overall best VPN for Chromecast is ExpressVPN, no matter which version of Chromecast you are using.

ExpressVPN has an excellent app for Chromecast with Google TV, intuitive apps for desktop that allow you to mirror your screen or share your connection.

Plus, unlike NordVPN, Surfshark, PIA, and every other VPN, ExpressVPN offers a dedicated router app — making it much simpler to set up on older Chromecast devices.

ExpressVPN is more expensive than many other VPN services, but it’s the best VPN for streaming, with many benefits that make it worth the higher price.

Supports All Connection Methods for Google Chromecast
If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, you can simply download ExpressVPN’s well-made dedicated app from Google Play.

This is one of our favorite apps for Google TV. We find it easy to navigate, it blocks ads and trackers, and its fast speeds always allow us to stream in Full HD.

The only downside is the absence of a kill switch, which is present on Surfshark’s app.

If you have an older version of Chromecast, you can use ExpressVPN’s Windows or macOS app, or browser extension, to mirror your screen from Google Chrome

Alternatively, you can use its desktop apps to share your connection using a virtual router.

ExpressVPN’s standout feature for Chromecast is its dedicated router app.

While other VPNs require a complex manual setup, ExpressVPN is easy to set up and use. Its app also made it easy for us to change server locations whenever we wanted to access a different streaming app.

Expensive, but Works with All Major Streaming Services
In our tests, we found that ExpressVPN works with 18 different Netflix regions, including the US and the UK, and 104 global services overall.

We unblocked numerous popular streaming services on our Chromecast, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. ExpressVPN is our top-rated VPN for Max, and many other popular streaming platforms.

Although ExpressVPN is fairly expensive on shorter plans, you can prepay for a longer plan to reduce the monthly cost by 49%.

You can take advantage of ExpressVPN’s 7-day free trial when you sign up from the iOS or Android app. Additionally, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee offer, no questions asked.

Get ExpressVPN
2. Surfshark: Cheapest VPN for Chromecast
Surfshark VPN
Add to compare
Get Surfshark
- Fully-featured app for Chromecast with Google TV
- Costs just $1.99 per month
- Works with 9 Netflix regions, including US
- Servers in 100 countries
- Only VPN with a kill switch on Google TV
- Helpful 24/7 customer service
- Slower than other leading VPNs
- No dedicated app for routers
- App is less easy to navigate than ExpressVPN
Pricing Plans
$15.45/mo
$2.99/mo over 16 months
$1.99/mo over 28 months
US Netflix Yes
Simultaneous Connections Unlimited
Surfshark is a great budget choice, especially if you have the latest Chromecast with Google TV. If you’re using an older Chromecast, you can use Surfshark’s user-friendly desktop apps to mirror your screen.

It’s a cheaper alternative to ExpressVPN, costing only $1.99 per month without considerable compromise in quality. It can access 96 global streaming services, including 9 Netflix libraries.

However, Surfshark doesn’t offer a dedicated router app, so we don’t recommend it if you plan on using this method.

Surfshark’s VPN app for Chromecast.

App for Google TV & Compatible with Routers
Surfshark has an app for Chromecast with Google TV that you can download directly from Google Play. Our test experience was positive thanks to an easy login process and the ability to quickly change between servers. It’s also the only Google TV app with a kill switch included.

The kill switch ensured that our real IP address remained hidden even when the VPN connection dropped unexpectedly. This feature was particularly valuable when using our Chromecast while traveling, where we often had to rely on unstable hotel WiFi networks.

Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark’s desktop apps or browser extension allow you to mirror your screen from Google Chrome or share your connection, making it compatible with older Chromecast models. It’s the best choice if you want to set up a virtual router as it allows OpenVPN protocol to be used when sharing the connection from Mac.

For routers, Surfshark provides set up guides and sells pre-configured DD-WRT routers if you don’t want to set it up yourself.

However, unlike ExpressVPN, it doesn’t have an app for router, which made it much more cumbersome to use whenever we wanted to change server location or adjust the VPN’s settings.

Cheap & Excellent for Streaming
Surfshark’s big selling point is its price. It only costs $1.99 per month when paying for 2 years upfront.

Alternatively, you can use its 7-day free trial when you sign up from the mobile app, or use the VPN for longer and get refunded using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

This offers fantastic value for money when considering that Surfshark can access 96 global streaming services, and it works with Netflix in 9 regions.

This is less than ExpressVPN, but it’s still an excellent result compared to many other VPNs in its price bracket.

Surfshark is also inferior to ExpressVPN when it comes to speed. From our latest tests, we measured a 17% speed loss on international connections, which sometimes meant it loaded video content in a lower resolution.

Get Surfshark

How We Test VPNs for Chromecast

We rated and ranked the three best VPNs for Chromecast based on the following criteria:

Works with geo-restricted streaming apps, such as US Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth to allow for HD and 4K streaming.
Intuitive and user-friendly app for Chromecast with Google TV.
Clear and accessible setup guides for routers and mobile hotspots.
Available and helpful customer support to assist with setup and finding working streaming servers.
Chrome browser extension to allow for easy screen mirroring.

See how we evaluate VPN services by reading our complete and unbiased VPN review process.

The Benefits of Using Chromecast with a VPN

There are many advantages to using a VPN on your Chromecast. Here are the main benefits:

1. Watch Geo-blocked Streaming Services

As we’ve said throughout this guide, using a VPN with Chromecast enables you to watch a wide range of movies and TV shows that are otherwise blocked in your country.

Streaming services restrict their shows to different regions, depending on the license agreements they have with copyright holders.

When you use a VPN, you can appear to be somewhere else. If you use a VPN server in the US, Netflix will think that’s where you are and grant you access to the US Netflix library. Read more on how to change your Netflix region on Chromecast in the section below.

2. Bypass ISP Throttling and Restrictions

VPNs can also help to improve your download speeds. Though rare, some ISPs throttle (or slow down) your connection if they see you are streaming. When you use a VPN, your ISP can’t tell what you’re doing, and so can’t throttle your internet traffic.

This also applies to local network restrictions. With its portability, you can take the Chromecast with you on holidays or short breaks. However, many hotel WiFi networks block access to popular streaming apps. A VPN will allow you to bypass these restrictions, too.

3. Stronger Privacy and Security

A VPN stops companies and government agencies from spying on your internet activities, and helps to shield you from cyberattacks that target your IP address. In 2019, hackers played unwanted videos on 65,000 Chromecasts warning that they were vulnerable to attack.

How to Watch Netflix on Chromecast With a VPN

Changing Netflix region on your Chromecast is easy, but the method does depend on which model you have and the installation method you used when setting up your VPN.

Here’s how to watch Netflix on every Chromecast device with a VPN:

Chromecast with Google TV

The best Google TV VPNs will provide a dedicated app for the platform.

If yours does, simply open the VPN app on your Chromecast. Connect to a server in the country that has the Netflix content you want.

Open the Netflix app on your Chromecast with Google TV and start streaming. If you’re still not seeing the Netflix content you want to watch, select ‘Get Help’ in settings and click ‘Reload Netflix’.

Mirroring your PC or laptop screen

On your PC or laptop, open the VPN app or Chrome browser extension. Connect to a server in the country that has the Netflix content you want. Refresh the Netflix web page and start streaming.

Virtual router on your PC

On your PC or laptop, open the VPN app. Connect to a server in the country that has the Netflix content you want. Connect your phone to the same VPN server.

Open the Netflix app on your mobile device and cast the content to your Chromecast.

Physical VPN router

On your computer or phone, visit the ExpressVPN router dashboard. Click the three horizontal dots or the ‘meatballs’ menu button. Connect to a server in the country that has the Netflix content you want.

Wait a few minutes for your Chromecast to reconnect to the router. Open the Netflix app on your mobile device and cast the content to your Chromecast.

FAQs

What’s the Best Free VPN for Chromecast?

After testing 23 free VPNs on our Chromecast, we found that Windscribe Free is the best free VPN for using on Chromecast.

It’s safe, fast, and it works with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and 5 Netflix libraries. Unfortunately, it cannot unblock US Netflix.

Windscribe’s free tier is limited to just 10GB of data per month though, which isn’t enough for regular streaming on your Chromecast. It can’t be installed on routers either, so you’ll need to use an alternative setup method.

Proton VPN Free does allow for router installation and does not enforce a data cap, but it doesn’t work with popular streaming services.

You can read more in our full Windscribe review or read our list of the best overall free VPNs.

Why Can't I Cast When Using a VPN?

When casting content, your phone does not stream the video, it simply passes the file over to your Chromecast. For this to work, both devices need to be connected to the same network. When just your phone is connected to a VPN, the Chromecast cannot receive the content, and the video will fail to load.

To fix this, connect both your phone and Chromecast to the same VPN server. You can read how to do this here.

Can I Change My Google Play Country with a VPN?

Yes, you can easily change your Google Play region when using a Chromecast VPN. To do this:

Connect to a VPN server in the country that has the app you want.
Hold the Google Assistant button on your remote and say “Open Google Play Store”.
Search for the app from within Google Play.

This allows you to download Google TV apps that are only available in certain regions, such as Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

Can I Use Smart DNS with Chromecast?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to use Smart DNS with any Chromecast device.

This is because the Chromecast is hardwired to only communicate with Google’s DNS servers, even if you configure your router to use your VPN’s Smart DNS tool.