When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs don’t support VPN apps. So, you can’t run such apps natively. However, you can set up ExpressVPN on Roku using 3 workarounds - by installing the VPN on your router, turning your computer into a virtual router, or screen-mirroring your phone to your Roku.
Just one note before we begin - make sure your Roku account is associated with your chosen VPN location. For example, if you connect to a US VPN server, you need a US Roku account. There's no easy way to change your region on Roku, so we recommend creating a new account from scratch.
In this article, we'll teach you how to set up ExpressVPN for Roku with detailed guides for multiple methods.
While it is not possible to directly install ExpressVPN on your Roku, you can rely on three alternative workarounds to enable the VPN on your streaming device, including a router setup, virtual router setup, or screen mirroring. Let's look at each of these methods in detail.
Installing ExpressVPN on a physical router allows you to create a VPN-protected network for all your devices, including Roku. This isn't the simplest procedure, but it's definitely the best one to get ExpressVPN on Roku without much tinkering. Follow these steps:
1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN using your computer and any Web browser.
2. Set up ExpressVPN on a router (you need one that supports VPN connections).
3. On your Roku, go to 'Settings' > 'Network.'
4. Then, navigate to 'Setup Connection' > 'Wireless' (if you have a VPN Wi-Fi network).
5. Pick your VPN-protected Wi-Fi network, provide your password, and connect. That's it!
You can also use ExpressVPN on Roku by turning your PC into a router. You'll need to create a new VPN Wi-Fi network and then connect to it from your Roku in the following way.
1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN using any Web browser on your Windows PC.
2. Return to ExpressVPN's site and click 'My Account' using the website's main menu.
3. Access your dashboard and click 'Download for Windows.'
4. Install ExpressVPN, launch the app, and log in. If you need more detailed steps, turn to our guide on how to set up ExpressVPN on Windows.
5. On Windows, go to 'Start' > 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Mobile Hotspot.'
6. Flip the switch under the 'Mobile Hotspot' heading to start sharing your Internet connection.
7. Return one step and pick 'Advanced Network Settings.'
8. Scroll to the bottom and pick 'More Network Adapter Settings.'
9. Pick the adapter associated with ExpressVPN, right-click, and then choose 'Properties.'
10. Select the 'Sharing' tab and check the box 'Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection.'
11. Pick the connection you want to share.
12. On your Roku, navigate to 'Settings' > 'Network' > Setup Connection' > 'Wireless.'
13. Connect to your computer's virtual network. That's it.
When you mirror your phone's screen, you project everything you see on your screen onto your TV (via your Roku, of course). That means you can install ExpressVPN on your phone, unblock new content, and then project that content to your TV. Go through these steps:
1. Sign up for ExpressVPN using any Web browser on your computer or smartphone.
2. Download and install ExpressVPN from your device's App Store. For more detailed steps, here's how to set up ExpressVPN on an iPhone and on Android phones/tablets.
3. Launch the app, log in using your credentials, and connect to a VPN server.
4. Find your phone's screen mirroring option and pick your Roku.
5. You'll now see your phone's screen on your TV, screen-mirrored through Roku.
6. Open any streaming app (such as Netflix, for example) and start playing any movie or TV show.
Out of the methods explained above, the easiest way to use ExpressVPN on Roku is via screen mirroring. All you need to make that happen is an iOS or Android device and an ExpressVPN subscription. The two other methods require some tinkering and some technical knowledge.
That said, we'll add that you can set up and install ExpressVPN on more than 60 platforms and devices. That fact might open up some new workarounds based on which gadgets you own. So, use the provided link to learn how to get started.
That's all when it comes to how to use ExpressVPN for Roku. If you have any questions, post them via the comments section below. Lastly, thank you for reading!