THE QUICK ANSWER

Get started

Start with the exact box model, its operating system and the error you see. That tells you which instructions apply. Google TV troubleshooting covers Google TV devices; IPVanish distinguishes its Android TV app from the app for boxes running Android Mobile. If your box already works and supports IPVanish, the VPN can add connection encryption and a choice of server locations to your setup.

IPVANISH · AFFILIATE PARTNER

Change your IP location. Set up IPVanish.

Add IPVanish to your viewing setup to choose your connection location and encrypt traffic to its servers. Install it on a supported device, then open your streaming app separately.

Choose a country in IPVanish, connect, then open your streaming app. The service sees the VPN server’s IP location instead of your usual one. That can help you access location-dependent services where your subscription and the provider’s rules allow it, while encrypting traffic between your device and the VPN server.

Get IPVanish Read our VPN guides →
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you. Check the current plan price and renewal terms before purchasing.
How to set up IPVanish for streaming
  1. Check your viewing option. Choose the broadcaster and plan for your event or title from the viewing options above.
  2. Install and sign in. Choose your IPVanish plan, then install the IPVanish app from your device’s app store and sign in. Our Android TV setup guide explains the steps for compatible TV boxes.
  3. Choose a location and connect. Select a server in the country you want to connect through. Wait until IPVanish confirms the connection.
  4. Open your streaming app. Sign in to the broadcaster separately and open the event or title. Your VPN subscription does not include a TV subscription, sports pass or pay-per-view purchase.

Streaming & VPN compatibility →

EntertainmentBox editorial cover: EntertainmentBox help: TV boxes and IPVanish setup
Original editorial cover illustration. EntertainmentBox

Identify the device and the problem

An app-installation problem, a network problem and a firmware request need different information. Record what happens before making several changes at once.

  1. Note the exact model label and operating-system version.
  2. Write down the app name and the error as it appears.
  3. Identify whether the problem affects one app or the whole connection.

An app will not install

Check the app’s requirements against the installed system. For IPVanish, a box running Android TV needs the TV route; a box running Android Mobile needs the mobile app. The provider warns that TV-app display problems can indicate a mobile operating system.

Our Android TV and IPVanish guides below explain the distinction. Do not assume that the wording on a box’s sales listing establishes current app compatibility.

Videos will not play on Google TV

Google’s help starts with the Wi-Fi connection, available system updates and a restart. Use its instructions only for a Google TV device; other Android boxes can have different menus.

Start with those checks before considering options that remove data. The official Google help page is linked in the sources below.

  1. Check that Google TV is connected to the intended Wi-Fi network.
  2. Follow Google’s system-update check and restart instructions.

When you need model-specific help

For a firmware or device-support enquiry, gather the exact model, operating-system version and error message before asking for help. Keep account passwords private.

Follow update instructions for the hardware you actually own. A Google TV menu sequence is not established here as the correct procedure for every older Android box.

You want to add IPVanish

IPVanish gives a compatible device connection encryption and a choice of VPN server locations. Choose the appropriate app first, then follow the provider’s setup guide and check your streaming service’s rules.

Choose an IPVanish plan after confirming device support. The VPN is a separate subscription from any streaming app or sports pass you use.

  1. Choose the official setup guide for your operating system.
  2. Install the supported app, sign in and follow its connection instructions.
  3. Open your streaming app separately once the VPN is connected.

More device and VPN help

Find the next step for your box, media app or VPN connection.

Sources & verification

We use official sources and automated checks to prepare this guide. Availability and prices can change.

Spotted something that needs correcting?