THE QUICK ANSWER

What you need to know

On a device running the Android TV operating system, search for IPVanish from the home screen, install the app, sign in and select Connect. Approve the connection prompt when it appears. Some boxes sold as Android boxes run Android Mobile instead: IPVanish says these need its mobile app. Check which system your box uses first. Once connected, open your streaming app and check playback; changing your IP address does not guarantee access to a programme.

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Watching away from home? Set up IPVanish

IPVanish gives you a choice of connection locations and an encrypted connection for browsing and compatible streaming apps.

A VPN routes your traffic through a server in a location you choose. Websites see the server’s IP address instead of your usual one. This can help with some location-based access restrictions, while encrypting the connection from your device to the VPN server.

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How to set up IPVanish for streaming
  1. Check your viewing option. Confirm the exact event or title is offered by the streaming service, and check its travel, account and VPN rules.
  2. Install and sign in. Choose an IPVanish plan, then use its official device setup guide to install the appropriate app and sign in.
  3. Choose a location and connect. Select a server in the location you want to use. For travel access, check that the service permits your account to watch from there. 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.

If playback fails or a VPN warning appears, follow the streaming provider’s guidance. It may require disconnecting the VPN. Do not buy a VPN on the assumption that it will unlock a particular service.

Setup reference: IPVanish’s instructions. General guidance checked 12 September 2026; this is not a test of access to the service in this article.

Streaming services can block VPNs. Access still depends on the service’s rules, your account and broadcast rights; a VPN cannot create a broadcast that does not exist.

Illustrative photograph for this viewing guide

Check which version of Android your box runs

IPVanish distinguishes true Android TV devices from boxes that run Android Mobile. Its TV app is intended for Android TV; boxes running the mobile operating system need the mobile app. Check your device information and use the matching official setup guide below.

These instructions are based on provider documentation. We have not tested individual Android boxes for this article.

Install and connect on Android TV

IPVanish’s Android TV guide describes the following sequence. Refer to its illustrated guide if the screens on your device differ.

  1. From the Android TV home screen, open Search and search for IPVanish.
  2. Select the IPVanish app, choose Install and then Open.
  3. Sign in with your IPVanish account details or the QR sign-in option shown in the app.
  4. Select Connect on the app home screen and approve the Android connection prompt with OK.
  5. Look for the Connected notification. Use Disconnect when you want to end the VPN connection.

Using NVIDIA SHIELD

IPVanish provides a dedicated SHIELD page. Its instructions start with an IPVanish account and the SHIELD VPN app, followed by its device setup guide. Refer to that guide for the device-specific screens.

Check playback separately

A successful VPN connection does not itself confirm that a streaming service will play a particular title. Netflix says you may need to turn off the VPN to see programmes available in your region.

Check the viewing guide for the programme or match you want, then follow the broadcaster’s current account and VPN guidance.

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.

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