THE QUICK ANSWER

What you need to know

A VPN changes the IP address websites see and encrypts the connection between your device and its servers. That gives you a choice of connection locations, but it does not guarantee access to a streaming catalogue. Netflix, for example, says VPN use can limit available titles and is unsupported for live events and ad-supported viewing. Choose a VPN around your actual device and viewing needs, rather than an assumption that every programme will unlock.

IPVANISH · AFFILIATE PARTNER

Change your IP location. Set up IPVanish.

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

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 →

Blue glass shield surrounding a connected globe, an editorial illustration of VPN privacy
AI-generated editorial illustration. EntertainmentBox

The benefit: a different connection location

A VPN sends your traffic through its server. The destination sees the server IP rather than your usual connection IP. This is the mechanism behind VPN location changes; it is not proof that a particular streaming account will be accepted in that location.

The benefit: encryption to the VPN server

IPVanish describes its VPN as encrypting internet traffic and shielding IP address data. Think of that as protection for the connection through the VPN, rather than a promise that every action online becomes anonymous.

The limitation: streaming services decide what plays

Netflix provides a useful example of why compatibility matters. Its help page says a VPN may restrict the catalogue to titles with worldwide licences. It also says VPN viewing is unsupported for live events and ad-supported viewing.

Changing a connection location and being eligible to watch a programme are different questions. Check the service you intend to use before choosing a VPN plan.

Make the decision for your own setup

Use the provider documentation to check the device you actually own. This guide explains benefits and limitations; it is not a hands-on speed test or a tested comparison of VPN providers.

  1. Open the IPVanish device setup page listed below and choose your operating system.
  2. Read the streaming service’s current VPN and travel guidance, then compare it with what you want to watch.

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?