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ExpressVPN on Smart TV splits into two groups. ExpressVPN has native apps for Android TV, Fire TV, including Amazon’s newer Vega OS, and Apple TV, according to its smart TV page. Samsung and LG sets cannot run VPN apps, so ExpressVPN offers them MediaStreamer, its Smart DNS service, with step-by-step guides tested on a Samsung Crystal UHD DU8000 and on LG’s webOS 10.3.
MediaStreamer changes what streaming apps see but encrypts nothing, and ExpressVPN says so plainly. This guide matches each TV to its best option.
ExpressVPN on Smart TV: The Short Answer
Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV or Apple TV: install the ExpressVPN app. Our ExpressVPN on Android TV guide and our ExpressVPN on Apple TV guide cover the setup.
Samsung or LG: use MediaStreamer for streaming regions, or connect the TV to a router running ExpressVPN, such as the new Fortify, for full encryption.
An AirPlay 2 Samsung TV can also mirror from an iPhone or Android device running ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN’s Samsung guide notes. Our ExpressVPN review covers the service.
Which Method for Which TV
| TV | ExpressVPN app? | Best option |
|---|---|---|
| Android TV / Google TV | Yes | The app |
| Fire TV (Fire OS 6+, Vega OS) | Yes | The app |
| Apple TV (tvOS 17+) | Yes | The app |
| Samsung (Tizen) | No | MediaStreamer, router or AirPlay 2 |
| LG (webOS) | No | MediaStreamer or router |
A router covers every set, making ExpressVPN on Smart TV possible anywhere. ExpressVPN says Fortify connects TVs and other devices through the router without installing an app on each, as our ExpressVPN on a router guide explains.
Setting Up MediaStreamer on Samsung or LG
| Step | What to do | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sign in to your ExpressVPN account | On a phone or computer |
| 2 | Go to DNS Settings, Register my IP address | Turn on automatic registration |
| 3 | Note MediaStreamer IP #1 and #2 | Under Network and smart home |
| 4 | On a Samsung: Network, Network Status, IP Settings | LG menus differ slightly |
| 5 | Enter the MediaStreamer addresses as DNS | Manual DNS |
| 6 | Check the TV reports an internet connection | Re-enter if not |
A dynamic IP needs attention. ExpressVPN’s guides say to keep the registration current by signing in to its website now and then, or running its app on any device on the same network. On Samsung, it also allows a DDNS hostname from Dynu instead of an IP address.
What MediaStreamer Does and Doesn’t Do
It changes the streaming region. Cloudwards notes it works with Netflix’s US and UK libraries. A Fire TV Stick on the HDMI port is another way round it, as our ExpressVPN Firestick guide explains.
It does not encrypt, and you cannot pick a location. ExpressVPN states both in its guides. Comparitech adds that your internet provider can still see you are streaming and may throttle you. Our Smart DNS comparison explains the difference.
What Breaks, and How to Fix It
MediaStreamer stops working. Your home IP has probably changed; sign in to ExpressVPN from that network, or use its app on a phone connected to it. Our guide to what a VPN hides explains why MediaStreamer leaves more visible than the app.
The TV says it has no internet after setup. ExpressVPN’s Samsung guide says to re-enter the MediaStreamer address; if that fails, restore automatic DNS and check with our connection-check guide.
You need a country other than the US or UK. MediaStreamer cannot change location. Use a router or a streaming stick with the app. Our Netflix guide explains library differences.
Comparing Smart TV Options
NordVPN also offers Smart DNS for Samsung and LG sets, while Surfshark retired its own in February, as our NordVPN on Smart TV guide and our Surfshark on Smart TV guide explain. NordVPN and Surfshark share a parent, Nord Security; ExpressVPN belongs to Kape Technologies. Our smart TV VPN guide compares every provider.
How We Research
The app platforms come from ExpressVPN’s smart TV page, the MediaStreamer steps from its Samsung and LG support guides, and the Netflix and throttling notes from Cloudwards and Comparitech. We name each source where used; all were read on 26 September 2026. We did not test on a television ourselves. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
ExpressVPN on Smart TV FAQ
Not as an app. Use MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS, or connect the TV to a router running ExpressVPN.
Android TV and Google TV sets, Fire TV devices on Fire OS 6 or later or Vega OS, and Apple TV with tvOS 17 or later.
No. ExpressVPN says it is not a VPN and offers none of a VPN’s privacy protections. It only changes the streaming region.
A likely cause is a change of home IP address. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account from that network to update the registration.
No. ExpressVPN says MediaStreamer’s location cannot be changed; Cloudwards notes it works with Netflix US and UK.
The Verdict
ExpressVPN on Smart TV means the app on Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV, and MediaStreamer or a router on Samsung and LG sets.
Choose the router or a streaming stick if you want encryption; MediaStreamer only changes the streaming region.