VPN is short for virtual private networks. This service maintains your security and privacy while you are surfing the internet. A VPN protects you by encrypting your data from your devices like Firestick and PC. The tool also modifies your IP address, through which your device’s location is determined. Thus, it helps you remain anonymous.
Today, most people go online to stream content like movies and TV shows. Streaming devices like Firestick are owned by almost every streaming enthusiast. These people are also advised to use a VPN. But why should you use a VPN while streaming movies?
The simple answer is that a VPN lets you access a greater range of content. By modifying your IP address it unlocks geographically restricted content. Let’s find out more about using a VPN while streaming.
Why You Should Use a VPN While Streaming Movies?
A VPN makes your streaming experience a lot richer. Here are the reasons why you should be using it.
1. Access Geo-Restricted Content
There are several streaming services that only allow users in specific countries to access their content. Some examples of these services are BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Netflix. Those outside of these countries cannot access the content. If they try to do so, they are greeted with a message that says ‘Access Denied.’
It is exactly here that a VPN can prove so useful. You can connect your device to the server of the specific country in which the content is available. After that, go to the streaming platform’s website. Now, the platform will identify you as being in the country where they have made their content available. So, you will get access to the geo-blocked content without physically changing your location.
2. Enjoy a Buffer-Free Viewing Experience
Another good reason why you should use a VPN while streaming movies is to enjoy a buffer-free experience. Who likes to endure the long loading times for their favorite shows? Often, when your ISP knows about your online activities, they throttle or reduce your connection speeds. This manifests itself in constant buffering, dampening your viewing experience.
A good, paid VPN service for streaming devices like Firestick and Roku improves latency. Latency means the time needed by a dataset to travel from one to another device through a network server. A VPN gives a direct connection from your network. Thus, the time needed for the data transfer is reduced. It improves latency, giving you a buffer-free experience.
3. Maintain Your Privacy While Streaming
Almost all streaming devices, whether it’s Firestick, Chromecast, or Roku, collect your data in some way. They gather data about your browsing activity. This puts your confidential information at risk. Most people do not take out time to view the privacy policies of the websites they visit.
But it is essential to remain safe while streaming. You do not want your sensitive data getting leaked to third parties. A VPN is the best way for you to maintain your privacy. It encrypts your online presence. The only way to decode this encryption is with a key. But this key is known only to your PC and your VPN. Your ISP cannot ever know about it. Thus they cannot tell what you are doing online. So, you don’t have to worry about your data being leaked to another unknown party.
4. Protect Your Streaming Device From Malware
There are many reasons why you should use a VPN while streaming movies. The ability of VPN services to scan files for malware is significant among them. Today, cybercriminals use malware to access your sensitive data. Many streamers fall prey to malware when searching for content on streaming websites.
Often, downloading content from unregulated sites or from Torrents makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. A VPN service can run a malware scan through the downloaded files. Thus, it makes you aware of the potential threat, if it is present. So, you can eliminate these files from your streaming device immediately.
Having said that, it is still necessary to be extremely careful while visiting websites. If you feel that a website looks suspicious, do not download or view content on it.
How to Use a VPN With a Streaming Device
Many major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ restrict access to content in various areas. Using a VPN is critical to access this content. One of the most commonly used streaming devices is Firestick. It opens a gateway of streaming opportunities for users with its thousands of apps and channels. Still, Firestick users face geo-restrictions when trying to stream certain content.
It is critical to choose a VPN compatible with Firestick. The VPN should have many servers spread over several countries. It is what enables the VPN to effectively unblock geo-restricted content. The VPN should also be equipped with robust security features like split tunneling, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch, among others.
To know how to install a VPN for Firestick, follow these steps.
a. In your Firestick, go to the ‘Find’ option followed by ‘Search’ in the menu bar.b. Input the name of your VPN and tap on it when it shows in the search suggestions.c. Tap the tile of VPN on the next screen below the ‘Apps & Games’ section.d. Now, hit the ‘Download’ button.e. Launch the app and input the email ID and password you made when you signed up for this VPN.f. After signing in, hit ‘OK’ on the ‘Setup your VPN’ prompt.g. Tap ‘OK’ for the connection request prompt.h. Now, the VPN will choose a location for you. All you need is to tap the ‘Connect’ button to link to a VPN server.
Concluding Words
Hopefully, you now know exactly why you should use a VPN while streaming movies. Considering how common downloading and streaming have become, it’s crucial to be careful. With a VPN, you can easily access the content of your choice while maintaining a decent level of security and privacy.
