Disabled ACR on your TV? I set up a router-based VPN for further protection - here's how | ZDNET
X Home & Office Home Home & Office Home Entertainment TVs Disabled ACR on your TV? I set up a router-based VPN for further protection - here's how Installing a VPN on your smart TV blocks hackers from accessing your network and stealing your data. But there are benefits to the content, too. Written by Taylor Clemons, Staff WriterStaff Writer May 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PT Kerry Wan/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.As a tech journalist, I am surprisingly hardline about limiting the number of smart and internet-enabled devices in my home. Mostly because I firmly believe that no one should be able to post to social media from their refrigerator, and an oven does not need to integrate Alexa for me to bake a cake.But another big reason I'm cautious is that the more smart devices you have connected to your network, the easier it is for hackers to access your data. It's a big security risk that's more prevalent than you'd think.Also: The best VPNs for streamingWhile many new smart TVs and internet-enabled appliances offer some level of data protection, whether through a dedicated chipset or integrated malware detection, these measures are at best weak and at worst outright ineffective. Thankfully, if you already subscribe to a VPN or are considering one, adding protection to your smart TV is fast and simple.Why should you use a VPN on your TVA VPN will encrypt your streaming, web browsing, and download data from end-to-end. This means that unless they have very sophisticated software and eternal patience, a hacker will have a very difficult time accessing your activity and personal data. Even if your TV has built-in cyber protection hardware or software, a VPN can help close any potential gaps that bad actors may exploit. This is especially the case if you've got ACR turned on, as a VPN proactively masks your TV's real IP address and encrypts its traffic. The same behavior happens with ISP-based content throttling, with the VPN blocking your provider from seeing exactly what you're streaming.Also 10+ VPN tricks I recommend to everyoneAnd on a more fun note, a VPN can also open up a whole new world of streaming options by letting you access content that isn't available in your home country. With a single click, you can set your virtual location to just about anywhere in the world to trick streaming services into showing you movies and shows that are otherwise unavailable for you to browse. Should you use a free or paid VPN?Installing the VPN on your router lets you protect multiple devices with just a few clicks in the control app. Many VPN services allow you to protect up to 10 devices simultaneously, providing 24/7 whole-home cyber protection. There are both paid and free VPN services available, but beware of free options, as they might still keep logs of your online activity, which could then potentially be leaked in a company data breach. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between paid and free options.Free VPNsPaid VPNsData LimitsStrictly capped (usually 2GB to 10GB per month)UnlimitedStreaming SpeedsThrottled or heavily congested serversOptimized high-speed servers (4K capable)TV App AvailabilityRarely have dedicated Android TV / Fire TV appsNative apps in almost all major TV app storesPrivacy ModelOften sell browsing data to third parties to make moneyFunded by subscriptions; strict "no-logs" policiesRouter SetupAlmost never supportedFully supported for Samsung/LG TV network integrationHow to protect your smart TV with a VPNThe process for setting up a VPN on your smart TV is virtually identical across all brands and operating systems. Since most new TVs can't support a VPN app on their own, you'll have to install your chosen VPN service through your router:Router installationSelect and subscribe to your chosen VPNDownload the official app and configuration files from the brand's websiteAccess your router's IP settings with the credentials on the sticker that shows the model and serial number for your routerFollow your brand's step-by-step instructions for installing the configuration filesRestart your router if neededConnect to the internetSign in to VPNBottom lineYour smart TV is just as prone to security risks as your smartphone or computer, so it never hurts to keep your activity protected with a VPN, whether paid or free. The best part is that you can set up a VPN on virtually any smart TV, since the installation occurs at the router level. And you'll see benefits to your content consumption, too, as VPNs allow you to browse streaming service catalogs from other countries.Featured
Why I use wireless security cameras at home versus a wired system - after years of testing
Rust will save Linux from AI, says Greg Kroah-Hartman
Acer vs. Asus: I've tested dozens of laptops from both brands, and this one's better
I quit ChatGPT for a free, private, and local AI called Ollama - here's why
Why I use wireless security cameras at home versus a wired system - after years of testing
Rust will save Linux from AI, says Greg Kroah-Hartman
Acer vs. Asus: I've tested dozens of laptops from both brands, and this one's better
I quit ChatGPT for a free, private, and local AI called Ollama - here's why Editorial standards Show Comments Log In to Comment Community Guidelines Related Android Auto runs faster and smoother now thanks to my 4 easy tweaks TCL vs. Hisense: I've tested both TV brands for nearly a decade, and here's my pick Why I use wireless security cameras at home versus a wired system - after years of testing