How to Set Up a VPN for Chromecast & The 5 Best to Use in 2020

If you don’t have a smart TV, you can still bring web-based streaming services to your home’s big screen with Chromecast. This lightweight device from Google allows you to stream content from almost any device directly to your TV. That’s the good news.

The only problem is, the streaming services available with Chromecast are region-specific. The content you can access in Europe differs from the much wider range of shows, music, providers, and services that you can reach if you are in the United States.sst

Usually at this point, we would just tell you to get a high-quality VPN (virtual private network), and problem solved. Only this time, there are further problems: the Chromecast device does not support VPNs and does not have configurable network settings.

However, you can still access a greater range of streaming services and content with Chromecast; all you need is a VPN that works with your router and is great for streaming. Here are the best VPNs for Chromecast and and a complete guide on how to set them up.

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How to Set Up a VPN for Chromecast

There are two ways to set up a VPN for Chromecast using a router:

• Set up the VPN directly on your physical router
• Create a virtual router using your PC or Mac

While the first method may sound easier, which method works best for you will depend on the type of router you have, the VPN you are using, and your level of technical experience.

Setting Up a VPN on Your Physical Router and Connecting to Chromecast

1. Find out what type of router you have. (If you are unsure how to do this, it’s easy to find instructions online.) Not all routers are VPN-ready, and which routers are supported differs between VPNs.
2. Choose a VPN that is compatible with your router.
3. Sign up for your chosen VPN and go to the setup guides. Find the guide for your router.
4. Follow the instructions to set up the VPN on the router. Once setup is complete, all devices connected to that router will be secure and any data sent from them will be encrypted.
5. Connect to a server in the US (or another country of your choice) and open the Chromecast app.
6. Follow the on-screen directions and enjoy your access to a huge variety streamed content and other services.

How to Set Up a VPN on a Virtual Router and Connect to Chromecast

If your router is not compatible with your preferred VPN or the setup is just too complex, don’t worry. You can use your PC or Mac to set up a virtual router VPN connection.

Before starting the process, you need to sign up for a VPN and download the software onto your device.

Launch the VPN and connect to your chosen server, then follow the step-by-step guide below for your device.

Setting up a virtual router using your PC

1. Type Windows + S to launch the search bar on your PC.
2. Type cmd to open Command Prompt. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Type the following: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD
4. Set the following values to name your virtual router:
   – ssid=[choose a name for your network]
   – key=[choose a password for your network]
5. Press Enter.
6. The following message should now be displayed:
   – The hosted network mode has been set to allow.
   – The SSID of the hosted network has been successfully changed.
   – The user key passphrase of the hosted network has been successfully changed.
7. Type the following in the command prompt:
   – netsh wlan start hostednetwork
8. Press Enter.
9. The following message should now be displayed: “The hosted network started.”
10. Right-click the wi-fi icon at the bottom right corner of your screen and go to Open Network and Sharing Center.
11. Go to Change adapter settings.
12. Right-click on the VPN connection you’ve created and go to Properties.
13. Go to the Sharing tab.
    – Check the box next to “Allow Other Network User to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
    – Check the box next to “Allow other network users to control or disable the shared Internet connection.”
    – Under Home Network Connection, select the connection you’ve just created.
14. Click OK.
15. Turn on the Chromecast app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
16. When you reach a screen that states, “Connect Chromecast to your wi-fi,” select the virtual router that you have created.
17. Enter the password for your virtual router, then click Set Network.
18. You are now connected to your VPN-enabled virtual router and ready to enjoy a wealth of new content.

Setting up a virtual router connection on your Mac

1. Go to the System Preferences menu on your Mac and click on Sharing.
2. In the Sharing menu, select Internet Sharing from the left panel. The Internet Sharing options will appear on the right side of the screen. Input the following settings:
   – Share your connection from: [the L2TP VPN connection you just created]
   – To computers using: check the box for Wi-Fi
3. Select Wi-Fi Options and enter the following details:
   – Network Name: [choose a network name]
   – Channel: [leave as default]
   – Security: WPA2 Personal
   – Password: [choose a password]
   – Verify: [re-enter your password]
4. Click OK.
5. On the Sharing menu, check the box next to Internet Sharing. You will see a prompt asking you to turn on internet sharing.
6. Click Start.
7. When Internet Sharing has been activated, a green light will appear next to the text: Internet Sharing: On.
8. Turn on the Chromecast app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
9. When you reach the screen that states, “Connect Chromecast to your wi-fi,” select the virtual router that you set up.
10. Enter the password for your virtual router, then click Set Network.
11. You are now connected to your VPN-enabled virtual router and ready to enjoy a much wider selection of streamed content with your Chromecast device.

Five Best VPNs for Chromecast

Now that you know how to set up a VPN for Chromecast, all you need to do is choose the VPN that’s right for you. Here are our top five picks, all of which can be used with routers.

1. NordVPN

• 1,800+ servers in the US and over 5,000 worldwide
• Obfuscated servers, perfect for streaming geo-restricted content
• 2048-bit AES encryption, with PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec protocols
• Strict no-logging policy, kill switch, double encryption, and Onion Over VPN
• 6 simultaneous device connections

NordVPN was founded in 2012 and operates out of Panama, putting it outside the reach of the 14-Eyes countries. Free from data retention laws, the VPN can keep your data completely secure and your activity anonymous.

In its many positive reviews, NordVPN is recognized for its strong security, large network of servers, and support for P2P activities and torrenting. If you want to get a feel for NordVPN before you buy, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

View NordVPN Deals

2. ExpressVPN

• 28 server locations in the US
• No download or bandwidth limits
• 256-bit AES encryption with OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec protocols
• Split tunneling, kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protections, and strict no-logging policy
• 5 simultaneous device connections

Founded in 2009 and based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates outside 5/9/14-Eyes jurisdiction.

A strong privacy advocate and a supporter of internet freedom, ExpressVPN has many happy subscribers who enjoy its fast speeds, excellent features, and superb customer service. You can try ExpressVPN with their 30-day money-back guarantee.

View ExpressVPN Deals

3. CyberGhost

• 400+ servers in the US
• 256-bit AES encryption, with PPTP and OpenVPN protocols
• No-logging policy, kill switch, and DNS leak protection
• FAQ support for streaming content
• 7 simultaneous device connections

CyberGhost was founded in Romania in 2011, combining a strong belief in privacy with German engineering to create a VPN that offers an anonymous, secure, and reliable service.

Its ease of use, quick connections, and range of servers are just some of the many benefits highlighted in hundreds of positive user reviews.  CyberGhost offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS, a Windows free trial, and a 45-day money-back guarantee on all platforms.

View CyberGhost Deals

4. PrivateVPN

• Multiple server locations in the US
• 2048-bit encryption, with L2PT, PPTP, IPSec, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols
• Unlimited downloading and bandwidth
• Virtual remote help
• 6 simultaneous device connections

Based in Sweden, PrivateVPN is recognized for its commitment to privacy and security. Along with its stable connections and uninterrupted service, these are the most commonly mentioned positives in user reviews of this provider. PrivateVPN is especially great for unblocking UK television. With PrivateVPN, you can opt for the 7-day free trial or the 30-day money-back guarantee.

View PrivateVPN Deals

5. Trust.Zone

•  Multiple server locations in the US
•  256-bit AES encryption with L2TP and OpenVPN protocols, among others
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Anonymous payment options
• 3 simultaneous device connections

Trust.Zone is based in the Seychelles, putting it far outside the jurisdiction of any of the 14-Eyes countries. Its many positive reviews from subscribers highlight its support of P2P activities and its transparent privacy policy, including a warrant canary. Try it with a 3-day free trial or its 10-day money-back guarantee.

View Trust.Zone Deals

Summary

Along with being top picks for Chromecast, each of these VPNs gives you access to a new and much more secure world on the web. You’ll be able to reach sites and services anywhere on Earth, without cybercriminals or internet spies ever being able reach you.

For more information on setting up a VPN on your router, see our comprehensive router installation guide. If you’re wondering how we determine which VPNs are the best, check out our expert reports on top VPN choices.

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