Similar to Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, Roku devices are extremely popular in Canada. But just like the other two digital media players I just mentioned, Roku is also plagued with restrictions. As a result, you can’t access a lot of popular channels on Roku due to licensing issues in Canada.
So, if you’re not in the United States or in any of the few other supported countries like the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Mexico, then you’re only going to be able to access a fraction of popular network apps and channels.
But there is a way you get past this issue quite easily in Canada.
With the help of a Roku VPN like Avast VPN, you’ll be able to spoof your actual location and access any geo-restricted streaming content available on Roku in Canada. The reason why I choose Avast VPN is that it offers a free trial in Canada, it supports torrenting in Canada and it offers a decent number of servers. Check out our recommended best VPN services in 2023.
Keeping this in mind, in today’s guide, I will show you exactly how to set up Avast VPN on Roku in Canada in the easiest ways possible.
Does Avast VPN work with Roku in Canada?
Yes, Avast VPN works with Roku devices in Canada. However, you won’t be able to install Avast VPN’s app on your Roku device since Roku doesn’t offer native support for VPNs in Canada. This is why you’ll have to resort to an alternative router installation method.
But before I get into that, keep in mind that not all VPNs in Canada are capable of unblocking strict geo-blocks. Even Avast VPN might not be able to unblock all popular streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime, or BBC iPlayer. But you should be able to easily unblock Netflix as per my testing in Canada.
Note: To get an idea of how good or bad Avast VPN is, make sure to check out Avast VPN review in Canada.
How to Setup Avast VPN on Roku in Canada (Via a Physical Router)
Since Roku doesn’t have native support for VPNs in Canada, the only way to use a VPN with your Roku device in Canada is through a router, be it physical or virtual. We’ll first look at the physical router method. But keep in mind that this method is a bit technical. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Step 1: Get yourself a subscription to Avast VPN in Canada
Step 2: Once subscribed, follow this guide to set up any VPN on your router in Canada including Avast VPN
Step 3: Next, make sure you are connected to the same server location as your Roku device
Step 4: Now, on your Roku, go to Settings > Click on Network > Click on Setup Connection
Step 5: Next, select Wireless
Step 6: From the list of Wi-Fi Networks, find your Wi-Fi connection and click on it
Step 8: Now, type in your Password
Step 9: Once connected, your status will say ‘Connected’
That’s it, now you can stream anything over Roku. You don’t have to deal with any geo-restrictions anymore. But do keep in mind that Avast VPN is not the fastest VPN in Canada. If you found this setup process difficult, just follow the virtual router method mentioned below.
How to Setup Avast VPN on Roku in Canada (Via a Virtual Router)
Setting up Avast VPN or any other VPN service on Roku in Canada is a little bit tricky. Since Roku does not have built-in support for VPNs, you can’t directly install a VPN app from any app store.
So what can do then?
Well, you can install Avast VPN on your PC or Mac in Canada and then share a connection to your Roku device. It might sound complicated, but the process is quite easy and will only take you 5 minutes at max. I promise it is easy. Just follow the steps below to complete the process.
Virtual Router on Windows
First, we’ll look at how to set up a virtual router on a PC, and then we’ll check out the exact same process for macOS in Canada.
Step 1: Subscribe to Avast SecureLine VPN in Canada
Step 2: Download and install the Avast VPN app on your Windows PC
Step 3: Now, on your Windows computer, click on the taskbar then the Internet connection icon > Network & Internet Settings
Step 4: Find the mobile hotspot on the left-hand menu and toggle on the Share my Internet connection with other devices option
Step 5: Now click on the Status located on the left-hand menu and then click on Change adapter options
Step 6: Now, Right-click on the Avast VPN Tap Adapter and then click on Properties
Step 7: Next, click on Sharing tab and check the box next to “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection”
Step 8: From the drop-down menu, select the hotspot that you created earlier and click OK
Step 9: Now, your PC can run as a VPN-enabled virtual wifi router
Step 10: Now, launch the Avast VPN app and connect to a US server
Step 11: On your Roku’s menu, select Settings > Network
Step 12: Then select Set up Connection > Wireless
Step 13: Now, you should see a list of all Wi-Fi networks in the range of your Roku device. Just select the virtual Wifi connection you create earlier
Step 14: Now, when asked, enter your Wi-Fi password to get your Roku device connected to Avast VPN in Canada
Note: In order to be able to make the above method work and be able to access U.S. content on Roku, make sure that your Roku device is set up properly with a US region. If not, follow the steps mentioned in the FAQ section.
Virtual Router on macOS
Now, we’ll look at how to enable a virtual router on a macOS system. But do keep in mind that in order to turn your Mac machine into a virtual router, you’ll need to hook it up to an Ethernet cable. If you have your macOS computer already plugged in, just follow these steps in Canada:
- First, click the Apple logo located in the top left corner
- Next, click on “System Preferences”
- Now, select “Network”
- Click on the “+” icon at the bottom left corner
- Now where it says “Interface”, choose “VPN”
- As for “VPN type” choose “IKEv2”
- For the “Service name” type in any network name
- Next, copy and paste in the US server address Remote ID (you can find it on the internet)
- Next, click on “Authentication settings”
- Click on “Username and Password of your VPN account.”
- Now, click on “Ok”, then click “Advanced”
- Next, click on “Send all traffic over VPN connection” and then click “Ok”
- Click on “Apply” and then “Connect”
- Now, again click on the Apple logo and go to “System Preferences”
- Next, select “Sharing”
- Tick mark the box that says “Internet sharing”
- Now, choose “Wi-Fi” > “Network name” and type in the network name as “Channel: [default]”, “Security” as WPA2 Personal, and for “Password” type in your chosen password. Now where it says “Verify” type in the password again
- Finally, click on “Ok” to finish the process in Canada
That’s it. You’ve now created a hotspot on your macOS computer that you can hook up with your Roku streaming device. But in case you encounter any connectivity issues, make sure to check out our Avast VPN not working guide in Canada.
How Avast VPN Unblocks Channels on Roku in Canada
Due to licensing issues in Canada, Roku isn’t able to offer the same services everywhere throughout the world. By detecting your IP address, Roku can easily prevent you from accessing any US-only geo-restricted services if you’re not located within the United States.
But with VPNs like Avast SecureLine in Canada, you can bypass geo-blocks and appear to be physically located within the U.S. territory. Once you have your location spoofed, here’s all that you’ll need to do to unblock any channel on Roku:
- Turn on your Roku device
- Install Netflix or any other streaming service (How to watch Netflix with Avast VPN in Canada)
- Log in using your Username and Password
- Search for any movie or TV show you wish to watch and enjoy
That’s it, you will now be able to watch any blocked content on your Roku device in no time. But in case Avast VPN doesn’t work or if you’re not satisfied, then you can always cancel your Avast VPN subscription in Canada and get a full refund.
FAQs: How to Setup Avast VPN on Roku in Canada
How do I change my Roku region in Canada?
In order to stream content from U.S. channels on your Roku device in Canada, you need to have a U.S. Roku account. Don’t worry, here’s how you can quickly create a U.S. Roku account.
Step 1: Fire up the Avast VPN app and connect to a U.S. server location
Step 2: Now, create a Roku account in Canada
Step 3: When asked to choose a payment method, you can just skip it if you don’t have a U.S. credit card
Your account is now created and you can just connect to a U.S. server to start streaming any US-only content available on Roku.
But in case you are currently signed in to your Roku device with a non-U.S. account, you can just go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset to sign out.
How to factory reset your Roku
- Press the Home button from your Roku remote
- Scroll to Settings
- Select System and then advanced system settings
- Select Factory reset
- Finally, Select Factory reset everything and then just follow the on-screen instructions
Can Roku be used internationally?
Yes, but only in a few countries. Roku currently is mostly available in North America, but it does have a smaller presence in counties like the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Mexico, and a handful of Latin American countries.
Final Thoughts!
Although Roku does not have built-in support for VPNs, it is still possible to set up Avast VPN on Roku in Canada via a physical or virtual router as we saw in today’s guide.
If you follow the tutorial properly, you’ll be able to access any geo-restricted channel on your Roku device without any annoying geo-restriction errors. However, if you don’t wish to use Avast VPN, you can check out our list of some best VPNs for Roku in Canada.
If you found this guide useful, you might also find our setup guide for Avast VPN Kodi in Canada useful too.
