How to Setup Private Internet Access on Roku in 2020

In order to be able to enjoy all the amazing content that Roku offers from anywhere in the world, you’re going to need a powerful VPN service like Private Internet Access.

But since Roku doesn’t offer native support for VPN apps, you’re going to have to install PIA VPN on your router (physical or virtual) and provide a secure connection to your Roku device.

So, if you’re not actually located in the United States or in any of the few other supported countries, you’re going to find today’s guide very useful. Today,  I’ll show you how to set up PIA VPN on your router (physical or virtual) and provide a connection to your Roku device.

Does PIA VPN work with Roku

Yes, Private Internet Access works with Roku devices. But as I said earlier, you’re not going to be able to install the PIA VPN app directly on to your Roku device. Roku, at the moment, doesn’t have native support for VPNs. So, you’ll have to use either a physical or a virtual router to provide a VPN connection to your Roku device.

Now the important thing to keep in mind is that not all VPNs work the same. Not all VPNs are capable of bypassing strict geo-restrictions. But PIA, on the other hand, is super powerful and can help you easily unblock any geo-restricted content on Roku.

After all, PIA VPN supports torrenting, offers 1533+ servers, and tons of security features that make it ideal for Roku users. Just check out our PIA VPN review to get an idea of how powerful this VPN service is.

Anyways, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s check out how you can setup PIA VPN on your Roku device for endless restriction-free streaming.

How to Setup PIA VPN on Roku (Via a router)

In order to set up PIA VPN on Roku, you’ll need one of two things. You’ll need to have either a physical router or a computer that can run as a virtual router. We’ll first cover the physical router method. It is a bit difficult so brace your self.

Step 1: Get your self a subscription for PIA VPN or get the free trial

Step 2: Once that’s done, follow this guide to set up PIA VPN on a router

Step 3: Next, just make sure that you are connected to the same server location as the location you used when first registering your Roku account

Step 4: Now, go to Settings on your Roku > Click on Network > click on Setup Connection

Step 5: Next, select Wireless 

Step 6: From the list of Wi-Fi connections, find your Wi-Fi connection and click on it

Step 8: Now, type in your Password 

Step 9: Once connected, you will see your status change to ‘Connected’ 

That’s it, you have successfully managed to install PIA VPN on your physical router and connect your Roku device to the new connection as well. Now, with PIA VPN’s fast speeds, you’ll be able to stream your favorite content without any buffering.

In case this setup process was not right for you, then you can follow the virtual router method mentioned below. It is way easier.

How to Setup PIA VPN on Roku (Via a virtual router)

To set up a virtual wifi connection from your Windows PC or macOS computer, just follow the simple steps listed below. This method is a lot easier compared to the setup process we just covered earlier.

Virtual Router on Windows

First, we’ll check out the steps to create a virtual hotspot connection from your Windows PC and then we’ll cover the same process for macOS computers. Here’s how you can get started:

Step 1: Subscribe to PIA VPN

Step 2: Download and install the PIA VPN app on your Windows PC

Step 3: Next, on your Windows computer, click on the taskbar located at the bottom right then  the Internet connection icon > Network & Internet Settings

Step 4: Find mobile hotspot on the left-hand menu and turn 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 PIA VPN Tap Adapter and then click on Properties

Step 7: Next, click on Sharing tab and checkmark 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 just created and then click on OK

Step 9: Now, your PC can run as a virtual wifi router

Step 10: Now, launch the PIA VPN app on to your computer and connect to a US server

Step 11: Next, on your Roku’s main 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. Just select the virtual Wifi connection you created earlier

Step 14: Now, enter your Wi-Fi password when asked and connect your Roku device to PIA VPN

Note: In order to be able to make the above method work and be able to access U.S specific content on Roku, make sure that your Roku device is set up properly with a US region. If not, follow the steps mentioned below:

How do I change my Roku region to the U.S?

To be able to watch U.S. exclusive content on your Roku device, you’ll need to set up your Roku device with U.S region settings. Here’s how you can do that:

Step 1: Launch the PIA VPN app and connect to a U.S. server location 

Step 2: Now, create a Roku account

Step 3: Since you don’t have a U.S. credit card, if you get asked to choose a payment method, you can just skip the step

That’s it, your account is created. But in case you’re already signed in to your Roku device with a non-U.S. account, you can factory reset your Roku device by going into Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset to sign out.

Virtual Router on macOS

Now that we’ve covered the virtual router setup method for Windows PC, let’s check out how to create a virtual connection running PIA VPN on a macOS computer. But before you get started, go and grab an ethernet cable and plug it in your macOS computer.

1. First, click the Apple logo located in the top left corner
2. Next, click on “System preferences”
3. Now, select “Network”
4. Click on the “+” icon at the bottom left corner
5. Now where it says “Interface”, choose “VPN”
6. As for “VPN type” choose “IKEv2”
7. For the “Service name” type in any network name
8. Next, copy and paste in the US server address Remote ID (you can find it on the internet)
9. Next, click on “Authentication settings”
10. Click on “Username and Password of your VPN account.”
11. Now, click on “Ok”, then click “Advanced”
12. Next, click on “Send all traffic over VPN connection” and then click “Ok”
13. Click on “Apply” and then “Connect”
14. Now, again click on the Apple logo and go to “System preferences”
15. Next, select “Sharing”
16. Tick mark the box that says “Internet sharing”
17. 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
18. Finally, click on “Ok” to finish the process

That’s it. You can now connect your Roku streaming device to the new hotspot connection that you just created on your macOS computer.

If you followed all the steps properly, you should have not trouble using Roku with PIA VPN. But just in case you encounter any connectivity issues, make sure to check out our PIA VPN not working guide for quick troubleshooting tips.

How PIA VPN Unblocks Channels on Roku

PIA VPN is super powerful when it comes to unblocking geo-blocked content. This makes it perfect for Roku users who can’t access popular channels or content on their Roku devices due to licensing issues.

You can simply connect to any U.S server offered by PIA VPN and spoof your location to physically appear within the U.S territory. If I’m not making sense, here’s how easy it is to unblock any channel on Roku with Private Internet Access:

• Power on your Roku device
• Install Netflix or any other streaming service on your Roku (How to watch Netflix with PIA VPN)
• Log in to Netflix app using your Username and Password
• Search for any movie or TV show you wish to watch and enjoy

That’s it. This is how reliable PIA VPN really is. But in case PIA VPN doesn’t live up to your expectations, then you can always cancel your PIA VPN subscription and get a full refund.

FAQs

Now that you know what it takes to set up PIA VPN on Roku, we’ll look at some of the most frequently asked questions about setting up a VPN on Roku.

Can I activate Roku without a credit card?

Yes, you can active Roku without providing credit card information. This is ideal for people who want to create a US Roku account but don’t have a US credit card. Just head over to https://my.roku.com/signup/nocc and create a free account without entering any payment information.

Is Private Internet Access legit?

Yes, Private Internet Access is legit and among the most renowned VPNs in the industry. It has been around in the industry since 2010 and some of the most top-rated VPN features in the industry.

Can I add VPN to Roku?

No, you can’t add a VPN directly to your Roku device. Unlike FireStick devices, Roku doesn’t currently offer native VPN compatibility. You’ll have to use either a physical or a virtual router to provide a VPN connection to your Roku device.

Final Thoughts!

So there you have it. This was my easy guide to setup Private Internet Access on Roku. Hopefully, you now know everything you need to know to unblock annoying geo-restrictions on Roku with PIA VPN.

However, if you don’t wish to use PIA VPN, you can alternatively check out our list of some best VPNs for Roku. Anyways, If you found this guide useful, you might also find our setup guide for PIA VPN Kodi and PIA VPN FireStick useful too.