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How-to-setup-ExpressVPN-on-Roku

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest services that is easily downloaded on Roku (physical and virtual router). It has 3,000 servers that allow you to connect to Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more.

Roku continues to break ground in the industry of cord-cutting streaming boxes but has yet to make VPN services available on their app store. In this guide, I have discussed how to setup ExpressVPN on Roku so your IP address remains hidden.

A lot of streaming channels on Roku only work within the USA. You can access all geo-restricted channels using ExpressVPN. Let’s begin with the ExpressVPN Roku setup guide.

How to Setup ExpressVPN on Roku (via PC)

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ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPN services in the industry that is widely used for unblocking streaming app and channels.

However, Roku does not offer native support for ExpressVPN or any other VPN service. Instead, you’ll have to share a VPN-enabled connection from your PC to Roku. Doing so, you will establish a VPN connection for the Roku device, allowing it to access blocked streaming channels/apps outside the US.

Just follow the steps below to complete the setup process. It will only take your 5 minutes.

Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN 
Step 2: Download and install the ExpressVPN Windows app
Step 3: In the taskbar, click on Internet connection icon in the taskbar then Network & Internet Settings
Step 4: On the left menu, click on Mobile hotspot and toggle on Share my Internet connection with other devices
Step 5: Click on Status on the left-hand menu, then Change adapter options
Step 6: Now right click the ExpressVPN Tap Adapter > Properties
Step 7: Check “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection” on the Sharing tab
Step 8: Select the connection you created then press OK
Step 9: Launch ExpressVPN on your PC and connect to a US server
Note: You can jump to step 16, unless your Roku isn’t already configured to the US region
Step 10:  With your ExpressVPN connection established to a US server, visit https://owner.roku.com/ on your computer
Step 11:  Now select your country as United States
Step 12: Enter a 5 digit US ZIP code such as (19252, 98567 etc.)
Step 13: Hold the Reset button on the back of your Roku device for 15 seconds to Factory Reset it
Step 14: Login again after the device starts up and you will now have a US-based account
Step 15: From the Roku home screen, choose Settings > Network
Step 16: Select Set up connection > Wireless
Step 17: From the list of available Wi-Fi connections, choose the one you just created using ExpressVPN

Step 18: Enter your Wi-Fi password

Your Roku should now be connected to ExpressVPN.

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How to Setup ExpressVPN on Roku (via Router)

You can also connect Roku via a physical router with VPN enabled on it. This method is a little more technical, but try this if you are experiencing problems with the above method for some reason.

Step 1: You must have an ExpressVPN account

Step 2: Once subscribed, you need a router with ExpressVPN set up

Step 3: Open Mobile/PC or any device and visit Expressvpnrouter and sign in to your account

Step 4: Make sure you are connected to the same server location as in your Roku settings

Step 5: On your Roku, go to Settings > Click on Network > Then click on Setup Connection

Step 6: Select Wireless 

Step 7: It will check for local Wi-Fi Networks. From the list, find your Wi-Fi connection (Running on Router) and click on it

Step 8: Enter Password 

Step 9: Once connected, the status will say ‘Connected’ 

Step 10: Now you can stream anything over Roku!

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How ExpressVPN Unblocks Channels on Roku

Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now etc. are geo-restricted and work only in the US. Any IP address that doesn’t belong to the US is automatically denied access if you try to access these channels abroad.

So, what you need is an effective way to change your IP address virtually and bypass the restrictions from anywhere in the world. Here is how you do that with ExpressVPN:

  • Subscribe to ExpressVPN and follow instructions to setup ExpressVPN on Roku
  • Go to Roku Home
  • Install Netflix or any other streaming service you want to use
  • Now enter Username and Password
  • You will be able to stream American Netflix in no time

This becomes quite easy to do with ExpressVPN with its quick connectivity to US servers. Connecting to one of these servers will give you a US IP address, so that any streaming app will now work on your Roku without any errors.

For a detailed guide on ExpressVPN, visit our ExpressVPN review page.

Popular Free Streaming Channels for Roku

The great thing about Roku is that it offers a lot of free streaming apps in addition to paid ones. Some popular free ones are:

  1. Crackle
  2. Sky News
  3. Pandora
  4. PBS Kids
  5. The Roku Channel

Final Thoughts

Though Roku does not have built-in support for VPN apps, it is still possible to setup ExpressVPN on Roku via your router (physical or virtual). For people living outside the US, this simple one-time process will bring all streaming channels on Roku to your screen, without any annoying geo-restriction errors. However, if you’re still looking for alternatives, you can check out our list of some more VPNs for roku.