Changing your location on a Roku TV opens up a world of streaming possibilities. Whether you’re looking to access content only available in other regions or simply want to explore different Netflix libraries, knowing how to change your Roku’s location is essential. Geo-blocking can prevent you from watching your favorite movies and TV shows when traveling or living in a region with limited streaming options.
However, with the right tools, you can easily get around these roadblocks. Using a VPN is the most reliable way to alter your Roku TV’s location. By masking your real IP address, a VPN can make it appear as though you’re browsing from a completely different country, giving you access to international content. Not sure how to go about it? In this guide, we’ll show you to change location on Roku TVs with a VPN:
Why Change Your Location on a Roku TV?
There are several benefits to changing your Roku TV’s location, especially when it comes to unlocking more content and getting around limitations set by streaming services. Here are some key reasons why you might want to alter your location:
Access Region-Locked Content
One of the most common reasons for changing your location on a Roku TV is to access region-locked content. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ offer different libraries depending on where you’re located. With a VPN, you can access content from other regions that would normally be unavailable to you, giving you a wider range of movies, shows, and documentaries to choose from.
Explore Local Content from Other Countries
Changing your location on Roku TV can also open up access to unique local content from different countries around the world. Whether it’s exclusive sports events, regional news, or culturally-specific TV shows, a VPN allows you to enjoy media tailored to other audiences. This gives you the opportunity to explore new genres and offerings that may not be available in your home country.
Bypass Censorship or Government Restrictions
In some countries, access to certain streaming platforms or websites is limited due to censorship or government-imposed regulations. By using a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and regain access to streaming platforms, which may otherwise be blocked. Changing your Roku TV’s location enables you to continue enjoying your favorite content, no matter where you are.
Related Read: How to Bypass Censorship with a VPN
How Does a VPN Change Your Location on a Roku TV?
A VPN works by routing your internet traffic through a secure server in another location, effectively changing your apparent location. When you connect to a VPN, your device is assigned a new IP address from the server you choose, making it appear as though you’re browsing from that server’s location, not your real one. This process is what allows you to change your location on Roku TV.
Here’s how it works:
- Connection to a VPN server: When you set up a VPN on your Roku TV, it connects to a remote server in the country or region you want to appear from. The VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, securing your connection.
- IP address switch: Once connected, the VPN assigns you a new IP address that matches the server’s location, “hiding” your actual location in the process. This new IP address is what streaming services see instead of your actual one.
- Roku TV reads the new location: With the new IP address in place, your Roku TV now believes it’s in the location of the server you’ve connected to, meaning you can access all the content available in that region.
Methods to Change Your Roku TV’s Location with a VPN
There are a couple of straightforward ways to change location on Roku TVs using a VPN. Since Roku doesn’t support VPN apps directly, you’ll need to set up the VPN either on your router or through a VPN-enabled hotspot.
Configure a VPN on Your Router
One of the most reliable ways to change your Roku TV’s location is by setting up a VPN on your router. Every device connected to your Wi-Fi, including your Roku TV, will benefit from the VPN connection.
- Put the VPN on your router: First, choose a router that supports VPN connections, such as PureVPN. Follow the step-by-step instructions for your router to install the VPN directly on it. This usually involves logging into your router’s admin panel and inputting your VPN details.
- Connect your Roku TV to the VPN-enabled router: Once the VPN is running on your router, connect your Roku TV to this Wi-Fi network. All traffic from your Roku TV will now be routed through the VPN server, changing your location.
Set Up a VPN-Enabled Hotspot
If setting up a VPN on your router seems too complicated or your router doesn’t support VPNs, you can use a VPN-enabled hotspot. This method is easy to set up and works well if you only need to connect your Roku TV and a few other devices.
- Install the VPN on your computer or mobile device: Start by installing the PureVPN app on your preferred device, such as a computer or smartphone.
- Create a hotspot: Once connected, set up a Wi-Fi hotspot on your device. Make sure to share the internet connection from the VPN-enabled device.
- Connect your Roku TV to the hotspot: On your Roku TV, go to the network settings and connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot created by your VPN-enabled device. Now your Roku TV will use the VPN connection, changing its apparent location.
Common Issues When Changing Location on a Roku TV
While using a VPN to change location on Roku TVs is usually smooth, there are a few common issues that might arise during the process. Understanding these potential roadblocks can help you troubleshoot quickly and get back to streaming your favorite shows without a hitch.
- Streaming Platforms Detecting VPN Usage
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or BBC iPlayer can sometimes detect VPN usage and block access to content. This is often due to the VPN’s IP address being flagged by the platform’s systems. If this happens, you might see an error message or be unable to access certain content.
How to fix it:
To avoid detection, use obfuscated servers offered by your VPN. Obfuscated servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN by making your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, helping you evade VPN-blocking measures used by streaming platforms.
- Slow Streaming Speeds
VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection, especially if you’re connecting to a server that’s far away or under heavy traffic. This can result in constant buffering issues or lower streaming quality, which can be frustrating.
How to fix it:
To improve speed, try connecting to a server that is geographically closer to your actual location. You can also enable features like split tunneling, which lets you route only your Roku TV traffic through the VPN, while other activities use your regular connection.
- Roku TV Not Updating Content After Location Change
After changing your location using a VPN, you might notice that Roku TV doesn’t update its content libraries to reflect the new region. This can happen if Roku TV’s cache or the VPN server’s IP address is not being recognized by the streaming service, causing it to show content from your original location instead.
How to fix it:
Restart your Roku TV by unplugging it for a few seconds and then plugging it back in. If that doesn’t work, try switching to a different VPN server or one optimized for streaming. You can also reinstall the streaming app or check if your Roku TV’s software is up to date to help refresh the content library.
Free vs. Paid VPN to Change Location on a Roku TV
When choosing a VPN to change your Roku TV’s location, it’s important to weigh the differences between free and paid options. Below is a comparison of the two to help you decide which best suits your needs:
| Free VPN | Paid VPN | |
| Server Locations | Limited options, fewer countries | Multiple countries, optimized for streaming |
| Connection Speed | Slower speeds, potential throttling | Fast and stable connections, ideal for streaming |
| Security and Privacy | Often less secure, potential data logging | Strong encryption and no-logs policy |
| Streaming Reliability | Frequent blocks from streaming platforms | Easy bypassing of geo-blocks, especially with obfuscated servers |
| Customer Support | Limited or no support | 24/7 customer support and troubleshooting |
| Cost | Free, but often comes with limitations | Subscription-based, but with full access and features |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can change your Roku location by updating your account region or using a VPN on your router.
Changing location lets you access geo-restricted apps, channels, or content not available in your country.
Roku doesn’t support VPN apps, but you can use a VPN on your router or a virtual router via PC/Mac.
Yes, apps may vary by region, some channels might disappear or become available after the switch.
Install the VPN on your router or share a VPN-enabled connection from your computer to Roku.
Yes, a factory reset is required to link the device to a new region-specific Roku account.
Final Word
Changing your location on a Roku TV using a VPN can significantly broaden your streaming options. Whether you’re accessing international libraries or exploring local content from other countries, a VPN is a powerful tool. However, make sure to choose the right VPN to get a fast, secure, and uninterrupted streaming experience, no matter where you are.
