Unable to access some streaming content on your Vizio smart TV? It could be region-locked, meaning certain media on the smart TV is only accessible from specific countries. This can also impact the availability of certain apps on your Vizio smart TV’s app store, reducing your viewing options.
By using a VPN to change your Vizio smart TV’s IP address, you can make it appear as though it is located in a different country, and access more movies and TV shows without any roadblocks. Not sure how? In this guide, we will show you how to change location on Vizio smart TVs.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Change Location on Vizio Smart TVs?
Vizio smart TVs, like many other brands, come with preloaded apps that are based on your location. You might find that not all streaming apps and content show up on your Vizio smart TV’s app store. Even if you manage to switch your TV’s location and install specific apps, they may use your IP address to block you.
A VPN is the easiest method to change your location on a Vizio smart TV—you will not have to mess with complicated settings or risk a factory reset (some TVs require this to change the region). When you mask your TV’s IP address with a VPN, it alters your location and allows you to access region-locked platforms.
Besides location switches, a VPN enables you to watch your favorite content securely using best-in-class encryption. It also hides your online traffic from prying eyes, so you can avoid bandwidth throttling and stream the videos you love in HD and 4K without buffering and other interruptions.
3 Ways to Change Your Vizio Smart TV’s Location with a VPN
Vizio smart TVs do not support VPN apps, but there are workarounds. You can try any of the following methods to set up a VPN on your Vizio TV and change its location:
Method #1: Configure a VPN on Your Router
- Check if your router is VPN-compatible. If not, install firmware that supports VPNs, such as DD-WRT.
- Access the router’s settings, go to the VPN tab, and enter all the necessary details (server address, PureVPN credentials, etc).
- Save your settings and restart the router to apply the changes. Connect your Vizio smart TV to your router and you are good to go!
Method #2: Set Up a VPN-Protected Hotspot
- Download and install PureVPN app on your PC or Mac.
- Open PureVPN and connect to your desired server location.
- Go to your computer’s network settings and turn on the hotspot feature.
- Connect your Vizio smart TV to the VPN-protected hotspot and you are all set!
Method #3: Use a Streaming Device with VPN Support
- Connect a streaming device like Fire TV Stick or Apple TV (both support VPN apps) to your Vizio smart TV via the HDMI port.
- Download and install PureVPN directly on the streaming device.
- Launch the PureVPN app and connect to your preferred server location.
- Access otherwise unavailable content on your Vizio smart TV with ease!
How to Change Location on Vizio Smart TVs via Settings
You can change the location or region of your Vizio SmartCast TV through the settings menu, though the steps may vary depending on your specific model:
- Use your remote control to open the settings menu by pressing the Menu button.
- Find a section related to network or advanced settings within the settings menu.
- The option to change the region should be labeled as Country or Location.
- Choose your desired location from the dropdown menu and confirm the changes by restarting your TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Vizio smart TVs are region-locked as some streaming apps and content are only accessible from certain locations due to licensing agreements.
To change the location on your Vizio smart TV, you can configure a VPN on your router, connect to a VPN-protected hotspot, or use a streaming device with VPN support.
Vizio smart TVs run on SmartCast OS, which does not support VPN apps. However, you can still use a VPN on Vizio smart TVs through alternative methods, such as configuring it on your router.
We recommend avoiding free VPNs because most of them offer slow speeds, which can ruin streaming quality. They also come with privacy risks and sell user information to advertisers for a profit. More importantly, these services frequently fail to evade geo-blocks and impose bandwidth limits, making them an unreliable choice.
SmartDNS is a good option if you prioritize streaming speed over privacy. It can help you access unavailable content, but does not encrypt your connection, leaving your online activity exposed. Choose a high-quality VPN like PureVPN if privacy and security matter to you.
Absolutely, changing your Vizio smart TV’s location is generally safe. While it is possible through the device’s built-in settings, using a VPN like PureVPN is the most simplest method.