If you own a Firestick, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube or Fire TV Edition television, adding IPVanish VPN is one of the best ways to enhance your streaming experience in 2023.
This in-depth guide will show you step-by-step how to download, install, configure and troubleshoot IPVanish VPN on all versions of the Fire TV platform.
We’ll cover:
- The benefits of using IPVanish VPN on Firestick
- Full installation instructions
- How to customize IPVanish settings
- Tips for improving speeds and reliability
- Troubleshooting help if you have connection issues
- How IPVanish compares to other Firestick VPN options
- Answers to frequently asked questions
By the end, you’ll have IPVanish set up perfectly on your Fire TV device for safe, anonymous streaming. Let’s start with why IPVanish is an excellent VPN pick for Firestick users.
Why Choose IPVanish for Firestick VPN?
There are a few important reasons IPVanish stands out as a top VPN for Firestick and Fire TV streaming:
1. Encrypts Your Connection
The main reason to use a VPN on Fire TV is to encrypt your internet connection. This hides what you’re streaming or browsing from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), government, hackers and anyone else spying on your traffic.
IPVanish uses industry-standard encryption protocols such as AES 256-bit to scramble your data. This prevents your sensitive online activities from being logged and traced back to you.
2. Provides Anonymity Online
When connected to IPVanish on your Firestick, all internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to one of their secure servers before accessing the web.
This gives you complete anonymity, hiding your IP address and physical location from websites, your ISP and third parties.
According to IPVanish, they assign shared IP addresses to users for added anonymity. Over 40,000 IP addresses are available across their server network to hide your identity.
3. Allows Access to Geo-Blocked Content
IPVanish makes it easy to bypass geographic restrictions when streaming on your Firestick.
The VPN allows you to choose from over 75 different country locations when connecting. This tricks apps and sites into thinking you’re accessing them from somewhere else in the world.
For example, you can use IPVanish to unlock the US libraries of Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, Pandora and many other region-restricted services.
4. Works Worldwide
IPVanish gives you global access with VPN servers located in over 75 countries around the world.
Some other VPN providers limit your server selection if outside of North America or Europe. But with IPVanish, you get full worldwide access no matter where you use your Firestick.
5. Optimized for Fast Video Streaming
Slow buffering can ruin your ability to stream movies and shows in HD. The good news is IPVanish is engineered to provide fast speeds ideal for Firestick streaming.
How does IPVanish achieve fast performance? A few ways:
-
They own their VPN server infrastructure rather than rely on third parties
-
Network traffic is optimized for streaming and downloads
-
Servers are located near major population hubs for reduced latency
According to data from VPNpro.com, IPVanish ranks as one of the fastest VPN services when it comes to download speeds. This ensures smooth Firestick streaming in up to 4K quality.
6. Unlimited Device Connections
One IPVanish account supports unlimited device connections. This means you can install IPVanish on every Firestick, Fire TV, Android, iOS, Windows and Mac device in your household using a single login.
Many competing VPNs limit you to just 5 or 10 devices. The unlimited connections make IPVanish extremely versatile for securing all your streaming gadgets.
7. 24/7 Customer Support
IPVanish offers round-the-clock customer support in case any issues come up.
You can get in touch with their support team via:
- Live chat for instant help
- Knowledgebase for self-help articles
- Support ticket system
Their customer service team aims to respond quickly to all user inquiries.
8. Strict No-Logging Policy
IPVanish follows a strict zero logging policy according to their privacy policy. This means they do not monitor or record any activity while connected to their VPN service.
They claim to never log connection or usage data, IP addresses, bandwidth used, session durations or other identifying info. This ensures your privacy and anonymity are protected.
Now that you know the key benefits of IPVanish for Firestick, let’s look at how to get it installed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Install IPVanish on Firestick / Fire TV
Follow these steps to get IPVanish downloaded and set up on your Firestick or Fire TV streaming device:
Step 1: Sign Up for an IPVanish Account
First, you’ll need to register for a paid IPVanish account if you don’t already have one.
Go to IPVanish.com and select one of their subscription plans.
I recommend going with the 1-year plan as it reduces the effective monthly price to only $3.99.
Use the promo code TROYPOINT during checkout to save an extra 60% off your order!
Once your order is complete, IPVanish will email you login credentials to use in the VPN apps.
Step 2: Open Search on Your Fire TV
From the home screen of your Firestick or Fire TV, move your remote cursor up and select the Search icon.
Now use the on-screen keyboard to enter "IPVanish" into the search bar.
Step 3: Select the IPVanish App
In the search results, choose the application titled "IPVanish VPN" by IPVanishMobile LLC. This is the official IPVanish Fire TV app.
Step 4: Download and Install
With IPVanish VPN selected, choose the orange Download button on the next screen. This will install the app onto your Firestick or Fire TV device.
The download and installation process only takes about 30 seconds to complete.
Once installed, use your remote to select Open and launch the IPVanish app.
Step 5: Enter Your VPN Login Credentials
After launching the app, you‘ll be prompted to sign into your IPVanish account.
On the log in screen, enter the username and password that was emailed to you at registration.
Step 6: Connect to the Fastest Server
With your credentials entered, press the orange Connect button to establish a secure connection.
By default, the app will automatically connect you to the fastest IPVanish server based on your location. This ensures smooth, lag-free streaming.
A status message will display confirming you are protected by IPVanish VPN.
Step 7: Allow the VPN Connection Request
The first time connecting, you may get a VPN connection request pop-up. Simply select Allow or OK to complete the process.
That’s it! IPVanish is now ready to use on your Firestick or Fire TV. The VPN icon will show in the top corner when your private connection is active.
Next, we’ll look at how to customize IPVanish settings and connections for the best experience.
IPVanish VPN Settings and Features
The IPVanish Fire TV app includes various configuration options accessible from the Settings menu:
Change Server Location
To switch server locations:
- Tap the Location icon on the home screen
- Select a country from the server list
Connecting to different servers allows you to bypass geographic restrictions.
App Settings
To access the Settings menu:
- Tap the Gear icon at the bottom
- Choose from these options:
- Connect on Startup: Auto-connect when turning on Firestick
- Split Tunneling: Set apps to bypass the VPN
- LAN Access: Enable local network traffic
- Connection Protocol: Change to OpenVPN, IKEv2 etc.
I recommend enabling LAN access and tweaking other preferences for your setup.
Connection Speed Test
You can run a speed test built into the IPVanish app by selecting the Speedometer icon and choosing Start Speed Test.
This will measure your ping, download and upload speeds when connected to the VPN server.
Additional Preferences
Under Account in Settings, you can configure these options:
- Block IPv6 Traffic: For maximum privacy
- VPN Accelerator: Uses compression for faster speeds
- Auto-Reconnect: Automatically reconnects if temporarily disconnected
And that covers the key settings available in the IPVanish Fire TV app!
Next I‘ll explain how you can confirm your VPN is working properly.
How to Test IPVanish Connection on Firestick / Fire TV
Once you have IPVanish installed and connected, it‘s important to verify that your traffic is being routed through the VPN tunnel correctly.
Follow these steps:
-
Make sure IPVanish shows as Connected in the app status.
-
Open the Silk Browser app on your Firestick/Fire TV.
-
Visit ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com in Silk Browser.
-
Check that your IP address matches the server location you connected to in IPVanish.
If the IP does not match, disconnect and reconnect the VPN in the app until it shows the correct location.
This confirms your Firestick traffic is being encrypted by IPVanish for anonymous streaming.
Now let‘s go over some tips for troubleshooting connection issues and improving speeds.
How to Fix IPVanish Connection Problems on Firestick
Here are some troubleshooting steps if you experience connection problems with IPVanish on your Fire TV device:
Cannot connect:
- Reboot both the Firestick and your router
- Make sure IPVanish credentials are entered correctly
- Try a different VPN protocol like OpenVPN UDP
- Clear app cache and data then reinstall
Slow speeds:
- Connect to a different IPVanish server location
- Enable the VPN Accelerator feature in settings
- Switch to TCP or UDP protocol for better performance
- Limit streaming resolution to 720p or 1080p
Buffering or lagging:
- Connect to the fastest server selected automatically
- Try servers located closest to your physical location
- Disable VPN Split Tunneling to route all traffic through IPVanish
- Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of WiFi
VPN disconnects randomly:
- Change the VPN protocol to more stable options like OpenVPN or IKEv2
- Enable the Auto-Reconnect option to stay protected
- Switch to TCP protocol rather than UDP
Following the troubleshooting tips above should help resolve most connectivity or speed issues when using IPVanish on Fire TV platforms.
How Does IPVanish Compare to Other Firestick VPNs?
IPVanish is one of the top VPN providers for Firestick and Fire TV streaming boxes. But how does it compare to alternatives like ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark?
Here’s a quick rundown of how IPVanish stacks up to competitors:
| IPVanish | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Server Locations | 75+ countries | 94 countries | 60 countries | 100+ countries |
| Device Limits | Unlimited | 5 | 6 | Unlimited |
| Prices | $3.99/month | $8.32/month | $3.29/month | $2.21/month |
As you can see, IPVanish holds its own against the top competitors when it comes to speeds, server locations and device support.
The main advantages of IPVanish are unlimited device connections and low monthly pricing. But ExpressVPN leads in number of server locations for advanced users.
IPVanish Customer Support
If you ever need help using IPVanish on your Fire TV device, the company offers several customer support options:
Live Chat
This is the quickest way to get assistance directly from an IPVanish support agent. Live chat is available 24/7.
Support Tickets
Submit a detailed support ticket if you don’t need an instant response. IPVanish aims to respond within 24 hours.
You can also email IPVanish customer support at [email protected] for personal assistance.
Knowledgebase
Search the IPVanish knowledgebase for self-help articles on setup, troubleshooting and guides.
Reaching out to their knowledgeable support team directly through live chat or a ticket is recommended if you experience any issues using IPVanish on your Firestick or Fire TV.
IPVanish on Firestick: FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using IPVanish on Firestick and Fire TV:
Is IPVanish the best VPN for Firestick and Fire TV?
IPVanish is one of the top VPNs for Firestick thanks to its fast speeds, reliability, range of worldwide servers and easy-to-use apps. It‘s a great option for cord-cutters.
Does IPVanish work with streaming apps like Netflix and BBC iPlayer?
Yes, IPVanish works with most popular streaming apps including Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, Funimation, Crackle, YouTube TV, and more. However, BBC iPlayer detects and blocks IPVanish.
Can I install IPVanish on multiple Fire TV devices?
Absolutely. IPVanish allows unlimited device connections so you can install it on every Firestick, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Edition television in your home with a single account.
Does IPVanish work in China and other restrictive countries?
Yes, IPVanish uses obfuscation technology to bypass firewalls and VPN blocks in countries like China, Turkey, UAE and more. This makes it a good global VPN.
Can I get a refund if I don‘t like IPVanish?
IPVanish offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. So if you are unsatisfied in the first week of service, you can request a full refund, no questions asked.
Does IPVanish keep usage logs?
No, IPVanish enforces a strict no-logging policy for customer privacy according to their terms. They do not record browsing data, IP addresses, connection timestamps or other activity.
And those cover the basics of using IPVanish VPN on your Fire TV streaming device! As you can see, it provides an easy and effective way to stream anonymously and unlock geo-restricted content.
){kind=link}