Is ProtonVPN Good for Amazon Fire TV Stick?
ProtonVPN is an outstanding VPN service that advocates online privacy and internet security. Its recent overhaul has brought significant changes, including a VPN app for Amazon Fire TV devices.
Amazon Fire TV users can now get the ProtonVPN app from the Amazon Appstore.
This guide will determine if ProtonVPN provides a good VPN service for Amazon Fire TV Stick. I’ll also show you how to:
- Install ProtonVPN on Fire Stick (including sideloading)
- Fix various ProtonVPN issues on Amazon Fire TV Stick
Without further ado, let us get started!
I offer a comprehensive guide on how to install and utilize this app, including sideloading methods for devices not supporting Fire OS 6 or newer versions.
The article also scrutinizes various aspects of ProtonVPN, such as its feature set, server network, speed, capacity to bypass geo-blocks, and its commitment to security and privacy. Additionally, I address common issues users may face when using ProtonVPN on an Amazon Fire TV Stick.
In summary, despite having a relatively limited server network and pricier long-term plans, ProtonVPN emerges as a viable option for Amazon Fire TV Stick users, thanks to its dedicated app, effective unblocking capabilities, and robust privacy and security provisions.
Quick steps on How to Use ProtonVPN on Amazon Fire TV Stick
The current ProtonVPN app for Amazon Fire TV devices is available for devices running on Fire OS 6 or later.
Thus, it is available for Fire TV Stick 4K Max – 1st Gen (2021), Fire TV Stick – 3rd Gen (2020), Fire TV Stick Lite – 1st Gen (2020), and Fire TV Stick 4K – 1st Gen (2018).
To check the Fire OS version on Amazon Fire TV Stick, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About and look under Software Version for details.
Installing From the Amazon Appstore
- Select the Find icon on the Fire TV home screen.
- Scroll down to the Search bar and search ProtonVPN.
- Click on the ProtonVPN app on the search results.
- Click the Get button to download the app and wait for installation.
- Open the ProtonVPN app and use the onscreen instructions to Sign in.
- Connect to your preferred server and stream content on your Fire TV device.
If your device doesn’t have Fire OS 6 or later, or you cannot see the ProtonVPN app on the Amazon Appstore, worry not. I will show you how to sideload the ProtonVPN app.
Note: The Fire TV Stick – 1st Gen (2014) doesn’t support VPNs. You can install a VPN service, but it won’t work.
Sideloading the ProtonVPN app
Proceed as follows to sideload the ProtonVPN app on the Amazon Fire TV device:
- Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options and turn on ADB Debugging and Apps from Unknown Sources.
- Go back to the home screen, select the Find icon, and on the Search bar, search Downloader.
- Click the Downloader app (orange in color) on the search results and click the Get button to download and install the app.
- Launch the Downloader, select the URL bar, and type this:
https://bit.ly/3xt1vg3 and click Go. - On the GitHub site that opens, go to the latest section, and under Assets, click on the ProtonVPN-x.x.x.x.apk file (x.x.x.x is the latest version of the APK).
- Downloading will start, and you will be prompted to install the app upon completion.
- After installation, click Done and delete the APK file to save space. For security, turn off ADB Debugging and Apps from Unknown Sources as you did in step 1.
- Go back to the home screen and on the app section, launch the ProtonVPN app, and use the onscreen instructions to Sign in.
- Connect to your preferred server and unblock content on your Fire TV device.
Overview: Is ProtonVPN a Good Choice for Amazon Fire Stick?
At the moment, I found out that ProtonVPN almost checks all the requirements needed for a good VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Besides offering a native app, ProtonVPN packs all the necessary features and functionalities for unblocking content and safeguarding your online traffic.
Let us take a look at what ProtonVPN offers for Amazon Fire TV devices:
Fair Server Network
ProtonVPN has a server network of 1759 servers in 63 countries. Although this network is smaller than what other top-notch VPN services offer, the servers are pretty distributed.
To make up for the small server network, ProtonVPN ensures that its servers offer optimal performance; hence, congestion is not a problem.
Even with a smaller server network, ProtonVPN offers an excellent opportunity for unblocking content worldwide.
Premium users have access to 96 secure core servers, which offer superior privacy and security. These servers are maintained and owned by Proton.
This also includes Mexican servers, making it a great Mexico VPN option.
Traffic on these servers is routed through privacy-friendly countries such as Switzerland and Iceland.
Out of the 1759 servers, ProtonVPN offers 1356 plus servers optimized for streaming. Some of these servers are suitable for torrenting and offer Tor over VPN functionality.
Fast Speeds
Blazing speeds are crucial for Amazon Fire TV Stick since the primary task; streaming requires the highest possible speeds.
ProtonVPN servers offer up to 10Gbps connection speeds with unlimited bandwidth. These speeds are suitable for streaming content in 4K without buffering or stuttering.
Additionally, ProtonVPN uses a set of technologies known as VPN Accelerator to increase VPN speeds and performance.
These sets of technologies redesign VPN protocols and reduce the overall latency. Concisely, they make the work easier for the Fire TV Stick CPU to overcome limitations.
Unblocking and Streaming
ProtonVPN boasts excellent unblocking abilities, especially regarding streaming services and platforms supported by Amazon Fire TV Stick.
ProtonVPN allows you to watch content from popular services such as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and Spotify.
If you’re specifically interested in expanding your Netflix library, consider checking out our recommendations for the best Netflix VPN to ensure optimal performance and access to a wider range of content.
Check out our guide on how to watch the BBC iPlayer in the USA for more info on the above.
Other services you can unblock, and stream include ABC, Canal+, Channel 4, 7 and 9, DAZN, ESPN+, F1 TV, France.tv, fuboTV, Hotstar, ITV, Mediaset Infinity, Network 10 (10 play), NOW TV, Peacock, Pluto TV, RAI, 6Play, Sling TV, SRF, SyFy, TF1, Zattoo and so much more.
If you want more info on the above, then our guides on how to unblock FuboTV and watch ESPN from abroad will help.
Additionally, our guide on unblocking Zattoo will aid you if you are a fan of this service.
And finally, still related to the above, our guide on fixing the ‘Dazn isn’t available in this country’ error and finding a Sling TV VPN will help you in unblocking these services.
Security and Privacy
As an advocate for privacy and online security, ProtonVPN strives to ensure that your online traffic and connections are always safe.
This VPN uses strong encryptions – AES-256 backed up by authentications and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Your data connections and traffic can never be compromised.
The VPN uses secure and fast protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. The VPN offers a built-in kill switch, leak protection, ad blocker, split tunneling, and Swiss solid privacy protection.
In addition to its strict no-logs policy, ProtonVPN uses full disk encryption to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks.
Its secure core servers are located in data centers with the highest physical security; underground and former military bases.
Value for Your Money
ProtonVPN offers cheap monthly but expensive long-term plans compared to other premium VPN services. The subscriptions carry a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For privacy and security-focused individuals who like to stream content from Amazon Fire TV Stick, ProtonVPN offers a good value for your money.
Each subscription offers a simultaneous connection of up to 10 devices and all the above features and functionalities.
The service offers VPN apps for popular platforms such as Windows, Macs, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Chromebook. The apps are easy to use, and they sport a modern interface.
How to Fix ProtonVPN Issues on Amazon Fire TV Stick
Like most premium VPNs, I discovered that ProtonVPN has a few issues when used on Amazon Fire TV Stick.
The most common problem is being unable to unblock and stream content from some services. This is a well-known issue that cuts across the VPN realm.
This problem arises when streaming services block the IP addresses associated with the VPN. Using VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions doesn’t look good on streaming services since they violate licensing agreements.
If you are experiencing such a problem or ProtonVPN is acting up on Amazon Fire TV Stick, don’t worry. I have compiled some solutions that will help you solve the VPN issues.
Use a different VPN server
Let’s say you have been streaming smoothly, but the next time you fire up the VPN, you get an error from the streaming service.
The streaming service has blocked the VPN IP address if your internet is okay and you have an active subscription.
To fix the problem, connect to a different server. By changing servers, you also change the IP addresses.
Use another VPN protocol
Protocols dictate how a VPN makes connections and what encryptions are associated with the VPN tunnel.
Some protocols offer better speeds, while others are built for security and privacy. When using some protocols, you can easily bypass VPN blocks.
Thus, if you are experiencing connection issues, try all the VPN protocols and see which one works for you.
Clear your ProtonVPN cache/data
Some VPN issues are tough to troubleshoot, and the only solution is a clean start. This is what clearing the cache/data will do to the ProtonVPN app.
Proceed as follows: Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select the ProtonVPN app and then choose Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Launch the VPN app and check whether the problem persists.
Restart your Fire TV Stick
At times, it can be the Amazon Fire TV Stick causing problems. I recommend unplugging it from the power source, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it in.
If the problem persists, you can contact ProtonVPN customer support.
Free vs. Paid ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN offers both a free VPN service and a paid premium VPN service. Usually, I am against free VPN services, but Proton free VPN is an exception.
Unlike most free VPN services, Proton free VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, medium VPN speeds, no ads, excellent security, and a strict no-logs policy.
However, the free version offers 100+ servers in 3 locations (US, Netherlands, and Japan – ideal for Netflix Japan). Thus, the servers usually experience a heavy load and hence medium speeds.
Using these servers to unblock and stream content is a hit-and-miss game. You can use them to change your geo-location and stream from other unrestrictive services such as YouTube.
Check out our guide on how to fix the “YouTubeTV proxy detected” error for more info.
ProtonVPN offers a great free VPN plan to ensure that everybody can have a secure internet experience and reclaim their online freedom.
The paying users cover the cost of operating the free plan. ProtonVPN doesn’t have to sell your data like other free VPNs.
Nonetheless, I recommend the paid version if you wish to stream, torrent, block ads, use Tor over VPN, or experience the highest possible speeds.
Wrap Up
Despite expensive long-term subscriptions and a smaller server network, ProtonVPN covers all the bases required for a good VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick.
It now offers a native VPN app for Fire Stick which is intuitive and user-friendly. The VPN unblocks many streaming services, and its speeds are suitable for other online tasks such as torrenting.
Its impeccable privacy and security will also safeguard your traffic and connection from prying eyes. Privacy-conscious individuals can also use the Tor over VPN feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some people found answers to these questions helpful
Does ProtonVPN work on other Amazon Fire Devices?
Yes. The ProtonVPN app works on other Amazon Fire TV devices, provided they run on Fire OS 6 or later. You can also sideload the app if your device doesn’t run on Fire OS 6 or later, provided it is not the older first-generation device.
How do I know if ProtonVPN is working on my Amazon Fire TV Stick?
Open the internet browser on your Fire TV device, go to https://ipleak.net/ and note your IP address. Launch your VPN, connect to a server and repeat the above step (refresh the browser). ProtonVPN isn't working properly if you get the same IP address.
Will ProtonVPN make my Amazon Fire TV Stick faster?
ProtonVPN will improve your Fire TV Stick connection speeds if your Internet Service Provider is throttling your speeds. Otherwise, any VPN will reduce your internet speeds by a smaller percentage due to the encryption overhead.
Should I use a VPN with Fire TV Stick?
Yes. A VPN will protect your online activities and connections and help you bypass geo-restrictions. Thus, you will be able to unblock various streaming services.
What is the best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick?
The best VPN for Fire Stick should have a native Fire Stick app, a larger server network, streaming servers, fast VPN speeds, excellent security and privacy, a no-logs policy, and the ability to unblock many streaming services.