How to install a VPN for Kodi on your device
No matter which device you’re using, installing a VPN can give you more security and privacy when using Kodi. Check out our step-by-step guides on how to install a VPN for Kodi across various devices.
How to set up a VPN on your router for Kodi
When you install a VPN on your router, all devices connected to your home network, including your Kodi device, will automatically use the VPN connection.
But before you begin, make sure your router supports VPN client mode and OpenVPN protocol. Most ISP routers do not, so you may need a compatible third-party router or to flash your router with DD-WRT/Tomato/OpenWRT firmware.
- 1.Log in to your router’s admin panel. Open a browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Then, enter your router’s admin username and password.
- 2.Check if your router supports VPN setup. Look for a section like “VPN,” “VPN client,” or “OpenVPN client.” If you don't see it, your router may not support VPN connections.
- 3.Download NordVPN OpenVPN configuration files. Go to https://nordvpn.com/ovpn and choose the server location you prefer. Then, download the UDP or TCP config file (UDP is faster, while TCP is more stable).
- 4.Upload the config file to your router. In the VPN/OpenVPN settings of your router, upload the .ovpn file. There may be a field labeled “Import configuration” or “Choose file.”
- 5.Enter your NordVPN credentials. You’ll be prompted for your NordVPN service credentials, different from your Nord account login (you can find your username and password at nordvpn.com/account > NordVPN > Advanced > Service credentials). Paste them into the router interface.
- 6.Enable additional options if needed (optional). Some routers require enabling or tweaking:
- TLS authentication. Check if the .ovpn file already has the necessary keys.
- Compression. Usually leave this disabled.
- Redirect internet traffic through VPN. Enable this to make sure all traffic uses the VPN.
- 7.Save and apply the configuration. Click “Save” or “Apply settings.” Then click “Start VPN,” “Enable,” or similar.
By setting up NordVPN on your router, you can also protect other devices that don’t support VPN apps, including Smart TVs without Android TV or Fire TV OS, game consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, basic e-readers like Kindle, and IoT devices such as smart fridges or thermostats. All of these devices will be covered because their internet traffic will be routed through the encrypted VPN tunnel.
How to install a VPN for Kodi on macOS
To get started with watching content with a VPN on Kodi on your macOS device, follow this easy guide:
- 1.Go to nordvpn.com and create an account if you don’t have one yet.
- 2.Visit the NordVPN downloads page and choose the macOS version. Follow the installation prompts.
- 3.Open the NordVPN app and log in using your NordVPN account credentials.
- 4.Choose a VPN server location and click “Connect.”
- 5.Once the VPN connection is active, open Kodi on your Mac. All Kodi traffic will now be routed through the NordVPN tunnel.
How to install a VPN for Kodi on Windows
Follow these steps to use a VPN app with Kodi on your Windows PC:
- 1.Go to nordvpn.com and create an account if you don’t already have one.
- 2.Visit the NordVPN download page, choose Windows, and follow the installation instructions.
- 3.Open the NordVPN app and log in with your credentials.
- 4.Select a VPN server location based on what content you want to access and click “Connect.”
- 5.Once connected to the VPN, launch the Kodi app. Your Kodi traffic is now rerouted through the NordVPN server.
How to install a VPN for Kodi on Linux
If you’re running Kodi on a Debian-based Linux system (like Ubuntu), follow these steps to install and use NordVPN:
- 1.Create a NordVPN account at nordvpn.com if you haven’t already.
- 2.Use “Ctrl + Alt + T” to launch the terminal on your Linux system.
- 3.Download the NordVPN Linux installer by running the following command:wget -qnc https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh
- 4.Use this command to run the installer script and install the app:sudo bash install.sh
- 5.After installation, log in to your NordVPN account by typing:nordvpn login
Follow the link that appears to complete authentication in your browser.
- 6.Use this command to connect to the best available NordVPN server:nordvpn connect
Or choose a country manually:
nordvpn connect germany - 7.Open Kodi as you normally would. Your Kodi traffic will now go through the secure VPN tunnel.
- 8.(Optional) Enable auto-connect on boot to stay protected at all times. To do so, run:nordvpn set autoconnect on
How to install a VPN for Kodi on iOS
If you have Kodi installed on your iPhone or iPad, you can use NordVPN to protect your connection. Here’s how:
- 1.Visit nordvpn.com and sign up for an account.
- 2.Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and search for the NordVPN app. Install it.
- 3.Open the NordVPN app and log in with your NordVPN account credentials.
- 4.When prompted, tap “Allow” to let NordVPN add VPN configurations to your device. You may need to enter your device passcode.
- 5.Connect to a VPN server by tapping “Quick Connect” or selecting a server location manually.
- 6.Once the VPN is active, launch Kodi on your iOS device.
- 7.All traffic, including Kodi activity, will now be encrypted and routed through NordVPN.
How to install a VPN for Kodi on Android
If you’re using Kodi on an Android phone, tablet, or Android TV, follow these steps to protect your connection with a fast and reliable VPN:
- 1.Go to nordvpn.com and create an account if you don’t already have one.
- 2.Open the Google Play Store, search for the NordVPN app, and install it.
- 3.Launch NordVPN and log in using your NordVPN credentials.
- 4.Connect to a VPN server by tapping “Quick Connect” or choosing a country manually.
- 5.Allow VPN permissions — when prompted, allow the app to set up the VPN connection on your device.
- 6.With the VPN active, launch Kodi on your Android device. Kodi will now use the encrypted VPN tunnel.
How to install NordVPN on Kodi
To set up NordVPN directly within Kodi, follow these steps:
- 1.Download the NordVPNSetup.zip file from the official NordVPN source.
- 2.Transfer the ZIP file to your Kodi device. You can do this in one of two ways:
- Using a USB flash drive. Download the ZIP file to your computer, copy it to a USB drive, and insert the drive into your Kodi device.
- Via SSH. Connect to your Kodi device over SSH and transfer the ZIP file directly.
- 3.Enable unknown sources in Kodi: open Kodi and go to “Settings” > “System settings” > “Add-ons.” Then, toggle “Unknown sources” to ON. When prompted with a warning, select “Yes.”
- 4.Install the NordVPN add-on:
- Return to the Kodi home screen and select “Add-ons.”
- Click the “Package” icon (open box) in the top-left corner.
- Choose “Install from zip file.”
- Navigate to the location where you saved the NordVPNSetup.zip file and select it.
- 5.Run the NordVPN setup wizard:
- After installation, a prompt will appear offering to run the VPN setup wizard or go to settings. Choose “Wizard.”
- Enter your NordVPN account credentials when prompted.
- Decide if you want the VPN to connect automatically on startup.
- Select the VPN location you wish to connect to.
Once the setup is complete, your Kodi device will be connected to NordVPN — your Kodi activity will be encrypted and your IP address will be masked. For more detailed instructions, visit our support page on how to use Kodi with NordVPN.
Why do you need a VPN for Kodi?
NordVPN keeps your Kodi activity private by shielding your IP address and encrypting your connection. It protects you from snoopers and helps you avoid potential throttling by your ISP. It also lets you access content libraries that may be blocked in your current location — perfect if you want to access your paid home content while traveling or living abroad.
A great reason to use NordVPN with Kodi is the Threat Protection Pro™ tool that comes with NordVPN’s advanced subscriptions. This tool adds an extra layer of security to your internet connection by blocking malware, intrusive ads, and trackers. It ensures a safer and more pleasant browsing and streaming experience.
How to choose the best VPN for Kodi
Not all VPNs work well with Kodi, so it’s worth picking one that checks the right boxes. Look for a high speed VPN — whether you love streaming videos or into online gaming, lag is never fun.
Make sure the VPN service has a wide server selection, especially in the countries you’re planning to visit for holidays or work. You’ll also want solid encryption and strong privacy features.
And if you use Kodi on multiple devices, go for a VPN that supports them all — whether it’s Android TV, Windows, macOS, or your router. Bonus points if the VPN is easy to use and connects quickly.
Is it safe to use Kodi without a VPN?
You can use Kodi without a VPN, but it’s not the safest choice. Without a VPN, your ISP can see what websites you access, your IP address is exposed, and you may run into throttling. You also might find it difficult — or even impossible — to watch the content you’ve subscribed to while travelling abroad. A VPN adds a layer of security and privacy while giving you the freedom to enjoy the content you always do at home.
