Learning how to install a VPN on Kodi isn’t hard. This article covers installation and setup on Windows from the Microsoft Store and from a downloaded executable file.
A VPN will let you watch the best Kodi addons for live TV and best Kodi addons for movies safely.
Why Use a VPN for Kodi?
Using a VPN is a good security practice. Although imperfect for complete privacy, a VPN can protect its user against many kinds of ISP snooping. We recommend you use one for internet browsing. It works by encrypting the data generated by your device and sending it to a server located in a different country, where the data is decrypted before passing to its original destination.
This makes it much harder for anyone to spy on your activities. For example, it can help Kodi users who are having problems with their internet service provider throttling their bandwidth. If you use Kodi to watch a lot of high definition videos, your ISP may limit the bandwidth of your connection at busy times, making your video streams slow and unreliable.
By using a VPN, you can hide your activities from outsiders, including your ISP, so you can watch whatever you want on Kodi without having limitations placed on you.
How to Install a VPN For Kodi From the Microsoft Store
A very quick way to install a VPN for Kodi is through the Microsoft Store. From Windows 10 you can access the Microsoft Store from the Start menu or by using the Windows Search function. Then you can search the store for VPN apps. However, be aware that the selection of apps is rather limited. Also, a free VPN may be tempting, but you will want to stay away from non-paid VPN services as these will often steal your data and frequently have poor or even no encryption, making them worthless.
There are a few reputable VPNs on the Microsoft Store though, like Hotspot Shield. You can install this app by clicking the blue Get button which will automatically install the software onto your Windows machine.
Once you have installed the software, you can sign up for an account which will be paid for using the payment details you entered into the Microsoft Store.
Download: Hotspot Shield (Free)
How to Install a VPN For Kodi Using Direct Download Software
If you want to choose from a much broader range of VPN providers, you can pick a provider and install its software directly. To do this, select a VPN provider, go to their website, and look for a Downloads page,
Select the version of the software you want. In this case, we’ll choose the Windows software. Click on the download link and save the setup EXE file to your desktop. Once it’s downloaded, run the EXE and agree to any permissions required.
The installer will get to work installing your VPN software. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. After installation completes, you can use the shortcut created on your desktop to launch the VPN software.
How to Set up a VPN For Kodi
Now your VPN software is installed, you can configure it to work on your Kodi machine. Open up the software and enter your username and password to get started. If you don’t have a username and password yet, go and register on your VPN provider’s website.
Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be able to see all the VPN connection options. Different software will display this in different ways—in NordVPN’s software, for example, you see a map of different server locations. Other software might show you a list instead. To connect to a server, just click on the location of your choice and you will be connected. Then your VPN is active and ready to work.
There are some settings you will want to change before you start using the VPN though. Go to the settings section of the software and find an option for Start VPN on startup or similar. Make sure this is toggled on. Also, look for an auto connect option and turn this to on as well. Now whenever your Kodi machine boots up it will start the VPN and connect automatically, so you don’t have to do it manually each time.
How to Use a VPN With Kodi
Using a VPN with Kodi is simple. Once you have opened your VPN software and established a connection, you can run the Kodi software. Now, all the data which Kodi sends and receives will be routed through your VPN server. If you are using the VPN for additional security or to avoid bandwidth throttling on Kodi, you don’t need to do anything more.
You may also wish to use the VPN to access certain content on Kodi which is region locked. For example, you might use the iPlayer add-on to watch BBC iPlayer content through your Kodi system. But what if you install Kodi on your laptop and you want to watch BBC content while you’re away on holiday? If you try to use the add-on to watch iPlayer when you are based outside of the UK, it won’t work because of the region restrictions, or geo-blocking
To overcome this problem, you can use your VPN. When you are in another country, just choose a server in the UK to connect to in your VPN software. Then start up Kodi and go to the iPlayer add-on. Now you’ll be able to watch iPlayer content even when you’re abroad.
What Are the Limitations of Using a VPN With Kodi?
There are some limitations of using a VPN with Kodi that you should be aware of.
First, some streaming services use VPN detection to prevent you from accessing their content using a VPN. The BBC iPlayer, for example, doesn’t work with all VPNs. And if you watch Netflix through Kodi, you’ll find that most VPN providers don’t work with Netflix.
A second issue is that a VPN is not a total privacy solution. There can still be records of your online activities even when you use a VPN, as your provider can sometimes log information about your activities, depending on your browser, and other factors.
Learn More About Kodi
Using a VPN is only one part of getting the most out of your Kodi app.
To learn more, check out the best Kodi addons for live TV and VOD as well as our list of the leading Kodi alternatives.
