This guide will show you how to install ExpressVPN on Firestick, Fire TV, or Fire TV Cube using its dedicated app. It should hardly take you a few minutes depending on your internet speed. We’ve also highlighted another way for you to get the VPN app on your Fire device if the app isn’t available to you.
How to install the ExpressVPN Firestick app
ExpressVPN usually has a pretty straightforward download and installation guide for Windows but is quite different when it comes to Firestick. In fact, you’re probably thinking “How to jailbreak Firestick” is the same as sideloading apps.
For Firestick, ExpressVPN offers a dedicated app for it on the Amazon App Store so you wouldn’t need to know how to jailbreak Firestick. If, however, this method doesn’t seem to work for you, or you can’t access the ExpressVPN app from the Amazon store, there is another method called Sideloading. Don’t worry! I’ll show you how to jailbreak Firestick to install the ExpressVPN app using two methods.
Method 1: Install ExpressVPN app on Firestick from the Amazon Store
This is the first method to install ExpressVPN on Firestick. You just need to look for the app directly on the Amazon Store, here’s how:
- On your Firestick home screen, click on the search button, and type “ExpressVPN” to look for the ExpressVPN Firestick app.
- You’ll have several apps show up, click on the first one under the “Apps & Games” section:
- Once you click on it, you’ll be provided with the option of “Get”. Click on that.
- It will hardly take a few seconds to download, but when it does, click on “Open”.
- Launch the app, and sign in with the same email and password you used to subscribe to the ExpressVPN services.
- After you’re signed in, you’ll see a power button. Click on it. You’ll automatically be connected to the best server for you. You can easily change it by going into the server location options and connect to a US IP preferably. That’s only if you’d like to unblock the US Netflix library or Amazon Video.
- That’s about it!
Can’t seem to get this method started?
Method 2: Install the ExpressVPN Firestick app using the Sideloading method
There are times when you won’t be able to access the ExpressVPN app on Amazon, due to restrictions or censor blocks within your country.
However, using the Sideloading method, you can easily get started with it. To begin, check to see if your Fire device can download apps from unknown sources. Here’s how:
- Go to the settings tab on your home screen and click on “My Fire TV”
- Then click on “Developer Options”.
- And turn on the option for “Apps from Unknown Sources”
- In the next step, head back to your home page and look for the Downloader app
- Click on the first link, that looks like this:
- You’ll find a “Get” option, click on it.
- Wait for the app to download and install.
- When it’s installed, open it and head to the URL section and type in the URL of the ExpressVPN APK installer, and click on “Go”.
- The ExpressVPN APK file will now download, like so:
- Install the app.
- Wait for it to install and click on “Done”. You’ll further be provided with the options to Install, Delete, or Done. Click on Done.
That’s it! You’re all done!
Can you use ExpressVPN for First-Generation Firestick?
ExpressVPN, being one of the best VPN providers available has developed newer ways for you to enjoy your internet freedom on a wide platform of devices, and this includes the first-generation Firestick. I mean considering the fact that there’s no VPN app available for first-generation Firestick.
However, there are other ways you can use ExpressVPN on it, as promised. These are by:
- Using a Router
- Using the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer feature
- Creating a Hotspot shield that is VPN protected
Using a Router
If this was any other VPN provider, you’d probably have to invest in a router that comes flashed with Router Firmware. The great thing about ExpressVPN is that provides its own router firmware.
Use it to connect ExpressVPN to your VPN-supported router, and in turn, will be able to connect to multiple other devices including your first-generation Firestick, in one go.
Using the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer feature
MediaStreamer is a smart DNS proxy, brought to you by ExpressVPN. It’s created to unblock vast amounts of streaming services that aren’t available in your country. These are mostly restricted due to Geo-blocks.
Since the first-generation Firestick cannot support VPN apps, you can utilize the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer proxy to replace all the default DNS servers on your device. You’ll find this in the Wifi settings.
Creating a Hotspot shield that is VPN protected
Sometimes using a router for connecting ExpressVPN to your Fire device won’t work, especially if it’s not VPN compatible. In this case, instead of panicking and getting yourself a new router, what you can do is, use your desktop or laptop.
Most Windows desktop/laptops come with a default option to share internet connections. This can then create a secure Wifi Hotspot, and be used to connect to your first-generation Fire TV Stick device.
FAQs
Just in case you have any further questions, here are some frequently asked questions:
Why do you need a VPN for Firestick/FireTV?
With the rise of notorious cybersecurity threats on the horizon, it’s important for extremely heavy or regular internet users to take advantage of the best online security a VPN can provide you. Using a VPN, in general, has its perks. With that in mind, here are a few reasons as to why you may need a VPN for Firestick:
- One of the main reasons we use a VPN is to gain access to geo-blocked streaming services like Netflix while traveling that isn’t readily available outside the US. There’s always a lack of libraries or restricted content, but with the help of the best VPN, you’ll unlock a whole plethora of channels on your Firestick. ExpressVPN has managed to unblock unlimited platforms. Some of these include BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney Plus, Comcast, and more.
- Speaking of streaming services, Kodi is the most widely used open-source streaming platform for Firestick. However great a media streamer it may be, it does, however, pose some risks. Using it with a VPN will secure your connection and experience.
- Since many streaming services aren’t exactly allowed to be accessed within geo-censored countries, using ExpressVPN with it will heighten your security measures. It’ll provide you with the best encryption and other features that’ll protect your anonymity.
- Many people take their Firestick devices with them when traveling, and to access it, you’re going to need a strong Wifi connection. But what happens when you connect to unknown Wifi sources. A public Wifi is extremely harmful and shady; putting your data and device at risk. A VPN can secure that connection with the best encryption.
What should I expect with an ExpressVPN subscription?
Many VPN users seem to find ExpressVPN a little overpriced, which starts at $12.95/mo. for its monthly subscription. But, as much as that is true, ExpressVPN is still one of the top-grade providers that offer special discounts.
So, if you’re planning on getting ExpressVPN for your Firestick device, definitely check out its budgeted price of $6.67/mo. for its 1-year plan + 3 months free.
Getting yourself an ExpressVPN subscription for your Firestick/FireTV comes with additional perks. Like:
- 256-bit AES encryption
- 3000+ servers in 94 countries
- OpenVPN protocol
- Delivers some of the fastest speeds! You can see the full test results here.
- 5 multi-device connections
- Kill Switch
- Split-Tunneling
- DNS and IP leak protection
- Compatibility with multiple other devices with apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and much more.
- It also allows you to connect to 5 multiple devices per subscription.
There are many more features that ExpressVPN offers, which is why it’s loved by users worldwide.
Can I use a free VPN for Firestick?
A free VPN isn’t the best option for Firestick, however, there are many free providers that do work with it, and that follow strict privacy policies.
Instead of going for a free VPN to test out on Firestick, why not try out the ExpressVPN free trial for Firestick? It’s safer, provides premium access, and won’t log your data.
How do I check whether ExpressVPN is working on my Firestick?
When you connect to the VPN by clicking on the best server, your IP address is automatically changed according to the location you chose. To find out if ExpressVPN is running smoothly on your Firestick:
- Make sure you have a steady internet connection.
- Check to see if your IP is leaking or is different from your actual physical location.
- Also, conduct other tests like DNS and WebRTC tests.
- Browse through a previously restricted website and check to see if it unblocks.
- If any problems arise other than that, contact the ExpressVPN support chat for further inquiries.
To conclude
ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN. It not only offers a free trial and a 30-day refund policy but many other features! What we love most about it, is that it goes well with most Fire TV devices (Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube), and the speeds are some of the fastest. Plus, you can even use it on a first-generation FireStick, using the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer feature.
Another great thing about testing ExpressVPN on your Firestick is that if you’re not fully satisfied, you can cancel your account and ask for a refund within the first 30-days.
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