How to Install ExpressVPN on Firestick
Whether you’re running an older version of Amazon’s Fire TV Stick or simply prefer DIY projects, today’s article will guide you through the process of installing ExpressVPN on Firestick. We cover basic installation along with sideloading, so no matter what hardware you’re using, you can enjoy the power and speed of ExpressVPN on your favorite streaming device.
If online streaming has changed the way many people access media content, then the Amazon Fire TV Stick (or Firestick for short) has undoubtedly changed the way we stream. As streaming has become more reliable in recent years, there have been various devices come to market which have tried to provide the perfect streaming solution. Everything from Smart TVs to set-top boxes has been tried and, while some have been more successful than others, it is the Firestick which has been the first to really capture the public’s imagination.
Why is this? Well, the two biggest pull factors for the Firestick are its flexibility and portability. By downloading apps you can access just about any streaming service on a Firestick. And its size means you can take it with you anywhere and just plug it into your TV (or any other HDMI-enabled device) and start streaming. If you ever run into issues like your Fire Stick not working properly, there are helpful troubleshooting guides available to get you back up and running quickly.
Of all the apps available, it is probably Kodi which has helped the Firestick succeed the most. This open-source media player has add-ons available which allow you to stream just about anything. But all Firestick users and especially those running Kodi, are strongly advised to use a VPN for reasons of security, privacy, and access.
In this article, we will explain why ExpressVPN is a great choice as well as explain how to install ExpressVPN on Firestick.
Why Use a VPN with a Firestick?
There are a number of compelling reasons why it is highly advisable to use a VPN with a Firestick. Doubters point to the potential impact a VPN can have on connection speeds, which can, in turn, disrupt streaming. But the best VPNs, including ExpressVPN, have such a minimal impact that for almost all users, this will barely be noticeable. But if you want to use your Firestick to its full capacity, the benefits of using a VPN are clear:
- Security: The operating system on which a Firestick runs is called Fire OS and is based on Android. Android smartphones make up the bulk of the mobile OS market share which in turn makes them a big target for hackers. And Android itself is notoriously insecure when compared to rival OS’s such as iOS. As a result, Firesticks are also vulnerable to being hacked or monitored. But using a VPN will encrypt all of your online traffic and therefore ensure your Firestick and all your personal data is secure.
- Public Wi-Fi: The Firestick’s portability is a big attraction, but this is likely to mean connecting it to public Wi-Fi networks if you are traveling with it. These are also notoriously unsafe and can put user data at risk. But again, the encryption offered by a VPN will protect all of your data which means you can use your Firestick on public Wi-Fi with confidence.
- Accessing content abroad: Being portable, many Firestick users think they can take their entertainment around the world with them on business trips or holidays. But it is often not that simple. Most streaming services are only available in selected countries and will use geo-restrictive technology to prevent their service being used elsewhere. But with a VPN, you can get around this and by connecting to a server in your home country, should be able to use services from anywhere in the world.
- Using Kodi: As we noted above, the popularity of Firestick is owed, in no small part, to Kodi. It is the perfect device to run Kodi on, but that does come with risks. Some of the unofficial add-ons that can be downloaded onto Kodi can enable users to access copyrighted content and it is not unknown for users to face legal action after using them. But a VPN offers protection by encrypting data and making you anonymous online. With a VPN, you can use Kodi on a Firestick with confidence.
Why Choose ExpressVPN?
Almost all Firestick users utilise the device to stream content and for this, fast connection speeds are essential. Some VPNs can slow down connection speeds, but ExpressVPN prioritises fast connection speeds across its network, and the results are impressive. They offer a network of servers across 105 countries, all of which are configured to offer super-fast connections. This makes it the ideal VPN for anyone looking to use ExpressVPN on Firestick.
A large number of globally distributed servers also make using your Firestick overseas much easier, as unblocking geo-restricted content from around the world becomes far more straightforward.
This focus on speed certainly does not come at the expense of security and privacy either. ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, engineered specifically for faster, more stable streaming connections. All servers run on TrustedServer technology — a RAM-only infrastructure that wipes all data on every reboot, making it impossible for any session information to persist. ExpressVPN also holds an independently audited no-logs policy, so there is verified proof that your activity is never recorded. On top of that, their encryption is right up there with the strongest on the market, and they offer DNS leak protection and a kill switch as well. With no data limitations or file type restrictions, ExpressVPN on Firestick is the ideal setup to stream content on just about any service you can think of, especially Kodi.
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How to Install ExpressVPN on Firestick
ExpressVPN has a dedicated Fire TV app available directly in the Amazon Appstore, making installation quick and straightforward on most current Fire TV devices. If you own an older or unsupported device, skip to the sideloading method below as a fallback. If you want to compare another provider’s method, our Fire Stick VPN setup guide walks through a similar installation process for NordVPN.
Primary Method: Install from the Amazon Appstore
This is the recommended method for all current Fire TV Stick models. The native Fire TV app is purpose-built for the TV interface and is the easiest way to get up and running.
- Switch on your Firestick and wait until the home screen loads.
- Navigate to the Search icon (the magnifying glass) on the top menu and type ExpressVPN.
- Select the ExpressVPN result from the Amazon Appstore and click Download (or Get).
- Once the download completes, click Open to launch the app.
- Sign in to your ExpressVPN account. See the sign-in options in the How to Use ExpressVPN on Firestick section below.
- When prompted, approve the VPN connection request by selecting OK. This allows ExpressVPN to manage your device’s VPN settings.
- Choose a server location and tap the power button to connect. You are now protected.
Fallback Method: Sideloading (Older or Unsupported Devices)
If your Fire TV device does not support the native Appstore app, you can sideload the ExpressVPN Android APK as a workaround. Note that the sideloaded Android app is designed for phones and tablets, so the interface may appear less TV-friendly than the native Fire TV app. Follow the steps below:
- First, switch on your Firestick and wait until the homepage loads.
- Then, on the menu along the top, scroll until you see the tab for My Fire TV. Click on it.
- Select Developer Options. Depending on your version of Fire OS, you will see either Apps from Unknown Sources or Install Unknown Apps — set whichever option is present to ON.
- Return to the home page and this time scroll along the menu to the left until you reach the Search button, which looks like a magnifying glass.
- Select this and then type in Click on the same word below the keypad and then select the Downloader app icon, which is bright orange with a down arrow on it from the following screen.
- Click to install the app and then launch the Downloader app.
- The Downloader app main menu will be prompting you to enter a URL. Enter ExpressVPN’s official Android APK endpoint exactly: https://www.expressvpn.com/latest/android
- Click ‘Go‘ and this will download the ExpressVPN apk installation file. This may take a few moments.
- Once the ExpressVPN app download process is complete, click Install.
- Once the installation process is complete, click on Open to launch the ExpressVPN app. Note that because this APK file is formatted for Android phones and tablets rather than the Firestick, the interface may be less TV-friendly than the native Fire TV app and the screen may appear distorted — the app will still function correctly.
- The app will open to the sign-in page, where you will need to enter your account details. If you haven’t already signed up to use ExpressVPN on Firestick, you will now need to create an account. You can do this using the links above.
- Once you have signed in, you will need to configure the VPN. To do this, just select OK on both of the screens which appear.
- You will then be asked if you want to share anonymised analytics with ExpressVPN. We would advise you to select Don’t Allow here, but the choice is yours.
- The app should now open and you are ready to connect to an ExpressVPN server. Once you are connected, you can leave the app and return to the Home Page. The app will continue to run in the background.
Generational Issues with ExpressVPN on Firestick
Most current Fire TV Stick models are fully supported by the native ExpressVPN app available in the Amazon Appstore, so the vast majority of users can follow the primary installation method above without any issues. If you own an older Fire TV device, compatibility may vary — some older hardware can use the sideloading fallback method described above, while very old or discontinued models may no longer be supported at all. Whether a legacy device works is dependent on the specific hardware rather than being a universal rule, so it is worth trying the sideload method before assuming your device cannot connect.
If you are unsure which Fire TV device you own, you can check by navigating to Settings, then My Fire TV (or Device on older menus), and then About. This will show your device model and current Fire OS version.
How to Use ExpressVPN on Firestick
Once ExpressVPN is installed, the first thing you will need to do is sign in to your account. The native Fire TV app offers three convenient sign-in methods — choose whichever is easiest for you:
- QR code: On a phone or computer, open a browser and scan or visit the QR code displayed on your TV screen. This links your device automatically without needing to type anything on the TV.
- Activation code: A short code is displayed on the TV screen. Visit the activation page on another device, enter the code, and your Fire TV app signs in instantly.
- Email and password: Enter your ExpressVPN account credentials directly using the on-screen keyboard on your Firestick.
After signing in, ExpressVPN will display a VPN connection permission prompt. You must approve this to allow the app to manage your device’s VPN settings — tap OK to proceed. This is a standard Android/Fire OS security step and is completely normal.
Once you are signed in and the permission has been approved, connecting to a server is simple. If you just want to connect to the best server available and start using your Firestick, all you have to do is click on the large power button icon in the middle of the screen. ExpressVPN will automatically select the optimal server based on your location and connect you to it. It will display which server this is below the button and once it tells you the connection has been established, the button will turn green and you are away.
To disconnect, all you have to do is click the power button again. If you want to select a different server manually, all you have to do is click the Choose Location button and then select a location from the list.
Before leaving the app for the first time, it is worth heading into the app settings to enable launch on startup and auto-connect. With these enabled, ExpressVPN will start and connect automatically every time your Firestick powers on, so you are never accidentally streaming without protection. You will find both options under the Options menu accessed via the top-left menu button in the app.
Additional Features
That is all that most people will need to know about using ExpressVPN on Firestick, but you may also have noticed that in the top left of the screen is a menu button. Click on this and there are a number of additional features you can make use of:
- Help – the help button will allow you to connect with ExpressVPN’s 24-hour customer support. This is also where you will find their IP Checker and DNS Leak Test features.
- Options – Under the options tab you are able to set ExpressVPN to launch when the Firestick starts up, which is a useful feature worth enabling in case you forget to connect to your VPN. You can also switch VPN protocol if you so wish, but this is set to Automatic by default which means ExpressVPN will always pick the best VPN protocol for your network.
- Diagnostics – This feature will run a diagnostic test on your internet connection, but is only really an option for the tecchies out there to take a look at.
- Quit ExpressVPN – this will shut down the ExpressVPN app and disconnect it. Most Firestick users won’t want to do so, so instead should use the back button on their Firestick remote to return to the home page and leave ExpressVPN running in the background.
You never know when these additional features will come in handy, but for the majority of users running ExpressVPN on Firestick, just connecting to a server is all they will need to do. This can be done with just one single click on your remote or mouse. Once it’s up and running, you can adopt a “set it and forget it” attitude until the next time you switch your Firestick on.
Reader Feedback
Are you an avid Firestick user? How has using ExpressVPN on Firestick improved your streaming experience? Did you have any issues during the installation process? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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