How to Setup and Use NordVPN on Chromecast (Updated 2024)
TechShielder

How to Setup and Use NordVPN on Chromecast

Since its inception in 2013, Chromecast has taken the streaming industry by storm. The digital media player allows smartphone and computer users to play internet-streamed content on a TV. However, the easy-to-solve issue is that Chromecast only enables you to stream region-specific content. So, to bypass content restrictions, you need a VPN.

Lucky for you, NordVPN can help you solve this issue easily. But, if you don’t know what to do, you might shy away from installing it on Chromecast. Don’t sweat it!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about it.

How to setup NordVPN on your Chromecast

Although Chromecast does not have an in-built VPN, you can set it up through a router. The router may either be a physical one or a virtual router.

Set Up using a Physical Router

Step 1: Find out if your router is compatible with your VPN. If you’ve not purchased a router and you’re wondering the best one to buy, then check out some that NordVPN recommends here.

Step 2: Follow the steps to set up NordVPN on your router here. Once you’ve completed the steps, you’re closer to having NordVPN on your Chromecast. Because every device, including your Chromecast, is connected to the router, you can automatically enjoy NordVPN’s amazing features.

Step 3: Start the Chromecast app or setup guide.

Step 4: Connect to the network that your VPN enabled router is transmitting.

Step 5: Input your password and click ‘Set Network’.

If you’ve followed the steps above, you’re good to go.

Set Up using a Virtual Router

If your router doesn’t support NordVPN, or if you’re unable to set up NordVPN on your router, there’s still a way out. You can use your Computer or Mac as a virtual router to setup.

Steps to follow when using your computer as a virtual router

Step 1: Find out if your computer supports virtual routers. To do this, press ‘Windows + S’ on your keyboard to open the Windows search bar.

Step 2: Enter ‘cmd’ to display the Command Prompt. After, right-click on the Command Promptbar and click ‘Run as administrator’.

Step 3: Next, enter the command below.

netsh wlan show drivers

Step 4: After this, some text will appear. Find the line that says ‘Hosted network supported’.If it states ‘Yes’, then your Windows supports virtual routers. If it states ‘No’, update your network adapter drivers or follow the steps below.

Step 5: Press ‘Windows + S’to open the Windows search bar.

Step 6: Enter the text ‘cmd’ to display the Command Prompt. After, right-click on the Command Promptbar and click ‘Run as administrator’.

Step 7: Next, enter the command below. Replace the Network and Password with your preferred choice and press ‘Enter’.

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD

Step 8: After this, you should see a confirmation that the hosted network mode is allowed. Now, input the command below and press Enter.

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

Step 9: You should see a message showing that your hosted network started. Then, right-click on the Wi-Fi image at the end of your screen and select ‘Open Network and Sharing Center’.

Step 10: Go to ‘Change adapter settings’. Then, right-click on the VPN connection you created and select ‘Properties’.

Step 11: Navigate to the ‘Sharing’tab, then do the following:

  • Tick the box after ‘Allow OtherNetwork User to connect through this computer’s Internet connection’.
  • Below ‘Home Network Connection’, pick the connection you just created.

Step 12: Start the Chromecast app, then begin to set up.

Step 13: When you get to the part that states ‘Connect Chromecast to your Wi-Fi’, choose the virtual router you just created.

Step 14: Input your password for your virtual router. Then, select ‘Set Network‘.

If you followed the steps above correctly, then you can start enjoying VPN-enabled connections on your Chromecast.

Using your Mac

Step 1: Navigate to ‘System Preferences’, then go to the ‘Network’section.

Step 2: Click on the plus sign to add a new service.

Step 3: Select the following in the window that opens, then click ‘Create‘.

  • Interface: VPN
  • VPN Type: L2TP over IPSec
  • Service Name: Input your preferred name

Step 4: Navigate to the ‘Network’section and select the L2TPconnection you’ve just created.

Step 5: Input the server address and account name with details provided by NordVPN.

Step 6: Check ‘Show VPN status in the menu bar.’ Then, click on the ‘Authentication Settings’.

Step 7: Select the ‘Password’button and input your VPN’s password.

Step 8: Input any number in the ‘Shared Secret‘ box then click ‘OK’. However, ensure you remember them.

Step 9: Click ‘Options’ and confirm that you’ve ticked all the top three boxes. Then, save all your changes and exit the page.

Step 10: Navigate to ‘Sharing’ from your ‘System Preferences’ menu.

Step 11: Select ‘Internet Sharing’and enter the following.

  • Share your connection from: Choose the L2TP VPN connection you created in step 3.
  • To Computers using: Tick the Wi-Fi box

Step 12: Select ‘Wi-Fi Options‘, input the following, then click ‘OK’.

  • Network Name: Enter your preferred name
  • Channel: Default channel
  • Security: WPA2 Personal
  • Password: Choose your password
  • Verify: Confirm the password

Step 13: Navigate to ‘Internet Sharing’ and tick the box next to it. When you see a request to turn on internet sharing, select ‘Start’.

Step 14: If Internet Sharing is active, you’ll see a green light next to ‘Internet Sharing: On‘.

Step 15: Start the Chromecast app and begin to set up.

Step 16: When you get to the part that states ‘Connect Chromecast to your Wi-Fi’, choose the virtual router you just created.

Step 17: Input the password of your virtual router. After, select ‘Set Network’.

If you followed the steps above correctly, then your Chromecast should have a VPN enabled connection by now.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why should I use NordVPN on my Chromecast?

Using NordVPN will help grant you access to all geo-restricted content on your Chromecast. What content you can access on streaming platforms is based on your location. You can’t access BBC iPlayer except if you’re in the UK. Neither can you stream Hulu except you’re in the US. NordVPN will help you change your IP address and grant you seamless access to the content of your choice. It will also help prevent online threats and cyberattacks when using the internet. It has one of the best security features a VPN service offers, to help you stream safely. 

Why can’t I cast when I use a VPN?

Your Chromecast has to be on the same network as the device you’re casting from before it can cast effectively. It won’t be possible to use a VPN that changes your IP address on your Chromecast, then still cast from your mobile device. The best way to go about it is to connect your NordVPN on both your Chromecast and your casting device on the same VPN router. It will help protect all your devices and allow you to cast effectively. 

Does Chromecast track what I cast?

Yes, your Chromecast privacy policy allows it to collect system activity and usage of data even on the apps and domains you cast. It is possible to delete your data on your Chromecast settings, but much safer to use NordVPN to protect your privacy. It will hide your data and give you a good connection speed. 

Is it legal to use NordVPN on my Chromecast?

Yes, it is legal to use NordVPN on your Chromecast. VPNs are allowed in almost every country in the world. However, countries like Iraq and North Korea have banned the use of VPN in their countries. You can confirm the legality status of VPNs in your country before using one. 

Summary

We hope this guide helped you understand each method of setting up NordVPN on your Chromecast device. You may also like to read our full NordVPN review where we rate features and performance, alternatively take a look at all of our VPN provider reviews and for anything else check out our NordVPN FAQ.

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