Chromecast Not Working With a VPN? Here's How To Fix That

If you want to keep on streaming seamlessly with your Chromecast, no matter where you are in the world, there is no better tool than a VPN that will get you there. While they’re not completely faultless, a VPN will allow you to browse the internet and stream whatever content you desire.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Chromecast:

• ExpressVPN – Consistently fast speeds and reliable connections at all times.
• Cyberghost – Complete privacy guaranteed with an excellent zero-logging policy.
• Surfshark – Affordable prices with unlimited simultaneous connections.
• ZenMate – Simple to use, a perfect VPN solution for any beginner.
• Proton VPN – Top-notch security features that go above and beyond protecting your online activity.

Our pick for Best VPN for Chromecast: ExpressVPN

The Problem with Chromecast VPN

Chromecast, unlike other devices, doesn’t run dedicated apps so there is no way to get into the settings and change your network settings. There is a light at the end of the data tunnel though as you can set up your Chromecast VPN to work with your router. While it isn’t as simple as downloading the VPN app straight to your computer or mobile device.

The Solution

You can set up a virtual router on both Windows and Mac computers, however, if you have a router that works with VPNs, it is much easier and safer to do it that way. By routing all your online traffic via your router it means there is you don’t have to configure computers or phones within your home. You also will not have to remember to turn on your VPN each time.

One of the issues that you must consider is that not all VPNs are the same. While many will have hundreds of endpoints spread across the country, some have better server numbers and locations than others. It is important to think about which VPN service providers offer a maximum spread of servers so you can always choose the right location depending on what you need your VPN to do.

How to Set Up a Chromecast VPN

You have two options for setting up a Chromecast VPN with your router. This includes setting it up directly with your physical router and creating a virtual router.

Setting Up a VPN on Your Physical Router and Connecting to Chromecast

1. Firstly, you have to find out what type of router you have. This is easily done with a quick Google search, but it is important as you have to find out whether your router is VPN-compatible.
2. Select a reliable VPN that is compatible with your router.
3. Sign up for your chosen VPN and then head over the setup guides. Find the guide for your router.
4. Follow the instructions to set up the VPN on the router. As soon as this step is complete, all of the devices that are connected to your router will be secure.
5. Connect to a server of your choice and then open up the Chromecast app.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and enjoy.

How to Set Up and Cast VPN on a Virtual Router and Connect to Chromecast

If the above option is not possible because your router isn’t compatible with your VPN or you don’t have the technological knowhow to get it working, don’t stress because you can always use your desktop computer in order to set up a virtual router for your VPN cast.

Prior to setting it up, you will have to choose your preferred VPN and download the software straight to your computer. Then, you need to launch the app and connect to a server.

Setting up a virtual router using your PC

1. Launch the search bar on your PC by hitting the keys Windows + S.
2. Open up Command Prompt and then right-click and select Run as administrator.
3. Enter the following: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD
4. Set the following values to name your virtual router:

– ssid=[choose a name for your network]

– key=[choose a password for your network] and hit Enter.

5. Now you should see the following message pop up:

– The hosted network mode has been set to allow.

– The SSID of the hosted network has been successfully changed.

– The user key passphrase of the hosted network has been successfully changed.

6. Enter the following in the prompt:

– netsh wlan start hostednetwork

7. Hit Enter.
8. It should now come up with this message: “The hosted network started.”
9. Right-click the wi-fi icon at the bottom right corner of your screen and then go to Open Network and Sharing Center.
10. Go to Change adapter settings.
11. Right-click on the VPN connection you have generated and go to Properties.
12. Go to the Sharing tab.

– Check the box next to “Allow Other Network User to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”

– Check the box next to “Allow other network users to control or disable the shared Internet connection.”

– Under Home Network Connection, select the connection you’ve just created.

13. Hit OK.
14. Open up Chromecast app and then follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
15. When you get to, “Connect Chromecast to your wi-fi,” choose the virtual router that you have created.
16. Type the password for your virtual router, then click Set Network.
17. You are all set up with your virtual router and can enjoy unlimited content from around the world.

Setting up a virtual router using your Mac

1. Make sure to connect the ethernet cable from your Mac to the cable or DSL modem.
2. Go to the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
3. Select Sharing.
4. Click the lock icon and confirm with an administrator account to make changes.
5. From the sidebar, select Internet Sharing.
6. From the Share your connection from the menu, select Ethernet.
7. In To computers using box, select the Wi-Fi checkbox.
8. Click Wi-Fi Options. The window shown below appears.
9. Enter a chosen name for the wireless network in the Network Name field.
10. Leave the Channel setting alone – your Mac will automatically determine the best setting for this.
11. From the Security menu, select 128-bit WEP. It will protect your wireless network as well as your Mac from unauthorized access.
12. Enter a 13- or 26-character password in the Password and Confirm Password fields.
13. Click OK. You should see the Sharing window in System Preferences again.
14. Select the Internet Sharing checkbox.
15. Click Start.
16. You have successfully enabled your Mac as a wireless router.

Our Top Picks For The Best Chromecast VPN

Now that we have covered how you can set up a VPN for Chromecast, you will have to choose the right VPN for the job. There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, but unfortunately many promise to do a lot more than they actually do. Here are our top recommendations for your Chromecast VPN.

#1 ExpressVPN

You’ve probably heard about ExpressVPN and this is because they are one of the leading VPN services in the world. Users are able to enjoy more than 3,000 servers in over 160 locations around the world as well as five simultaneous connections.

Compatible with all major platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Apple TV or Fire TV Stick and your router, you will have no trouble getting ExpressVPN to work with Chromecast. There are also detailed instructions as to how to get this done on the ExpressVPN website.

With jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, users don’t have to worry about their online data being recorded as there are no data retention laws requiring ExpressVPN to do this in the area.

A lot of VPN service providers have issues with working around the regional blocks put in place by streaming services like Netflix, but for ExpressVPN, this isn’t a problem. On top of that, it is one of the fastest VPNs on the market at the moment with a 99.9% uptime guarantee.

Customer service is always important because when you stumble across a problem, you want to solve it sooner rather than later. Luckily, ExpressVPN offers an instant online chat platform, as well as a ticketing and emailing service. The blog found on the ExpressVPN website is full of useful tips and tricks that will ensure a seamless experience.

ExpressVPN also offers a special deal, get 3 months free and 49% savings with their annual subscription plan!

Want to know more about ExpressVPN? Find out everything you need to know in our detailed review.

#2 CyberGhost

CyberGhost is also an excellent choice for Chromecast, coming in at a close second. This VPN has more than 5,600 servers in 90 countries around the world and is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, as well as your router. The great thing about CyberGhost is that you can piggyback your connection from any other services that have the CyberGhost app running.

This VPN company is based in Romania, a country that has rendered its laws unconstitutional, which is fantastic news for user privacy.

Just like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost has an online chat service as well as a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here

#3 Surfshark

Surfshark is one of the newbies on the block but has built up quite a reputation for itself. It has more than 1,000 servers around the globe and is based in the British Virgin Islands.

The best part about Surfshark is that you can have as many simultaneous connections as you like.

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here

#4 ZenMate

When it comes to the user interface, ZenMate is one of the most straightforward apps on the market. The privacy policy gets right to the point, ensuring that when you use ZenMate, you will not be able to be identified from government authorities or other third parties.

ZenMate is a little lackluster when it comes to customer support as it doesn’t have online chat options like the other three options we mentioned above. You can send an email, but it can take up to five days for the team to reply, which isn’t ideal. This doesn’t have to be the case as we got an answer back within 10 minutes of our query.

There is a seven-day free trial available as well as five simultaneous connections.

#5 ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN was created by the scientists, engineers, and cryptographers that brought you ProtonMail, the world’s largest emailing service. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN must comply with some of the strictest user privacy in the world.

Another cool fact about ProtonVPN is that it owns and manages all of its own servers meaning it will connect to the internet by exclusively using its own network. Secure Core is an excellent added feature that we cannot go past.

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here

Conclusion

Due to the fact that Chromecast doesn’t have built-in VPN functions, it is a little more difficult than it usually would be to get your Chromecast VPN working. This isn’t to say it’s impossible, but there is definitely a little more work involved than just downloading the appropriate app for your computer or smartphone.

Choosing the right VPN to use with Chromecast is also essential, as it will give you access to geo-blocked content as well as ensure that third-parties or your ISP cannot track and monitor what it is you do online. The right VPN for Chromecast must have router capabilities such as the ones we listed above.