This tutorial will show you How to Increase VPN Speed on Firestick, Fire TV, and Android TV Boxes.
We frequently receive questions on the TROYPOINT site regarding VPN speed and how to increase performance.
There are a few tips that can be used to ensure we are getting maximum download speeds when our VPN is active.
Many of these tips can also be found within our popular Firestick buffering guide.
Prior to diving into the tutorial, it is important for you to know how a VPN functions so you understand some of the remedies outlined below.
When we connect to the Internet through a VPN, we are first establishing a secure connection to the provider’s server.
When this happens, our Internet connection is assigned a new IP address, and data is encrypted.
By doing this, it decreases our Internet connection naturally.
Running a VPN on a Firestick or any device requires processing power which could also diminish download speed as well.
With that being said, you will usually see better speeds on high-powered devices such as the NVIDIA Shield as compared to a Firestick or Chromecast with Google TV.
This is because the NVIDIA Shield has higher processing power which results in better download speeds when a VPN is active.
Most cord-cutters use a VPN so that their Internet Service Provider, government, app/addon developers, and hackers can’t log what they are accessing online.
A VPN encrypts your connection to the Internet and masks your IP address so you become anonymous.
Check out our detailed VPN Guide for everything you need to know about VPNs and how to install them on any device.
If you are wondering whether or not your speed is sufficient for streaming High Definition files, the following guide will provide you with all the answers to the question: What is a Good Internet Speed?
It is important to note that you should not get too hung up on internet speeds when using a VPN as long as your content is still playing!
As you will see in the image below, it doesn’t take much speed to stream 1080p content.
And with some of the helpful tips below, we can adjust VPN Settings to get the most out of a VPN for ultimate security and speed.
In the following guides, we are using a Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Surfshark VPN, which is touted as the Best VPN for streaming among cord-cutters.
However, this same process can be used for any Internet-connected device or VPN service.
How To Increase VPN Speed
Listed below are the best methods to increase VPN Speed on your preferred device.
Change Your VPN Protocol
Most VPN services come with a choice of multiple protocols that may be accessed through the settings menu of the application.
VPN Protocols have different uses and features that can help users get the most out of their connection.
We suggest reading the guide below to help you find the VPN Protocol that is best suited for your situation.
We have found that you will likely see a VPN speed increase by using WireGuard.
In the Surfshark application, Wireguard is pre-selected as the Protocol connection type.
However, many find that changing the VPN Protocol to a different option can increase VPN Speeds on Firestick, Android, and more.
1. Launch Surfshark on your preferred device.
2. Click Settings.
3. Choose VPN Settings.
4. Select Protocol.
5. Choose UDP.
With UDP selected, we can now test our Internet Speed and adjust the server settings to find the fastest choice.
You can also try other Protocol connections and test your internet speed to find the fastest Protocol for your device.
Connect To VPN Server Close To Your Location
It only makes sense that connecting to a VPN server closer to your location will provide faster download speeds since the data has less distance to travel.
Most VPN applications come with an auto-connect button that tries to connect to the fastest server. However, this method usually doesn’t work well with most VPN services.
We recommend manually selecting a server within your VPN connection panel that is near your current location.
NOTE: In the steps below, we will use a free Internet Speed Test application called Analiti Speed Test WiFi Analyzer. You can find this app in the Amazon App Store & Google Play Store.
How to Install Analiti Speed Test
1. Return to Surfshark App home-screen and click Connect. You will then see your Connected Status
2. Go back to your device home-screen and launch Analiti.
4. Analiti immediately begins analyzing your internet speed. Wait for the test to finish and review your results.
5. Return to Surfshark and try changing the Server to a location nearest you
6. Wait for your connection to establish.
7. Return to your device home screen and launch the Analiti app.
8. Allow Analiti to analyze and you will see your speed results.
That’s it! We recommend experimenting with various server locations until you find the one that offers the fastest speeds for you.
If you require a VPN provider with lightning-fast speeds, we recommend our #1 VPN Provider.
Increase VPN Speed via Split Tunneling (Bypass VPN)
Most VPN Applications offer a Split Tunneling feature that allows users to select applications that won’t go through the VPN connection.
This is an excellent way to increase.
Speeds can be increased by disabling your VPN for various apps that don’t work well when connected.
Surfshark has a fabulous split tunneling option called Bypass VPN that allows you to select apps that will not be routed through your VPN Connection.
You can find this feature within the Settings of the Surfshark application.
1. Launch Surfshark and go to Features.
2. Enable Bypass VPN by clicking on it.
3. Choose the preferred apps you wish to bypass.
Your selected apps will no longer be routed through your Surfshark connection, potentially increasing your VPN Speed.
Other Ways to Increase VPN Speed
1. Restart Your Device
The first solution I always recommend for anything computer-related is to restart your device.
It’s incredible how this simple action can resolve many issues with computers and media streaming devices.
Check out our Firestick restart tutorial for detailed instructions and additional information.
How to Restart Firestick/Fire TV
If a device restart doesn’t help, then consider doing a Firestick Reset.
2. Upgrade to Ethernet Connection
At times, your home wireless connection may become unreliable due to factors like distance from the router or low bandwidth.
I recommend exploring a Firestick Ethernet Adapter, which could potentially improve your VPN speeds.
If your home lacks ethernet jacks in the walls, a Powerline Adapter is a good alternative.
3. Restart Your Wireless Router & Modem
Another tip to boost VPN speed is to restart both your wireless router and Internet modem.
Unplug both devices from the power outlet, let them rest for ten minutes, and then plug them back in.
It’s advisable to start by plugging your modem back in and once it’s started, plug in your wireless router.
If the aforementioned steps don’t enhance your VPN speed, your Internet speed may be insufficient.
Many internet providers offer speed upgrades for a slight increase in your monthly cost, which is often worth it.
Using a VPN router may also aid in improving VPN speed gradually.
Vilfo VPN Router Review & Setup
4. Update Device Software
Updating your device to the latest software version can eliminate bugs in previous versions, prevent app crashes, and potentially increase VPN speed!
Check out the guide below to help you install the latest software update for your device.
How To Update Firestick/Fire TV
These tips outlined above should help increase your VPN speed and make for a more enjoyable streaming experience!
Read more about Surfshark VPN through our in-depth review which you will find below.
How to Increase VPN Speed FAQ
How do you Increase VPN Speed?
There are several ways to increase VPN speed. Some of the popular methods include switching VPN protocols, changing servers, and restarting your device. You can find other helpful tips listed in this guide.
What is the Fastest VPN?
The market’s fastest and most popular VPN is Surfshark. They have recently completed network upgrades and continue to enhance their service incrementally.
What is ISP Throttling?
ISP throttling happens when an ISP slows your connection speed due to excessive streaming activities from your end. Connecting to a VPN service like Surfshark can be a beneficial solution.
Can I Improve VPN Speed on Firestick?
Yes, this guide instructs on increasing VPN Speed for a Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The same procedure applies to any other device with your VPN App installed.