Configuring OpenVPN / NordVPN on Nvidia Shield TV / Android TV using Native TV Application

Discussion in 'Application Guides' started by Nimrod, Aug 20, 2017.

  1. Nimrod

    Nimrod Exotic Vendor

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    This guide shows you how to setup your NordVPN (or other OpenVPN) provider on your Android TV like the Nvidia Shield TV using a native application which works via the remote.

    Some providers already provide a Native TV application, but the majority don't which is really annoying. If you want to use their apps you have to sideload the APK downloaded from an external source and then deal with using a keyboard/mouse to simulate a touch screen interface which isnt exactly ideal on an Android TV / Nvidia Shield TV in a living room where a Remote / Controller tends to be used.

    I found this workaround which I use detailed below to provide a native remote friendly interface, while getting all the benefits of the VPN.

    If you havent got a provider yet, I strongly recommend NordVPN. If you use the coupon code "2YDeal2017" you can get 2 years service for only $79.99 which is a massive steal. I picked NordVPN because of its zero logging policy, it's Netflix US friendly as well as P2P friendly while operating out of Panama meaning DMCA and Blocking Streams just doesnt happen.

    To get started, fire up the Google Play store on your Android TV and look for the app: OpenVPN for Android like so:

    Google Play Store_20170820_120609.png

    It's totally free which is great!

    Once installed, it will appear as a native tile on your Android TV Box:

    Leanback Launcher_20170820_120638.png

    Open it up and then click 'Import' which is highlighted below:

    OpenVPN for Android_20170820_120712.png
    This is where you will need your OpenVPN Configuration Files. Most VPN providers will have these available on their website. If you are using NordVPN then you can download them from:

    https://nordvpn.com/ovpn/

    Download them, and place them on your Android TV device either by USB Stick, SD Card, External Media or using one of the many file importers available on Android to get it on your native file system.

    Once done, navigate to them in the OpenVPN Android TV client and import them by selecting them like so:

    Documents_20170820_120724.png

    Once imported, you'll need to then insert your Username and Password for your provider; this is as the files you downloaded are generic and not tied to your account. You can do this by selecting the 'Pencil' icon next to your provider on the Main Screen.

    OpenVPN for Android_20170820_120758.png

    And that's all there is to it! You can import as many as you like (so for me, I've put some UK, US and NL ones so I can jump between regions as needed). One other tweak I recommend is once you know it's working, in the settings I'd recommend turning off the 'Open Log on Connection' and that way the App will be kept quite neat and not fire up a load of text you need to close every time it connects.

    You are now set to go ahead and enjoy Netflix US or use the many great Kodi plugins without censorship or being blocked by the likes of the Premier League. The best bit about this is once it's setup, its so easy to switch between them all from the comfort of your Remote, it's non-technical to so I've taught all the members of the household how to do it and they no longer struggle. The connections also last the device going to sleep mode and waking back up so you can have the VPN connections permanently enabled if you wish.

    Other notes I've found, local connections also still work perfectly, so if you have a network tuner or Plex box, you can direct connect to it via the local network while connected to the VPN, and network shares etc all continue to work. Then if you connect to remote sites or devices, the VPN is then used. :)
     
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  2. Creepipoops

    Creepipoops New Member

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    Thanks for your input which I have tried to follow. However when I try to enter login details and password these are not recognised. Where am I going wrong?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 26, 2017
  3. InsaneNutter

    InsaneNutter Resident Nutter Staff Member

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    I would contact NordVPN and ensure your account is active and ok.
     
  4. Creepipoops

    Creepipoops New Member

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    Nord vpn account is active
     
  5. Nimrod

    Nimrod Exotic Vendor

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    You need to contact NordVPN support. This guide isnt doing anything special - it's just installing an OpenVPN client on your device.
    If your login is getting rejected, your either entering your username/password wrong or have locked your account. There's nothing we can do to help you here.
     
  6. canitastig

    canitastig New Member

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    Thanks so much for the guide, this was really helpful. NordVPN connects without any issues, however I get error messages if I try to log into Amazon prime video or Netflix (which doesn't happen if I do the same from a computer with a NordVPN connection active). "There's a problem with the internet connection" or something. If I watch YouTube though, it works. I tried several servers from the list. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
     
  7. Nimrod

    Nimrod Exotic Vendor

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    Yeah, Netflix and Amazon Video tend to try and block VPN Providers. If you go on the NordVPN support and ask, you can find the 'Netflix' recommended ones (basically which Server IP's aren't blocked)
    At the moment, the US servers for me aren't banned from Netflix, but it's always a game of cat and mouse.
     
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  8. canitastig

    canitastig New Member

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    Thanks! I managed to log onto Netflix eventually, but I couldn't make Amazon Prime work, and I tried to use all of NordVPN's recommended servers. That's too bad, as it works fine from my laptop.
     
  9. Davespond

    Davespond New Member

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    Hey thanks for the guide, just bought a Sony Android TV and followed your instructions. Works a treat! I can watch US Netflix now in Australia.
     

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