Using VPN For Streaming
One of the most common uses of a VPN is streaming. Thats because most streaming platforms offer different content for different regions, while some streaming options are downright unavailable in certain countries. From a user perspective, thats really unfair.
Luckily, even these problems can be solved by the almighty VPN. By changing your IP address, a VPN service spoofs your country, tricking the streaming page of your choice. Thus giving you the posiibility to watch the Oscars, new movies, TV shows, and sporting events like Formula 1 online from any location.
Unluckily, Netflix and other pages are constantly blocking VPN traffic , making it more and more difficult to bypass geographical restrictions.
As a result, trying to unblock streaming services is a never-ending battle, and a VPN that works today might be unable to help you watch geo-blocked movies tomorrow. Thus, its a good idea to buy monthly VPN subscriptions, constantly switching to the service that works with your favorite streaming site.
Tunnelbear Best For Infrequent Usage
TunnelBear is a real VPN with a Chrome extension. Unlike most premium VPN services, TunnelBear has a free account with a data limit instead of a time limit. If you want a real VPNs power and control, but only occasionally, TunnelBear will work for you.
- Free Server Locations: Access to all paid servers
- Paid Server Locations: Servers in 20 countries
- Encryption standards: 256 bit symmetric encryption
- Privacy: Logs connections but not traffic or IP addresses.
- Connection Speed: Fast, connections as 50MB/s even on free plans
- Pricing: Free accounts are free forever, paid accounts start at $9.99 per month or $4.99 per month billed annually
How it works
Install the extension, click on it and youll be asked to create an account. All you need is your email address, and when you confirm your free account youll get access to the 500MB a month that comes with a free account.
Be warned, doesnt play that well with some other Chrome extensions when we tested it, Ghostery and OneTab crashed.
Start Using A VPN On A Chromebook
Once you have a functioning VPN configuration, you can easily access it again. Just click your user icon in the lower right, and then click the VPN Disconnected option. All of the connections you’ve manually configured will appear under the OpenVPN/L2TP section. If you have VPN Android apps or Chrome OS apps, they’ll appear in their respective sections. To create a new configuration, just click the blue plus sign in the section you want.
To switch on the VPN, just select it from the list. That goes for Android VPN apps and Chrome OS apps, too. You can click on it a second time to configure that specific connection. Or you can open the Settings menu, navigate to the Network section, and click the caret next to the connection you want to configure.
Each connection has its own host of options. Toggles let you prefer a particular network, or always connect to the network when your Chromebook is in use. These are great options, and I recommend you use them.
You can also update the server information for a given connection, simply by overwriting the server hostname. That’s handy, in case the server you were using is deactivated by your VPN company. You can change the username and password for the connection by clicking the Configure button. Note that you can’t change the provider type . To do that, you’ll have to create a new connection.
If one of your configurations doesn’t work or simply doesn’t suit you anymore, just click the Forget button.
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Change Chrome Location On Your Iphone
The process for changing your Chrome location on an Apple phone is slightly different but just as straightforward. Just follow these steps:
How Do I Know If My Chromebook Supports Android Apps
As previously mentioned, installing the ExpressVPN app is only possible if your Chromebook supports Android apps. Although many do support them, there are exceptions.
The general rule is that all Chromebooks manufactured in 2019 or later support Android apps unless specified otherwise. However, some Chromebooks made before 2019 support Android apps, too. If youre interested in checking the Chromebooks manufactured before 2019 that support the Android apps, visit this page.
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Tunnelbear For Chrome Faq
I already have a Monthly or Yearly TunnelBear subscription, do I also get unlimited data for the extension?
Absolutely, all Monthly or Yearly TunnelBear subscriptions will also get you unlimited data on TunnelBear for Chrome.
Should I use TunnelBear for Chrome or full featured TunnelBear for Windows / macOS?
TunnelBear for Chrome only secures your browser data while TunnelBear for Windows and macOS secures all the data that leaves your computer. TunnelBear for Windows / macOS is also much more resistant to blocking in censored countries. If you live in a censored country, or frequently use apps outside your browser, you should stick with our macOS and Windows apps. If you are looking for a lightweight solution just for your browser then TunnelBear for Chrome is for you.
What about Firefox? Internet Explorer? Safari?
We hope to add extensions for more browsers in the future.
Why do you keep putting so many Bears in your apps?
Because Bears are insane killing machines that like their privacy.
Is TunnelBear for Chrome a VPN?
While TunnelBear for Chrome has VPN-like capabilities, its actually an encrypted proxy. For a full-featured VPN you can download our apps for macOS and Windows.
TunnelBear
Setting Up A Virtual Router For Older Windows Os
If you want to set up a virtual router for you Chromecast on older Windows OS, see below:
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How To Prevent Webrtc Leaks
Some apps that run inside Chrome require a feature called WebRTC. Those include extensions for torrenting, voice calls, and video chats. WebRTC was built into Chrome and other browsers so that separate plugins wouldnt have to be installed.
A key way that VPNs protect users privacy is by masking their true IP addresses. Unfortunately, WebRTC can expose a devices original IP address even when the VPN is enabled in whats known as a WebRTC leak.
To prevent a WebRTC leak in Chrome, youll require an extension. A handful are available, but this one is the official release from Google. Once installed, right-click the extension icon and go to Options. Check the box next to Use my proxy server : and exit the pop-up window to save your settings.
You should now be protected from WebRTC leaks when using a VPN.
How Do I Enable A VPN In Google Chrome
ByJames Lairdlast updated 28 May 20
A step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN in Chrome in seconds
There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, when surfing the internet. And being the worlds favorite browser, its no surprise that getting a VPN for Chrome is on the to-do list for many.
Not only do they generally keep your private data safe from hackers and government surveillance agencies, they can also stop your ISP from throttling your connection speeds and bandwidth.
Additionally, they offer a useful and perfectly legal workaround for accessing geo-restricted content. For instance, use one for Netflix and you can stream content from any version of the service, such as watching Netflix US in the UK . In other cases, you may live in a country that blocks certain sites and services entirely , in which case a VPN can help you stay connected to friends via Facebook or simply help you catch-up on your favourite TV shows.
Despite a certain mystique surrounding VPNs, theyre actually remarkably easy to install and convenient to use. This is especially true when it comes to Googles popular Chrome browser, where all you need to do is install an extension.
Our pick for best Chrome VPN extension is currently ExpressVPN, so well show you how to enable that as its the easiest and most reliable to use based on our testing.
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The 5 Best Free Chrome VPNs To Unblock Any Website
Advertisers, governments, schools, and companies are watching where you go online. While advertisers just want to follow you around and sell you stuff, your school or company might block certain websites so you cant access them.
This is often done in a heavy-handed, thoughtless way. Either by using algorithms to block entire topics or by blacklisting individual sites. The Chinese government, for example, blocks every Google domain. That includes Gmail. If youre traveling to China and use Gmail, its nearly impossible to do your job while traveling.
You can also find that youre barred from websites and content based on your location. Netflix, for example, serves completely different content based on your location. You might be halfway through an amazing series and then lose access by traveling to another country. The reverse is worse. Ive come across amazing shows while traveling, got halfway through, and then lost access once I got home when I didnt even realize the country access was different.
So how do we get around these restrictions?
Use a VPN .
Strictly speaking, theres no such thing as Chrome VPN, but plenty of VPNs have a Chrome extension that lets you control the VPN through your browser. Many are completely free too. If you want easy access to the sites you want, wherever you are, theyre great choices.
First, a word of caution
Does Your Chromebook Need A VPN
A VPN, or virtual private network, creates an encrypted tunnel between your Chromebook and a server operated by a VPN company. By passing your internet traffic through that tunnel, you ensure it cannot be spied on in transit. You need a VPN because when it’s active, anyone on the same network as you, anyone that can access that network’s router, your ISP, and sneaky intelligence agents will all be kept in the dark. This is most critical on public Wi-Fi networks, but it’s important in every context.
Once your data reaches the VPN server, it’s no longer encrypted. But because it appears to be coming from the VPN server and not your computer , your IP address is hidden. It’s also much harder to correlate online activities directly to you. Plus, if you’re connecting to HTTPS sites, your data will be encrypted at every step of your web browsing.
You can also use a VPN to spoof your location. Just connect to a VPN server in a far-flung locale and all of a sudden your web traffic appears to be coming from the other side of the globe. This is useful for tunneling past repressive online censorship or just tricking a streaming service into letting you watch movies from a different part of the world. That said, using Netflix with a VPN can be difficult, because the company works hard to block VPNs. Note that using a VPN in these ways may break terms of services you’ve agreed to, and even local laws.
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How To Install VPN For Chrome Three Easy Steps
Follow the instructions below to achieve rapid and safe Internet connection. Feel free to contact our support if you have any questions.
Choose a convenient subscription plan here and sign up. We offer a variety of plans tailored to match your needs.
Browse the web safely and freely using our 50+ server locations available and more than 2500 servers.
Getting Help With Your Browser Extension & Troubleshooting
If something isnt working as expected with your VPN browser extension for Chrome, your first port of call should be your VPN service provider as the customer support team is best equipped to troubleshoot any issues.
You should also double check that your credentials are correct depending on the VPN service, you may need to log into the app using a username rather than your email address.
If you see a grey X on the ExpressVPN Chrome extension icon its a sign that the extension cant find the desktop application.
ExpressVPN works in tandem with the desktop application, so make sure that the app is installed first in order to connect.
Most other VPN services have browser extensions that work independently of the desktop app, so you dont need to run the two pieces of software together although we recommend that you do for ultimate privacy protection.
If your VPN browser extension still isnt working, you may not have set it up properly, or it could be installed in the wrong place on your computer. To fix this, click the icon in Chrome and reinstall it.
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How To Spoof Your Location Using A VPN Service
Spoofing your location using a VPN consists of a few easy-to-follow steps:
VPNs are handy tools for unblocking geo-blocked content around the world, including streaming services, gambling services, gaming arenas and financial resources.
However, I should note that many providers of these resources have become adept at detecting and blocking VPN connections to their servers.
Before subscribing to a particular VPN provider, check with the providers customer support staff to ensure their VPN offers reliable access to your resource of choice.
Build Safety Habits How To Use A VPN For Chrome On A Daily Basis
Browsing the web is no longer a benign activity. The Chrome browser is on your side and tries to protect you from hackers , but you need the extra protection provided by a VPN app or extension.
Keep yourself safe and:
- Have a VPN app installed on your devices and a VPN extension on your Chrome browser.
- Do not install free VPNs or free Chrome VPN extensions offered by shady providers. Your data may be monitored and sold. Even though some services, like Hotspot Shield, are popular that does not mean that they are protecting your privacy. There is evidence that they are doing the opposite.
- such that your VPN account does not get suspended unexpectedly. Check this post to find great deals from trustworthy services.
- Turn on your VPN for Chrome when browsing x-rated or similar content.
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Set Up Using The L2tp Protocol
If your Chromebook VPN provider doesnt offer a Chrome extension and your Chromebook doesnt have access to the Play Store, youll have to go with entering all the required information manually . Its easy to do and doesnt require much technical knowledge, but you need to know where information goes.
The first step is to import a CA certificate to your Chromebook VPN if it uses one. Heres how to do it.
Step-by-step instructions:
Once thats done, its time to enter the VPN network settings.
How to set up a Chromebook VPN manually: The next steps
Every service offers its required VPN data in a separate form. You should be able to find everything on the official website or your account page. If youre an ExpressVPN customer, you can find the required info here. If you use a different VPN, youll have to contact your provider or dig through its website to find it.
Check out the links below to learn more about using Chromebooks, as well as which ones are worth your money.
Expressvpn Best Paid VPN
Living up to its billing, this is the fastest full-featured VPN out there. It has an effective stealth mode so watchers wont even know youre using a VPN, solid encryption, and reliably unblocks everything on the internet.
Theres a Chrome extension but you need a subscription to use it. The desktop and mobile apps are easy to use too. Its priced at $12.99 a month or $9.99 per month for a six-month subscription.
If youre going to be using a VPN heavily, I highly recommend going with ExpressVPN.
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How To Change Your Location With Chrome Settings And VPN
As mentioned above, NordVPN can be used to mask or change your location. Browser-based spoofing hides your location just on the browser level, but some tools might still discover your real whereabouts. If you want to protect all of your internet traffic and spoof your location, use NordVPN together with Chromes location-changing tools.
NordVPN hides your location by changing your IP address. With servers in60 countries around the world, you can change your location to almost anywhere.
Try NordVPN now and use it on up to 6 devices with a single account.