PIA VPN Setup and Features for Android TV Boxes

Use this guide to install the Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN, adjust key settings, and get familiar with the main features available on Android TV boxes.

Note: Android TV boxes vary by model and Android version, so these instructions are general. Your menus may look different, and PIA VPN may not work on every device.

How to Set Up PIA VPN on Your Android TV Box

Follow these steps to install PIA VPN, log into your account, and connect.

  1. Press the Home button on your remote to open the Android TV box home screen.
  2. Select Play Store. If you don’t see it on the home screen, go to Apps > Google Play Store.
  3. Search for Private Internet Access.
  4. Select Install, then press Install again in the new menu.
  5. Select Open once PIA VPN is installed. You can also open the VPN from Home screen > Apps.
  6. Select Login and enter your PIA VPN credentials. 

Note: You need an active PIA VPN subscription to sign in. If you don’t have one, see our guide to getting a PIA VPN subscription on Android.

  1. Enable the app’s permissions when prompted; they let PIA VPN identify networks and set up connections. You should now see the app’s main screen.
  2. Select the Power button to connect to the VPN. When the power button turns green, your VPN connection is active. 

To verify your VPN works correctly, visit our What's My IP Address? page.

PIA VPN App Features and Settings

The sections below explain the main app controls and settings available on Android TV.

Main Dashboard

When you open the app, you’ll see a quick list of features on the home screen:

  • Power button: Connects or disconnects the VPN from the last used server.
  • Selected VPN location: Shows your last selected VPN server. You can open it to view the full list of countries or add locations to your favorites.
  • IP: Displays your VPN IP address when connected.
  • Quick connect: Gives you access to a list of your recent and favorite servers.

Main Menu

For more PIA VPN customization options, select the cog icon (top right corner) to open the main menu. Here, you’ll see general VPN settings and Per App Settings.

Account

Here, you can see your username and the expiry date for your current PIA VPN plan. You can also log out of your account.

Dedicated IP

If you added a Dedicated IP to your subscription, you can enable it here. Paste your unique token in the text box and select Activate. Once enabled, this feature gives you the same VPN IP each time you connect, so you get a static address while enjoying the same VPN protection. 

Read the PIA Dedicated IP support page for more information.

Per App Settings

This feature lets you choose which apps use or circumvent the VPN. Apps excluded from VPN routing use your regular internet connection. You can then keep PIA on while still running apps that don’t work with a VPN.

To use Per App settings, select your chosen app to switch PIA protection on or off. If the lock icon is green, the app is actively using the VPN. A red lock means the app is using your regular connection.

General Settings

This menu includes several connection and troubleshooting options:

General
  • Launch on System Startup: Opens PIA and connects when you turn on your device.
  • Connect on Launch: Connects the VPN automatically when you open the app.
  • Connect on app update: Connects the VPN after an app update finishes installing.
Protocols
  • Protocol Selection: Switches between WireGuard and OpenVPN for your connection.
    • Transport (OpenVPN): Switches between Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). UDP is the default for streaming speed.
    • Data Encryption (OpenVPN): Specifies the encryption level for your connection. AES-128-GCM can improve speeds on some devices, while AES-256-GCM uses longer encryption keys for added security.
    • Port (OpenVPN): Lets you choose the network port for PIA. Try a different port if the VPN has trouble connecting on your network. Options include ports 8080, 853, 123, and 53.
  • Use Small Packets: Reduces data packet size to help with connection compatibility on some routers or networks.
  • Handshake: Shows the certificate being used when establishing your connection.
Networks
  • DNS: Sets the DNS resolver used by the VPN. The app uses PIA DNS by default, but you can choose a different resolver if you experience DNS-related connection issues.
  • Request Port Forwarding: Opens a numbered port allowing outside traffic to reach apps through the VPN. This can help if your network or ISP blocks certain ports.
  • Allow LAN Traffic: Lets your Android TV box talk to nearby devices on your home Wi-Fi while PIA VPN is connected. This is not recommended on public networks.
Privacy
  • PIA MACE: Blocks domains associated with ads, trackers, and malware.
Help
  • Version: Shows the version of PIA VPN currently installed on your device.
  • Send Debug Log to Support: Sends the debug log to PIA Support and provides a reference ID for your support ticket.
  • Help improve PIA: Shares anonymous connection statistics to help improve PIA VPN.

For more information on PIA’s features and settings, please read our PIA VPN Android Guide.

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