How Do I Use PIA on My Router or Streaming Device?

This article explains your options for getting Private Internet Access (PIA) protection on devices where you can't install the app.

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Option 1: Set Up PIA on Supported Routers

Option 2: Install PIA on a Supported Streaming Device

Option 3: Share a VPN Connection from a Computer

Windows

macOS

Option 1: Set Up PIA on Supported Routers

Setting up PIA on your router protects every device connected to it without needing to install the app on each one individually. 

You can install the PIA app on these routers:

Option 2: Install PIA on a Supported Streaming Device

If you want PIA on a streaming device, you can install the app directly on the following:

Option 3: Share a VPN Connection from a Computer

If your router isn't supported, you can connect PIA on your computer and share that connection with other devices on your network.

Windows

  1. Install PIA on your computer and connect to it.

  2. Open Control Panel.

    Windows 11 showing the "Control Panel" app highlighted.

  3. Select Network and Internet.

    Windows 11 Control Panel showing the "Network and Internet" option highlighted.

  4. Select Network and Sharing Center.

    install-the-PIA-App-or-use-alternate-setups-3.png

  5. Select the PIA connection.

    install-the-PIA-App-or-use-alternate-setups-4.png

  6. Go to Properties.

    PIA VPN connection settings showing the "Properties" option highlighted on Windows 11.

  7. Select the Sharing option and check the two options highlighted. From the Home networking connection dropdown, select your home network. In our case, it’s Ethernet.

    install-the-PIA-App-or-use-alternate-setups-6.png

You will then need to connect to the VPN from every device individually.

macOS

For this to work on a Mac, the Mac needs to have two network interfaces: one to receive the internet connection and one to share it with your other device. The two most common setups are:

  • Wi-Fi to router + Ethernet to device: Your Mac connects to the internet over Wi-Fi as normal, and your other device connects to your Mac via an Ethernet cable.
  • Ethernet to router + Wi-Fi to device: Your Mac connects to the internet via an Ethernet cable plugged into your router, and your other device connects to your Mac over Wi-Fi.

Once your cables are connected:

  1. Install PIA on your Mac and connect to a server.

  2. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings.

    The Apple Menu on macOS, with a highlighted "System Settings" option.

  3. Go to General > Sharing.

    install-the-PIA-App-or-use-alternate-setups-8.png

  4. Select the i icon next to Internet Sharing but do not turn it on yet.

    The Sharing screen on macOS, with a highlighted "i" next to "Internet Sharing."

  5. In Share your connection from, select your internet source (for example, Wi-Fi if your Mac connects to the router over Wi-Fi).

    The "Share your connection from" option in Internet Sharing on macOS.

  6. Under To devices using, enable the toggle next to the interface you want to share through (for example, Ethernet if you're connecting your console via cable or Wi-Fi if sharing wirelessly). Then, select Done.

    The "To devices using" option in Internet Sharing on macOS.

  7. Toggle Internet Sharing on and confirm when prompted.

    The "Internet Sharing" toggle on macOS in General settings.

Once set up, connect your other device to the shared network to route its traffic through PIA.

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