Articles on: Setting up

How to Set Up BearVPN on Smart TVs?

While BearVPN does not currently offer an official app for Smart TV operating systems (such as Samsung’s Tizen or LG’s webOS), many users have successfully installed BearVPN on Android-based TVs using an APK installation package.


Note: This is considered an unofficial installation method. Performance may vary depending on your TV hardware, and BearVPN cannot guarantee full compatibility with remote control navigation.


To attempt this installation, you will need:

  • A Smart TV running Android TV or Google TV (e.g., Sony, Hisense, TCL, or Philips).
  • A stable internet connection.
  • The BearVPN APK file

Step 1: Enable "Unknown Sources"

By default, Android TVs block the installation of apps from outside the Google Play Store.

  1. Navigate to Settings (gear icon) on your TV.
  2. Select Device Preferences > Security & Restrictions (or Privacy).
  3. Toggle on Unknown Sources.


Note: On newer Google TV models, you may need to go to Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps and grant permission to your file manager or browser.

Step 2: Transfer the APK to your TV

There are two common ways to get the file onto your TV:


Method A: USB Drive (Easiest)


  1. Download the BearVPN APK to your computer.
  2. Copy the file onto a FAT32-formatted USB flash drive.
  3. Plug the drive into the USB port on your TV.


Method B: "Send Files to TV" App


  1. Install the Send Files to TV app from the Play Store on both your phone and your TV.
  2. Download the APK to your phone and use the app to "Send" it to your TV "Receive" screen.


Step 3: Install the App

  1. Open a File Manager app on your TV (if you don't have one, download "File Commander" or "X-plore" from the Play Store).
  2. Locate the BearVPN APK file (usually in the Download folder or on your USB Drive).
  3. Select the file and click Install.
  4. Once finished, select Open.


Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Navigation: Since the app is designed for mobile touchscreens, some buttons may be hard to reach with a standard TV remote. We recommend using a Bluetooth mouse or a "Mouse Toggle" app for easier navigation.
  • App Location: Sideloaded apps sometimes don't appear in the main "Apps" row. If you can't find BearVPN, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps to launch it.
  • Samsung/LG TVs: These TVs do not use Android and cannot run APK files. For these devices, we recommend setting up BearVPN on a compatible FlashRouter or sharing a VPN connection from your PC.


Need the APK file?

Our support team is happy to provide the latest installation package and assist with any specific errors you encounter.

Updated on: 06/02/2026

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