Can I Be Tracked via My Smart TV While Using a VPN? You may still be tracked. Learn how Smart TVs leak data and how to stop it fully in this 2025 privacy guide.
You’re Using a VPN, But Is Your Smart TV Still Spying On You?
So, you’ve installed a VPN on your Wi-Fi or Smart TV, thinking:
“Now I’m safe. No one can track what I watch.”
But deep inside… you wonder:
- Why do I still get personalized ads on my Smart TV?
- How is Netflix still showing local content?
- Am I still being tracked — even with VPN ON?
Welcome to the hidden truth about Smart TVs in 2025.
In this blog, we’ll reveal exactly how Smart TVs track you, even when connected to a VPN — and how to fully stop it.
What Smart TVs Know About You (With or Without VPN)
Smart TVs are no longer just TVs. They’re full-blown data collection machines.
Here’s What Your Smart TV Tracks:
| Data Tracked | Visible to Brands? |
|---|---|
| Your IP address | Yes |
| App usage (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu) | Yes |
| Voice commands (if enabled) | Yes |
| Viewing habits (content watched) | Yes |
| Location via IP or GPS | Yes |
| Device ID (MAC address, TV serial) | Yes |
And yes — even when a VPN is on, most of this still leaks.
Why a VPN Alone Doesn’t Stop Smart TV Tracking
VPNs are powerful — but they’re not magic.
Here’s why your Smart TV may still be leaking data:
1. Smart TV Apps Bypass VPN
Some apps (like Netflix or YouTube) use hardcoded DNS or Google trackers — bypassing your VPN tunnel.
2. DNS Leaks
Your Smart TV may still use your ISP’s DNS, even if the IP is routed via VPN.
3. Smart TVs Connect Separately
If your VPN is on a device (not the router), your Smart TV uses a direct unprotected connection.
4. No Kill Switch on TV
Unlike phones/PCs, most Smart TVs have no firewall or kill switch to stop fallback leaks.
5. Voice + Microphone Leaks
Your Smart TV’s voice assistant (like Alexa or Google TV) sends unencrypted audio commands to servers — regardless of VPN.
Real-Life Test: Does VPN Work on Smart TVs?
We tested top VPNs on Samsung, LG WebOS, Android TV, and FireTV.
| VPN | Blocks Ads | Hides IP | Stops Tracking | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN (Router Setup) | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Partial | Good |
| Surfshark Smart DNS | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Limited |
| ExpressVPN App on FireTV | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Best |
| No VPN / Normal Use | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Exposed |
How to Actually Stop Tracking on Smart TV (2025 Working Fixes)
Let’s fix this for real — based on your setup.
Fix 1: Use a VPN on Your Router (Not Just TV)
To protect all Smart TV traffic:
- Set up your VPN on your home router
- Use a VPN that supports router configs (NordVPN, ExpressVPN)
- This way, your TV traffic is always tunneled
📌 Recommended: Use OpenVPN protocol for stable speed.
Fix 2: Disable Smart TV Tracking Features
Depending on your TV brand:
Samsung:
- Settings → Support → Terms & Privacy
- Turn off “Viewing Information Services”
- Disable Voice Recognition
LG:
- Settings → All Settings → General → User Agreements
- Opt out of “Personalized Ads”
- Turn off ACR (Automatic Content Recognition)
Android TV:
- Settings → Privacy → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization
- Remove microphone permission from apps
Fix 3: Block Ads and Trackers via Custom DNS
Use AdGuard DNS or NextDNS to block trackers at the DNS level:
| DNS Provider | DNS Address |
|---|---|
| AdGuard | 94.140.14.14 |
| NextDNS | Custom via nextdns.io |
| Cloudflare (Private DNS) | 1.1.1.1 |
✅ Add this to router or Smart TV network settings.
Fix 4: Use a Real VPN App (FireTV, Android TV)
If your TV supports it:
- Install NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN from Play Store
- Log in
- Enable kill switch (if available)
🔐 Apps that directly run VPN on TV offer better protection.
Smart DNS vs Full VPN: What’s Better for Smart TVs?
| Feature | Smart DNS | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Unblocks streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Encrypts traffic | No | Yes |
| Hides IP | Sometimes | Always |
| Blocks tracking | No | Yes |
| Best for privacy | No | Yes |
📌 Smart DNS is only for content access, not privacy.
Don’t Forget These 3 Hidden Trackers on TVs:
- Mobile Cast Tracking: When casting from phone → your phone’s IP is exposed
- Voice Assistant Wake Words: Google/Alexa listen passively
- Behavioral Analytics: Your remote control usage is logged by OEM
Disable what you can. Encrypt what you can’t.
🔗 Internal Links to Add:
/what-is-vpn-and-how-it-works//vpn-not-hiding-real-location-fix//best-vpn-settings-for-privacy-2025//is-google-showing-real-location-with-vpn/
Final Verdict: Smart TV + VPN ≠ Full Privacy (Unless You Do It Right)
Smart TVs are privacy nightmares — even in 2025.
VPN helps, but only if you use it the right way:
- On your router, not just app
- With tracking disabled
- Using encrypted DNS + firewalls
🔒 Want real privacy? Treat your TV like a computer. Lock it down.
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