With the rise of video streaming services cord-cutting has never been more popular, and Spectrum is one of the many companies that are capitalizing on it. Spectrum’s skinny bundle, Spectrum TV, offers a host of live channels and TV shows on demand. However, once you’re outside of the U.S. you’ll find that you’ve been geographically blocked from using the service. Fortunately, if you have a VPN then you’ll be able to log on to one of your VPN’s U.S. servers and Spectrum will think you’re back in America. Things aren’t always so simple with Spectrum, in fact, it’s one of the least VPN-friendly streaming services out there, and we’ll get into why that is and the ways around it.
Streaming Spectrum From Anywhere
Spectrum blocks any IP addresses located outside of the U.S. from using the service, as with a lot of streaming services this boils down to overseas distribution rights. This is particularly frustrating for users who go abroad and want to watch TV from back home. Using a VPN can fool the Spectrum app into thinking you’re on American soil. Unfortunately, it seems this is something that Spectrum is trying to clamp down on, as some users of the Spectrum TV app have found they get blocked from using the app with a VPN on. If this does happen, it’s best to simply try another server and start again.
Like other similar services, Spectrum makes it difficult by not allowing users who are outside of their home connection to access the full package available. Mostly this means you won’t be able to watch live sports on the go, even though you pay for it. This is a far more complex problem to fix, some users have found a solution using Raspberry Pi and PiVPN on the router but it’s not the easiest process for the majority of users. If you do want to try this fix, we strongly recommend using a good quality step-by-step guide.
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Using a VPN for Spectrum
If you want to access the available channels from abroad or you simply want extra online protection, then using a VPN is the ideal solution. All the best VPN providers have apps available for Android, iOS, as well as a whole host of tablets. You’ll need to access your chosen platform’s app store to download your VPN’s app and, if you’ve chosen a good VPN, you’ll be ready to go in seconds.
Obviously, with the Spectrum TV app you’ll want to choose a U.S. server to make sure you can access the available channels. You may run into the same issue some other users do with the Spectrum TV app detecting VPNs, in this case it’s best to try again with another server. Unfortunately, for now, you won’t be able to access those greyed out channels like FOX and NBC since Spectrum will only allow those on your home connection. As we mentioned, there is a possible fix for this, but it’s only suggested for users with the technical knowledge to do it, so if you want to watch the big game, you’ll have to find another way.
Recommended VPN Services
PureVPN
Hong Kong’s PureVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market and, despite its location, it has 490 U.S. servers to choose from, so you shouldn’t have a problem with Spectrum. PureVPN is also router compatible in case you decide to try the router fix for Spectrum’s home blocking. As well as offering 24/7 customer support, PureVPN gives you unlimited bandwidth over five simultaneous connections. It’s safe too, with inbuilt Wi-Fi security and a kill switch, as well as a solid no logs policy.
IPVanish
Since IPVanish is based in the U.S., you know that it’s going to have a good selection of American servers. The outstanding thing about IPVanish is that not only does it have an incredible 724 U.S. servers, but it’s one of the fastest VPN services around. IPVanish gives users ten simultaneous connections, which is better than what most competitors offer. IPVanish has one of the best mobile apps featuring an intuitive interface that will have new users feeling like experts. More advanced users can try to get around some of Spectrum’s blocking with their router support.
NordVPN
Coming from Panama is NordVPN, which has one of the biggest server networks from any VPN service. Currently, NordVPN has a staggering 1,808 servers in the U.S. – that’s more than some entire VPN services put together. NordVPN provides users with unlimited bandwidth over six simultaneous connections and with consistent speeds to ensure you’ll have no trouble streaming videos. NordVPN also features router support for those brave enough to try the Spectrum home block trick.
Best VPN Services of 2024
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Editor's Choice 2024
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