Amazon’s Fire TV Stick lineup is getting a major under-the-hood shift: the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select runs Vega OS, a Linux-based operating system, instead of the Android variants used in previous models. This architectural change broke compatibility with existing VPN apps, which were designed for Android. In response, NordVPN has moved quickly to produce a native VPN app built for Vega OS, marking it as the first major provider to offer an out-of-the-box VPN solution for the new platform.
This article explores the significance of NordVPN’s new Fire TV app, how it works under the new OS, what users can expect, and how this development may set the tone for future VPN support on streaming devices.
Why Fire TV’s Move to Vega OS Matters for VPNs
From Android to Linux: Breaking Compatibility
Until now, Fire TV devices used a modified Android system, allowing VPN apps built for Android to be adapted (or sideloaded) onto the streaming device. But the shift to Vega OS, Amazon’s custom Linux distribution, means that those Android apps no longer work. The result: out of the box, the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select does not support VPNs.
Amazon plans to remedy this through a software update to enable VPN protocol support later in October 2025. NordVPN says its custom Vega-compatible app is ready and will be available via the Amazon App Store once that update goes live.
Security and a More Locked-Down Ecosystem
One driver for the switch is Amazon’s aim to reduce sideloading and unauthorized apps. The locked-down nature of Vega OS helps combat piracy and minimize risks from unverified binaries. But this same security posture demands that VPN apps be rebuilt from scratch to meet the new OS constraints.
NordVPN’s Native Vega App: What To Expect
Built From Scratch for Vega OS
NordVPN confirmed that it developed a native app specifically tailored to Vega OS and optimized for its architecture. The app includes core features such as support for the NordLynx protocol (NordVPN’s high-performance WireGuard variant) and auto-connect functionality. The app is intended to mirror the capabilities users see on desktop and mobile, delivering familiar server access, kill switch, and security controls.
Marijus Briedis, CTO of NordVPN, said:
“We built out a new TV app from scratch to deliver the same reliable VPN protection our users expect, optimized for the new system’s architecture.”
Deployment Depends on Amazon Update
As of now, new Fire TV Stick 4K Select units are shipping without VPN support enabled. NordVPN’s app will become usable once Amazon rolls out the necessary update to allow VPN protocols. NordVPN’s app is queued in the Amazon App Store awaiting activation.
User Benefits & Use Cases
Geographic content unblocking: Streamers can access content catalogs restricted by country (e.g. Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer) via the Fire TV device itself, without needing a VPN-configured router.
Privacy on the big screen: The Fire TV can connect securely via the VPN, preventing ISP throttling or exposure of viewing habits.
Seamless experience: Because NordVPN’s app is native, users won’t need to rely on workaround sideloads or manual DNS tweaks.
How It Compares: Other VPNs & Alternatives
Other VPN providers racing to support Vega
While NordVPN has claimed the “first ready” spot, other providers like Surfshark are also reportedly developing Vega-compatible VPN apps. The market landscape suggests that more VPNs will follow suit, but Nordic’s early lead gives it a competitive edge among Fire TV users.
Workarounds until native apps arrive
Until VPN support is enabled:
Users might route their Fire TV traffic via a VPN-enabled router.
Some may use Smart DNS (if supported by their VPN) to unblock geo-restricted media — though this lacks full encryption.
Alternatively, continue using older Fire TV models which still run Android and support existing VPNs.
Performance expectations
Because NordVPN’s Vega app will likely use NordLynx, performance should remain high, with low overhead typical of WireGuard-based connections. Early tests of NordVPN on Fire Stick (older models) reported speeds of ~900 Mbps in some cases. That sets a promising baseline for the new app’s capabilities on Vega OS.
Challenges & Considerations
Delay in software activation
Even though NordVPN says the app is ready, users must wait on Amazon’s OS update before VPN functionality becomes available.
Hardware constraints
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is an entry-level device with limited RAM (1 GB) and WiFi 5 connectivity. Performance may be impacted when running VPN + streaming simultaneously under heavy load.
Dependency on Amazon’s timeline
NordVPN’s rollout is contingent on Amazon enabling protocol support. Any delay or deviation could slow access to the app.
User expectations vs reality
Some may assume that “native VPN app” means ultra-high speeds. But real-world performance will still depend on user’s internet connection, network conditions, and server load.
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Conclusion
NordVPN’s move to launch a native Linux-based app for the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is a significant milestone in the streaming-VPN landscape. By proactively adapting to Amazon’s Vega OS, NordVPN aims to preserve the critical use case of enabling geo-unblocked, private streaming directly on the TV device.
Though availability hinges on Amazon’s software update, this first-mover status positions NordVPN advantageously. Once live, users will gain seamless VPN support, enhanced privacy, and the ability to thwart ISP throttling—all from their Fire TV stick. As other VPNs catch up, the real competition will be in reliability, speed, and device support.
