For months, early adopters of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select were frustrated: the device launched without VPN support, a major drawback for many streaming-savvy users. On November 28, 2025, Amazon quietly changed that — issuing a software update that finally enables full VPN functionality on the 4K Select. Now, owners of the device can restore a key feature sought since launch: privacy, location flexibility, and secure streaming.
But there’s a catch — at this moment, only two VPN providers have released compatible Vega OS apps. Let’s dive into what this update means, which services are supported, and what to expect next.
What changed — and why it matters
When the Fire TV Stick 4K Select first debuted in mid-October 2025, it ran on a brand new operating system called Vega OS — a switch from the older Android-based Fire OS used in previous Fire TV devices. That transition brought a major downside: no VPN support at all. Users who relied on VPNs to access geo-restricted streaming libraries or to protect their privacy were suddenly locked out.
Now, after the November 28 update, Vega OS has been patched to support VPN apps — but only a limited selection so far. Only NordVPN and IPVanish have released compatible versions for Fire TV Stick 4K Select.
That turnaround restores a key function for many users: the ability to mask location, encrypt streaming traffic, and bypass regional content blocks directly from their Fire TV Stick.
What’s available now: compatible VPNs & what’s missing
✅ Supported VPNs
NordVPN — first major provider to deliver a Vega OS app, enabling top-tier streaming performance and security features on Fire TV Stick 4K Select.
IPVanish — the second provider to extend compatibility, offering a ready-to-use VPN solution after the update.
⚠️ What’s still not supported
Notably absent: many big names in the VPN world. Services such as Surfshark — often rated among the top Fire Stick VPNs — haven’t yet released a Vega OS app. (Android
Many users may still find themselves unable to install their preferred VPN, especially if they relied on sideloading or Android-based versions. Because Vega OS is Linux-based and sideloading is no longer supported, apps must be specifically rebuilt for the new system.
Why VPN support on Fire Stick matters — beyond just streaming
🌍 Geo-unblocking & content access
One of the biggest draws of using a VPN on a streaming device is the ability to access region-locked catalogs. With a compatible VPN app, Fire TV Stick 4K Select users can watch shows and movies that weren’t previously available in their region — a big plus for frequent travelers or expats. The recent update restores that possibility. (Android
🔐 Privacy and security
Streaming over public or shared networks — e.g. hotel Wi-Fi or local ISP connections — can expose data traffic to snooping or tracking. A VPN encrypts that traffic, masking your IP address and improving privacy — a core benefit for users who value anonymity and data security while streaming online.
🔄 Convenience and single-device simplicity
Before this update, Fire Stick 4K Select owners might have had to VPN protect an entire router (to cover their TV), or stream without VPN — both inconvenient. Native VPN app support restores the simpler “device-level” VPN setup many prefer.
What we still don’t know — and what to watch for next
Which VPNs will come next? As of now, only NordVPN and IPVanish have compatible Vega OS apps. Users of other providers (Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, etc.) may need to wait weeks or months.
Performance and stability on Vega OS: While NordVPN promises the same features as its other apps — good speeds, server coverage, and streaming-optimized protocols — real-world performance on the new Fire Stick remains to be widely tested.
App store availability and regional release: Depending on your region (and Amazon Appstore region), availability may vary; it might take time before compatible VPN apps show up universally.
Conclusion
The update that brings VPN support to the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is a major win for many users — whether for privacy, geo-unblocking, or streaming convenience. However, the support is currently limited to just two providers: NordVPN and IPVanish. That makes this a step forward, but a partial one.
