Enhance Streaming and Fix Playback Issues with a VPN
Our VPN Configuration Guide is your quick solution to bypass internet throttling, restoring Live TV and VOD access in minutes. Setup is simple, improves connection stability with Apollo, and works on unlimited devices—just $3/month with a 2-year plan.
Download and Configure IPVanish
VPN Configuration Guide:
- Step 1: Using the discounted link on your phone or computer.
Sign Up for IPVanish
- Step 2: On any streaming device, Search and download “IPVanish.” (Can use voice prompt or Search for Apps)
Properly Configure IPVanish for IPTV:
- Step 1: Open the IPVanish app and log in.
- Step 2: Select ‘Settings / Gear Icon‘ (bottom right of screen)
- Step 3: Under ‘Connection’ Select VPN Protocol and Select OpenVPN
- Step 4: Enable Scramble mode (just below the VPN Protocol Option)
Then, Select ‘Back’ to take you to main screen of the IPVanish Application.
- Step 5: Select, ‘Location / Map Icon‘ (Bottom left of main screen).
- Step 6: Search by CITY -> TORONTO; Alternatively Go to, ‘Countries‘. Choose ‘UNITED STATES‘
- Step 7: Connect to Toronto or United States.
- Step 8: Click, ‘Home‘ Button (on remote) and Open Apollo Group TV or Startup Show. *Recommend within application (Apollo or Startup) Settings, then, Clear Cache.
Tips:
- Use Voice Prompt to Open ‘IPVanish’
- If you select ‘disconnect’ then ‘reconnect’ to your location – the server will change.
- MOBILE: use IKEv2 (as OPENVPN is not an option)
*Any issues – Contact Us, we guarantee this will by bypass any issues impacting your connection to work.
Troubleshooting IPVanish:
Turn off Split-Tunneling
- Traffic Consistency: Disabling split tunneling ensures all app traffic routes through the VPN, preventing conflicts or bypassed connections.
- DNS Conflict Prevention: Split tunneling can cause DNS leaks by routing some traffic through ISP DNS servers, disrupting Apollo TV.
Switch Protocols
If OpenVPN isn’t resolving the issue for some users:
- Try IKEv2 or WireGuard (depending on their compatibility and performance).
- WireGuard is particularly lightweight and may perform better in restrictive network conditions.
Verify DNS Settings
- Switch to a Public DNS:
- Recommend users set their device to use Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).
- Sometimes ISP DNS servers interfere with VPN traffic.
- Enable IPVanish’s DNS Leak Protection in the app settings to prevent DNS issues.
Firewall and Router Settings
- Check ISP Restrictions:
- If their ISP is known for aggressive VPN throttling or blocking, suggest testing with a mobile hotspot or another internet connection to isolate the issue.
- Router-Level VPN:
- Configure IPVanish directly on their router (if supported) to avoid conflicts at the device level.
Test Alternate Ports
- Many VPN connections are blocked because of default ports. IPVanish allows users to:
- Use a Custom Port: Test ports such as 443 (HTTPS) or 1194 (default OpenVPN).
- Enabling Scramble often helps in restrictive environments, but manually setting a specific port can sometimes resolve persistent issues.
Reset App Configuration
- Reinstall the IPVanish App:
- Ensure the app is the latest version and reset its settings to default before reapplying recommended settings (Scramble, OpenVPN, etc.).
- Clear Network Settings:
- For iOS users, resetting network settings under
Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settingscan fix hidden configuration issues.
- For iOS users, resetting network settings under
Check Network-Level Blockages
- Some networks (e.g., corporate or university Wi-Fi) block VPNs entirely:
- Use Mobile Data: If Wi-Fi isn’t working, switch to a mobile connection.
- Test Hotspot Mode: Use a different device as a Wi-Fi hotspot to bypass restrictive networks.
Advanced Settings in IPVanish
- Reconnect Automatically:
- Enable the “Always-on VPN” or Auto-Reconnect feature in IPVanish to maintain stable connections.
- Kill Switch:
- Ensure the kill switch is enabled to prevent sudden disruptions during streaming.
Confirm Internet Throttling:
What is Internet Throttling?
Internet throttling happens when your ISP slows down your internet speed, often during high-demand activities like streaming. ISPs won’t admit to this practice, but it can happen at any time and cause buffering or interruptions. A properly configured VPN bypasses this hidden throttling for a smoother viewing experience.
Confirm Internet Throttling
Running a detailed speed test within the Apollo Group TV application can often detect throttling. However, in some cases, the issue may occur higher up the network chain, making it less obvious through local testing.
Open Your Streaming App (e.g., Startup Show or Apollo Group TV).
Navigate to Settings > Launch Speed Test (DETAILED)
Results:
Live TV Server; and VOD Server will be listed; and the coloumn to the right, Download Speed will show for each category.
- If the download speed for Live TV or VOD shows “0” or is significantly low (under 5 mbps)
- If you see a “Bad IP” message.
These indicators confirm throttling on your connection (network).
Compare Compatible VPNs
Recommended VPN: IPVanish
For the best streaming experience, we recommend IPVanish. Not only is it affordable with our exclusive discount, but it also provides optimal settings for streaming, including customizable protocols like OpenVPN and Scramble mode to reduce buffering. These specialized streaming specific features are NOT available on other VPNs.
*IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can secure multiple devices with one account! Price is $2.19 USD per month on a two year term – this is the lowest price you will find online.
VPN Compatibility
Not all VPNs work well with streaming services like Apollo. Some can cause connection issues, buffering, or even block access. Based on our testing, here are the VPNs most compatible with Apollo, offering reliable streaming without interruptions.
IPVanish; Surfshark; NordVPN
Feature Comparison
Each VPN’s specs are outlined below, emphasizing streaming support for each:
IPVanish
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited.
- Server Locations: 2,000+ servers in over 75 locations.
- Streaming Support: Optimized servers for reliable, smooth streaming with options to adjust protocols.
- Data Encryption: 256-bit AES encryption with customizable protocols (e.g., OpenVPN with Scramble).
Surfshark
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited.
- Server Locations: 3,200+ in 65 countries.
- Streaming Support: Limited servers optimized for streaming, can sometimes require extra configuration.
- Data Encryption: 256-bit AES encryption.
ExpressVPN
- Simultaneous Connections: 5.
- Server Locations: 3,000+ in 94 countries.
- Streaming Support: High-speed servers specifically optimized for streaming.
- Data Encryption: 256-bit AES encryption.
NordVPN
- Simultaneous Connections: 6.
- Server Locations: 5,000+ in 60 countries.
- Streaming Support: Moderate support, may need additional setup for best results on some devices.
- Data Encryption: 256-bit AES encryption.
Price Comparison
We’ve compared pricing for top VPNs to ensure you get the best value for streaming:
- IPVanish
- Starts at $2.19 per month with the exclusive discount.
- Best Value: Provides strong streaming performance with customizable protocol options like OpenVPN with Scramble.
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited — ideal for multiple devices and households.
- Overall: Affordable, flexible, and fully optimized for smooth streaming. Clear choice for cost-effective and reliable streaming.
- Surfshark
- Starts at $5.39 per month (for the best version).
- Good Value: Reasonably priced with solid streaming support, though may need additional setup.
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited — suitable for multiple devices, but with fewer streaming-specific optimizations.
- ExpressVPN
- Starts at $6.67 per month.
- Premium Price: Known for high speeds and optimized streaming servers, but costly compared to other options.
- Simultaneous Connections: Limited to 5 — less flexibility for households with multiple devices.
- NordVPN
- Starts at $7.09 per month (for the best version).
- Balanced Option: Offers solid privacy features but fewer optimizations specifically for streaming.
- Simultaneous Connections: Limited to 6, which may restrict multi-device setups.
Additional VPN Troubleshooting:
- Try Different Server Locations: Disconnect and reconnect to ‘United States’ to use next optimal US location. This often places you on a server closer to your location in Canada, improving connection speed.
- Error Message in Apollo: Use of VPN is forbidden; this means you are not connected to United States or incompatible network.
- Regularly Update the VPN App: Ensure auto-updates are enabled, or manually update the app whenever prompted to keep it running smoothly.
- Enable Auto-Reconnect: Activate this feature in your VPN settings to avoid interruptions if your connection drops.
- Restart Devices Periodically: Reboot your streaming device and router occasionally to clear cache and refresh the connection.
- Test Your Connection: Run a speed test with the VPN on to confirm stable performance and adequate streaming speeds, and top right will show United States etc.
- For Only VOD not working; noticed ‘TORONTO’ works.
- To find the application; use the blue voice button and just state, IPVanish.
Following this guide will improve your streaming quality and enhance your online privacy. Additionally, a VPN allows apps like Netflix to display U.S. content, offering a more extensive selection than in Canada.
info@apollotvcanada.com
Location
Toronto, ON