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VPN in the IPTV App vs a VPN on the Whole Device

The VPN section inside IPTV Smarters Pro or a VPN app that connects the whole device: what each covers and which one suits which device.

4 min read

A VPN in the IPTV app is built for what you watch in that app, while a VPN on the whole device covers every app on it. Which one you want depends on the device and on what else you use it for. Every plan includes both ways, so you can choose per device.

This guide explains the two ways side by side: what each one covers, which file each one takes and which one suits your TV, phone or computer.

Two ways to run a VPN

  • In the app. IPTV Smarters Pro has its own VPN section. You import an OpenVPN profile there and switch the VPN on from inside the app.
  • On the whole device. A separate VPN app, such as the official WireGuard app or OpenVPN Connect, connects the device itself. Every app then uses the VPN, your IPTV app included.

The VPN in the IPTV app

  • Good for: a TV or a TV stick where you only watch in IPTV Smarters Pro.
  • What you need: the .ovpn file of a location and your VPN username and password.
  • What it covers: it is made for what you watch in that app. If you want your browser and other apps covered for sure, use a VPN on the whole device.
  • One place: you start it where you watch, so there is no second app to remember.

Only some IPTV apps have a VPN section of their own, and the exact menu name differs by app version.

A VPN on the whole device

  • Good for: phones, tablets and computers, where you use many apps, and TVs where you watch in more than one app.
  • What you need: the WireGuard app with one device number, or OpenVPN Connect with the .ovpn file.
  • What it covers: every app on the device while the tunnel is on.
  • Some apps only: on Android, WireGuard can cover only some apps. When you edit a tunnel, its application setting offers Exclude and Include only.
  • Starts by itself: on Android, the Restore on boot setting brings the tunnel back after a restart. On iPhone, iPad and Mac, On-demand can switch it on for you.

A VPN on the whole device does not depend on the IPTV app at all, so it keeps working when the app changes its menus.

Side by side

  • Covers: the app's VPN is made for that app. A VPN on the whole device covers every app.
  • File: the app takes the .ovpn file. WireGuard takes a QR code or a .conf file.
  • Login: the .ovpn file needs your VPN username and password. WireGuard needs neither.
  • Where you switch it on: inside the IPTV app, or in the VPN app before you open the IPTV app.

Which one for which device

Use one at a time

On one device, use one or the other. Two VPNs at the same time get in each other's way. If you move from the app's VPN to WireGuard, disconnect in the app first.

How to set up a VPN on the whole device

1Open your VPN details

Sign in to your IPTV VPN account, open Subscriptions and open your VPN subscription. The Your VPN card holds your VPN username and password, an OpenVPN file (.ovpn) for each server location and a WireGuard setup for each device number.

2Install the WireGuard app

Install the official WireGuard app on the device. The WireGuard guide shows where to get it for each device.

3Add your device number

Pick a free device number. On a phone, scan the QR code inside the WireGuard app. On a TV or a computer, press Download .conf and import the file.

4Switch it on, then open your IPTV app

Switch the tunnel on first. Then open your IPTV app. Every app on the device now uses the VPN.

How to set up the VPN in the app

Download the .ovpn file on the device that runs IPTV Smarters Pro, import it in the app's VPN section and sign in with your VPN username and password. The IPTV Smarters Pro guide has every step, and how to import an .ovpn file helps with the file.

Mixing both

You can use the app's VPN on one TV and a VPN on the whole device on your phone. Your plan covers up to 3 devices at the same time, whichever way each device connects. For the protocols behind the two ways, read OpenVPN vs WireGuard for IPTV.

Plans and what they include

Every plan has the same features and differs only in length: 1 month for €5, 3 months for €14, 6 months for €25 or 12 months for €45. Prices as of October 2026, from €3.75 a month. Each plan covers up to 3 devices at the same time and includes the OpenVPN profile for IPTV apps and WireGuard for TVs, phones and computers, plus stealth mode for networks that block VPN connections.

Server location: Netherlands. We keep no activity logs. Our servers do not record the sites, apps or streams you use.

See the plans and prices, or start a free 60-minute trial and set it up first.

Questions and answers

Does the VPN in IPTV Smarters Pro cover other apps?

It is made for what you watch in that app. For every app on the device, use the WireGuard app instead.

Which one is easier on a TV?

If you only watch in IPTV Smarters Pro, its own VPN section. If you use more apps on the TV, WireGuard on the whole device.

Can I use both on one device?

Use one at a time on one device. On different devices you can mix them. Your plan covers up to 3 devices at the same time.

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