The F-secure VPN for Android Smart TV and my Windows laptop are not equivalent.

User_86091
User_86091 Posts: 3 Observer
in Privacy VPN

I can view more foreign TV-channels through my laptop than my Android smart TV. For example, Belgian RTL, Swiss SRF and parts of Swedish SVT are blocked by Android but can be seen through the laptop VPN. Why is this?

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Accepted Answer

  • Firmy
    Firmy Posts: 2,227 Community Manager
    Answer ✓

    Hello @User_86091

    Thank you for your post.

    Based on your post and comment, it appears that the VPN installed on your Android TV is F-Secure Freedome VPN, while the VPN installed on your laptop is the new version. The new VPN includes improvements, such as enhanced VPN protocol availability. You can find more details in our release notes.

    Currently, the new VPN is not supported on Android TV.

    Thank you, and have a great day.

    Firmy
    Community Manager | F-Secure Community
    🔐 Strengthening digital security through knowledge and collaboration
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Answers

  • Ukko
    Ukko Posts: 3,864 Superuser

    Hello,

    Sorry for my reply. I am only an F-Secure user and with very small experience about VPN and Android smart TV things.

    Why is this?

    Different protocols, different versions of application or its VPN part (either Windows or Android).

    Could you try to check what is your Android app version and your Windows app version? And, then, check if with Windows client - all available VPN protocols in Settings will give your the same result.

    Other than that, maybe certain services can handle or 'detect' VPN connection on your Android smart TV easier and prevent its use. Why can't you watch mentioned channels on your Android smart tv? Service told that vpn is not allowed or just it is not working?

    Thanks!

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  • User_86091
    User_86091 Posts: 3 Observer

    Ukko.

    Thank you for your comment. The TV services detect that it is a VPN connection and block it, so I believe the F-Secure protocols are different for Android and Windows. My question was actually a criticism of F-Secures VPN services, why do they not keep their (Android) protocols up to date? If you need VPN both for your Smart TV and Windows laptop maybe F-Secure is not the best VPN to use.

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  • Ukko
    Ukko Posts: 3,864 Superuser

    Hello,

    The TV services detect that it is a VPN connection and block it, so I believe the F-Secure protocols are different for Android and Windows. 

    Yes, but it also could be "different" server in use (more optimized for mobile devices, for example). And just its IP or 'server' itself is known for this specific website checks against VPN usage.

    Anyway, I mean I think both platforms are currently with a smooth transition to most 'recent' VPN structure. Maybe in your situation - it is not 'gradually' arrived yet. So, that's the difference.

    However, I am really out of knowledge about current Android-based F-Secure solution. Thus, I can't to suggest really something or to think about potential differences as such.

    And, I am also not sure about Android Smart TV and its current support state or whatever. There is a switch now from F-Secure Freedome (F-Secure VPN ) to F-Secure Total app with integrated / built-it VPN module.

    The difference between them: 'old' is close to end-of-life (in support terms) and 'new' is full of improvements and changes for better compatibility with streaming services, TVs and so things.

    Good if there will be any response from F-Secure or if just they tried to check situation with Android TV internally.

    Thanks!

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