The Apple TV doesn't support native VPN configuration - is there another way to use VPN?

Solution 1:

There's no way to add a "real" native VPN to the AppleTV through software currently. The DNS-based solutions you describe are really not what you would normally expect from a full VPN solution.

The best alternative currently is a hardware solution where you add the VPN externally. I.e. instead of connecting the AppleTV directly to your internet connection, you connect it to a VPN box instead. Such a setup does not prevent your AppleTV from being used as a HomeKit hub.

The VPN box might be a dedicated box that does nothing but encapsulate network traffic from the device into the VPN (could be a specialized off-the-shelf VPN device, or a generic device with VPN software such as a small Linux computer or similar). It might also be just functionality within equipment you already have, such as your existing router or firewall, if they support such VPN functionality.

Solution 2:

Here is a summary of what did to get my Apple TV to route through a VPN service.

Complete details, including crucial details on how to configure the VPN service (using the System Preferences->Network) are here.

1. MacBook Pro running OSX 10.14.3. (Mojave)

2. Wired Ethernet connection from router to the MacBook.

3. VPN service. I used ExpressVPN, although from what I read, several others work as well, and have a similar setup. Follow crucial details on how to configure the VPN here.

4. "Internet Sharing" to share internet/VPN service with Apple TV (via local WiFi settings).

5. Connect Apple TV to shared internet connection.