4 Ways to Safely and Reliably Use a Streaming Stick on Public Wi-Fi

Packing a streaming stick is a wise idea when traveling. It makes long work trips easier to bear, and a two-hour-long Bluey playlist keeps the kids entertained during a family vacation. You could watch your favorite shows on a phone or a laptop, but since most Airbnb locations and hotel rooms have TVs, why not use those? It's a bigger screen that the whole family can enjoy. Even if you have one of the best streaming devices, you might run into problems.

Public Wi-Fi and hotel networks can be slow and unreliable, and have questionable security. Also, the networks may not let you connect your streaming stick to the internet. Still, don't let that discourage you. Here are valuable tips for bringing homey entertainment to your next trip.

1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

If you have a streaming device that lets you stream over a VPN, consider using that feature. Such services are popular for the extra privacy and security they offer, and for the ability to filter content and block malicious sites. The option to make devices appear as if they're in another country is also popular and useful.

Security is typically a secondary concern when using a streaming stick on a hotel TV. If you're abroad, making your streaming device behave like it's in its home country could be practical. It saves you the trouble of tinkering with location settings. It eliminates the risk of streaming services freaking out when they see you log in from a new address.

A VPN could also give you access to content that may be unavailable in your current location. Take a photo before unplugging any HDMI cables from the TV in your hotel room or Airbnb. When you check out, you'll know how to reconnect them.

2. Use Your Phone as a Wireless Hotspot

If you're on a public Wi-Fi network in a hotel or dormitory, you may not want others to see what you're watching. Using your phone as a wireless hotspot is a great solution. You can connect to the internet from your streaming stick using your phone's hotspot feature.

This hack works best with Android devices, but iOS users can also use this method by connecting their iPhone to their hotel Wi-Fi network and enabling Wi-Fi calling on their device. Make sure your hotspot plan comes with plenty of data, as streaming video at HD quality uses several gigabytes per hour.

3. Use a Travel Router or Mobile Hotspot

A worthy investment for frequent travelers, travel routers or mobile hotspots provide a safe and reliable network for your streaming stick to connect to. They can log in to a hotel or public Wi-Fi via captive portals and create their own Wi-Fi network.

This bypasses device limits, as the hotel Wi-Fi only sees the router. Plus, the router acts as a repeater, which can eliminate the problem of a weak hotel Wi-Fi signal. Some mobile hotspots even connect to cellular networks instead, providing faster speeds and more reliable connections.

4. Use a Travel Router or Mobile Hotspot: The Ultimate Solution

If you want the most reliable connection possible, consider investing in a travel router or mobile hotspot. These devices provide a fast and secure internet connection that can be used to connect your streaming stick to the internet.

Making sure your hotspot plan comes with plenty of data is essential for streaming video at HD quality, which uses several gigabytes per hour. Some universal TV remotes also come in handy when using these devices, as they allow you to switch HDMI inputs and change channels without having to get up from the couch.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your favorite shows on a streaming stick even when traveling or staying at a hotel. Just remember to be respectful of your host's property and follow any rules set by the establishment.