Get Started in
Minutes
Follow the step-by-step guide for your device below to get started.
Download PDF Guides
Click below to download the installation guide for your device.
DirectConnect can be used on the following devices:
- • Android devices
- • Fire sticks (excluding the Fire TV Stick 4K Select and the 2026 Fire TV Stick HD)
- • ONN devices
- • Fire TVs
- • Google TVs
- • IBO app (for iOS devices)
Vizio powered by ONN is non-compatible
How-To Videos
Watch quick video walkthroughs for using DirectConnect.
Learn how to find and create a playlist for your DirectConnect service.
Watch on YouTubeKeep your channels and TV guide up to date by refreshing your playlist.
Watch on YouTubeFix Buffering & Freezing
Follow these steps in order — test your stream after each one before moving to the next.
Clear the cache on the device you're using — built-up cache is the #1 cause of buffering.
- •Firestick / Fire TV: Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications → DirectConnect app → Clear Cache (use Clear Data only if problems continue).
- •ONN / Android TV / Google TV: Settings → Apps → See All Apps → DirectConnect app → Clear Cache.
- •Samsung Smart TV: Settings → Apps → select the app → Clear Cache.
- •LG Smart TV: close and reopen the player app (or reinstall it if no clear-cache option exists).
- •iPhone / iPad (IBO app): delete and reinstall the app, then re-add the playlist.
Outdated device software causes playback problems. Check for updates:
- •Firestick / Fire TV: Settings → My Fire TV → About → Check for Updates → Install.
- •ONN / Android TV / Google TV: Settings → Device Preferences → About → System Update.
- •Samsung Smart TV: Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.
- •LG Smart TV: Settings → General → About This TV → Software Update.
After clearing the cache and installing updates, restart your device to make sure everything finishes — unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and reopen the app.
If your internet provider slows down streaming, a VPN can help. Proton VPN is free — but it can be tricky if it's not set up right. Install the Proton VPN app from your device's app store and connect to a server close to your location, then reopen DirectConnect.
See full VPN setup instructionsInside the DirectConnect app, open Settings and use the Refresh Playlist / Update Playlist option (or remove and re-add the playlist with your M3U playlist URL from your welcome email). This re-syncs your channel list.
Still buffering after all five steps? Chat with our setup assistant below or email support@directconnect.tv.
VPNs and DirectConnect
Common questions about using a VPN with DirectConnect.
No. A VPN is not required to use DirectConnect. Most customers can enjoy the service normally without one.
However, a VPN may be helpful if:
- •Your internet provider is slowing down streaming traffic.
- •Your network is blocking or restricting the service.
- •You are using hotel, public, workplace, or shared Wi-Fi.
- •You want additional privacy and security while online.
- •You are experiencing connection issues that may be related to your internet provider.
Not necessarily. A VPN may help if your internet provider is specifically slowing down streaming traffic. However, it can also reduce your speed if you connect to a distant or overloaded server.
For the best results, select a VPN server close to your location.
Yes. We recommend using DirectConnect without a VPN unless you experience repeated connection problems, network restrictions, or unexplained buffering.
No. VPN service must be purchased separately from a third-party provider. DirectConnect does not sell or operate VPN services and cannot provide support for VPN billing, passwords, or account-related issues.
You cannot install a VPN app directly on Roku devices, but you can still use a VPN by routing your Roku's internet connection through a protected network.
How to Use a VPN with Roku
- •Set up a VPN on your home router: Configure your Wi-Fi router with your VPN service so that every device connected to it, including your Roku, is automatically protected.
- •Share a VPN from a laptop hotspot: Turn your Windows laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot while the laptop is actively connected to a VPN, then connect your Roku to that virtual hotspot.
- •Use Smart DNS: Some VPN providers offer Smart DNS features that you can input directly into your network settings, though this changes your location without encrypting your traffic.
How to Add and Use a VPN
Protect your connection and improve streaming with a VPN.
Need More Help?
Tell our setup assistant what device you're using and get instant, personalized setup guidance.
Setup Assistant
Device setup help
Hi! Tell me what device you're setting up and I'll walk you through it step by step.