The ONN 4K streaming box is now region-locked to the United States and Puerto Rico. As a result, many international users are frustrated. In this guide, we will show you how to unlock ONN streaming box outside US using VPN routers and Windows PC hotspots so you can keep streaming worldwide.
For more tutorials like this, browse our Advanced Tips & Tricks section, where we cover VPN setup, device optimisation, and expert streaming solutions.
Why ONN Boxes Are Region-Locked
The ONN 4K streaming box is one of the best-value Android TV devices on the market, but since late 2024, it has been region-locked to the United States and Puerto Rico. If you’re abroad, you’ll likely hit the dreaded “unsupported region” error.
According to reports, the move was likely intended to curb grey-market exports. In addition, it helps Walmart strengthen its domestic streaming ecosystem, especially as competition from Thomson’s budget Android TV boxes grows in Europe.
Unfortunately, this left many users stuck in a frustrating reset loop. However, there are reliable ways to get around the restriction.
How to Unlock ONN Streaming Box Outside US
Even with the region lock in place, there are reliable ways to get your ONN 4K box working abroad. Below, we’ll walk through the best methods — from VPN routers to Windows hotspot sharing — so you can continue streaming without restrictions.
If you also use Firestick, Google TV, or Android TV devices and want an easy no-cost VPN option, our Proton VPN Free setup guide shows you how to install a safe, no-logs VPN directly on your streaming device.
Best Ways to Unlock ONN Streaming Box Outside US
1. VPN Router (Recommended)
Set up a VPN profile (like NordVPN) on a compatible router. Once configured, every device connected to it—including your ONN box—appears as if it’s in the US. This is the most stable, long-term solution.
If you don’t already own one, you can pick up a dedicated VPN router such as the ASUS RT-AX86U (Amazon) or browse pre-configured models at FlashRouters. Both options save time and ensure smooth VPN performance across all your devices.
👉 If you need a detailed walkthrough, see our full guide on how to set up a VPN on a router.
You can also explore our Streaming Guides & How-To hub for step-by-step tutorials, device setup guides, and optimisation tips for Firestick, Google TV, and Android TV.
2. Mobile Hotspot + VPN (Advanced / Risky)
Most Android/iOS hotspots don’t pass VPN traffic by default. Therefore, this method often requires rooting or jailbreaking your device, making it a poor choice unless you’re very experienced.
3. Windows PC Hotspot + VPN (Step-by-Step Guide)
A Windows PC hotspot can share your VPN connection with the ONN box. Although it takes more setup, it is a solid option if you can’t use a VPN router. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step: Windows Hotspot Setup
This method helps you unlock ONN streaming box outside US by sharing a US-based VPN connection from your Windows PC to the ONN box.
What you need
- Windows 11 (or 10) PC with Mobile Hotspot support
- A VPN app (example: NordVPN) and an active US server to connect to
- Internet on the PC (Ethernet is ideal, Wi-Fi also works)
1. Note your hotspot name & password
- First, open Start → type Mobile hotspot → open Mobile hotspot system settings.
- Set Share my Internet connection from: your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Set Share over: Wi-Fi.
- Click Edit (if visible), set a friendly Network name and Network password, and save them.
- You’ll use these on the ONN box.
What you’ll see: your SSID and password under Network properties.
2. Open the adapter list (you’ll use it a few times)
- Next, press Win+R, type
ncpa.cpl, press Enter. - Leave this Network Connections window open to watch new adapters appear.
3. Connect your VPN to a US location
- After that, open your VPN app and connect to a US server.
- In the Network Connections window, a new adapter appears (for NordVPN it’s usually NordLynx).
- Status should show Connected when the tunnel is up.
4. Turn on Windows Mobile Hotspot
- Now, go back to Mobile hotspot settings and toggle Mobile hotspot: On.
- Return to the Network Connections window—you should now see a new virtual adapter named something like Local Area Connection* 2 (name can vary).
- This is your hotspot adapter. Remember its exact name.
5. Share the VPN connection with the hotspot (ICS)
- In Network Connections, right-click the VPN adapter (e.g., NordLynx) → Properties.
- Open the Sharing tab.
- Tick Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
- In the dropdown, select the hotspot adapter from step 4 (e.g., Local Area Connection* 2).
- (Optional but recommended) Untick “Allow other network users to control or disable the shared Internet connection.”
- Click OK.
If the dropdown doesn’t show your hotspot adapter:
- Toggle Mobile hotspot Off → On again, then reopen Properties → Sharing.
- Or disconnect/reconnect the VPN and repeat the step.
- Ensure the Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) service is running (Services → Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) → Status: Running).
6. Connect and set up the ONN box
- Reset or power-on your ONN device to start the setup flow.
- When prompted for Wi-Fi, select the SSID you set in step 1 and enter the password.
- Continue the Android TV/Google TV setup as normal—the region check should now pass because traffic is tunnelling via the US VPN.
After Setup: Cleanup Steps
Once setup is complete, the ONN box won’t keep checking your region. Therefore, you can disable the hotspot and VPN sharing without breaking functionality.
Unlock ONN Streaming Box: Troubleshooting Tips
- If the ONN box won’t get online, confirm on the PC:
- The VPN adapter (NordLynx) is Connected.
- The VPN adapter is Sharing to the correct Local Area Connection* (your hotspot).
- If you still hit issues:
- Try the order Hotspot ON → then connect VPN (or the reverse).
- Temporarily disable third-party firewalls on the PC.
- Run Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset (as a last resort), then redo the steps.
Final Thoughts
The ONN 4K Streaming Box may be designed for US audiences, but with a VPN router or PC hotspot, you can easily bypass geo-lock restrictions abroad. Ultimately, this ensures your ONN streaming box works anywhere.
Looking for alternatives? See our Onn 4K Plus Review for the best-value budget box, or consider the Google TV Streamer 4K and NVIDIA Shield TV Pro if you want more power and fewer restrictions.
👉 For a hassle-free setup, we recommend a VPN router solution — it works across all your devices, not just ONN.
For more advanced streaming tutorials, visit our Advanced Tips & Tricks hub.
FAQ
Why are ONN streaming boxes region-locked outside the US?
ONN introduced a geo-lock in a 2024 firmware update to limit use of its budget streaming devices to the US and Puerto Rico. This move helps Walmart control exports and strengthen partnerships in its home market.
How can I unlock ONN streaming box outside US?
You can unlock your ONN streaming box outside the US by using a VPN router, Smart DNS, or a Windows PC hotspot that shares a US-based VPN connection. These methods trick the device into thinking it’s located in the US.
What is the easiest method to bypass the ONN region lock?
The most reliable method is to set up a US VPN profile directly on a compatible router. Once configured, every device on that network—including your ONN box—appears as if it’s in the US.
Will unlocking my ONN box outside the US cause problems?
In most cases, no. Once setup is complete, the device works as expected. However, using a VPN may slightly reduce internet speeds, depending on your provider.
Just want to point out that Onn Boxes purchased at Walmart in Canada work just great and are probably geolocked to Canada but if you live here like I do it’s great I have two and like them very much.
I need to do this as my ONN boxes were purchased in the US and I live in Canada.
After I use the VPN to unlock the region issue do I still have to keep the VPN running?
The reason I ask I if there is an update to the box and it detects my Canadian IP will it not update or even worse brick the box.
Thanks.
No, as mentioned in the blog post section, “After Setup: Cleanup Steps:
Once setup is complete, the ONN box won’t keep checking your region. Therefore, you can disable the hotspot and VPN sharing without breaking functionality.”