How to watch ARD with Proton VPN
ARD is a German national public-service broadcasting network, jointly operated by Germany’s regional public-service broadcasters. Supported primarily by a mandatory license fee that almost everyone in Germany is required to pay, ARD is the largest public broadcaster network in the world.
ARD offers a live and “catch-up” streaming service that features shows, movies, and sports events from multiple broadcasters. This service is free at the point of use, and doesn’t require signing up (although you can register for a free account to sync watching between devices, create favorite lists, and access age-restricted content).
This article will explain how you can use Proton VPN to watch ARD:
- Windows, macOS, and Linux devices
- Android, iOS, and iPad devices
- Your Android TV smart TV
You can use Proton VPN to unblock other popular streaming services as well, including Netflix(new window), Disney+(new window), and Amazon Prime Video.
Our streaming guide(new window) lists all the streaming services we support.
How to watch ARD with Proton VPN from your browser
1. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to download and install Proton VPN for your device.
- Proton VPN for Windows(new window)
- Proton VPN for macOS(new window)
- Proton VPN for Linux(new window)
- Proton VPN for Android(new window)
2. To use streaming services via Proton VPN, you’ll need a Proton VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited plan. If you already have a Proton VPN Free plan, you can upgrade your account by logging in and selecting Plus from your account dashboard.
If you don’t have a Proton VPN account, you can sign up for a Plus plan here(new window).
3. Log in to Proton VPN and connect to any (non-Tor) server in Germany.
4. Visit the ARD Mediathek website at ardmediathek.de(new window) and start watching. You can also sign up for a free account or sign in with an existing one if you wish.
How to watch ARD with Proton VPN on a mobile device
ARD Mediathek apps are available for Android(new window), and iOS and iPadOS(new window). These can be downloaded from anywhere, but content will only play if you’re located in Germany.
1. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to download and install Proton VPN for your device.
2. To use streaming services via Proton VPN, you’ll need a Proton VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited plan. If you already have a Proton VPN Free plan, you can upgrade your account by logging in and selecting Plus from your account dashboard.
If you don’t have a Proton VPN account, you can sign up for a Plus plan here(new window).
3. Log in to Proton VPN and connect to any (non-Tor) server in Germany.
4. Download the ARD app and just start watching. You can also sign up for an account or sign in with an existing one if you wish.
How to watch ARD with Proton VPN on Android TV
1. To watch ARD using Proton VPN on your Android TV, you’ll first need to download the Android TV Proton VPN app(new window). For steps on setting up Android TV and connecting to the right server, take a look at our Android TV support guide(new window).
2. To use streaming services via Proton VPN, you’ll need a Proton VPN Plus(new window) or Proton Unlimited plan. If you already have a Proton VPN Free plan, you can upgrade your account by logging in and selecting Plus from your account dashboard.
If you don’t have a Proton VPN account, you can sign up for a Plus plan here(new window).
3. Log in to Proton VPN and connect to a server in Germany.
4. Install the ARD app(new window) on your Android TV device and just start watching. You can also sign up for an account or sign in with an existing one if you wish.
Troubleshooting ARD streaming problems
If ARD doesn’t work after following the above steps, try the following troubleshooting options.
- Restart the Proton VPN app and start a new VPN connection.
- If you are accessing ARD via your browser, try clearing your browser cache(new window).
- Restart your device.
- Clear your DNS cache(new window) (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
If none of these options work, please check out our Streaming troubleshooting guide(new window) or contact our Support team.