🏆 Onn 4K Plus Review - New $29.88 Walmart Android TV Box

[Blueswolf83]

The box i picked up yesterday has it marked in the lower right side US Compatible Only*
Not sure why Amazon Canada would sell them.

[Timwort]

For me at least, I bought the Onn boxes long before the Plus box was out and the last one a few months before Pro box.

[BobC]

Are you saying that you can’t use your Google account with the device because you’re in Canada, or you just can’t access programming in Canada? If it’s a programming issue, I would expect that if you use a VPN and select a US server, the device will appear (to the internet) to be located in the US.

[Blueswolf83]

The fine print on the back

[Miki]

Try what @BobC suggested and turn your VPN on and choose a server in the US. Texas was always good for me.

[DFitz]

You’re right .. the box says ‘US compatible only’. I will try a VPN

[Timwort]

They all work fine on mine, except I don’t use Surfshark so I can’t speak to that.

[TROYPOINT]

Same as other Onn devices. Others have said they connect to Internet through tether phone with VPN on US server on phone during setup.

[Wizzard]

You can use any server you chose actually but please set it up using a hotspot VPN in the USA to avoid problems with geolocation and it saying sorry, this isn’t availble in your country.

[teehar]

Doesn’t it seem odd that these Onn boxes would be for sale in CA with a label that says US compatible only?

[dgthecomputeruy]

I have loaded several of the new ONN plus boxes. all the usual apps work fine. There is a few glitches.. like stream fire will just exit out on its own sometimes. I think that is an android 14 issue. Smart tube gives an error on first launch that says may not be compatible with this version of android, but then works fine. I did have trouble connecting to my 2g network on spectrum router, but connected fine to the 5g channel. I do not use any external devices for storage because i do not record shows. so the smaller storage isnt really an issue. Dont use the on board lan on the pro.. and OTG cable works for external usb if needed. I can see a significant difference in speed as far as apps loading.. like kodi and such. I upgraded my Onn Pro to android 14 and didnt get the problems with streamfire.. Is anyone else having any issues? or problems with apps?

[Patachou]

@Wizzard

You can use any server you chose actually but please set it up using a hotspot VPN in the USA to avoid problems with geolocation

I’m so sorry to be so obtuse but I don’t know exactly what is a “hotspot VPN”
I always thought it meant if you go to an airport or somewhere like that. Please forgive my ignorance​:folded_hands:t3: I’m still trying to recuperate from my extremely hard fall I took … and due to all my insider family prayers and well wishes I’m slowly getting better! Thanks everyone

[Wizzard]

How to set up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot using Windows

Here you go.

[Patachou]

I wasn’t clear enough @Wizzard I don’t have any computer. I use an android phone and the onn 4k pro android tv box. I’m SO SORRY for not being specific

[Miki]

To set up a hotspot on an Android phone or tablet, you’ll typically find the option under “Connections” or “Network & internet” in your device’s Settings. Within those sections, look for “Mobile Hotspot and Tethering” or “Hotspot & tethering”. Enable the “Mobile Hotspot” or “Wi-Fi Hotspot” setting, and you can then configure the network name and password if desired.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:
On Android:

1. Open Settings:
   Locate the Settings app on your device and open it.
2. Find Connections or Network & Internet:
   Depending on your device, look for either “Connections” or “Network & internet” in the Settings menu.
3. Go to Hotspot & Tethering or Mobile Hotspot and Tethering:
   Within the “Connections” or “Network & internet” section, tap on “Mobile Hotspot and Tethering” or “Hotspot & tethering”.
4. Enable Mobile Hotspot/Wi-Fi Hotspot:
   Locate the “Mobile Hotspot” or “Wi-Fi Hotspot” toggle and switch it to the “On” position.
5. Configure Network Name and Password (Optional):
   If you want to change the default network name and password, tap on the hotspot settings or the “Configure” option.
6. Save Changes:
   Once you’ve made your desired changes, save them and your hotspot will be ready to use.

[Wizzard]

Just as Miki said. The reason I did it with a PC is because Surfshark does not support VPN hotspots on mobiles. Phones or Tablets. If you don’t use a USA VPN then all is for nought.

[Miki]

Surfshark is confusing at times, at least for me. They say you can’t use a mobile hotspot on an android or ios device and then give you instructions how to do it.

How to use a mobile hotspot

[Wizzard]

Yes but it doesn’t work. I tried using it, I checked my Ip using it and it was my regular IP. That is when I called them and they said it’s not working and pointed to the PC directions. What I mean is, yes my mobile hotspot works but SS does not work on it. the app. They need to fix that.

[Miki]

Ahh I wonder why they give instructions then? I suppose you have to have a working vpn connected to a US server in order to reg the device. What about using a free VPN like Proton just to get the device regged. Once it’s regged doesn’t the SS vpn then work?. Thanks for the info Wiz.

[Wizzard]

The instructions from what I saw were only how to set up a hotspot. On my phone in fact it’s literally turning it on and connecting another device (Of course wifi must be turned off) . When I first did all this, I had asked here if other VPN’s worked while using a hotspot on mobile. Nobody ever replied to confirm or deny. SS works fine as a VPN on mobile, it just won’t work as a hotspot. I don’t know if Proton will or other VPN’s without people trying it, veryifying their IP is actually that of the USA and reporting back. My pleasure of course Miki.