3 days ago
VPN Not Working on Netflix? 7 Simple Fixes That Work
Netflix is famous for its region-locked content, which seems to be constantly shifting. One day, you'll find the series you've enjoyed in your library, only for it to be removed the other day. To make matters worse, VPNs not working with Netflix are a typical issue. One that turns an exciting binge-watching afternoon into a scenario of doom and gloom.
If Netflix isn't working with a VPN, you're facing several issues. Perhaps a VPN has been detected or you're simply not using a VPN good enough to unblock Netflix content. Whatever the case may be, our experts have come up with a hefty number of useful tips.
We'll explain why the problem appears, how to overcome it, and which VPNs to use to reduce the margin of the Netflix proxy error. Your struggle ends today — let us address it together.
Netflix Not Working With a VPN: Quick Recap of the Best Solutions
In a hurry? Here are our 7 fixes to bypass the Netflix VPN block and access its libraries from anywhere. Use the best VPN for Netflix (we recommend NordVPN). Clear browser cache and cookies. Use a different server. Switch between multiple protocols. Try a dedicated IP address. Disable your IPv6. Seek help from the VPN support team.
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Netflix Not Working With a VPN Explained
As a VPN user, you know that Netflix won't work with a VPN occasionally. However, this error manifests in multiple different ways. One of the most common ways is that the streaming service doesn't display the right catalog. Let's say you connect to a server in the United States.
This means you have a US IP address. In theory, you should be able to watch Netflix US — right? With a proper choice of provider, it does. However, in some cases, it'll seem like it works, only for the desired movie or series to not appear in the catalog.
This still means the VPN isn't working with Netflix.
In some cases, people encounter the famous proxy error: 'You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.' In this case, the VPN is immediately detected, and you know right away that you won't be able to watch anything. Both mechanisms mean that your VPN doesn't work with Netflix.
Netflix VPN Not Working: 7 Simple Fixes
This isn't the end of the world, however. The streaming service is pretty efficient at blocking VPN-originating IPs. It's also great at detecting proxy service users and shooting them down to prevent access. If your VPN still won't work with Netflix, here are 7 tried and tested fixes to consider:
1. Use a Reputable VPN for Netflix
The most effective way to overcome this problem is to use a VPN that actually works.
We recommend these three:
NordVPN — the best pick for streaming overall; ExpressVPN — a speedy option for Ultra HD streaming; Proton VPN — many dedicated streaming servers.
Having tested them many times, we can confirm they work with multiple popular libraries. Moreover, they have servers in 105 to 118 countries, making it pretty simple to alter your Netflix region and unblock content.
These providers offer many streaming-friendly features.
For instance, all three come with unrestricted bandwidth. This is essential for watching shows and movies in high resolution. An important aspect to consider is speed — all three have 10 Gbps server ports backed by modern protocols such as NordLynx, Lightway Turbo, and WireGuard.
Another point goes towards compatibility. They supply VPN clients for all devices and even offer capable browser extensions with a location spoofing function. This leaves ample space to unblock Netflix US abroad or enjoy any other library overseas on a multitude of systems.
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Our tests have shown that they're streaming-ready, so you usually don't have to fix or tweak anything. Connecting to a server is pretty much all you need. Last but not least, they're risk-free for 30 days, so if you're unsatisfied with one, you'll be able to get a full refund and try another one.
Just give free VPNs for Netflix a miss — they're far from good and even farther from extraordinary.
2. Clear Your Browser Data
Some issues are bound to occur even with the creme de la creme Netflix VPNs.
However, they're usually resolved in a few simple steps. If you're still getting that Netflix proxy error, consider wiping your browser data. Browser data consists of cookies and cache. These bad boys (or girls — we won't assume genders) can make your plans go awry.
Cookies and cache contain some location data that can be divulged to the website you're trying to visit. You can have an IP from another country, but if these leftovers say you're in your native country, say 'goodbye' to your happy Sunday afternoons. Luckily, clearing your browser data is pretty simple:
Launch your browser (Chrome, Brave, Firefox, etc). We'll use Brave. Go to Privacy and Security. At the very top, select Delete Browsing Data. Under the Basic tab, select all three options. Make sure to select the time range — we usually choose the last 24 hours, but you can do more or less and see what works for you. Finally, click on Delete Data to complete the process.
After the browser restarts, connect to a VPN server again and see if the problem has vanished.
PRO TIP: After clearing your browser data, also try to access the streaming platform through your browser's Incognito window. It seems to have a positive effect for many users who are struggling with a VPN that's not working with Netflix.
3. Use a Different Server
One of the easiest fixes is to use a different server. I mean, it's a no-brainer, but although it sounds logical, this fix won't always work, especially if you're using a different server in the same country. However, it's worth giving a shot if you're struggling to access geo-blocked Netflix movies and series.
Open up your VPN and instead of just clicking or tapping the country, choose a specific city-level server. If it doesn't work, do the same, but pick a different one instead. Try out your luck, and after a bit of experimenting, you should be able to pick the one that works.
4. Experiment With Protocols
Modern VPN providers offer a handful of protocols, each with its distinct function and characteristics. We explained OpenVPN and WireGuard here, but there's more than meets the eye when it comes to protocol selection.
If you choose NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark, you'll have several protocols, such as:
NordLynx , NordWhisper , and OpenVPN (NordVPN)
, , and (NordVPN) Lightway , Lightway Turbo , and OpenVPN (ExpressVPN)
, , and OpenVPN (ExpressVPN) WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN (Proton VPN)
The first two have proprietary protocols worth trying out. NordLynx, in particular, is great at overcoming geo-blocks, while NordWhisper avoids network filtering. Lightway is more speed-focused, while the Turbo version leverages multi-lane support for even faster speeds. Both Lightway options support UDP and TCP standards.
Unblocking content is usually easier with TCP, while UDP focuses more on performance. We also recommend dabbling in OpenVPN and IKEv2 — these two were massive before WireGuard overthrew them. Usually, the best option is to let the VPN decide on the protocol.
However, when you want to address a VPN not working with Netflix, you aim to think outside the box and break the shell around you. Switching your protocols won't hurt — you can go back to the 'Automatic' option anyway. Try this and see if it works for you.
5. Try a Dedicated IP Address
Netflix has learned to be wary of users trying to access it through a VPN.
Apart from deep packet inspection, the service is programmed to detect VPN-originating IPs cunningly. Namely, it can detect shared IPs by observing the level of usage. If the IP is overused, i.e., it's sending multiple requests at a time, chances are it's shared by multiple users.
In that case, the IP is promptly blocked and kept on Netflix's blacklist. Next time you use this IP, Netflix won't work with a VPN either. The solution lies in a dedicated IP, which, as its name implies, is used only by one person. This, you'll agree, sounds much less suspicious.
The downside is that a dedicated IP is in one location and is charged per IP address. Plus, you must have an active VPN subscription to get it. If you're okay with that, NordVPN is the best VPN for dedicated IP addresses. It offers dedicated IPs at as low as $4.19/mo for 24 months.
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Plus, you can pick from multiple locations, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Japan, Poland, Germany, France, Norway, South Africa, etc. The said price applies to one IP, so you'll have to decide on which catalog you want to watch. After that, purchase it and you're all set.
Just a quick tip: go for the monthly plan to ensure your dedicated IP address works with the Netflix library you want to access. If need be, you can extend your plan to a year or two, and use your IP for binge sessions.
6. Disable Your IPv6 Address
Disabling your IPv6 is a good fix to try if you've run out of 'gas'. At this point, however, we believe you've fixed your problem of Netflix not working with a VPN. If you're unlucky, disabling your IPv6 might be the magic you're looking for. Here's how to disable it:
Windows 10 & 11
Go to Settings. Select Network & Internet. Click on Advanced Network Settings. Locate your adapter, and under More Adapter Options, click Edit. Find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and uncheck it. Press OK to confirm your settings.
macOS
Open System Settings. Go to Network. Select Wi-Fi and find your network. Click Advanced next to the selected network. Select TCP/IP and in the drop-down selection, press Configure IPv6. Click Link-Local Only and confirm your settings.
7. Reach Your VPN's Customer Support
If all else fails and the doom and gloom slowly approaches, take a moment to contact the support team of your VPN. They should be able to help additionally or even provide specific servers that you can use to fix the VPN not working with Netflix. Just mention the library you want to access and let them find a working server for you.
Connect to it, and you should be good to go. We had a good experience with NordVPN a while ago when the support team explained to us how to access ESPN Plus abroad. They advised us to use the browser extension and select a specific US server. Guess what? It worked!
How Does Netflix VPN Blocking Work?
It's important to know how Netflix VPN blocking works to know how to overcome it.
As explained, the service uses many tricks to counteract VPN users. One of them is to blacklist IP addresses associated with them. To detect such IP addresses, the platform checks if the IP is assigned to multiple users by determining the amount of traffic it sends.
If an IP sends out an unusual amount of traffic, chances are it belongs to a VPN. There's another, more cunning trick, which involves detecting discrepancies between the user's DNS settings and original IP address. This trick usually works better on iOS and Android devices.
We need to clarify that Netflix doesn't block VPN users, but rather IP addresses associated with VPN services. This means that detection won't result in account termination. You can keep using your account regularly, no matter what, which is a relief for VPN users.
Why is Netflix Blocking VPNs and Proxies?
Streaming services operate according to licensing agreements and copyrights. The same applies to TV channels that can usually broadcast only in their respective countries. We're not experts on this subject, so we'll just say that legal obligations are in the background of the issue.
If Netflix has a license to broadcast a movie or series only in specific regions, it'll prevent users from other countries from accessing it. This, in fact, harms Netflix's profit, because these 'illegal' streams don't bring any money to the company or the copyright holder.
While geo-blocks are an inconvenience, they're there for valid reasons. Hurdling geo-blocking is possible with a VPN, but according to many, not the most 'ethical' thing to do for the reasons mentioned above.
The Bottom Line
A VPN not working with Netflix can be a huge setback. Without it, you'll have to be content with not catching up on the latest episode of a binge-worthy show. Luckily, quite a few fixes we listed can aid your endeavors and ensure the VPN does its job without inconveniences.
First and foremost, it's vital to choose a reliable provider, and our #1 is NordVPN. ExpressVPN and Surfshark follow closely. Once you're equipped with the right toolkit, watching Netflix shouldn't be a problem. If it is, abide by the steps presented in this guide.
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