1. Home
  2. VPN / Privacy
  3. Bypass netflix vpn ban
We are reader supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Read Disclosure

Use a VPN to View Region Exclusive Content Today

It is possible to bypass Netflix regional blocks to watch your favorite international TV shows and movies. Here’s how:

  1. Sign up with a quality VPN provider that makes it easy to watch Netflix from anywhere.
  2. Download and install the VPN software.
  3. Run your VPN software, choose a server from a country where you want to watch Netflix from, and connect to it.
  4. Open your browser and go to https://www.netflix.com/. You should see the version of the site that corresponds to the location of your VPN server.
  5. Log in and you can use the site as usual, but now you get to see all the content from the international location instead of your home country’s content.

Netflix has been so successful in banning VPNs and proxies, you might think it’s impossible to unblock your favorite streams from abroad. Don’t be fooled–there are still some top-tier VPNs with networks powerful enough to bypass the Netflix VPN ban. We’ve tested them out, and below we provide our recommendations on which providers to use and explain how to watch Netflix with a VPN.

Netflix VPN Block: What are the Best VPNs

Why Trust AddictiveTips
Our expert team has rated and compared 30+ VPNs over a decade. As technology advances, we update our rigorous testing and scoring methodologies to match it and stay relevant.

Is it Possible to Watch Netflix from a Region Different Than Your Own? Yes, it Just Takes a Little Work.

Our Top Picks for VPNs to unblock Netflix anywhere:

  1. NordVPNNumber 1 VPN for Netflix Unblocking – NordVPN’s server network is among the most expansive in the business, making its heavily encrypted VPN connections the perfect way to unblock Netflix around the world.
  2. Surfshark – Surfshark rules when it comes to streaming Netflix from another country. Any one of their servers will work, coming pre-configured for optimally streaming geo-blocked content.
  3. ExpressVPN – Fast speeds and powerful encryption with a great track record of unblocking Netflix US, UK, Japan, and more.
  4. CyberGhost – A well-respected major VPN provider with numerous servers tooled for getting past Netflix blocks. Simple interface.
  5. PrivateVPN – This lightweight-yet-powerful VPN features Netflix-specific servers, optimized for speed and security.
  6. AdGuard VPN – Limited to just Netflix US, but it’s a great VPN with access to the most popular Netflix library, so we’re recommending it.

Nearly 100 million people from all over the world use Netflix to watch TV shows and movies. However, you might have heard that Netflix offers different content in different countries. Even though all users go through the same website, netflix.com, the content to which they have access varies depending on their location. You’ll have noticed this if you have been traveling abroad and tried to watch something on Netflix – you might not be able to load the video you want because it isn’t available in the region you are in. In places like Germany, Spain, and Hong Kong, Netflix users can’t see the original Netflix programs (like Shadow and Bone, for example). So, many Netflix users turned to a VPN to access content from other countries. If you live in Germany but wanted to watch a Netflix show that was only available in the US, you just had to fire up your VPN software, connect to a US server, then head to netflix.com and watch without problems.

Recently, though, this has stopped working for many.

So now, if you’re stuck looking for ways to bypass the Netflix VPN ban, we’ve done the research for you. We start by explaining how Netflix blocks VPNs and then show you our top choices to beat the geo-location ban from anywhere in the world.

Editor's Pick November 2024

Get NordVPN for just $3.49 a month on a 2 year plan

The problem with using a VPN to unblock Netflix streaming

Netflix cracked down on the use of VPNs and decided to block attempts to bypass their region-locked content using VPN services, making it more difficult to access Netflix content from other countries. Netflix was pressured into this action by movie copyright holders, as the pricey streaming rights for big movies are sold separately in different countries.

Netflix VPN & catalog access

When you use a VPN that works with Netflix to watch a movie that is not licensed in your country, copyright holders do not receive payment for that viewing. So there has been pressure on Netflix to prevent users from getting around region locks and making it difficult to change the location on Netflix.

There is also the factor of Netflix becoming a content creator as well as a content distributor — now that their shows like Inventing Anna and Ozark or movies like Don’t Look Up are so successful.

A few years ago, Netflix took a more tolerant stance towards privacy and copyright law, but with the rise in importance of its own content, it is becoming stricter around potential piracy issues.

Eventually, Netflix has stated that they want to provide global access to content so that you can watch all of the content wherever you are in the world.

But achieving this will be a long process of negotiations with copyright holders, so we’re unlikely to see Netflix go global any time soon. For now, it is highly likely that Netflix content will remain region-locked for the near future.

Netflix detecting VPN explained

When users have a VPN enabled and visit the Netflix site, they can browse the content using the VPN location.

For example, if you connect to a VPN server in the UK and go to netflix.com, you’ll see the UK version of the site and everything will appear to be working. But when you select a video to play, you may get a proxy error saying, “Whoops, something went wrong… Stream Error”.

Beneath this is a warning that Netflix has detected that you are using an unblocker or a proxy, and you will not be able to play the video. If you see this warning, it means that Netflix has blocked your VPN and you won’t be able to watch your content.

This problem is caused by the sophisticated VPN detection that Netflix uses. At first, the VPN works as the Netflix website sees an IP address in UK, and so it serves the UK version of the site (it reads the country code of the incoming IP address and serves up the relevant version of the site).

However, the Netflix server which hosts the actual video content, rather than the website, uses much stricter detection methods to determine whether a VPN is being used. This prevents you from watching the video, even if you can navigate the site.

RELATED READING: How to Bypass  the Netflix Proxy Error

Comparison of the Best VPNs with Netflix to Bypass Regional Blocks

VPNs
Average Speed
191.4Mbps
191.25Mbps
181.11Mbps
137.62Mbps
94Mbps
Countries
60
100
94
91
63
Servers
5400
3200
3000
9022
200
Uptime
99%
99%
99%
100%
99.9%
Log Policy
Logs Present
Logs Present
Logs Present
Logs Present
Logs Present
Live Chat Support
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
Optimized for Torrenting
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Streaming Unblocked
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
Free Trial
30 Day Free Trial
7 Days Free Trial
30 Day Free Trial
24 Hours on Desktop and 48 Hours on Mobile
7 Days Free Trial
Money Back Guarantee
30 Days Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
45 Day Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Connections
6
Unlimited
5
7
10
Works in Your Country
Best Price
$2.99/month
$1.99/month
$6.67/month
$2.19/month
$2.00

Working VPN options to Bypass the Netflix VPN Ban in 2024

1. NordVPN

Works in South Africa
4.5 / 5
NordVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
5400
Speed
Average of 191.4 mbps
Countries
60
Devices Supported
Up to 6
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Days Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
Standard at $2.99/month
Plus at $4.49/month
Complete at $5.49/month
Apps Available
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
  • SPECIAL OFFER: 2-yr plan (70% off – link below)
  • Most VPN servers with different IP addresses
  • Zero leaks: IP/DNS/WebRTC
  • “Double” data protection
  • Great customer service via chat
Cons
  • Very little
  • Sometimes slow in processing refunds (but always do).

NordVPN is perfect for highly privacy-minded users, thanks to its strong encryption and no-logging policy. NordVPN specializes in getting around region locks, so it has one of the biggest networks of servers with more than 5,280 servers in 60 countries. NordVPN, in fact, has Netflix-optimised servers that don’t require extra configuration to work.

These are particular numbered servers that have been set up specifically to be used for watching Netflix. You can see the exact instructions for watching Netflix on the NordVPN website. According to NordVPN’s information, the servers are currently working with Netflix in the US as well as France, India, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Works in South Africa
4.4 / 5
Surfshark
Top Features
Number of Servers
3200
Speed
Average of 191.25 mbps
Countries
100
Devices Supported
Up to Unlimited
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
24 Months at $2.69/month
1 month at $17.69/month
12 Month at $4.09/month
Apps Available
Surfshark Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Unblock VoIP in oppressive regimes like WhatsApp, Skype, Discord, and more
  • Get a static IP from US, UK, Germany, Japan, or Singapore
  • Unbreakable AES-256-GCM encryption on every connection
  • Zero logging policy ensures your activity can’t be used against you
  • 24/7 live chat ensures maximum uptime
Cons
  • Overall, not much to complain about
  • Relatively young VPN still has to prove itself trustworthy over the long haul

Surfshark has quickly established itself as a major player in the VPN market. And, their runaway success is in large part due to the exceptionally reliable access to Netflix anywhere in the world. Indeed, you can connect to any one of their 3200 servers to unblock 14 different Netflix libraries. There are no special settings to apply, no fishing around for streaming-compatible servers; just click connect and you’re ready to binge!

With powerful 256-AES-GCM encryption, there’s no way even the most restrictive government or ISP restrictions will keep you from watching what you want when you want. And, to keep anyone from watching you, rest easier knowing Surfshark has a litany of privacy provisions, including a sterling no-logging policy, diskless server structure, and protection against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.

For an extra push through heavy censorship, just toggle Surfshark’s NoBorders mode on. And, enjoy ad-free streaming with their CleanWeb switch.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Works in South Africa
4 / 5
ExpressVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
3000
Speed
Average of 181.11 mbps
Countries
94
Devices Supported
Up to 5
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
12 Months at $6.67/month
6 Months at $9.99/month
1 Month at $12.95/month
Apps Available
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Unblocking Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime
  • Super fast servers (minimal speed loss)
  • AES-256 encryption
  • No personal information logs kept
  • Live Chat Support
Cons
  • Expensive month-to-month plan

With extremely fast servers that are ideal for streaming Netflix, they are one of the most reliable VPN providers. With its huge network of 160 server locations in 94 countries worldwide, you’ll easily be able to spoof your location to watch Netflix from places like the US, Canada, and Germany.

You might find that not all their servers work with Netflix, as the VPN detection evolves over time. If you’ve tried a few servers and not found one which is working, you can contact their 24/7 customer service and ask them for a recommendation of which server to connect to. They should be able to point you to the server that you need.

They support plenty of different platforms, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, Chromebook, Kindle Fire and Firestick, Nook, and many more. The strong 256-bit AES encryption keeps your data safe and the no-logging policy ensures your privacy.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Works in South Africa
4.1 / 5
Cyberghost
Top Features
Number of Servers
9022
Speed
Average of 137.62 mbps
Countries
91
Devices Supported
Up to 7
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
45 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
Best Value at $2.19/month
6 Month Plan at $6.99/month
Monthly Plan at $11.99/month
Apps Available
CyberGhost Pros & Cons
Pros
  • LOW PRICE: 6 EXTRA free months (79% off – link below)
  • P2P allowed on any server except in US and Russia
  • Jurisdiction in Romania
  • Strict no-logging policy
  • Reliable and knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support
Cons
  • Doesn’t work well in China

CyberGhost managed to reinvent itself under new ownership. They’ve improved operations greatly by adding a deluge of new servers and locations, improved speeds by a long shot, and upped the security for all their infrastructure.

The good thing about advertising some 6,600 servers in 88 countries worldwide is that some of these are specifically meant for Netflix streaming — just open up the app and select your preferred server from the streaming menu.

That means you won’t have to contact customer support for working servers or just try random ones every time you bump into a problem.

On top of that, there’s a review feature that allows you to thumb up or down on a server’s IP address which pings the support team if a server has been blocked or not.

From a privacy standpoint, CyberGhost is based in Romania — a country that has no data retention laws, which means you can stream in total privacy while no logs and no data usage is being leaked.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. PrivateVPN

Works in South Africa
4 / 5
PrivateVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
200
Speed
Average of 94 mbps
Countries
63
Devices Supported
Up to 10
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
36 Month Plan at $2.00/month
3 Month Plan at $6.00/month
Monthly Plan at $9.90/month
Apps Available

PrivateVPN is another great solution for unblocking Netflix. They focus strongly on privacy and usability which means it will allow you the comfort of accessing content safe and secure.

PrivateVPN has apps for smartphones, computers, and even the Firestick — it comes with a super light and quite sleek interface so that everyone can use it no matter how tech-literate they are. Just choose a server and connect. There aren’t a ton of these by the standards of this list of top VPNs, but you still get a generous 200 servers in 63 countries to choose from.

The service comes with a unique feature that will make watching Netflix extremely easy. By that we mean confirmed servers that work with the service — simply browse the server listing and you’ll see some odd labels saying: ?Netflix?,  ?Hulu??BBC? and others. 

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. AdGuard VPN

AdGuard VPN Logo 2023

AdGuard VPN stands out for users who prioritize a user-friendly interface combined with affordability, all while being backed by its rich legacy in the ad-blocking sector. Venturing into the VPN landscape, AdGuard showcases a robust network with over 1,000 servers spanning 65 locations. Originating as a renowned ad-blocker, AdGuard’s transition to VPNs underscores its dedication to user privacy.

These servers are tailored to offer a hassle-free connection, removing the need for intricate configurations. A highlight for streaming enthusiasts: AdGuard has made strides in ensuring compatibility with Netflix, particularly offering smooth access to Netflix US content. For a comprehensive overview and exclusive offers, it’s worth a visit to the AdGuard website.

As per our full AdGuard review, they currently deliver top-tier performance in regions like the US and Europe, with further enhancements on the horizon.

Use our AdGuard Promo Code today and get 83% Off : “addictivetips83”

7. StrongVPN

Works in South Africa
3.8 / 5
StrongVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
950
Speed
Average of 75 mbps
Countries
30
Devices Supported
Up to 12
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
Annual Plan at $43.99/year
Monthly Plan at $10.99/month
Apps Available

Some users complain about StrongVPN not working with Netflix. Our testing revealed that they have specific servers in the US to unblock Netflix US — Miami and  950 servers in 30 countries in total.

The only drawbacks are that we couldn’t use the OpenVPN protocol which is more secure than PPTP (Note: SSTP also worked at the time of writing) and that you cannot unblock Netflix from the app.

Troubleshooting Your VPN’s Connection to Netflix

All of our recommended VPNs are able to unblock virtually any international Netflix services you might want to access. However, each provider will readily admit that their methods are not always foolproof. As we noted above, Netflix and VPN providers are engaged in a high-tech game of cat and mouse. And there are times when the Netflix team gain the upper hand.

This means that it is possible that any one of these VPN providers could have times when Netflix becomes unavailable. Usually, they will have a backup plan to hand to fix this, and patience is usually rewarded with a fully-functioning service in no more than a couple of days. But if you aren’t a particularly patient person or the problem doesn’t resolve itself, there are a few things you can do to try and unblock Netflix yourself:

Switch Servers

If you find your VPN suddenly stops being able to unblock Netflix, the first thing to do is try another server. The likely cause is that Netflix has identified the IP address you were using as belonging to a VPN, and then blocked it.

Many providers will have a number of servers that are identified as usable for Netflix or online streaming. Try these first. If they don’t work, try any other server located in the relevant country. If you still can’t find a working server, contact your VPN providers support team for advice.

Clear Your Cookies

It is possible that Netflix isn’t working because some of the cookies on your browser are telling them where you are actually located. By clearing your browser’s cookies, you remove this possibility, and in some cases, Netflix will start to work again.

Update Geo-location Data in Your Browser

Another possible cause is that your browser is leaking geo-location to Netflix. If your browser is telling their servers you are in one place, and your IP address suggests you are somewhere else, Netflix will put two and two together and stop you accessing their service.

Giving browsers access to geo-location is optional, so to stop this happening, remember to refuse permission when your browser asks. If you have already given permission, it is possible to revoke it in the browser settings menu. Do this, and Netflix might start working again.

Fix DNS Leaks

DNS leak is a security flaw which betrays your encrypted connection to your ISP, allowing Netflix to discern your true IP-location. Virtually any browser can be subject to this flaw, but top-tier VPN providers include DNS protection methods. These root out DNS leaks, and repair them on the spot, restoring secure access to the internet.

You can also configure your router’s DNS settings to get Netflix working again.

Fix WebRTC Leaks

A WebRTC leak is an issue in Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC), which is used to help different browsers talk to each other. To use WebRTC, browsers need to know your real IP address, and this fact is exploited by companies like Netflix to identify your actual connection.

It is usually possible to block WebRTC in your browser without affecting your internet performance. In Safari, this can be done in the settings. For Chrome, you will need to download a plugin called Easy WebRTC Block.

Use a Dedicated IP Address

A dedicated IP address means that your VPN is providing an IP for you, and you alone. It will not be shared by any other user, and therefore Netflix will not have their suspicions aroused by multiple connections from the same IP address. It will just look like a normal residential IP address to them. Not all VPN providers offer this functionality, but the ones that do provide some of the most consistent access to streaming sites like Netflix.

Build Your Own VPN Server

This final option isn’t for newcomers, but if you are technically proficient, you could opt to build your own OpenVPN server. It is much more complicated than just signing up with a commercial VPN provider. But if you are confident in your abilities, this type of VPN will also look like a residential IP address and should, therefore, be able to avoid Netflix’s efforts to block it.

FULL GUIDE: How to hide OpenVPN traffic

Understanding Netflix region blocks and geo-restrictions on content

Netflix is available in over 190 countries around the world. Its movies aren’t the same in any two of those regions, however. Why does this happen, and how can you keep watching your favorite Netflix programs no matter where you go? Let’s break it down.

Why does Netflix change movie availability in different regions?

Netflix has earned a reputation over the last few years for being a frustrating movie service to use when traveling abroad. Most streaming services are like this, however, all because of international content laws.

Territorial licensing issues force websites that offer TV shows and movies to restrict what content is available in which area. The creators of those shows do this so they can maximize their profits for any given piece of media by selling it to different distributors across the globe. The company that bids the highest gets the license, and depending on that agreement, Netflix may or may not be able to offer a stream.

When Netflix buys the rights for content in a region, it first checks to make sure people living in that country are interested in the content. Audiences in India want to watch Yeh Rishta, for example, while users in Brazil won’t be as interested. Netflix then buys rights in India but nowhere else. Governmental restrictions can also play a part in content availability, which is something Netflix can’t work around.

Another issue surrounding media availability is related to local distribution deals. Even if a show is extremely popular in one area, Netflix may not be able to buy the streaming rights due to competing services. Archer is a prime example of this. Netflix offers the show in a number of countries, but not in the U.S. where its main audience resides.

learn how to change netflix region

What does it mean to change Netflix region or country on your account?

When you create a Netflix account, you aren’t required to select a country of residence. This is automatically detected when you enter your billing information, and Netflix does not make you change it if you move to a new area or travel frequently. According to the Netflix support pages, you’re free to subscribe using any payment method you want, region-specific or otherwise.

If you move and you want to be billed in the currency of your new country, Netflix recommends you actually cancel your account, then restart it from the new country within the available Netflix regions with all-new payment details. This shows how unimportant regional location is as far as billing is concerned.

Changing which account Netflix recognizes you’re from, and thus changing what content is made available to you, is an entirely different process. For this you need to change Netflix region switch out your IP address using a good proxy or VPN service. You don’t have to change your Netflix account details or payment method, just find the right VPN to use Netflix and you’re set. We’ll cover all of that in the sections below.

How Does Netflix Block VPNs?

Regular geo-blocking works by looking at a user’s IP address to figure out where in the world they are connecting to the internet from. VPNs let you alter your IP address (known as “spoofing”), making it appear to websites like Netflix that you are somewhere other than you actually are. This is usually an effective way to bypass geo-restricted content.

However, Netflix has its methods for uncovering VPNs being used to access their service in this way, including:

Conducting VPN Espionage

When you connect to a VPN proxy server, you take its IP address on as your own. Your provider will also show you just what your IP address is, for reference. Unfortunately, Netflix can sign up for VPN subscriptions just like you can to gain that same information. From there, they can document each server’s IP, then adding each to their black list. You might consider it corporate espionage of sorts, but it is completely legal practice on a free market.

Spotting Shared IP Addresses

Normally, when a Netflix user connects to their server, they will be the only customer using that IP address. In some circumstances, such as if a family are all watching different shows, there may be two or three connections sharing a router’s external IP address. But large numbers of users connecting from a single IP address is unusual and when this happens, Netflix are likely to smell a rat. With the popularity of VPNs growing, this is increasingly common, and it is simple for Netflix to simply blacklist these shared IP addresses.

RELATED READING: How to make your VPN undetectable

Purchasing GeoIP Databases

In addition to the above methods, Netflix makes use of GeoIP databases to root out VPN traffic to its international content catalogues. These databases are compiled by companies which seek to catalogue metadata on individual IP addresses. This can include details like an IP address’s location, residential or commercial status, or any known affiliations to proxy or VPN services. For the right price, Netflix can purchase these datasets to add to their IP blacklist. And one thing Netflix does not lack is budget for things like this!

Netflix and shared IP addresses

The first issue that VPN detection investigates is shared IP addresses. Many VPN providers will use shared IP addresses, so you could be on the same IP address as dozens or even hundreds of other users.

This is advantageous for anonymity, but it is easy for Netflix to see which IP addresses are accessing huge amounts of data, suggesting that they are a VPN shared IP, and to block them.

Anonymity vs sacrificing privacy

One solution to this is to use an individual IP address, which some VPN providers do offer, but this loses the advantage of the anonymity offered by a shared IP.

Another problem is that VPN providers will typically buy up IP addresses in large bulk, so they will have a whole lot of servers under similar IP addresses. Once Netflix has discovered that a particular IP address is used by a VPN, it sometimes bulk blocks a whole range of addresses.

This means that users who aren’t even running VPNs can be affected by this issue, as their IP address happens to fall close to a range of VPN IP addresses.

The rules which Netflix uses to detect VPNs are not fully understood, and their VPN detection continues to evolve over time. This has created a situation where many if not most VPNs will no longer work with Netflix.

Even if you are a Netflix customer who only wants to access streaming content from your own country, you still won’t be able to use the service without turning off your VPN and sacrificing your privacy.

Using Netflix’s app vs browser (tested)

A separate complication with watching with a VPN is the two different ways in which you access the Netflix service. As well as banning IP addresses, Netflix also detects VPNs by looking at whether the location of your IP address and your DNS server matches.

If you use your web browser to watch Netflix and you have a VPN installed, then the VPN provider will be able to route your traffic via a DNS server that they have provided. This way, your traffic and your DNS server match, and you do not trigger the proxy error.

RELATED READING: How to Get a U.S. IP Address from Anywhere

When you try to use Netflix in an app for your Android or iOS device, this does not always work. Apps can override the DNS settings on your device and force your device to use the default ISP name server.

This means that when your VPN service is turned on, the location of the traffic passing through the server does not match the DNS server, and so the Netflix streaming app can detect VPN use.

In this case, you’ll trigger the proxy error.

Bypass the VPN ban and unblock Netflix content

Many VPN providers have not yet been able to resolve this issue to allow users to watch Netflix through an app. However, the VPNs that we have selected have found a way around this issue to make it work.

Install a VPN on your router to access unlimited US Netflix streaming

An alternative strategy to manage this problem is to install your VPN software directly onto your router rather than onto your individual devices. This way, any traffic which is sent through your router (i.e. any traffic originating from your home network) will be automatically encrypted.

Once you have installed your VPN software onto your router, you’ll need to configure your settings to forward DNS queries to the DNS servers provided by your VPN. Now, you can watch Netflix on any device – even through an app – without triggering the proxy error.

You can find instructions on how to install VPN software onto your router and how to configure your DNS settings on your VPN provider’s website.

How do you use Netflix with a VPN?

Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider and signed up for a plan, then using your VPN with Netflix is simple. Start off by downloading and installing the VPN software from your chosen provider.

When you run the software for the first time, you’ll see a list of servers in different countries that you can connect to. Find one that is in the country where you want to watch Netflix and connect to it.

Is my VPN working?

You can check whether your VPN is working by going to https://whatismyipaddress.com/. This site will tell you your current IP address, and show the location of that address on a map. Make sure that the IP address matches with the location that you wish to access Netflix from.

Now you can open up your browser and go to https://www.netflix.com/. You should see the version of the site that corresponds to the location of your VPN server. So, if you picked a server in the UK, you should see the UK version of Netflix. Log in and you can use the site as usual, but now you get to see all the UK content instead of your home country’s content.

You can use this method to access Netflix from all over the world. Some of the most popular versions of Netflix are those in the US, Canada, and the UK, as these have lots of content that is missing from other countries like Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Hong Kong, and Turkey.

Bypass Netflix region locks with a VPN

Netflix has set out on a mission to make bypassing their region locks on content more and more difficult over the last year or two, and they’ve succeeded in locking out many VPN users.

Whilst it may be understandable that they need to enforce strict rules about region locking from the copyright holders who provide their content, it is highly controversial that they are also blocking access to those customers who want to use a VPN in order to protect their privacy.

 

Parting words – The future of VPN use and Netflix

Eventually, Netflix aims to make all of its content available globally, but for now, we are stuck with region locking for the Netflix subscriber.

If you want to access Netflix content from other countries, however, this is still possible. You can use either of the VPN providers that we recommended here – notably NordVPN and ExpressVPNto bypass Netflix region locks.

Using VPNs is your best option to access Netflix for now

VPN detection will continue to grow more sophisticated, so you might need to ask for guidance to find the specific servers to which you can connect to in order to access Netflix, but as things stand these two are the most reliable options for VPNs to access Netflix.

Have you tried to get around the Netflix region locks? Do you use either of the VPNs which we recommended, or is there another that you prefer? Let us know your tips in the comments below!

Netflix Unblocking: Quick FAQ On How To Unblock The Content

  • Which VPNs work with Netflix?
    We’ve done more than 5,000 tests on 45+ VPNs and came up with those that WORK and are able to unblock Netflix. They are: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PrivateVPN, and StrongVPN.
  • Is using a VPN with Netflix, illegal?
    Since Netflix doesn’t know if a VPN is “being used for legitimate purposes”, they block VPN usage for their users. But that doesn’t mean you will be doing anything illegal by using one. There is no law against using a VPN to watch Netflix.
  • Why do I need a VPN with Netflix?
    A VPN is more than a tool to fool apps and websites into thinking your location is somewhere else than it is. We recommend using a VPN because it’s in your best interest when it comes to privacy.
  • Why doesn’t Netflix always work with a VPN?
    Because you’re not using the right VPN. Our research on 45+ VPNs reveals that only a select few services are able to actually unblock Netflix viewing.
  • How do you use a VPN to unblock Netflix?
    Using a VPN with Netflix is easy. Just sign up for a recommended VPN service from our list and then follow their instructions for setting everything up.

Additional Resources to Unblock Netflix

If you are a Netflix enthusiast like us, you’ll love our comprehensive Netflix-related VPN guides, ensuring you never miss out on your favorite shows, no matter where you are.

Ever wondered how to unblock Netflix at school? Or which is the best VPN for Netflix? We’ve got all the answers.

Discover the best Chrome extensions to unblock Netflix, how to watch Netflix on nVidia shield TV, or join the discussion on the Reddit Netflix VPN page.

Explore Netflix libraries from around the world and choose from the best VPNs for Netflix in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Portugal to South Africa, Brazil, and Japan. 

Alternatively, learn how to unblock American Netflix from anywhere or specifically how to unblock US Netflix in Italy and how to unblock American Netflix in Australia. Looking for specific Netflix content? Find out how to watch Harry Potter on Netflix from anywhere.

If you’re having trouble with your VPN, check out our guides on how to resolve Netflix blocks when using Hide My Ass, Hola, Avast, IPVanish, PureVPN, AirVPN, Unlocator, Buffered VPN, CyberGhost for Netflix, NordVPN for Netflix US, and ExpressVPN with Netflix.

Finally, learn how to bypass Netflix proxy errors or fix Netflix proxy errors.

 

 

How to get a FREE VPN for 30 days

If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.

11 Comments

  1. Unfortunately I used a VPN with one of the above recommendations and Netflix picked up “unusual activity” and blocked me from logging in on my laptop.

  2. I did try many providers. Starting from free ones and finishing with expensive. I was quite sceptical about NordVPN at first, but I was wrong. I use it for 3 years now, and I enjoy it. Could be cheaper I guess, but it works with Netflix.

  3. i tried these all express work fine for me but here is flyunder vpn its new and working smoothly try this one

  4. I had good luck with ProtonVPN
    I already used it as my VPN for privacy purposes, and I found that most of their server aren’t blocked by Netflix

    So yeah, not the cheapest but it as one of the best security and privacy protection out there

  5. Hello to all, it’s truly a pleasant for me to pay a quick visit this web site, it includes
    helpful Information.

  6. 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23 of Domestic Violence Act
    2005 on March 3, 2015(seen on internet).

  7. ExpressVPN doesn’t work with spanish servers, and won’t work in near future as they told me today.

  8. I had difficulty in watching PureVPN but they recently have updated their service to unblock Netflix with their app.