This guide demonstrates how to bypass the Netflix VPN Block. The guide applies to all devices, including FireStick, Android TV, Smartphones, and Desktops.
Netflix’s content library varies across countries. Countries like the USA are known to have the most content. On the other hand, some countries have a limited catalog. This is due to the geo-restrictions Netflix has imposed.
To bypass these geo-restrictions and unblock libraries from anywhere, you need a VPN. However, Netflix is aware of this tactic and constantly detects and bans VPN servers. Almost every VPN company has been affected by Netflix’s banning campaign.
Netflix has to maintain the geo-restriction and ban VPNs for two reasons:
- It does not have the license to distribute all of its content everywhere.
- Netflix subscriptions are not priced equally in every country. Some users may try to buy a cheaper subscription in one country and unlock the content library of a country with higher subscription prices.
Only a handful of premium VPNs can bypass the Netflix VPN block. Even so, you might still get the “Pardon the interruption error D7037-1111 or M7111-5059” message (or similar) while using a VPN with Netflix.
Fortunately, you can still avoid the VPN ban and stream Netflix seamlessly using a reliable premium VPN. This guide explains why Netflix bans VPNs and shows you how to bypass Netflix VPN blocks. Let’s get started!
Quick Fix on How to Bypass Netflix VPN Block
If you are in a hurry, bypass the Netflix VPN block using the following steps.
- Subscribe and install a reliable premium VPN. I use and recommend ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a VPN server location with a massive library, such as the US.
- Open Netflix and access Netflix libraries.
Why Does Netflix Ban VPNs?
This is due to licensing, distribution agreements, and other regulations. In addition to the Originals, Netflix purchases content distribution rights from numerous third-party media houses. The licenses usually restrict streaming rights to specific regions.
To adhere to the agreements, Netflix implements geo-blocks that ensure each region gets content according to the licensing.
Nonetheless, VPNs can bypass Netflix geo-blocks and make geo-restricted content available everywhere. Content owners may consider this a breach of contract by Netflix.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, Netflix started a campaign to ban VPN IP addresses.
How Does Netflix Know You’re Using a VPN?
Netflix uses different techniques to detect VPN connections. Here is how:
IP addresses are unique numerical numbers that devices and services (like Netflix) use to identify one another on a network like the Internet. These unique identifiers also locate devices and services connected to a network globally.
To maximize privacy, VPNs usually share one IP address with multiple subscribers.
Netflix systems can quickly identify a shared VPN IP address by looking at the number of users. Netflix becomes suspicious when it receives a large amount of streaming traffic from a single IP address and blocks such IP addresses.
DNS Analysis
IP addresses and DNS go hand in hand. Your ISP assigns an IP address and a corresponding DNS address from the exact server location.
However, if you use an unreliable VPN, your IP address will change, but the DNS may resolve at the original location. Netflix can easily detect this mismatch and block the VPN connection.
DNS leak is also a common phenomenon among free and unreliable VPNs. The VPN connection may start with the IP address and DNS from the exact location but, at some point, give away the original DNS, allowing Netflix to detect and ban the VPN connection.
Location Data
Your browser may contain data about your location. When using a VPN, Netflix will pick your location data from the cache and ignore the new geolocation from your VPN IP address. Consequently, Netflix will assume you are using a VPN since the geolocation information doesn’t match.
Similarly, geolocation mismatch happens when GPS is on while using a VPN. Netflix will detect this and ban your IP.
Best VPNs for Bypassing Netflix VPN Block
Bypassing Netflix’s VPN block requires a reliable premium VPN. Only a few VPN providers can help you watch Netflix libraries without getting the “pardon the interruption message.”
Picking the right Netflix VPN can be a hassle. That is why I have compiled the top 5 reliable VPNs for Netflix.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our go-to VPN provider for bypassing Netflix’s VPN block. This VPN is outstanding since it is always ahead of the Netflix VPN ban campaign.
Besides its excellent Netflix unblocking capabilities, ExpressVPN can meet all your online needs. This VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and value for your money.
Optimized VPN Servers
ExpressVPN server network is optimized to offer blazing speeds and unlimited bandwidth. It features the Lightway VPN protocol to avoid buffering while watching Netflix.
Its worldwide servers in 105 countries will allow you to stream multiple libraries from Netflix UK to Japan.
ExpressVPN can bypass VPN blocks from other streaming services such as HBO, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, and sports channels. You can also use this VPN to torrent and play games.
Regular IP Address Updates
If Netflix displays the VPN, proxy, or unblocker error message, connect to a different server and try again. ExpressVPN regularly updates and adds new IP addresses to ensure it can always bypass Netflix blocks. Another standout feature of ExpressVPN is that it uses a private DNS, offering leak protection on all servers.
Compatibility
ExpressVPN is compatible with almost all devices, including smartphones, computers, routers, and browsers. It also offers a MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) for devices that don’t support VPN apps. ExpressVPN offers up to 8 simultaneous connections on a single subscription.
Its customer service is available 24/7 via live chat, and you can also contact them through the email ticket system. There’s a comprehensive FAQ knowledge base.
2. IPVanish
IPVanish is one of the most reliable VPNs for unblocking Netflix, only second to ExpressVPN. But what makes IPVanish a suitable VPN for streaming Netflix?
High-Speed Streaming Servers
Netflix is one app that requires fast internet speeds for seamless streaming of HD content and minimal buffering. IPVanish offers high-speed servers in many parts of the world, with an average of 277 Mbps.
Vast Server Network
Netflix is a global service. For an optimum streaming experience, you need a VPN with global servers. IPVanish does not have this problem, with its 2000+ servers spread across 75 locations worldwide. Whether you want to connect to a server in the US, Europe, India, Australia, or Africa, IPVanish will meet your needs.
Unlimited Connections
If your household likes using Netflix on multiple devices, a VPN service that allows multiple simultaneous connections is crucial. IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can watch Netflix on as many devices as you want.
DNS leak protection
As mentioned, DNS leaks and IP address-DNS server mismatches are some of the reasons Netflix blocks VPN connections. IPVanish’s solid DNS leak protection technology ensures your DNS requests are always protected. Moreover, the service keeps your internet traffic and IP address secured on a private network.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access is a US-based VPN service. It is one of the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix’s US restrictions.
The lightning-fast VPN also has hundreds of servers in at least 91 countries. Furthermore, you can try the service risk-free for 30 days to gauge its capabilities.
Compatibility
PIA provides the convenience of unlimited connections on all compatible devices under a single subscription. This means your entire household can stream Netflix and access as many devices as needed without any restrictions.
PIA is compatible with various devices, including FireStick, Android TV, PC, Mac, and Smartphones.
Dedicated IP Address
PIA offers dedicated static IP addresses that are only accessible to you. Depending on what you want to watch on Netflix, you can select a dedicated IP address from a specific server location tailored to your streaming preference.
For instance, if you want to stream a Netflix UK TV show, you can choose a dedicated IP address among the London servers.
Decent Speeds and Unlimited Bandwidth
Even though PIA is not the fastest VPN on the market, it has decent download and upload speeds. Streaming Netflix requires stable internet speeds, especially when watching content in HD.
Besides its above-average speeds, It offers unlimited bandwidth to ensure safe and secure connections across all your devices.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a popular VPN service that unblocks Netflix without worrying about detection. This VPN service suits various online tasks, including streaming, torrenting, gaming, and protecting your online security and privacy.
Unlike other premium VPNs, which offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost’s long-term plans offer a 45-day guarantee.
Dedicated Streaming Servers
CyberGhost offers specialized servers for streaming content from various Netflix libraries, including those in the US, France, Germany, and others.
In addition to Netflix, CyberGhost allows you to stream content from other services such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, YouTube, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney Plus.
Concerns about IP address blocklisting are minimal with CyberGhost as it offers a massive number of IP addresses from its extensive network of over 9000 servers in over 100 countries.
This server network delivers the highest possible speeds with unlimited bandwidth. CyberGhost also has servers dedicated to torrenting safely and securely.
Dedicated IP Addresses
You can also use its dedicated IP addresses if the streaming profile doesn’t work. These addresses eliminate the possibility of IP address bans.
CyberGhost offers dedicated IP addresses at an extra cost in the US, the UK, Germany, Canada, and France.
Compatibility
CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, game consoles, and routers.
This VPN also offers a Smart DNS and built-in DNS leak protection. On a single subscription, CyberGhost offers up to 7 simultaneous connections.
5. Surfshark
Surfshark is a Netherlands-based premium VPN that has become one of the most advanced VPNs in the market.
Besides its advanced encryption technology and privacy features, Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that unblock Netflix geo-restrictions. Here are the reasons that make Surfshark suitable for bypassing Netflix’s VPN block.
Geo-Unblocking Abilities
Netflix presents one of the most complicated firewalls that most VPNs cannot bypass. Additionally, while some VPNs can access certain Netflix regions, only those with sophisticated VPN features unlock all Netflix libraries.
With Surfshark, you can seamlessly access Netflix in the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Japan.
Incredible Speeds
Fast speeds are a prerequisite for streaming geo-blocked content to avoid buffering or quality distortion. Some VPNs interfere with your internet speeds, slowing down your connection and interfering with your streaming.
With Surfshark, you can count on an average speed above 250Mbps at any given time.
Unlimited Connections
Lastly, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections. With a single subscription, you can unblock Netflix content across all compatible devices, including mobile gadgets, streaming devices like FireStick, and smart TVs.
Surfshark is relatively more affordable than other premium VPNs and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Alternative Way to Bypass Netflix VPN Blocks: Smart DNS
A Smart DNS is a popular alternative for bypassing the Netflix VPN ban. A Smart DNS forwards your DNS requests to a proxy server location without changing your IP address.
Most Smart DNS services require registering and tying your IP address to a specific DNS, eliminating the possibility of IP address and DNS mismatches.
Unlike a VPN, a Smart DNS doesn’t change your IP address or encrypt your online traffic, so it is not used for privacy and security.
Since there’s no encryption overhead, Smart DNS services may offer faster speeds than VPNs. Premium Smart DNS services are rarely blocked since they use residential IP addresses on their proxy servers.
You can get a Smart DNS free with a premium VPN subscription, such as ExpressVPN. The only downside to such DNS is that you can only access one geolocation. On the other hand, dedicated DNS services offer multiple geolocations at an extra cost.
Smart DNS services are compatible with almost every internet-enabled device as they do not require installation.
Nonetheless, you should use a premium VPN if you value privacy and security.
How to Fix My VPN Not Bypassing Netflix VPN Block
A premium, reliable VPN is the ultimate solution for bypassing the Netflix VPN block. However, this might not be the case all the time. Even with exceptional unblocking capabilities, you might realize that your VPN is not working with Netflix anymore.
You will know your VPN cannot bypass the VPN block if you get the “Looks like you’re connecting through a VPN, proxy, or unblocker service” Netflix error (or something similar).
Here are tips on how to fix your VPN and get it to bypass the Netflix VPN block:
Turn Off Location Services
The first thing you want to do is turn your location off. Your VPN IP address offers a geolocation associated with the server. Internet services like Netflix pick this geolocation to offer region-based content. However, this might not be possible if your location services, such as GPS, are active.
By default, your GPS location information will override the geolocation provided by the VPN IP address. Netflix and other online services will pick your GPS location and serve you content offered in your region.
Therefore, turn off your location while trying to unblock Netflix.
Precise Netflix Browser Cookies Data
Cookies store various information, such as preferences and geolocation information. If you change your VPN locations regularly, your VPN might eventually be unable to bypass Netflix VPN blocks.
Therefore, clear your cookies before changing your VPN location to get the desired results.
Here is the recommended way of clearing your browser’s Netflix cookies data.
- Microsoft Edge: Click the Menu icon, scroll to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data > See all cookies and site data > Type “Netflix,” click Remove all shown.
- On Google Chrome: Click the Menu icon > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > View permissions and data stored across sites > Search “Netflix” and click Clear all data.
- On Mozilla Firefox: Click the Menu icon > Settings > Privacy & Security > Manage Data under Cookies and Site Data, search “Netflix,” click Remove All Shown, and click Save Changes.
Use a Desktop Browser Instead of the Netflix App
The Netflix app is known to use your ISP DNS servers instead of the VPN, which may make it more effective at blocking the VPN connection.
A browser offers the quickest way to bypass Netflix VPN block when streaming Netflix using a VPN. You can use incognito mode if you don’t want to clear Netflix cookies data each time you change your VPN location.
Use a Different VPN Server/VPN protocol.
Most VPNs cannot bypass the Netflix VPN ban if Netflix has blocked all IP addresses within the selected VPN server. This is how the Netflix campaign puts most VPNs out of the game—especially those with a small server network.
To bypass the Netflix block, you must connect to a different server. For effective results, use a premium VPN. They have a vast server network and regularly update their IP addresses.
Besides trying a different server, connect using a different protocol. Protocols like WireGuard, Lightway, and NordLynx are known for their Netflix unblocking capabilities and offer fast VPN connection speeds suitable for streaming Netflix in HD and 4K.
Check if Your VPN Connection is Leaking
Your VPN cannot bypass the Netflix VPN block if it leaks. A leak compromises your security and privacy by exposing your IP and DNS addresses.
Leaking will expose your geolocation to Netflix. As a result, Netflix will continue showing your region-specific content library even when the VPN is on.
Always use a premium VPN with leak protection and private DNS functionality. Here is a simple procedure for testing whether your VPN connection is leaking.
- Without a VPN, go to IP leak and note your IP address and DNS server location.
- Next, connect to a VPN server location, go to IP leak again, and note your IP address and DNS server location.
Here are the possible results:
- Your VPN connection leaks if you get the same IP address in both steps.
- Your VPN leaks if the IP address differs but the DNS is the same.
- If the IP address and DNS are different, your VPN connection is fine (not leaking).
Talk to Your VPN’s Customer Support
If you have tried the above solutions and cannot bypass the Netflix VPN block, contact your VPN’s customer support.
Nowadays, premium VPNs offer solutions regarding Netflix and other VPN issues.
Customer support may offer solutions related to what server works best or what setting you need to change to bypass the Netflix VPN ban.
How to Bypass Netflix VPN Block with Free VPNs
I do not recommend using free VPNs to stream Netflix. They have minimal chances of bypassing the Netflix VPN block.
Due to their small server networks, free VPNs offer shared IP addresses, which Netflix often blocks. The server network is also congested and offers slow speeds.
Free VPNs offer limited bandwidth and slow networks, which is unsuitable for streaming Netflix content. Even if you bypass the Netflix VPN ban, excessive buffering will hamper your streaming experience.
Security and privacy-wise, free VPNs are known for implementing weak encryption techniques. They also lack essential features such as leak protection, kill switches, and split tunneling. Free VPNs also sabotage your security and privacy by pushing intrusive ads that may be vectors for malware.
Unlike premium VPNs, free VPNs log your online data and sell it to third parties. This is how most free VPNs meet their operational costs. Selling your data to third parties can severely compromise online security and privacy. Also, free VPNs can be easily coerced into giving your details to authorities.
FAQ’s
Does Netflix prohibit VPNs?
Due to copyright issues and region-specific distribution licenses, Netflix does not favor VPNs and constantly attempts to block them.
Does Netflix care if you use a VPN?
Yes, Netflix doesn’t want you to use a VPN. This is because you will bypass the Netflix geo-blocks and access different Netflix libraries from various regions. Thus, it will seem like Netflix is not adhering to contractual licenses and distribution rights agreements.
Why Am I only seeing Netflix Originals?
Netflix owns global rights to its content, “Netflix Original.” This content is offered in almost all Netflix libraries. If Netflix detects you use a VPN, proxy, or unblocker service, it only shows Netflix originals. In the worst-case scenario, you will get the “pardon the interruption” proxy error message.
Will Netflix ban me from using a VPN?
Netflix will not ban or lock you out of your account if it detects you use a VPN on the platform. I’ve used a VPN many times while unblocking various Netflix libraries and have never been banned. Netflix will only limit you to Netflix’s original content or prompt you to turn off the VPN if you wish to watch Netflix.
Do any VPNs still work with Netflix?
Yes. Premium and reliable VPNs like ExpressVPN, IPVanish, CyberGhost, PIA, and Surfshark still work with Netflix. These VPNs easily bypass Netflix VPN block since they regularly update their IP addresses and have features suitable for unblocking Netflix and other online streaming services.
Wrap Up
Netflix continues to ban VPNs on its platform. This campaign against VPNs will not end soon as long as some Netflix content is bound by licensing and distribution agreements. Nonetheless, you can use reliable VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, to bypass Netflix VPN blocks.
These reliable premium VPNs offer unmatched Netflix unblocking capabilities, regularly update their IP addresses, and offer a money-back guarantee. If you cannot bypass Netflix’s VPN block, you can try some solutions in this guide to fix your VPN.
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