Netflix has a different catalog for shows in different countries. Depending on what part of the world you’re in, you can stream various movies and series. However, if you want to access content unavailable in your country, the easiest thing to do is get a VPN.
One problem people face when using VPN is having it blocked so you can’t access the content you initially could. Netflix is against using VPNs because it may not have distribution rights for shows in various regions. This article examines the use of VPNs, why Netflix blocks VPNs, and how you can go around that.
Can Netflix Work through a VPN?
Yes, you can access Netflix using a VPN. However, it would help if you chose the right VPN for it to work since many of them are automatically blocked by Netflix. However, Netflix blocking VPN use since your IP address tends to be different from that of your internet service provider.
The best way to ensure that your VPN won’t get banned by Netflix is by getting the best in the market. These products are usually able to go around the Netflix geo-blocking technology; hence, they don’t get flagged so that you can stream your content without any problem.
However, all hope is not lost when Netflix detects the VPN servers. You can change to a different server, which more often than not solves the problem. If it doesn’t, you can try a server that is closer to your country. You may need some patience to find the best server, and even then, be ready to change according to what Netflix says.
Does Any VPN Still Work with Netflix?
No, not all VPNs will work with Netflix. This is because many of them cannot get around Netflix’s geo-blocking, so you may need to try a number of VPNs before finding the best one. Many of the VPNs that work with Netflix have the following qualities:
- Provides internet connections with high speeds.
- They work with various libraries in different regions.
- Doesn’t log in details that could be used to identify you.
- It has encryption that cannot be cracked.
A good number of VPNs can be used with Netflix without getting flagged. These include:
- Nord VPN: Excellent speeds with Smartplay
- Express VPN: Can get into any library all over the world
- Surfshark: affordable VPN with unlimited connections
- Proton VPN: excellent security with ad blocker for other sites
- Windscribe: Excellent free VPN
- Vypr VPN: Uses speedy Chameleon protocol
How do I Stop Netflix Blocking VPN?
Most VPNs work perfectly with Netflix. However, with some of them, Netflix VPN not working so there are challenges. The following are ways to solve them.
Upgrade
You may want to reduce how much money you are spending on entertainment, so opting for the cheapest Netflix VPN USA is a reasonable option. However, if you come across some problems when using it, such as blocking or slow speeds, the best solution is to upgrade your VPN. Express VPN has been proven to be the best to use with Netflix since it can always get around geo-blocking.
The major problem with a VPN like this is that it’s quite costly. In addition, you will have to decide whether accessing content not readily available in your region is that important to you. On the other hand, you can use some of the other VPNs above, which may not be as seamless to use, but with some patience, you should get what you want.
Delete cookies and cache
Netflix may use cookies and cache to obtain your location, revealing that you are using a VPN. Therefore, if the site has blocked one server before you change to a different server, it is best to clear these files. This applies both on desktop and mobile.
Smart DNS
Many paying VPNs come with Smart DNS, which is a good thing since it has been proven to be more effective than VPN for Netflix services. The Smart DNS can help change a Netflix region without using VPN.
Smart DNS works differently from VPN services by routing internet traffic through a server somewhere different in the world. However, it is more beneficial than a VPN since it doesn’t encrypt your traffic and doesn’t have the security features of a VPN. Some VPNs that come with Smart DNS include Surfshark, Windscribe, and Express VPN.
Use your computer
Sometimes you can’t connect to Netflix using VPN on your phone, Chromecast, and Fire TV stick. If this is the issue you’re having, then streaming through your desktop or laptop may help you. This is because computer VPN apps can get traffic through their DNS servers, something that mobile VPNs can’t do.
Contact customer support
If you are still having problems with your VPN, then the best option is to contact customer support to give you an updated list of the best servers. They have access to the most up-to-date servers in the world, which Netflix may not flag.
Get a residential IP address
The newest Netflix terms and conditions state that it automatically blocks non-residential IP addresses. Usually, VPN servers are found in data centers that Netflix can easily identify and block. If nothing else is working, there are VPNs that allow you to pay for a residential IP address.
This is beneficial since, to Netflix, it makes it look like the connection is coming from a regular internet service provider. However, it makes it impossible for Netflix to know that you are using VPN, which should solve your problem.
Will Netflix ban you from using VPN?
No, Netflix will not ban you from using VPN. The worst that can happen is they notice you are using VPN and block you from accessing that content. While it is clear that Netflix is against using VPNs to stream content, there is no specific law that makes it illegal. That is one reason why people are not banned when found to be using VPN.
According to their terms of service, Netflix not like VPN has the authority to ban your account for going against the terms of service you agreed to. However, they usually don’t for reasons that are not clear. Instead of terminating your account, they make it difficult to use VPN, effectively frustrating your efforts.
Why Does Netflix Care About VPN Use?
This is because of content rights. Netflix is only allowed to air content in certain regions for which they have full rights. This is common even in the goods you buy; that is why you will find certain products written for sale only in certain regions, for example, the US or Europe.
Netflix has recently faced pressure from TV shows and movie studios to penalize those who access restricted content with the help of VPN and Smart DNS. There is also concern that those people using VPNs who have trouble accessing the content they want may cancel their subscription. It is a tight situation that Netflix has found itself in, and though it claims that it is not wholly against the use of VPN, the terms of service say otherwise.
Check this too: How to Watch Apple TV on Xfinity
VPNs and Smart DNS help viewers access the content they would otherwise not. While Netflix is not onboard with this, and Netflix app not working with VPN, they have not made any serious penalties and bans against those who use them. So, if you want access to restricted content, choose the best VPN you can afford; there shouldn’t be many issues with that.