Netflix, the popular streaming service, has become a household name for streaming movies and TV shows. However, with the growing concern for online privacy and security, many users have turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect their data and bypass geo-restrictions. Unfortunately, Netflix has caught on and is now taking measures to block VPNs from accessing their content. This article will explore what it means when Netflix blocks VPNs and how to get around it to continue streaming your favorite shows and movies.
When Netflix blocks VPNs, it means that users who are using VPNs to access content outside of their region will no longer be able to do so. Netflix has implemented this measure to comply with licensing agreements and to prevent users from accessing content that is not available in their region. When a user tries to access Netflix using a VPN, they will receive an error message stating that they are using a proxy or unblocker and will be redirected to the Netflix homepage.
Netflix blocks VPNs by detecting IP addresses that belong to VPN servers. When a user tries to access Netflix using a VPN, Netflix checks the IP address and compares it to a list of known VPN server IP addresses. If the IP address matches, Netflix will block access to the content. VPN providers have tried to bypass this by constantly changing their IP addresses, but Netflix has become increasingly sophisticated in detecting and blocking VPN traffic.
People use VPNs with Netflix for various reasons. Firstly, VPNs provide an added layer of security and privacy when browsing the internet. By encrypting your data, VPNs prevent third parties from intercepting your online activities. Secondly, users can use VPNs to access content that is not available in their region. For example, a user in the US can use a VPN to access content that is only available in the UK. Lastly, users can use VPNs to bypass ISP throttling, which can slow down internet speeds when streaming content on Netflix.
While Netflix has become more sophisticated in detecting and blocking VPN traffic, there are still ways to bypass these restrictions. Here are some ways to get around Netflix blocking VPNs:
Not all VPNs work with Netflix, but some providers have found ways to bypass the restrictions. These VPNs have dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming Netflix content. Here are some leading VPNs that work with Netflix:
NordVPN is a popular VPN provider that is known for its security and privacy features. They have a large network of servers, which includes servers that are optimized for streaming Netflix content. NordVPN uses obfuscated servers that hide VPN traffic, making it more difficult for Netflix to detect and block it. With NordVPN, you can access Netflix content from various regions, including the US, UK, and Canada.
ExpressVPN is another popular VPN provider that is known for its fast speeds and unblocking capabilities. They have dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming Netflix content, which includes servers in the US, UK, and Canada. ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology, which ensures that no user data is stored on their servers, making it more secure and private.
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN provider that has quickly gained popularity for its affordable pricing and unblocking capabilities. They have a large network of servers, which includes servers that are optimized for streaming Netflix content. Surfshark uses Camouflage Mode, which hides VPN traffic from ISPs and governments, making it more difficult for Netflix to detect and block it.
CyberGhost is a VPN provider that is known for its easy-to-use interface and fast speeds. They have dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming Netflix content, which includes servers in the US, UK, and Germany. CyberGhost uses NoSpy servers, which are located in Romania and are operated by CyberGhost, making it more secure and private.
PrivateVPN is a VPN provider that is known for its unblocking capabilities and fast speeds. They have dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming Netflix content, which includes servers in the US, UK, and Canada. PrivateVPN uses Stealth
If you are using a VPN that does not work with Netflix, you can try switching to a different server. Some VPN providers have servers that work with Netflix, while others do not. By switching to a different server, you may be able to bypass the restrictions and access the content you want.
A Smart DNS proxy is another way to bypass Netflix blocking VPNs. A Smart DNS proxy works by changing the DNS server on your device, which allows you to access content that is not available in your region. Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS proxies do not encrypt your data, so they are not as secure. However, they are faster and can be more reliable when it comes to streaming content on Netflix. Some leading Smart DNS proxy providers include:
Unlocator is a Smart DNS proxy provider that is known for its unblocking capabilities. They have servers in various regions, including the US, UK, and Canada. Unlocator is easy to set up and use, and they offer a free trial so you can test their service before committing to a subscription.
Smart DNS Proxy is another Smart DNS provider that is known for its unblocking capabilities. They have servers in over 40 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. Smart DNS Proxy is easy to set up and use, and they offer a free trial so you can test their service before committing to a subscription.
IPv6 is a newer version of the Internet Protocol that is designed to replace IPv4. However, some VPN providers do not support IPv6, which can cause issues when trying to access Netflix. By disabling IPv6 on your device, you can bypass these issues and access Netflix using a VPN. Here's how to disable IPv6 on Windows and macOS:
To bypass the Netflix VPN block, you can use a reputable VPN service that has a large network of servers and regularly updates its IP addresses. Additionally, you can try connecting to a VPN server that's located in a different country or region than your own, as this can help you access content that's not available in your region.
While most VPN services claim to work with Netflix, not all of them are effective at bypassing the VPN block. To ensure that you can access Netflix content with a VPN, you'll want to choose a reputable VPN service that has a large network of servers and regularly updates its IP addresses. Additionally, look for a VPN service that has servers in countries where Netflix content is not blocked or restricted.
While there are many free VPN services available, it's not recommended to use them for bypassing the Netflix VPN block. Free VPNs often have slower speeds, data caps, and may not offer strong encryption or a no-logs policy. Additionally, many free VPNs have been known to sell user data to third parties or inject ads into your browsing sessions. For the best Netflix streaming experience and to ensure your privacy and security, it's recommended to use a reputable paid VPN service.
Netflix blocking VPNs can be frustrating, especially if you are trying to access content that is not available in your region. However, there are ways to get around these restrictions, including using a VPN that works with Netflix, trying a different server, using a Smart DNS proxy, or disabling IPv6 on your device. By following these tips, you can continue to enjoy your favorite shows and movies on Netflix, no matter where you are in the world.