What is the Netflix Proxy Error & which VPNs still work in 2021?
If you are frustrated by the Netflix proxy error you are not alone. We explain what it is, how to fix it with a VPN and which VPNs currently work.
@pabischoff UPDATED: September 20, 2021
The Netflix proxy error occurs whenever Netflix detects that a user is trying to stream a video through a proxy server or VPN. A proxy error message displays in the video player and is often accompanied by the error code m7111-5059:
“Whoops, something went wrong. Streaming error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again. ”
In this article, we’ll discuss what the Netflix proxy error is, why it’s there, how it works, and how to continue using a VPN and still enjoy Netflix.
We get into detail on each of the providers below, but if you only have time for a summary, here is our list of the best VPNs for the Netflix proxy error:
NordVPN Our first choice for Netflix! Offers very high speeds, works well with Netflix, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark A budget-friendly VPN that works great with Netflix. No speed, bandwidth, or VPN connection limits.
ExpressVPN Superfast servers in every corner of the globe are great for accessing Netflix at HD quality.
CyberGhost A great VPN for beginners as apps are easy to install and get working. Streaming speeds are surprisingly good for a low-cost provider.
PrivateVPN Newish provider with good capabilities at accessing most streaming sites, including Netflix.
Ivacy Lesser-known provider that works well with Netflix.
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Why does Netflix ban VPNs and proxies?
When Netflix went global a couple years back, it didn’t have all the licensing rights necessary to stream all of the same TV series and movies to every country. Even before the worldwide rollout, users connected to Virtual Private Networks and other types of proxies to access other countries’ Netflix libraries. The US Netflix library is particularly popular due to its larger and generally newer catalog of TV shows.
A proxy service acts as a middleman between your device and Netflix. Instead of communicating directly with Netflix, internet data is first routed through the proxy server. To Netflix and other websites and apps, it appears as though the user is connecting from the proxy server’s location instead of their own. If the user is in Canada and wants access to US Netflix, for example, they can connect to a proxy server in the USA. In simplest terms, VPNs work the same way but usually encrypt data in transit.
Netflix started blocking connections from all proxies and VPNs in early 2016 to enforce its copyright obligations. Even users who connect to a proxy service or VPN server in their own country get hit with the proxy error, despite the fact they aren’t accessing content from another country.
How to fix the Netflix proxy error
Once you have a suitable VPN it’s easy to avoid the dreaded proxy error.
Here’s how to avoid the Netflix proxy error:
Sign up for a VPN the works with Netflix, we recommend NordVPN
Run your VPN app
Select the server location for the Netflix library you want to acess. To watch American Netflix, for example, choose a server located in the United States.
Hit the Connect button and give it a few seconds to establish a VPN connection.
Open the Netflix app or go to Netflix in your web browser.
If your VPN is working, you should now be able to stream without the proxy error.
If you’re still getting the proxy error, try using a different server or location, clearing your cookies, and/or clearing your web browser cache.
Your VPN provider’s customer support might be able to help choose the correct settings and servers for Netflix.
Best VPNs for Netflix proxy error
The most reliable method to allow access to Netflix from abroad is still a VPN. Below are the best VPNs for Netflix to resolve the proxy error.
1. NordVPN
Oct 2021
works with NetflixTested Oct 2021
Apps Available:
PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
NordVPN works with at least six countries’ Netflix catalogs, and any server you connect to will allow you to avccess Netflix. Most of them redirect to Netflix US, the most popular library. NordVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV.
NordVPN speed test data
NordVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)111. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)122. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)112. 0 Mbps
Pros:
Works with Netflix on any server
Fast speeds
6 simultaneous connections
Strong security
Zero logs policy
Cons:
Desktop apps are a little sluggish
BEST FOR NETFLIX:NordVPN is our top recommendation. It’s extremely fast and works with Netflix no matter which server you’re connected to, which makes it a breeze to get up and running. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
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2. Surfshark
Surfshark is extremely affordable and works with several Netflix libraries including Netflix US, UK, and Japan. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Surfshark speed test data
SurfsharkAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)170 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)230 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)220 Mbps
Reliable connections, reasonable speeds
Works with numerous Netflix libraries
Connect as many devices as you like
Strong on security and privacy
Doesn’t have as many servers as some of its rivals
Server speed can vary somewhat
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is highly affordable and works out of the box with Netflix. It’s secure and reliable, and doesn’t impose a connection limit.
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3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN works with Netflix in several countries including the US, the UK, and Canada. You can connect up to three devices on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain wifi routers, all of which work with Netflix. If you’re not sure which server to use, just use the provider’s 24/7 live chat support to get an answer in seconds. If your device doesn’t support VPNs, for example, if you’re using a game console or Apple TV, you can use the MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy included in every ExpressVPN subscription.
ExpressVPN speed test data
ExpressVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)135. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)134 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)136 Mbps
Reliably works with Netflix
Servers in 94 countries
Includes standalone smart DNS
24/7 live chat support
A bit expensive
Only 5 devices can connect at one time
STREAM WITH EASE:ExpressVPN is fast and security-conscious. It’s been reliably working with Netflix since the proxy error first appeared. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
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4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost provides access to US Netflix and is a great budget option. You can easily browse through any of the streaming services shown in the app, and there are many of them. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
CyberGhost speed test data
CyberGhostAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)78. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)54. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)39. 3 Mbps
Netflix servers labeled in the app
Easy to set up and use
Strong security and a no-logs policy
Limited configurations
Won’t work in China, Iran, UAE or Saudia Arabia
EASY-TO-USE apps:CyberGhost specifically lists Netflix servers in its apps, so you don’t have to guess at which locations work. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
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5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a smaller provider, but it works with Netflix in 20+ countries. If you’re trying to access a show or subtitles only available in a specific country, try this one. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV.
PrivateVPN speed test data
PrivateVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)94 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)56. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)61. 7 Mbps
Works with Netflix in 20+ countries
Strong no logs policy
Smaller server network
Live chat support not 24/7
ONE SIZE FITS ALL:PrivateVPN works with Netflix in more countries than any other provider we’ve tested, so it’s great if you want to access international libraries. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
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6. Ivacy
Background
FireTV
Ivacy allows access to US Netflix for a lower price than most of the competition. Users get 24/7 customer support and can install the app on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire.
Works with Netflix US
Budget-friendly
24/7 live support
A few unreliable servers
Only US Netflix
UP AND COMER:Ivacy reliably allows access to US Netflix from anywhere globally on both mobile and desktop devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Ivacy review.
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How does the Netflix proxy error work?
Netflix doesn’t publicly disclose how the VPN ban and proxy error work, but through our extensive testing, we can surmise a few things.
Blacklisting IPs
An IP address is a unique string of numbers and decimals assigned to every internet-connected device. Public IP addresses are visible on the web and correspond to specific countries. Whenever you connect to a VPN or proxy service, your device’s public IP address is masked by that of the proxy server.
Netflix blacklists most proxy and VPN server IP addresses. Rather than weeding out individual servers, we believe Netflix simply blocks entire ranges of non-residential IP addresses. Netflix knows most proxy servers are hosted in data centers, which use different ranges of IP addresses than residential networks.
DNS filtering
Netflix can also detect when some VPNs and proxies are being used through DNS. Short for Domain Name System, DNS works like a phone book for the internet that associates IP addresses with domain names.
Whenever you go to the Netflix website, for instance, your web browser sends a DNS request to a DNS server. The DNS server looks up the IP address for Netflix and returns it to your device, which then fetches the video from the Netflix server. Netflix can determine which DNS server was used in this transaction.
By default, your DNS server probably belongs to your local Internet Service Provider and corresponds to a specific country or region. Many proxies and VPNs only route web traffic and not DNS traffic. If Netflix spots a mismatch between your DNS server location and your IP address location, it knows a proxy service is in use and throws the error.
Most good VPN providers route DNS traffic along with everything else through their servers, but the Netflix apps for iOS and Android compound the issue by overriding these DNS settings. The website version that you access in a web browser doesn’t do this, though, so accessing Netflix in a browser is typically easier than on the mobile apps.
Why Netflix bans VPNs
Netflix cracked down hard on VPN and smart DNS proxy providers after its global rollout. Despite its efforts, a handful of VPN providers persevered and still provide access Netflix today.
The ban on VPNs does not take into account the fact that these tools are used widely as a means of protecting privacy and allow those traveling aborad to securely access services from home.
Despite the ban, VPNs and smart DNS proxies remain the easiest and most popular means to access Netflix abroad. We’ll explain how each can resolve the proxy error.
How do VPNs work with Netflix
As mentioned above, a VPN encrypts a device’s internet traffic and routes it through a middleman server in a location of the user’s choosing. By connecting to a VPN in the US, you can access the internet as if you were physically located in the US.
For the average Netflix user, a VPN comes in the form of a desktop or mobile app and usually requires a small monthly fee.
Most VPNs that can reliably access Netflix don’t share how they do so. Again, however, we can surmise how they manage to do it.
Because Netflix blacklists most data center IP addresses, VPN providers set up a handful of servers that use residential IP addresses. These IPs are off Netflix’s radar, and blocking them could result in some non-proxy users being unable to access videos. If Netflix happens to block a residential IP anyway, the VPN provider simply swaps it out with the next one in line.
A few VPNs have also managed to force the Netflix app to use the VPN provider’s DNS servers instead of local ones. All of this ensures Netflix cannot determine whether the user is accessing videos through a VPN.
Smart DNS proxy
A smart DNS proxy is a clever way to only use a proxy on an as-needed basis for certain websites, apps, and services. It is usually configured in the DNS settings of your device’s network settings menu. Like VPNs, DNS proxies often require a monthly subscription.
We mentioned before that DNS works like a phone book for the internet. Smart DNS alters entries in the phone book for specific domains like “” Instead of Netflix’s IP address, a request for on a smart DNS proxy sends your traffic to a proxy server in the US (or the location you want to access).
These proxy servers likely use residential IP addresses in lieu of commercial data center IP addresses so as to avoid Netflix’s firewall, similar to some VPNs. Unlike VPNs, however, your internet traffic is not necessarily encrypted, so you don’t get the same level of privacy or security. They are useful, however, on Smart TVs when no VPN app is available.
Combining smart DNS and VPNs
Most VPN providers that can access Netflix only operate a small handful of servers that can do so. This means users have to look up or ask customer service which server or location to connect to. To get around this, some providers combine a VPN with smart DNS to let users use Netflix regardless of which server they’re connected to.
For example, when you connect to any NordVPN server through a VPN, you use NordVPN’s DNS servers. Those are smart DNS servers that, in most cases, will route requests to Netflix back to the US version, regardless of actual server location. This allows NordVPN users to access Netflix USA from any server location, although they might not get the localized version they’re expecting. In this case, even though you’re connected to a server in, say, Mexico, your connections to Netflix still run through US servers.
Some VPN providers like ExpressVPN allow you to use smart DNS either with the VPN or as a standalone service.
Netflix VPN testing methodology
Comparitech routinely tests various VPN’s access to Netflix, as well as several other streaming services. Our army of testers from around the world regularly test VPNs to see if they are able to access content only available in their region.
Comparitech has run more than 3, 000 real-world tests this year alone. We’ve tested each VPN’s access to Netflix from 20 different countries, including the official Netflix mobile app and the Netflix website in a desktop web browser.
Note that some VPNs redirect users to the US version of Netflix regardless of which country their VPN is connected to. To account for this, we ask testers with US accounts to search for a US-exclusive shows when traveling abroad. If a US-only show appears when connecting to a non-US server, we record a negative result.
You can find out more about how we analyse VPNs on our VPN testing methodology page.
Netflix Proxy Error FAQ
Does Netflix work with split tunneling on my router? It may be that you’d prefer to use a direct connection with Netflix in order to enjoy the best possible speed. In order to do this, you’ll need to choose a VPN that allows split tunneling and is also compatible with routers. ExpressVPN offers custom router firmware while you can even purchase a router with the firmware pre-installed. Take a look at our guide on how to split tunnel VPN traffic on your DD-WRT or Tomato I keep using a VPN, will Netflix ban me? Don’t worry, Netflix won’t ban you for using a VPN. It’s worth knowing that using a VPN to access region-locked content is against the streaming platform’s terms of service and that Netflix has the right to restrict access. However, there is no evidence that Netflix is banning users for using VPNs. The worst case scenario is that an IP address becomes blocked. In this case, you’ll need to connect to another VPN server for a different IP I connect to a VPN and still watch my local Netflix? There are two ways in which you can connect to a VPN while still being able to watch your local version of Netflix. The first is to simply connect to a server in your location. This allows you to still be able to enjoy the various security benefits offered by the VPN. The second option is to use split tunneling. With it, you can stay connected to a server in another country while the Netflix app bypasses the VPN and uses a direct a VPN an unblocker? Yes, a VPN can function as an unblocker. If the content you want to access is restricted by location, you can use a VPN to connect to that location and unblock it. All of the VPNs we recommend can unblock does Netflix say “unblocker” and “proxy” but not VPN? A VPN is a type of proxy and unblocker. Although VPNs are the most reliable and effective way to unblock Netflix, other types of proxies and unblockers have been used, such as smart DNS I use a free VPN to get around the Netflix Proxy error? Probably not. Although a handful of free VPNs might be able to unblock Netflix, those that do usually cap your data or restrict bandwidth. That means you’ll get through one or two episodes before getting cut off, or you’ll encounter constant buffering.
Free VPNs are not to be trusted, anyway. Many of them spy on user activity and sell that data off to third parties. Some carry malware. A lot of them don’t have very good security and could put your data at risk.
In short, stick with paid VPNs. You can always take advantage of the money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you.
See also: How to fix Netflix m7111-5059 error code
Netflix says ‘You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.’
If you see an error that says
You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy
It means that our systems have detected that you are connecting via a VPN, proxy, or “unblocker” service.
TV shows and movies available on Netflix are different by region. VPNs and proxies block Netflix from knowing the region you’re in, so some titles aren’t available when you use these services.
If you receive this error while trying to play TV shows and movies that you believe are available in your region, follow the troubleshooting steps below.
Turn off VPNs and proxies
Disable any proxies, VPNs, or other software that might route your internet traffic outside of your current region.
Set your device’s network settings to Automatic.
If you need help disconnecting from one of these services or restoring your connection’s default settings, contact your device manufacturer or internet service provider.
If you use a VPN or proxy for work or for privacy
A VPN or proxy may prevent you from playing TV shows and movies that aren’t available globally. Disable any VPNs or proxies and try Netflix again.
If you use an IPv6 proxy tunnel
Netflix doesn’t support IPv6 proxy tunnel services over an IPv4 network. If you don’t know if you’re using one of these services, contact your internet service provider for help.
Note:
Netflix does support IPv6 connections provided by your ISP.
What to do next
If you disabled proxies, VPNs, or other routing software but still see this message, contact your internet service provider. They’ll be able to determine why your IP address is associated with proxy or VPN use.
Does Netflix ban accounts using VPN? – Streamlocator
The simple answer to the Netflix VPN ban question is — no, they don’t. So take a nice deep breath, relax, and read on if you want to know more about the whys and are many layers to this ‘onion’, so if you choose to read on, we’ll peel them off, one at a time, to give you a much fuller picture into the current state of Netflix’s location-based does Netflix block VPNs anyway? Users and viewers worldwide probably look at Netflix and every other streaming service to utilize geo-blocking technology as a bunch of spoilsports. I mean, where’s the harm in letting people watch those programs wherever they are? They’ve paid for a subscription, so it’s not like they’re stealing, is it? The real issue is between Netflix and its providers. If, for example, Showtime, HBO or the BBC create viewing that is accessed through their own paid-for channels and streaming services, they don’t want viewers accessing it somewhere else for Netflix has paid for a licence, legally they’re expected to protect the provider’s needs by conforming to the agreed rights. Those licenses come at a range of prices too. For countries with low subscriber numbers, a license is far cheaper to acquire than in the countries delivering their shows to much larger audiences. And the cost of a global license? Well, you can imagine what kind of deal would have to be struck Netflix having different catalogs for each of the countries they operate in, their rights issues are all unique, country-to-country, and history of Netflix and its VPN blocksRecently, if you count 4 years as recent, Netflix stepped up its VPN detection. Before then, they didn’t have a system in place to prevent VPN access at all, giving viewers worldwide the access to their entire catalog of superb more recently (a couple of years ago), Netflix started to actively search out VPN providers. Their ability to detect and block the VPNs alternative servers has improved significantly, making accessing different country’s viewing a greater challenge than ever. This action has only increased the effort made by the VPN services to beat the blocks, and for the time being, the game of cat and mouse quite some time, just about any of the VPN services would get you access to the shows you wanted to watch, but now, well, most of them won’t get you through, however many servers you switch between. Only a handful of the premium options have the means to continue to crack Netflix’s, and StreamLocator, of reamLocator continually works to ensure reliable access to Netflix and all the other services supported. Because they focus only on streaming services, they ensure 100% attention on providing unfettered tflix’s big talk of bans and finesAt the time, Netflix took a strong stance against the VPN service providers because it was in their best interests to keep their providers happy. There were reports of threats to ban accounts and take legal action against the perpetrators. However, there didn’t seem to be any report of that happening in any of their many geographical ’ve done an adequate job since then, showing their content providers that they mean business, as their technical systems are working well and preventing a great deal of the access viewers once found easy. It’s still an uphill struggle for them though; the job of creating new methods to find and block VPNs is much harder than that of the VPNs finding their way around it legal to bypass Netflix’s geo-blocking using a VPN? If you read through Netflix’s terms of use, you’ll see that they’ve made it quite clear that they don’t want you to use VPNs. This is all down to the agreements they’ve made with their content providers. “You may view a movie or TV show through the Netflix service primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer our service and have licensed such movie or TV show. The content that may be available to watch will vary by geographic location. Netflix will use technologies to verify your geographic location. ”However, there isn’t anywhere that says it’s illegal. There are issues with copyright law, rights issues and more, of course, but as a consumer, signing up to a VPN to watch geo-blocked Netflix content, so far, doesn’t appear to break any laws. Territorial licensingWhen the distributor sells the rights to a program in a particular location, it’s called territorial tflix has openly admitted that its goal would be for complete global licensing if that were in any way possible. International access to content, without doubt, would raise their subscription numbers. Viewers in countries with smaller catalogs could then access everything they’re missing, and demand would grow for the Netflix ever, a global licence is much more complicated—and vastly more expensive to does Netflix spot the VPNs? VPNs use servers with IP addresses that show the specific and required country for that country’s Netflix Netflix spots that the same IP address is being utilized to access their servers by a large number of users, incredibly unlikely to be in the same household, it raises a red flag, and the address gets most successful VPN providers can afford to buy replacement IPs almost as fast as Netflix can block them. The smaller, less successful providers aren’t so fortunate, and that’s why so many of them can’t access Netflix locations where they once good are VPNs at getting around the Netflix geo-blockades? Once-upon-a-time, they were great; yet now? Not so much. Jumping to a server located in New York or California would give viewers in Canada, Europe or anywhere else, easy-access a few years ago. However, now, only the leading services seem to have the easy and direct access viewers free VPN providers stand almost no chance anymore. The cheaper services are just as unlikely to provide seamless access without having to jump servers here and tflix is working diligently to create a system that recognizes not just the most popular VPN servers, but all the way down the list to stop them, how can you get around the Netflix blocks? You could pay into one of the more successful VPN services. You won’t get taken to court or lose your Netflix account if you do, after all. It’s one option, but it’s not ideal. You can’t be sure when Netflix will find a way to block them you need is a system that utilizes several technologies to make sure they always have access to the Netflix reamLocator does just that, and because it works with your router, it does it without any of the usual drawbacks the VPN options come with. We’re ready and waiting to help; are you ready for simple and instant access to all the shows you’re currently missing out on?
Frequently Asked Questions about proxies that work with netflix
Do proxies still work for Netflix?
It means that our systems have detected that you are connecting via a VPN, proxy, or “unblocker” service. … VPNs and proxies block Netflix from knowing the region you’re in, so some titles aren’t available when you use these services.
Will Netflix ban you for using a VPN?
The simple answer to the Netflix VPN ban question is — no, they don’t. So take a nice deep breath, relax, and read on if you want to know more about the whys and what-ifs.