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Netflix Blocking VPN? What Is Netflix Ban and How to Beat It

Last updated: January 31, 2023

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Netflix Blocking VPN?

Have you ever tried watching a movie from a remote Netflix library only to be blocked by Netflix?

This popular streaming site is catching on, blocking most VPN servers from access altogether!

If you’re trying to get past the Netflix VPN block, you will need a reliable VPN that can break through even the toughest of geo-blocks.

Keep reading to find out which VPNs are best for watching Netflix!

In a Hurry? Here’s How to Bypass Netflix Ban

What is Netflix VPN Ban?

Netflix libraries vary depending on your region. If you are located in the USA, for example, you will have a different Netflix library than if you are accessing French Netflix. This is due to licensing agreements and regulations.

To bypass this, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in a different location, hiding your real IP address, so you can essentially access Netflix as if you are somewhere else.

The bad news is that Netflix has caught on, and this is where the Netflix blocking VPN or “Netflix ban” comes into the picture.

Netflix wants you to stick to the library that’s available in your location, so it might try to block your VPN from accessing Netflix.

The solution? A specialized Netflix VPN!

How Does Netflix Detect VPNs?

Netflix detects a faulty IP address by VPN providers and then blocks VPN users when they are caught. This can happen if your DNS server location differs from your IP address. Netflix might catch on that that you’re using a VPN service, and block you.

This is why you may be streaming Netflix with your Netflix VPN, and suddenly the show says it’s unavailable in your region, or that there was a Proxy error.

In order to prevent this, Netflix users will need to use one of the Netflix VPNs on our list to connect to a remote VPN server in order to unblock content.

Why Is Netflix Blocking Your VPN?

When a TV show or movie is released, there are certain agreements made with content owners and distribution houses as to which distributors can air that content, and from where. This is to ensure that the producers of that show or movie retain control over the content. For example, if Netflix produces a movie, Netflix owns that movie, so it won’t want other streaming services to offer it as well.

Since a VPN makes it seem as though you are in a different country, it can be hard for Netflix to tell if you are really in that country or not, and therefore challenging to uphold the contracts it has.

A Step-By-Step Guide On How to Get Around a Netflix VPN Ban

Here is a step-by-step guide to choosing the most suitable VPN for getting around a Netflix VPN ban:

 

Choosing the Right VPN

You will need to choose the best VPN for getting past the Netflix VPN ban. Not all VPNs are able to access Netflix. You will want a VPN with exceptional unblocking capabilities, and a wide network of location options, so that you can unblock Netflix libraries from around the world.

Signing up

The best VPNs on the market are subscription-based, so you will have to sign up and pay a monthly fee. Luckily, most of them come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service before committing.

In order to sign up, you just have to head over to the VPN website, go to “Create an account,” and just follow the instructions.

When it comes to choosing a plan, often a yearly plan will be more cost-effective, but keep in mind that having a monthly plan gives you more flexibility in case the VPN isn’t working the way you need it to. Netflix is always improving its VPN ban, so you never know when it will stop working for you.

Selecting a Server

Once your account is set up, and you have your VPN app downloaded onto your device, you can log in and select a VPN server to which to connect. The server that you choose will be the one from which you will be watching, so if you want to access UK Netflix, be sure to connect to a UK server.

Since Netflix detects false IPs, try to choose the server closest to you when you stream Netflix.

If one server fails, don’t worry, you can just select another one with which to connect. Each Virtual Private Network will have a plethora of IP addresses for you to choose, so you should be able to get by the Netflix VPN ban seamlessly.

Additionally, it’s helpful to make sure your VPN software is configured to use the VPN’s DNS servers.

Dedicated IP addresses

Sometimes, Netflix blocks your VPN if it detects many IP addresses pouring in from the same server location. You can avoid being one of them by using a dedicated IP. This means you will have a unique IP address solely for your use, and therefore not connected to any other user or IP address.

This will prevent Netflix from catching on, and since you are using the same IP address each time, it’s more believable.

3 Best VPNs to Bypass Netflix VPN Ban

Here is our list of top recommended VPN services for unblocking Netflix content from anywhere in the world.

1. ExpressVPN – Over 3,000 VPN servers

Devices compatible with ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the top-rated VPN on the market for unblocking streaming sites, including Netflix.

When it comes to security, ExpressVPN protects all your online data with secure protocols like Open VPN protocol. Plus, it has an automatic Kill Switch, military–grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. This will ensure that your data remains secure.

ExpressVPN offers more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries and is the fastest VPN on the market, so you won’t be interrupted by buffering or long loading times when you unblock Netflix and you will be able to watch smoothly.

This provider is compatible with all major devices, so you can bypass geo-blocks on Netflix on a Mac, Windows, Android, or iOS.

Plus, you can have up to 5 simultaneous connections on just one account.

If you have any questions, you can contact this VPN’s customer support team 24/7 via chat.

Pros:

  • No-log policy
  • Broad network of servers
  • Open VPN protocol
  • Top Internet security
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live-chat support
  • User-friendly
  • Fastest servers

Cons:

  • More expensive than other options

2. NordVPN– Easy-to-use VPN App

Devices compatible with NordVPN

NordVPN is second on our list for best Netflix-ban VPNs if you want to have access to Netflix servers from anywhere.

NordVPN offers 5,200+ servers in over 60 countries around the globe, with fast speeds, and the option to have a dedicated IP.

When it comes to security, NordVPN has you covered with 256–bit encryption, a Kill Switch, no logs policy, and more, so your data will always be secure.

This service is compatible with all major devices, like Windows, Apple, iPhone, Mac, and Apple TV, and can be used to unblock any streaming service. Plus, you can connect to up to six devices at once.

Pros:

  • Double VPN and obfuscated servers
  • No-logging policy
  • Can unblock BBC iplayer
  • Military-grade 256-bit encryption
  • Cheaper price than ExpressVPN
  • 6 user connections on one plan

Cons:

  • Narrower server network
  • Desktop app can be glitchy

3. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly Option

Devices compatible with Surfshark

If you want to access Netflix with a VPN connection, but you’re on a budget, Surfshark is a great option for you!

It promises you all the features of the above options for a budget price.

The best part? Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single-user account!

Pros:

  • No-logging policy
  • Unlimited number of connections
  • 24/7 live support
  • Option for dedicated IP
  • Top security features
  • Easy of use

Cons:

  • Not as fast as other options

Can I Use a Free VPN to Beat Netflix VPN Ban?

Free services tend to have small and overcrowded server networks, which means connecting to one will be a challenge. If you do manage to connect, you are likely to get booted off when you hit the low data limit.

Since most VPN server options are located in the same area, Netflix will detect your VPN and the Netflix app will ban you.

Finally, free VPN apps don’t have security features to protect your privacy; in fact, they tend to do the opposite. Free services are known for selling user data to third parties and marketing agencies.

So if you’re looking for anti-Netflix-block VPNs, we recommend you go with one of the options on our list. Using a VPN to watch Netflix can be easy and seamless if you choose the right one.

Why It’s Recommended to Use a VPN with a Dedicated IP Address

Netflix’s technology can detect and block a bundle of VPN IP addresses that tunnel through the same server, and if you are using one of those, you will be banned.

Luckily, some services, like NordVPN, can offer you a dedicated IP, which means you will have an IP that is exclusively yours, making it much harder for the Netflix software to detect you.

Netflix VPN Not Working: Possible Workarounds 

Here are 2 suggestions to try if your VPN provider is being blocked by Netflix.

  1. Switch servers. This may seem simple, but the issue may just be the server to which you’re connected on your VPN app.
  2. Purchase a dedicated IP. By using a dedicated IP, you have your own private IP address that you can use each time, instead of being given one at random. This will make you less suspicious to streaming sites like Netflix.

Which VPNs Are Blocked By Netflix? 

Honestly, Netflix Blocking VPNs is a very common problem. This is why we created our list of Best Netflix VPN options to help VPN users get past the tricky geo-blocks without getting caught by the Netflix VPN ban.

If any of the above VPNs are blocked by Netflix, simply connect to another server in the same location and this should unblock the Netflix site.

FAQs

Why is my Netflix only showing originals?

If Netflix detects you are using a VPN, it may only show original content, as airing its own content does not go against content owner licensing regulations.

How do I stop Netflix blocking my VPN?

You can prevent Netflix from blocking VPN providers by choosing the right provider. Many VPN services don’t have the capabilities to unlock streaming services like Netflix, especially with the strong Netflix VPN block.

If you need help, we recommend using a VPN from our list, all of which have 24/7 support available to help you beat the Netflix VPN blocks.

Is Netflix blocking ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is the highest recommended VPN on our list when it comes to Netflix streaming using a VPN. This provider has exceptional unblocking abilities and is able to bypass even the toughest of geo-blocks on Netflix. It has plenty of IP addresses to choose from.

Conclusion

Netflix blocks VPNs. If you are looking for the best VPN for bypassing geo-blocks on Netflix, we recommend ExpressVPN.

Try it out for yourself with its 30-day money-back promise!

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