- VPN services are used to bypass certain restrictions from providers like Netflix or to simply protect your privacy while connected.
- Netflix, like many other online streaming platforms, tries to prevent VPN users from accessing its service.
- If Netflix detects you are using a VPN, it might display an error message and prevent you from accessing it.
- Check out our guide and learn what you can do if Netflix prompts you with a VPN error.
VPN services are bliss to many Internet users most especially when it comes to accessing blocked websites including Netflix among others. However, some VPN users experience a situation where Netflix shows a VPN error.
Sometimes the VPN may be hit by several factors such as connection problems, interrupting antivirus programs, incorrect proxy settings among others.
Hence, we have come up with this troubleshooting guide for Windows users whose VPN won’t work with Netflix. The solutions below are ideal for solving this problem.
How can I fix Netflix VPN error?
1. Change your VPN provider
Due to its enormous popularity, Netflix is also fierce when it comes to blocking VPN users. You will need an equally aggressive VPN software as your trusted wingman on your quest to unblocking Netflix libraries.
In fact, when it comes to fighting online censorship, Private Internet Access is really a pioneer. Cleverly bypassing any limitation from geo-restricted content to ISP throttling, PIA is the way to go for unblocking streaming.
Platforms like Netflix, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, and more are simply ripped from their secrets by pairing your device with this barriers-shattering VPN.
With lightning-fast download speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and over 3292 servers strategically placed across the globe, you will soon forget about slow connections, slow loading times, or buffering.
Instead, you will enjoy streaming, torrenting, and P2P sharing and an overall liberated web experience as it should have been in the first place.
Don’t think that speed and access to otherwise restricted content is all you get with PIA! This world-leading VPN is equipped with secure VPN tunnels, best-in-class encryption, IP cloaking, and numerous other privacy-oriented features meant to keep your online activity free from tracking and to enhance your security.
Private Internet Access
No Netflix restriction is a match for barrier-shattering PIA VPN! Go on, give it a go and binge a little!
2. Restart your PC
Windows users reported that they were able to resolve their VPN problem simply by restarting their PC. This method is a quick fix that can possibly resolve your VPN connection, hence making it work with Netflix.
Alternatively, you can shut down your PC and wait for a few minutes before restarting it.
3. Check your Date and Time settings
Some Netflix VPN errors are caused by the incorrect date and time settings on your PC. Check the date and time settings to ensure they are correct.
Disable automatic update of date and time using the Internet, and set the date/time parameters manually. If the clock still displays the wrong time, then check our guide to fixing Windows 10 clock.
However, if you still get the error after restarting your PC, you may proceed to the next step.
4. Check your internet connection
Sometimes limited/inactive internet connection can prevent your VPN from working with Netflix. Hence, you need to test your Internet connection. In order to test your internet connection, disconnect from the VPN service and try to access any website on your web browser.
If you are unable to access the Internet while disconnected from the VPN, then you may need to consider changing your Internet connection mode to either modem, broadband, or Wi-Fi connection.
5. Check your IP address
If VPN won’t work with Netflix, check your IP address for information such as your city or region (country) next to the location you selected in the VPN windows. You can use a web service such as IPLocation and WhatIsMyIPAddress to check your IP address location.
However, if you are not connected to the VPN server’s location, try connecting again. Alternatively, you may consider connecting to other VPN server locations and then access Netflix service again.
6. Disable your security software
Some antivirus programs may block your VPN connection hindering you from accessing Netflix. Hence, you may need to temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall so as to be able to access Netflix. Some antivirus programs have the temporarily disable protection option which you can use while others do not.
If you have the option to reinstall the security software or program blocking the VPN connection, do it after the VPN software has been installed so that it allows the VPN to connect.
Hence, uninstall the VPN software followed by the security program blocking the connection, then install VPN software again, and then reinstall the security program on your PC.
Alternatively, you can also enable the VPN software in the Windows firewall. Here’s how to do this:
- Go to Start > Type Allow a program through Windows firewall and then hit Enter key
- Click on Change Settings options
- Now, Click on Allow another program
- Select the program you want to add or click Browse to find the VPN software, and then click OK
- Check if you can connect again and try to access Netflix.
However, if this does not work, proceed to the next step.
7. Run Windows Update
Another way of fixing the VPN not working with Netflix problem is by updating your Windows Operating System to the latest version.
The latest Windows updates improve the system’s stability and fix various issues you may encounter most especially VPN related. You can follow these steps to update any Windows OS:
- Go to Start > type update in the search box and then click on Windows Update to proceed.
- In the Windows Update window, check for updates and install the available updates.
- After the update is complete, restart your Windows PC.
8. Manually configure DNS settings
Manually configuring your computer with other DNS server addresses helps you access Netflix, and enjoy faster connection speeds.
Some computers may not automatically connect to the VPN DNS servers, hence you need to configure it with your VPN DNS servers’ IP addresses, manually. Here’s how to do it in Windows:
Step 1: Open Network Connections settings
- Right-click Start and select Run
- Type ncpa.cpl and click OK
- In the Network connections window, find your usual connection, either LAN or Wireless network connection
- Right-click the connection and select Properties
Step 2: Set the DNS server addresses
- Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) or just Internet Protocol
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses
- Type these Google DNS server addresses: Preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4
- If Google DNS is blocked, try the following: Neustar DNS Advantage (156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1) enter and press OK, and, Level3 DNS (4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2) enter and press OK.
Also, make sure that your antivirus is not blocking your Internet. If that happens, here’s a guide to unblocking it.
9. Flush the DNS/Clear cache
Another way of fixing the VPN won’t work with Netflix problem is by flushing your DNS and clearing your web browsers cache.
DNS entries from your Internet Service Provider may be wrong and probably utilized by Netflix to block your VPN from accessing their service. Hence, you need to flush your DNS and clear your web browser’s cache afterward.
Here’s how to do this:
Step 1: Flush the DNS
- Go to Start > All Apps > Accessories
- Right-click Start and select Command Prompt (Admin)
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. You should get a confirmation that says: Windows IP Configuration Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache
Step 2: Clear Web Browser Cache
- Launch your web browser e.g. Mozilla Firefox
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to access the “Clear recent history” dialog box
- Under the Time range to clear drop-down menu, select Everything
- Make sure to check the Cache box. Click on Clear Now
Note: Ctrl + Shift + Delete can also be used to clear the cache on other web browsers such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge, etc.
10. Manually configure proxy settings
A proxy server is a server (a computer system or an application) that acts as an intermediary for web requests. A proxy server releases its static/dynamic IP address for you so that you can access other websites using their location.
In addition, you can change the IP address on your browser whether Firefox, Chrome, Opera, or Internet Explorer using the following Methods:
- Firefox: Tools > Options > Advanced > Settings > Manual proxy configuration.
- Chrome: Settings > Network > Change proxy settings > LAN settings > Use proxy server > Advanced > HTTP.
- Opera: Tools > Preferences > Advanced > Network
- Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet options > Connections > LAN settings > Use proxy server > Advanced > HTTP.
Once you have entered the IP address and port appropriately you obtained from the VPN service, check your IP address with an IP address checker as IPLocation and WhatIsMyIPAddress to confirm that your IP address has really been changed.
Let us know if any of these solutions helped fix your VPN not working with Netflix situation. While we’re at it, don’t forget to give your options open with our evergreen list of VPNs that are compatible with Netflix.
FAQ: Learn more about Netflix and VPNs
- Why is Netflix not working with VPN?
If Netflix works normally on your device but stops working after connecting to the VPN it means that the VPN service you use has been banned by Netflix. You can try switching locations or getting a new IP. If that doesn’t work, you need to switch services.
- Which VPN works with Netflix?
A list of VPNs that work with Netflix must always be kept updated because there are new services added that work and others that get banned. See our evergreen list of VPNs that work with Netflix.
- How does Netflix know I’m using a VPN?
One way is by the IP address provided by the VPN which is in the Netflix databases as belonging to a VPN. The other is because of the differences between your IP and DNS server. It is always recommended to use DNS servers provided by the VPN service to eliminate security issues and more.
VPN is perfectly legal as a service offered or contracted. Illegal activities do not change their status if they are performed while connected to a VPN, so keep that in mind.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2018 and was revamped and updated in January 2021 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
This post was written by Milan Stanojevic and was first posted to WindowsReport