Why is Netflix blocking my VPN?

Have you ever tried to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to unblock your favorite shows on Netflix, only to find out it doesn’t work? You’re not alone. Many people have had this problem when trying to access the streaming giant’s service with a VPN. So why does Netflix block VPNs in the first place? […]

Posted - February 13, 2023

Categories:

Connection Cybersecurity How-To Limit Tracking Proxy VPN

Have you ever tried to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to unblock your favorite shows on Netflix, only to find out it doesn’t work? You're not alone. Many people have had this problem when trying to access the streaming giant's service with a VPN. So why does Netflix block VPNs in the first place? In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind Netflix's decision and how you can work around it so that you can enjoy all of your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a way to securely connect to another network over the Internet. A VPN can be used to access region-locked content, like Netflix. When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel so that your real IP address is hidden. This makes it appear as if you're accessing the internet from the VPN's location, rather than your actual location.

Netflix uses your IP address to determine your location. If you connect to a VPN server in a different country, you'll be able to access geo-blocked content that isn't available in your country. However, because Netflix is aware of VPNs, they try to block connections from known VPN servers. This is why you may find that your VPN doesn't work with Netflix.

How do VPNs work?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a way to add security and privacy to your internet connection. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location, making it appear as if you are connecting from that other location. This can be useful if you want to access geo-blocked content or make your internet connection more secure.

Netflix uses geo-blocking to restrict what content different users can access based on their location. This means that if you are trying to access Netflix from outside of the US, you will be blocked from accessing most of the content. However, by using a VPN, you can change your apparent location and trick Netflix into thinking you are in the US, allowing you to access all of the content that would normally be restricted.

Why does Netflix block some VPNs?

Netflix is a streaming service that offers its users a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. However, due to licensing agreements, Netflix is not available in all countries. In order to prevent users from accessing content that they are not supposed to have access to, Netflix uses geo-blocking. Geo-blocking is a method of restricting access to content based on the user's geographical location.

However, there are ways to circumvent geo-blocking. One popular method is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN routes your internet traffic through a server in another country, thereby changing your IP address and making it appear as though you are located in that country. This allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that you would otherwise not be able to view.

Unfortunately, Netflix has begun cracking down on VPNs. In January 2016, Netflix started blocking most major VPN providers. This has caused many users who were using VPNs to access Netflix to no longer be able to do so. While there are still some VPNs that work with Netflix, the selection is much smaller than it used to be. 

There are a few different reasons why Netflix may block a particular VPN. One reason is that the VPN server's IP address may have been blacklisted by Netflix. Another possibility is that the VPN provider may have been pressured by copyright holders or other companies to block its users from accessing certain content on Netflix.

Whatever

How to get around Netflix's VPN block

If you're trying to use a VPN with Netflix, you may have noticed that it doesn't work. This is because Netflix has a strict policy against using VPNs. However, there are a few ways to get around this block.

One way is to use a proxy server. A proxy server is a computer that acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. When you use a proxy server, your IP address is hidden from the sites you visit. This means that you can access websites that are blocked in your country or region.

Another way to get around Netflix's VPN block is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in another country. This makes it appear as if you're accessing the internet from that country, which allows you to bypass restrictions set by your government or ISP.

There are many free and paid VPNs available. Some of the most popular include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and TunnelBear. If you're not sure which one to choose, we've got a roundup of the best VPNs for streaming here.

Once you've chosen and set up your VPN, connect to a server in a country where Netflix is available such as the United States, Canada, or Japan. Then open Netflix in your browser or app and start watching!

ValeVPN is an option

Netflix has been known to block certain VPNs that allow users to access content that is not meant for their region. This is usually done in an attempt to prevent people from circumventing geographical restrictions on content. However, there are still some VPNs that can be used to access Netflix content. ValeVPN is one such option.

ValeVPN is a Virtual Private Network provider that offers a high-speed and reliable connection. It has servers in over 50 countries, which gives users a lot of options when it comes to choosing a server location.