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How to Bypass VPN Blocks for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC, Etc.

Can't access your favorite streaming service? In this article, I'll show you how to use a VPN to access several major streaming platforms.

Having trouble accessing geo-restricted streaming services with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when you’re traveling or temporarily living abroad? We’ll explain how services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer detect VPNs and show you how to bypass VPN blocks for several major streaming platforms.

The most popular streaming services are almost always region-locked, meaning they’re only available in specific regions. Some, like Netflix, take this one step further, offering different content from one country to another. The good news is that you can spoof your location by connecting to a VPN, which allows you to access region-locked services from anywhere.

Can a VPN Really Help Bypass Blocks?

In an attempt to prevent this, major streaming platforms have implemented VPN-detection features, but these aren’t infallible. Below, we’ll let you know how to bypass VPN blocks on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

So how does a streaming service know which country you’re in? Most geo-restricted platforms check your IP address, allowing you access if you’re in a supported location and preventing you from using the service if you’re not.

When you connect to a VPN server, you’re given a new, region-specific IP address that corresponds to that server’s location. Now, to region-locked platforms, it will appear that you’re actually located in the same region as your chosen VPN server, so you can use the service.

Here’s how to Use a VPN to View Netflix and other platforms

Ironically, all you have to do to view Netflix and other streaming services is to use a better VPN. Below, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step:

  1. First, sign up for a VPN that can access a wide range of streaming services. We particularly recommend NordVPN, but Surfshark and ExpressVPN are both strong alternatives.
  2. Download the appropriate version of the app for your device, then log in.
  3. Connect to a VPN server in the required country. For instance, you’d use an American server to watch Netflix US or a UK server for BBC iPlayer.
  4. Finally, play a video on your chosen service. It should begin right away, but if not, clear your browser’s cookies and cache, then reload the page. If problems persist, contact your VPN’s customer support team to see if there’s a specific server you should use.

How do services detect and blacklist VPNs?

There are several ways to tell if a user is connected to a VPN or proxy, and new methods are being designed all the time. Below, we’ve covered a few of the most common:

Using GPS data

Unblocking region-locked services like Netflix is much more difficult if you’re using a cell phone or tablet. This is because mobile devices store a wealth of information that desktop computers don’t, including your current GPS location. If your GPS and IP address both say that you’re in the US, for instance, it’s likely that you are. On the other hand, if you have an American IP address but your GPS data says you’re in France, you’re almost certainly using a VPN.

Checking a known VPN blacklist

Most streaming platforms keep a list of IP addresses belonging to known VPN servers. This kind of blocking tends to be more effective against free VPNs or those with small networks since it’s a dead giveaway when the same IP address is used to log into hundreds of Netflix accounts in a single 24-hour period.

However, IP address blacklisting does very little to stop major VPN providers. With thousands of servers, users can usually find a working server without any trouble. Further, the fact that a well-known VPN can access a notoriously stubborn service could even attract more customers.

Blocking traffic from specific ports

When you browse the internet, you’re sending data to the server of whatever website you’re on. This server has various ports configured to accept different kinds of traffic, for instance, most accept HTTP traffic on port 80, or HTTPS traffic via port 443. However, some VPN protocols have their own specific ports. This means, for example, that if a website wants to completely block PPTP connections, all it has to do is block the port that the PPTP protocol uses: port 1723.

Of course, there are ways around port-blocking. Some VPNs offer features that scramble your data and disguise it as regular HTTP traffic, neatly side-stepping this entire problem. Additionally, services would have to block numerous ports to cater to all available VPN protocols, and this could prevent legitimate users from being able to access the service.

Deep packet inspection

This method isn’t really used by streaming services. Instead, it’s mostly used by Internet Service Providers (ISP) in countries where the internet is heavily restricted or VPNs are banned. Effectively, this technology examines the user’s internet traffic and filters it based on predetermined rules. For example, if you’re attempting to send VPN traffic via the standard HTTP port, this can be detected and stopped.

The easiest way to beat deep packet inspection is to use a VPN that uses advanced cloaking technology. VPNs encrypt your data, meaning nobody (not even the government) can see what you get up to online, and cloaking features reshape your traffic, hiding the data patterns that indicate you’re using a VPN and allowing you to bypass deep packet inspection.  Of course, if a country uses deep packet inspection, it’s likely it also blocks access to VPN sites. As such, it’s important to install a VPN before you arrive.

How do I know a platform has detected VPN use?

Sometimes, services will tell you outright if they think you’re using a VPN. Netflix, for instance, has the infamous “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” error and Amazon Prime Video says “Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service.” More often, though, you’ll see a generic error letting you know you’re not in the required country, something like “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK” or “Sling TV is only available in the US.

On the other hand, you might find that there’s no error, and the service just doesn’t work when connected to a VPN. Videos might buffer endlessly despite you using a high-speed connection, or the website might simply stop loading partway through.

Can I access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other sites with a free VPN?

Free VPNs are extremely unlikely to provide access to major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. To begin with, they often have very small networks, which means that if even a single server is blacklisted, it can have a major impact. Even if you find a service that works, streaming will probably still be difficult since free VPNs tend to have more users than their networks can support, leading to extremely slow speeds.

It’s also worth noting that free VPNs don’t have the best record on security or privacy. In fact, one study tested over 280 free VPN apps and found that nearly 40% contained malware. Even those that didn’t weren’t necessarily safe, as over 80% were vulnerable to IPv6 leaks, and almost one in five used no encryption at all. These risks aren’t limited to little-known companies either; in 2015 Hola was caught selling its users’ idle bandwidth to facilitate a botnet.

Why doesn’t my VPN provide access to streaming services anymore?

If your VPN used to provide access to a particular streaming service and doesn’t work anymore, it’s likely that the platform has upgraded its VPN detection measures. The good news is that major VPN providers pride themselves on being able to access the most stubborn platforms, and almost always find a workaround shortly after being blocked. In fact, sometimes, all you have to do is connect to a different server. If you’re really struggling, your VPN’s customer support team should be able to provide further assistance.

Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

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