If you’ve ever tried to access Amazon Prime Video or another U.S. video streaming service from outside the country while using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Smart DNS provider, you may have received an error message telling you the service is unable to serve up your favorite content because it has detected that you’re using a VPN or Smart DNS service.
In Amazon’s case, they usually throw up an HTTP proxy error that reads like this: “Your device’s internet connection is using an HTTP proxy, which prevents playing your video. Please close or disable any proxy programs and try again.”
While this can be frustrating, there is a solution to your problem. A reliable VPN provider can provide access to Amazon Prime Video by temporarily assigning you a new IP address located inside the United States, making it appear as if you are inside U.S. borders.
However, Amazon and other streaming services have caught on to this trick, and they have become adept at detecting when a viewer is using a VPN to access their service.
When this happens, a VPN provider needs to react by setting up new IP addresses that the streaming service is unaware of, once again enabling access to the streaming service for their users.
However, some VPN providers don’t react as quickly as they should, or they simply don’t have the resources to keep up with Amazon in this game of virtual whack-a-mole.
Luckily, there are providers that do make the effort to provide reliable access to streaming services in other countries. NordVPN is one of those providers.
In this article, I’ll show you how to resolve the Amazon Prime Video HTTP proxy error and tell you about NordVPN’s excellent features.
How to Resolve the Amazon Prime Video HTTP Proxy Error by Using a VPN
When you receive an Amazon Prime Video HTTP proxy error, it takes only a few quick steps to resolve the issue:
- Subscribe to a VPN service that offers a large number of reliable servers located in countries around the globe, delivers fast download speeds and provides reliable access to Amazon Prime Video content. (My testing has proven that NordVPN is the most reliable VPN for this purpose.)
- Install the VPN app on your device(s) of choice.
- Log into a VPN server located in the same country as the blocked Amazon content. (In this case, we’ll be unblocking U.S. Amazon Prime content.)
- Go to the Amazon website in your favorite browser, or load the Amazon Prime Video app. Log into your account and enjoy the show!
TRY THE NORDVPN RISK FREE
A full-featured 30-day trial of NordVPN is available if you sign up here. You’ll have access to the #1 VPN for working around Amazon Prime Video restrictions with no limits for 30 days making the provider a great option if you’re traveling for a short while and don’t want to miss out on your geo-restricted content.
There are no gotchas when it comes to this offer. You merely need to contact NordVPN support before your 30-day trial period expires if you decide the provider isn't right for your needs and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
The Best VPN for Resolving the Amazon Prime Video HTTP Proxy Error
While there are a good number of VPN providers that are capable of enabling access to Amazon Prime Video, only one provider has proven to be able to unblock Amazon content on a reliable basis.
Below is my mini-review of NordVPN.
NordVPN
NordVPN provides reliable content to nearly any video streaming service, including Amazon Prime Video.
The provider’s comprehensive global server network provides access to most of the free world, while its fast download speeds easily handle the HD and 4K streams that Amazon provides.
1. Connection Speed
NordVPN’s download speeds were the fastest in my most recent speed tests, proving to provide more than enough bandwidth for the HD and 4K video content available from Prime Video.
Those fast speeds are never restricted in any way, as there are no bandwidth restrictions or data caps imposed on your data usage.
Those speedy connections are also well-protected thanks to the provider’s bank-grade encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak prevention, and kill switch protection.
2. Multi-Platform Support
Amazon Prime Video is available on most popular device platforms, as well as in most web browsers. This makes multi-platform app support an important consideration for any VPN provider to be used with Amazon’s streaming video service.
NordVPN offers apps for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV device platforms. In-browser viewers can use the provider’s Chrome and Firefox browser extensions to protect and enhance their viewing sessions.
If you do your viewing on an Apple TV, Xbox One, PS4 or other types of streaming or gaming box, you can use the provider’s SmartDNS service to view Amazon Prime content.
Be warned, though, that SmartDNS only opens access to Prime Video – it doesn’t encrypt your connection like the provider’s VPN service does.
You can connect up to 6 devices at once using a single set of user credentials. When you need more connections, or if you decide to protect all of your connected devices, you can make use of the provider’s excellent router compatibility.
3. Customer Support
Although NordVPN offers the most reliable VPN service I’ve ever used, you’ll likely have a support or billing question from time to time. That’s when the provider’s comprehensive customer support comes in handy.
Aid is available around-the-clock via 24/7 live support chat, a support ticket submission, and tracking system, email support, and a searchable library of support and troubleshooting information.
4. Global Server Coverage
Comprehensive global server coverage is an important ingredient for any VPN provider’s content-unblocking ability. The more servers and countries, the better.
NordVPN’s global server network is made up of 5,500+ servers stationed in nearly 60 countries. That means that wherever Amazon Prime video is available, you’ll likely have access to their content.
5. Pricing
The provider offers an excellent return on investment, thanks to its more than reasonable extended subscription deals. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
Conclusion
A Virtual Private Network is the most reliable method for resolving the Amazon Prime Video HTTP proxy error and unblocking streaming services like Amazon Prime Video from nearly anywhere around the globe.
A VPN – like my top choice, NordVPN – allows you to unblock nearly any type of online content, including streaming video, live sports, gaming servers, and other types of online services and websites.
For more information or to subscribe to NordVPN, visit the provider’s website.
