You’re traveling and it’s the weekend. YAY! But it’s snowing. NO! It sounds like it’s a great time to finally binge both seasons of Stranger Things. Grab a beverage, start up the Buffered VPN app, connect to a VPN server back home, load Netflix, and tap “Play.” Crap, Netflix has turned its anti-VPN features up to “Eleven.”
More and more, VPN users traveling or living abroad are finding their favorite VPN provider can no longer reliably access their favorite Netflix content from back home.
Is Buffered VPN a Reliable Way to Watch Netflix?
Buffered was a reliable way to access Netflix’s long list of content from outside your home country’s borders. But lately, it lacks the capacity to access Netflix that some other providers can offer.
So, if you’re a Buffered user, what are your options?
Buffered not working with Netflix? Try this...
Switch to NordVPN (which I think is the best VPN provider for accessing Netflix from abroad).
I’ve tested a lot of VPNs and I find NordVPN reliably works to access Netflix in multiple countries, thanks to its SmartPlay technology, which helps users access all kinds of geo-controlled content. It’s really fast as well so you can binge in HD without the buffering.
NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
Why Netflix Blocks a VPN Provider
Netflix really isn’t evil. It just seems that way when you find that your favorite Buffered VPN server can’t connect (again). What it comes down to is that the streaming service is required to block any attempts to access content from outside of licensed viewing regions.
Content licensing in the entertainment industry basically ignores the worldwide spread of the web and is instead based on geographical licenses, restricting access to a particular area. That means your favorite Warner Brothers movie or The CW Network TV series might not be available depending on where you’re trying to access it from.
Netflix is pretty darned good at discovering when users are employing a VPN server-provided IP address to access their content from outside of the licensed area. They’re also good at blacklisting those IP addresses.
Netflix’s defensive skills have led many VPN providers to drop support for opening up international Netflix access. Sure, some providers are hanging in there, but many of those providers are slow to react when customers report that their favorite VPN server can no longer access Netflix.
The Best Alternative When Buffered VPN Fails
Have you ever played Checkers and made a move to jump and take two of your opponent’s checkers, only to have them jump and take 3 of yours, plus you then have to crown their piece? No? Maybe I’m just a lousy Checkers player.
Anyway, that’s kind of what is going on between VPN providers and Netflix.
Here’s how it works. Netflix notices a large number of subscribers connecting to the streaming service through a single IP address. This tips them off to the fact that these viewers are using a VPN to access the content. So, as a preventative measure, Netflix blacklists that IP. No more access from that VPN server!
Users realize they can no longer access Netflix via their usual server and complain to the VPN service. Ideally, the VPN would respond promptly, adding new servers and fresh IP addresses. This again opens up access to the streaming service – at least until Netflix notices the new traffic from the new IP address and blacklists that address as well.
This happens often enough that many providers have just given up and dropped their access to the streaming giant.
If you find your VPN provider gets blacklisted by Netflix quite a bit and is less than responsive in taking action to resolve said blocks, it’s time to find a better provider. I’ve found that the best one is NordVPN.
Best Netflix VPN Workaround: NordVPN
works with US NetflixTested
Sep 2024
Using NordVPN is arguably the best way to ensure you’ll have reliable access to Netflix. The provider does an excellent job of keeping up when the streaming service attempts to lock them out of their content.
In addition to Netflix, NordVPN also offers reliable access to a large number of other streaming services. Any time I’ve found myself unable to reach a streaming service, I’ve always been able to quickly find an alternative server that allows access.
NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support, excellent online security and privacy protections, fast connections, top-notch app support, widespread global server coverage, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. (For a full review of NordVPN, click here.)
Fast Connection Speeds
NordVPN provides more than enough bandwidth for your high-definition streaming needs. NordVPN’s connections were measured as one of the fastest VPNs during my most recent connection speed testing. Depending on your usual download speeds, the provider should deliver more than enough bandwidth to match Netflix’s recommended connection speeds.
App Support
No matter which device you enjoy Netflix on, there’s an excellent chance that NordVPN has an app to keep your streaming undercover. App support for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, and Linux devices is available. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router support.
Pricing
NordVPN offers a fine return on investment, considering the top-notch services you receive in return.
Don’t worry, the company doesn’t blow all that money on Christmas lights to communicate with their missing son. Instead, they re-invest a fair amount of that money back into their services.
If you don’t like committing for one or two years, you can always opt for the month-to-month plan. Either way, you’re covered by the NordVPN 30-day money-back guarantee.
Customer Support
No matter the issue, you’ll find NordVPN’s customer support folk are responsive and ready to help. 24/7 live support chat is always available.
I’ve found that the provider responds promptly when informed of blocked servers, quickly adding new servers and IP addresses.
Global Server Coverage
No matter where you roam (well, maybe not The Upside Down), you’ll likely find unfettered access to Netflix thanks to the provider’s nearly 5,500 servers, scattered well among nearly 60 countries.
Privacy
No worries on the privacy front when you opt for NordVPN, as the provider is located in the privacy-friendly Republic of Panama, where there are no laws requiring them to keep logs of your online antics.
Bitcoin users can make good use of the cryptocurrency’s anonymity features to keep their subscription payment information under wraps.
In Closing
When Buffered VPN can’t access your favorite Netflix shows or films, opt for a better way. When it comes to VPN services, I have one word for you: “NordVPN.” (Or is that two words?)
NordVPN keeps its customers’ streaming options wide open, offering responsive customer support, new IP addresses when needed, plenty of bandwidth for streaming, top-notch privacy protections, and much more.
Buffered VPN Netflix FAQs
Can Buffered VPN Access Netflix?
Buffered VPN offers a number of advantages and features. However, one thing it doesn’t offer is reliable access to Netflix streams. You’ll need to look elsewhere for reliable access to Netflix, such as at NordVPN or Surfshark.
How Can I Fix Error Code m7111-1331-5059 or m7111-5059?
These error codes usually include a message that explains you are using a VPN, a proxy, or another unblocking method. When this happens, try another server. You may need to clear your browser cookies and restart the browser. If you still don’t have any luck, contact your VPN provider’s customer service department, perhaps they can direct you to a server that is providing access to Netflix.
Contents [hide]
- Is Buffered VPN a Reliable Way to Watch Netflix?
- Buffered not working with Netflix? Try this...
- Why Netflix Blocks a VPN Provider
- The Best Alternative When Buffered VPN Fails
- Best Netflix VPN Workaround: NordVPN
- In Closing
- Buffered VPN Netflix FAQs
- Can Buffered VPN Access Netflix?
- How Can I Fix Error Code m7111-1331-5059 or m7111-5059?
