Ivacy Not Working With Netflix? Here Is How to Fix It – 2024 Edition

It’s a cold winter’s night in the country you’re visiting (or it could be a hot summer night, depending on where you’re visiting). You grab a warm drink, cuddle up to the dog for warmth, turn on your laptop or tablet, load your Ivacy VPN app and settle in for a nice Netflix bingeing session.

However, the only thing you see on your screen is:

“Whoops, something went wrong…Streaming Error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.” Dadgummit! It worked yesterday!

Why Netflix Blocks a VPN Provider

Sure, any VPN was a great way to access Netflix content from other countries – four or five years ago. Unfortunately, since early 2016, Netflix has conducted a vigorous campaign designed to block VPN users from accessing the streaming content from outside their designated areas.

Do note that Netflix doesn’t block VPN users out of spite. Instead, the streaming provider is required to do so. Their agreements with movie and television studios (the companies that supply the content you view) require them to restrict access to the materials to specific regions.

Sadly, this means that the content you love to binge on while in the United States might not be available to you if you visit France or some other foreign land.

Many VPN service providers have been forced to stop offering access to Netflix content outside of a viewer’s usual region, as they simply don’t have the resources to continue to overcome Netflix’s blockades.

How a VPN Works to Provide Access to Netflix

When you connect to a VPN service, the VPN connects you to one of the provider’s servers, along with a large number of other users. When you connect, you receive a new IP address, which makes your location appear to be that of the VPN server. For instance, while you may actually be in Chicago, you can appear to be located in Paris, France.

All of the users connected to a particular server will receive the same IP address as all of the other users. This makes it appear that all of those users are connecting from the same location. While this provides an extra layer of security, it can also cause issues when connecting to Netflix.

If multiple VPN users on the same server are attempting to access Netflix, it makes it easier for the streaming service to detect that those users are indeed using a VPN.

Once Netflix confirms a VPN service owns the IP address, they block that IP address from being able to access the service, thereby preventing the users from viewing their content.

When Netflix blacklists an IP address, a VPN customer will discover that they can no longer access their favorite bingeing materials. Naturally, they complain to the VPN’s customer support department. (Or, at least, I know I would complain.)

When the VPN support agents confirm a server’s IP address is indeed blocked, they then set up a new batch of IP addresses for their servers to use. This once again enables access to Netflix – at least until Netflix discovers the new addresses, and the virtual game of whack-a-mole begins anew.

It takes a lot of resources to hang in there and compete with Netflix in this game of back-and-forth. Many VPN providers simply don’t have deep enough pockets to continually set up new IP addresses when Netflix shuts an old one out.

Some VPN providers, like Ivacy, continue to offer Netflix access to their customers, but they may only offer access to a limited number of regions. (Ivacy limits their Netflix access to U.S. streams, making them worthless if you’re looking for access to Netflix content in another country.)

Luckily, not all providers have thrown in the towel or put limits on their Netflix access. In the upcoming section, I will provide information about the best of these VPN providers.

See also: How to Change Netflix Region or Country

Methodology for Assessing a VPN for Netflix

Not all VPN providers can deliver reliable Netflix access. Any VPN worth your consideration should at least offer the features listed below.

The features that I consider when deciding on which VPN works best for securely accessing Netflix include:

• Speed: A fast connection is a must when using a VPN for streaming Netflix or other streaming services. If you’re using a VPN with slow connections, you’ll experience lengthy buffering times and low-resolution video streams once the video finally plays. NordVPN delivers fast download speeds, making it an excellent option for Netflix subscribers.
• Streaming: If you subscribe to Netflix, you likely subscribe to other streaming sites. NordVPN offers reliable connections to not only Netflix, but Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+  and other popular streaming services.
• Server Network: A VPN with numerous servers stationed around the globe is a definite requirement if you want to get the most out of Netflix. While most VPN providers have servers located around the world, the server count and locations can vary by provider. Also, look for a provider that has a large number of servers stationed in each country. That helps avoid having a single server take a performance hit because too many customers are using it at once.
• Value:  You can calculate a VPN’s value by comparing its level of service to its price of entry. If a provider is asking more than what it deserves for the services it offers, drop that VPN from consideration. NordVPN offers an excellent ROI.
• Ease of Use: The VPNs I recommend in my lists offer apps that are logical and easy to use. Providers should also offer app support for as many popular devices as possible. NordVPN’s easy-to-use apps are available for numerous popular connected devices.
• Security and Privacy: At a minimum, a provider should offer secure encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection as security features. A strict no-server-logs-ever policy is also a must, as it prevents any evidence related to your online travels from being exposed. NordVPN offers top-notch security and privacy protections.

My research doesn’t stop here. In fact, the factors above are just a small part of what I consider in my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. The data-driven approach helps me to better understand the VPN providers and their services, so I can confidently recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for the task at hand.

What Is the Best VPN to Access Netflix?

NordVPN

NordVPN continues to offer what is arguably the best access to Netflix content of any of the VPNs that I have tested. I have used the provider for a few years now and have found it to be my most reliable option for accessing Netflix content, no matter where I’m located.

The provider offers Netflix access in numerous areas of the world, creating new IP addresses whenever Netflix blacklists previous IP addresses. While you may occasionally run into an IP address that no longer works with Netflix, attempting access via a different server by disconnecting and reconnecting will prove fruitful.

The provider also offers 24/7 live support chat, connections optimized for streaming, top-notch global server coverage, app support for popular desktop and mobile devices, and an extremely reasonable price.

Connection Speed

Once your favorite content is again available, you’re not going to want to wait for an extended period of time while the content buffers enough to begin playing.

NordVPN provides some of the best connection speeds of any VPN service provider, meaning even 4K content will begin streaming in only a few seconds (depending on your usual connection speeds, so your mileage may vary).

Multi-Platform Support

Netflix is available on nearly every connected device, be it your computer, mobile device, game console or streaming device. (Note to self: Check to see if the new Samsung internet-connected refrigerators offer Netflix.)

NordVPN has you covered on most platforms, with native apps for Windows, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and Android devices. In addition, they also offer extensions for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser platforms. Extensive router support protects all of your connected devices, even those on platforms with no native app support.

If you use a game console or set-top streaming box, you can access Netflix content from other regions by using NordVPN’s SmartDNS service. However, be advised that SmartDNS does not offer encrypted protection for your connection.

The provider has a limit of 6 simultaneous connections to the service on the same login. However, it also offers compatibility with numerous makes and models of wireless routers, including Asus, Linksys, D-Link, and others. This allows all of your connected devices to use a single login to connect. You can purchase pre-configured routers from FlashRouters.com.

Customer Support

I assure you that I would never wish any type of technical issues on my readers. However, stuff happens, and it is likely that whichever VPN provider you select, you may experience issues using their service.

NordVPN’s customer service is among the best in the business. The provider offers 24/7 online support chat, as well as email support and an easy-to-search support library.

I’ve always experienced satisfactory results when I sent support inquiries to the provider. I received fast and well-informed replies, and when I was in a do-it-myself mood, I was able to quickly find resolutions for my issues in the NordVPN support library.

Global Server Coverage

A VPN is an excellent tool for opening access to previously blocked streaming and gaming content around the world. NordVPN has over 5,200 servers located in 60 countries, providing superior unlocking power for Netflix and other types of streaming content.

Privacy and Security Protection

NordVPN’s privacy protection is second to none. The provider keeps absolutely no logs of their customers’ online antics.

In addition, the provider offers Bitcoin as a privacy-protecting subscription payment option, ensuring that your privacy is protected all around.

Additional privacy protections are provided by the provider’s owned-and-operated servers, which keeps outside contractors away from your personal data. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run 100% from RAM, with no data being written to a physical hard drive. This means all data on a server securely disappears from the server when it is rebooted or shut down.

Pricing

NordVPN offers an extremely reasonably-priced service, meaning your wallet will thank you for choosing this provider.

By the way, if you click the link below to visit the NordVPN website, you’ll get a special deal.

A 30-day money-back guarantee means you’ll have a reasonable period of time to try the provider and make sure it’s the right one for you.

For more information, visit the NordVPN website.

The VPN for Netflix

NordVPN is my pick for the best VPN to access Netflix in other regions when Ivacy lets you down. The provider consistently offers an excellent ability to access Netflix, and it reacts quickly when Netflix blacklists any of its IP addresses.

The provider offers top-notch connection speeds, excellent global server coverage, and superior customer support and privacy protections.

While I won’t claim that I’ve never had to try a different VPN server when attempting to view Netflix content originating in another country, I will note that I’ve always been able to quickly find a server that worked to open up access.

As mentioned before, VPNs offering Netflix access are engaged in a virtual game of hide-and-seek, and access can vary from day to day. But for now, NordVPN continues to provide reliable access to U.S. Netflix content when you’re outside of U.S. borders.

Visit NordVPN for more information or to purchase a subscription.