We are reader supported and sometimes earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site.

PrivateVPN Not Working With Netflix Workaround

In this article, I discuss the reasons why PrivateVPN may not be working with Netflix, and how to get around this conundrum by using a different provider.

At a Glance

You’re an American working abroad. It’s been a hard day’s night, and you’ve been working like a dog (where have I heard that before?). Now it’s time to relax. You settle into your hotel room, grab your laptop, load up PrivateVPN and get ready to binge on a bit of Netflix content from back home. You click on your favorite comedy, and you see:

Whoops, something went wrongStreaming Error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”

Does this happen to you on a regular basis? While PrivateVPN is known to offer reliable access to Netflix, its power to securely access global Netflix content is somewhat limited when compared to other VPN providers (like NordVPN). This is due to the fact that it limits Netflix access to servers in 19 countries. Fewer server locations equal limited Netflix-accessing power.

A VPN has always been your best bet for accessing Netflix content from your home country when you’re traveling or working abroad. This is still true today, even if the streaming giant does do everything in its power to stop VPNs from accessing its service.

While PrivateVPN usually provides reliable Netflix access, it doesn’t offer the same power that other VPN providers can offer due to its limited global server coverage.

If you’re a PrivateVPN user, what are your options?

PrivateVPN not working with Netflix? Try this…

Switch to NordVPN (the top VPN for accessing Netflix).

I’ve tested various VPNs, and NordVPN can reliably provide access to Netflix US, UK, FR, IT, AU, JP and others. Offering speeds so fast, you can watch Netflix in HD without the buffering.

NordVPN offers comes with a risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why Netflix Restricts Access From a VPN Provider

Netflix began actively restricting access from VPN and proxy servers in 2016.

Since then, many VPN providers have given up on offering access to Netflix content outside of a user’s region. The providers gave up due to a lack of resources on their part. Others, like PrivateVPN, still offer Netflix access, but in limited areas of the world.

This rightfully irritates VPN-using Netflix subscribers. However, please take note that Netflix doesn’t do all of this out of spite. They do it because they are legally required by their content licensing agreements with the television and movie studios to stop VPN users.

Movie, television and music studios hold onto the outdated belief that access to their content should be restricted to specific areas of the globe. Unfortunately, this means that if you visit Paris, France, you’re not going to have access to the same movies and television shows that you did in Paris, Texas.

Many VPN services are run on a shoestring budget and simply don’t have the financial resources available to continue to battle against Netflix’s content-blocking.

The Best Alternative When PrivateVPN Fails

When a user connects to their VPN server of choice, they connect to one of their provider’s server farms, which can be located nearly anywhere in the world.

When they connect, they receive a new IP address. This can make their location appear to be anywhere but where they really are. They may be physically located in New York City, but to the rest of the internet, they may appear to be located in Los Angeles, California, or even London, England.

When connecting to a VPN server, a user doesn’t usually get the server all to themselves. Instead, a large group of other VPN users are connecting to the same server, and all of those users are using the same IP address.

This isn’t usually a problem. Instead, it actually adds a layer of security for the users. However, this can cause issues when connecting to a service like Netflix.

When multiple VPN users, who are all connected to the same VPN server and showing the same IP address, all attempt to connect to Netflix, this raises red flags at the streaming giant’s headquarters. It automatically raises concerns that these users are connecting via a VPN, something Netflix does its best to prevent from happening.

Once the folks at Netflix confirm that a group of VPN users are indeed connecting to their streaming servers via a VPN, the streaming service will stop that IP address from accessing the Netflix servers. No access, no streaming entertainment.

When the streaming tap gets turned off for the VPN user, they naturally complain to their VPN provider’s customer support department (well, it’s what I would do, anyway). The VPN support folk look into what’s happening, and they discover that Netflix has blocked access to the streaming service via that IP address.

The VPN provider sets up a new set of IP addresses for their customers to use, enabling access to Netflix content once again, and all is well … until Netflix discovers and restricts access from the new IP addresses, that is—and the whole vicious cycle begins anew.

It takes deep pockets to be able to hang in there and continue to fight the good fight against Netflix’s content roadblocks. Sadly, not all VPN providers have deep enough pockets.

Some VPN providers, like PrivateVPN, economize by limiting their Netflix-accessing to certain areas of the world (19 countries, in PrivateVPN’s case).

Lucky for us, not all VPN providers have given up or placed limits on where they can provide access to Netflix. In the next sections of this article, I’ll share information about a provider that continues to provide global Netflix-accessing power.

Best VPN to Provide Access to Netflix

NordVPN

NordVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN offers what I have found to be the best access to Netflix content among any of the VPNs I have tested. The provider’s comprehensive global server coverage opens up Netflix content from any region. Plus, the provider shows a great willingness to continue the good fight, quickly replacing IP addresses with new ones.

While I have run into times when a previously-working IP no longer provides access to Netflix, I can usually find a working IP with only a few clicks of the mouse.

In addition to doing an excellent job of keeping the information superhighway to Netflix wide open, NordVPN offers a goodly amount of information to aid you in making your Netflix experience the best it can be. This includes a section of tips and tricks for using the service, an FAQ, and links to helpful browser extensions.

NordVPN also provides 24/7 live support chat, connections optimized for streaming, top-notch global server coverage, app support for popular desktop and mobile devices, and bargain-basement pricing.

Connection Speed

Once you’ve unlocked your favorite video, music, or other content, you don’t want to wait forever to enjoy it. That’s where NordVPN’s speedy connections come in handy. When I tested NordVPN, it proved to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market today.

Even 4K UHD content will only take a few seconds to begin playing, so get the popcorn ready (your mileage may vary, depending on your usual connection speeds).

Multi-Platform Support

Netflix seems to be available on almost any connected device available today. Whether on computers, set-top boxes, game consoles, Smart TVs—Netflix is there.

If you use one of the popular computing or mobile platforms, NordVPN has you covered. The provider offers native app support for Windows, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, Android TV and Android devices, along with browser extensions for the Chrome and Firefox browser platforms.

Game console and set-top streaming box owners can access Netflix content from other countries via the NordVPN SmartDNS service. Be advised, however, that SmartDNS does not encrypt your connection like a VPN does.

The provider allows you to connect up to six devices at once. However, it also offers compatibility with a large number of wireless router makes and models, allowing a single login to protect all of your connected devices (if you don’t want to do the work yourself, you can buy a pre-configured router from FlashRouters.com).

Pricing

Budget-minded users can rejoice: NordVPN offers its service for a low multi-year price.

If you click the link at the end of this article, you’ll get a special deal on NordVPN’s already reasonably-priced service.

A 30-day money-back guarantee offers plenty of time to decide if NordVPN is right for you.

For more information, visit the NordVPN website.

Customer Support

I would never wish technical issues on any of my readers. That would simply be rude. However, things do go wrong occasionally, requiring you to contact customer support. NordVPN’s customer support is there when you need it.

The provider has always-available online live support chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

NordVPN’s support has never disappointed me and has always been at the ready, delivering helpful information in a jiffy.

Global Server Coverage

A VPN is the best tool to use when you need to access international streaming, gaming, and other types of content that users in your region may usually be blocked from.

NordVPN has 5,500+ servers located in 59 countries. This adds up to massive unlocking power, easily beating PrivateVPN’s 19 available countries.

Security and Privacy

NordVPN-provided connections are encrypted with banking-grade encryption and are also protected against DNS and IP leaks, as well as diconnections.

The provider’s privacy protections are among the best in the VPN industry and it doesn’t keep logs of any kind.

The provider also accepts the privacy-enhancing Bitcoin cryptocurrency as payment for their services, keeping your payment information undercover, too.

You’ll also find that all NordVPN servers are run only from RAM, with no data of any kind being written to an actual hard drive. That means that all data is completely wiped from a NordVPN server upon being rebooted or shut down. Plus, the provider’s owned-and-operated servers keep outside contractors away from any data while the server is running.

TRY OUR #1 RATED VPN RISK FREE

NordVPN has a risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up here. You can try the VPN rated #1 for Netflix without restrictions for 30 days – great if you want to binge your favorite shows while on vacation.

There are no hidden terms, just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll receive a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial now.

The VPN for Netflix

NordVPN is my choice for the best VPN around to protect and enhance your Netflix streaming binges. The provider offers reliable access to Netflix and does so while providing fast connections, as well as top-notch customer service and privacy protections.

While you may occasionally be required to try a few different servers when you’re attempting to view Netflix shows from another region, you won’t walk away disappointed.

Visit the NordVPN website for more information or to purchase a subscription.

PrivateVPN Not Working with Netflix FAQs

What Is the Best Free VPN for Netflix?

Free VPNs are not good for any use, including for accessing Netflix. Free VPNs throttle connection speeds, impose data usage limitations, make you cool your heels in a queue and sell your personal data to advertisers and other Nosy Nellies. Stick with a paid VPN solution to avoid these problems.

Why Is My VPN Not Working on Netflix?

There are multiple reasons why a VPN may not be working with Netflix, but the most likely one is that the streaming provider has stopped that VPN's IP addresses from accessing their content. It takes a lot of work on the part of a VPN to provide IP addresses that streaming providers haven't prevented from accessing their services, and not all VPNs are up to the task.

Is It Illegal to Use a VPN to Access Netflix?

There's no law against using a VPN to try to access Netflix. However, Netflix can stop your IP address from accessing their content if the streaming provider discovers that you're using a VPN to access the service.


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.

Visit NordVPN

Leave a Comment