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SurfEasy Not Working With Netflix? Here’s a Fix

SurfEasy offers speedy connections but limits its official Netflix support to the U.S. and Canada. What options are there for users who find this VPN to be lacking? 

At a Glance

Are you traveling abroad or are you an ex-pat living abroad? Sometimes you get a bit homesick, right? When that happens, a great remedy (at least for me) is to watch a bit of Netflix content from your home country. However, I have found that, more and more, many VPNs are letting me down. They either offer unreliable access to Netflix or limit the number of countries in which I can access the streaming service.

The latest VPN to let me down is SurfEasy. This Canadian provider, while offering speedy connections, limits its official Netflix support to the U.S. and Canada. Luckily, for those of us who have found SurfEasy to be lacking, there are options.

SurfEasy not working with Netflix? Try this…

Switch to NordVPN (I’ve found it’s the best VPN for watching Netflix).

I’ve tested various VPNs and NordVPN can reliably access Netflix in a number of regions. It’s super-fast, so you watch Netflix in HD or 4K without a lot of lengthy buffering (depending on your usual connection speeds, of course).

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

Why SurfEasy Might Not Work With Netflix

Before we dig in too deep, let’s take a quick look at why Netflix blocks a VPN.

Once upon a time, a VPN was arguably the most reliable way to access Netflix content from other countries.

However, that changed in 2016, when Netflix began waging an active campaign to prevent VPN users from accessing their streaming content from outside their own country.

But Netflix doesn’t block VPN users simply to be a corporate jerk.

The streaming giant is required to do so thanks to the content distribution contracts it signs with the television and film studios that supply the shows and movies you enjoy on the service.

The agreements Netflix makes with the content providers require them to ensure the content is only viewed in designated regions.

Unfortunately, that means the movie you enjoyed in Germany might not be available in the U.S. (and vice versa. Or “umgekehrt,” as the Germans might say.)

This has caused many VPN providers to give up on providing access to Netflix content in other countries. The expense is simply too great for VPN services with limited resources.

The Best Alternative When SurfEasy Fails

When you connect your computer, mobile device, or another device to a VPN server, the service gives your device a new IP address.

The new address makes it appear that your device is located in the same physical area as the VPN server. So, while you may be in San Francisco, the rest of the internet could think you’re located in London, England.

In addition, when your device connects to your VPN service, it’s connecting to the same VPN server as several other users of the same service, who receive the same IP address that you do.

While this is an advantage security-wise, it can cause issues where Netflix access is concerned.

Netflix Blocked VPN

When multiple VPN users that are connected to the same VPN server access Netflix, it makes it a breeze for the streaming giant to detect that the connections are coming from a VPN.

Once Netflix has confirmed a VPN service owns a certain IP address, they immediately blacklist that IP address from accessing the service. This prevents Netflix-subscribing VPN users from viewing their favorite content.

When the VPN user discovers they can no longer view their favorite films and TV shows, they complain to their VPN’s customer service folk.

When the VPN support agents check into things and confirm that the server’s IP address is no longer working with Netflix, they set up a new range of IP addresses. This opens access to the streamer once again.

Well, at least until Netflix detects the new addresses and blacklists them, once again starting up the virtual game of hide-and-seek.

VPN providers that expect to keep up with Netflix in this game of “IP Address Battleship” will find that they require deep pockets. It takes a lot of resources to keep adding new IP addresses when needed.

While many VPN providers eventually give up – their dreams of maintaining reliable Netflix access falling to the wayside – others may economize by limiting their access to a few select regions. (SurfEasy limits Netflix access to the U.S. and Canada.)

However, there are still some VPN providers that are hanging in there, dedicating their resources to providing reliable Netflix access.

Best VPN For Netflix Access

NordVPN

NordVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN provides what is arguably the most reliable access to Netflix in other countries of any VPN I have had the opportunity to test.

This provider delivers Netflix access in numerous regions of the world, quickly creating new IP addresses when required.

While I have occasionally experienced a failure to connect to Netflix from a formerly Netflix-friendly IP address, a quick disconnect and reconnect of my VPN connection usually resulted in restored access.

NordVPN Mac App

NordVPN goes the extra mile when it comes to Netflix access, providing a wealth of information about using the VPN to optimize your Netflix experience. The provider offers tips and tricks for using the service, a helpful FAQ, and links to browser extensions for use with the streaming service.

In addition, the service provides streaming-optimized connections, 24/7 chat support, comprehensive global server coverage, native apps for popular device platforms, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Connection Speed

Now that your favorite Netflix content is once again available, you’re not going to want to wait a lengthy period of time for your favorite film to begin playing.

Luckily, NordVPN’s excellent connection speeds mean you’ll only need to wait a few seconds at most for the action to begin. Even 4K HDR content will quickly start to play. (Your mileage will vary, depending on your usual connection speeds.)

Multi-Platform Support

You may have noticed that Netflix is available on nearly every connected device made today. (Okay, maybe not on your internet-connected microwave oven.) That makes multi-platform support an essential factor when considering a VPN for use with Netflix.

NordVPN offers native app support for devices on Windows, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV devices.

They also make it easy to watch Netflix in your favorite browser, providing browser extensions for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox platforms.

NordVPN App Options

A limit of 6 simultaneous connections to the service on the same login can be a bit confining to business and family VPN users, but using the VPN with your router can protect all of your connected devices.

NordVPN offers router compatibility with numerous router makes and models. You can find pre-configured routers at FlashRouters.com.

Pricing

NordVPN offers some of the most reasonable subscription pricing in the VPN industry.

At the time of this article, paying monthly for your subscription will take an $11.95-sized chunk from your bank account each month. A 1-year subscription will run you $4.92 per month ($59.00 annually), and a two-year deal will run $3.71 per month ($89.00 for the first payment).

Currently, you can get 3 free months tacked onto the end of an annual subscription by clicking the link below to visit the NordVPN website.

A 30-day money-back guarantee will give you plenty of time to run the provider through its paces.

For more information, visit the NordVPN website.

Customer Support

Here’s hoping that your VPN connections are trouble-free. However, things do go wrong from time to time, and it’s reassuring to know that your VPN provider offers excellent customer service when you need it.

NordVPN’s customer support is some of the best in the business. 24/7 chatbot then live support chat, email support, a searchable support library, and a trouble ticket tracking system all add up to industry-standard support.

While my NordVPN connections have proven to be quite reliable, I have had a few questions about the service. I’m a do-it-yourself type of guy, so I usually search through the support library before contacting a support agent.

In most cases, I found an answer on my own in just a few moments. The few times I couldn’t find a solution this way, the provider’s support agents responded quickly and provided knowledgeable answers.

Global Server Coverage

NordVPN has 5,500+ servers stationed in nearly 60 countries around the globe.

This means the provider offers Netflix-unblocking opportunities that are much higher than the industry average.

Privacy and Security Protection

You don’t have to worry about your online activities being exposed to prying eyes thanks to the provider’s self-imposed “no logs” policy.

NordVPN keeps no logs whatsoever concerning your online travels while connected to the service.

Bitcoin users can keep their payment information under wraps by using cryptocurrency to pay for their subscriptions.

Nord also owns and operates its servers, meaning no third-party contractors have access to customers’ personal data. Also, all NordVPN servers are run only from RAM. Since no data is ever written to a physical hard drive, all data is securely wiped from a server each time a server is rebooted or powered down.

The VPN for Netflix

NordVPN Logo

 

 

 

NordVPN is my #1 pick for the best VPN to unblock Netflix content in the United States and other regions around the world. The service is a reliable way to access Netflix content and has proven to be quick to respond to Netflix blockades.

The provider also offers speedy connections, top-notch global server coverage, and superior privacy protections and customer service.

Sure, I’ve experienced issues when connecting to Netflix content when using a NordVPN connection, but I have been able to quickly regain access to the streaming service by connecting to another server in the area.

NordVPN is your best bet for reliable access to your favorite Netflix movies and television shows.

Visit NordVPN for more information or to purchase a subscription.

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

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