How To Fix a Netflix VPN That Is Not Working

Ben Patterson Read more May 3, 2023

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A VPN (virtual private network) is suitable for watching Netflix content only available in certain countries or regions. However, many have noticed that the streaming platform will still block internet traffic and IP addresses connected to these networks. But don’t give up on your VPN just yet.

How To Fix a Netflix VPN That Is Not Working

The good news is that there are multiple things you can do to continue watching your favorite shows while using an encrypted connection.

In this article, you’ll learn how to fix your VPN and watch Netflix.

Deleting Your Cookies

The simplest and often most effective way to use your VPN with Netflix would be to delete your cookies. Netflix utilizes cookies as small files to make your viewing experience more accessible. These tiny files contain essential information, such as your IP address and location. They are important because Netflix will block your VPN if connected to a different region than otherwise indicated in your cookies.

To delete your cookies, follow the steps below:

Open your desired browser.
Click the three dots option at the top right corner of your browser (this should look the same for both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox).
Go to “Settings” for Chrome or “Options” for Mozilla Firefox.
Open “Privacy and Security.”
Select “Clear browsing data” and then “Cookies and other site data.”
Confirm your choice with “Clear data.”

It’s as simple as that. By clearing your cookies, Netflix won’t pick up on your VPN, and you won’t receive that dreaded error message. But there are still other ways to fix persisting issues.

Using a Different Server

Frequently, Netflix will entirely block the IP address of your VPN, and your connection still won’t work even after you’ve deleted your cookies. Further issues indicate that Netflix has identified your IP address and server before blacklisting it. However, you can still change the address that you initially selected.

Before beginning the process, it’s worth noting that the same options will differ depending on the software you are using. Still, there are general steps that are common in most VPN providers.

Here’s how to do it:

Open your desired VPN software or app.
From the main interface, there should be a menu for server selection.
Choose the region or country you want to connect to from a list of locations.
Select your desired location to make a VPN connection.

Choosing VPN Protocol

VPN functions by creating a secure and encrypted connection. There are various protocols available, and most VPN services give you the option of toggling them. Some encryption methods may work better than others for streaming services. You may want to experiment with different protocols until you find the one that works for you.

Here are the steps to toggle protocol options:

Open the software or VPN app and find the settings menu on the interface.
From the setting menu, you should have the “Protocol” option.
Toggle the protocol options available and then use the VPN service with Netflix until one works. You may need to change the protocol in the future.

The most common protocol options include SSTP, PPTP, Open VPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2.

Updating Your VPN

Sometimes, there are little things that you can do to ensure that technology effectively works. Since Netflix constantly improves its systems to block specific VPNs, providers must continuously renew their apps to stay ahead. If you’ve been having recent issues watching Netflix with an otherwise reliable VPN, chances are you can update it.

The instructions below are for updating your VPN software.

Navigate to your chosen VPN service provider website
Download and install the latest version, in most cases, this will be the only version available.
Uninstall and delete the older version.

Updating VPN for App

If you have a VPN app on your device, it will usually prompt you to update it as new versions come out. Some apps will even automatically update on their own. To double-check, you can also sign in to your chosen VPN website.

Disable IPv6

Here’s where things may get a little complicated. Sometimes, your Netflix will work using a VPN, and no error message will appear. However, the library will reflect your current region rather than content from your selected server.

Netflix always bases the library selection on your IPv6. Some VPNS don’t fully support IPv6 and will reveal it to the streaming service, making viewing the shows you want impossible.

Here’s how to disable IPv6 on Windows 10 to ensure you receive the correct library on Netflix.

Right click on the “network” option in your Taskbar.
Go to the “Open Network & Internet Settings” option.
Select “Network & Sharing Center.”
Click “Change Adapter Settings.”
Choose the corresponding network connection before clicking on “Properties.”
The option will take you to an interface displaying TCP/IPv6 as your internet protocol. Unselect this to disable it.
Make sure to save your changes before exiting the window.

Once IPv6 is disabled, log out and into Netflix again. If the IPv6 was the issue, you should have access to the appropriate library.

Using Smart DNS

Smart DNS is a feature on multiple VPN providers and individual services. Many have stated that it may be a more effective way of streaming libraries from other regions. However, the option does have some drawbacks, such as compromised privacy. If you use a VPN and don’t want third parties to have access to your traffic, enabling Smart DNS may not be the desired solution.

Smart DNS is not encrypted. Instead, it functions by routing your activity with a proxy server located somewhere else in the world.

For this set of steps, we’ll be using Nord VPN as an example of a reliable option with a Smart DNS feature.

Disconnect from the VPN you’re currently using.
Enter your Nord account and navigate to the “dashboard.”
Select “Services” and then select “Nord VPN.”
Click on the “Enable Smart DNS” option.
Select “Activate DNS.”

The process could pend for 10 minutes before it’s ready for use. If you aren’t using Nord, select a different service that specializes or offers a smart DNS option, such as Surf Shark.

Additional FAQS

Is using a VPN legal?

In most countries, using a VPN is legal, but it may sometimes violate the terms and conditions of a streaming service. Before using a VPN, check if it goes against any user agreements mentioned by Netflix.

Can I use a free VPN?

While free VPNs are on the market, select one you know is compatible with Netflix. Otherwise, a free VPN may be useless as the technology won’t enable a secure encrypted connection.

Does using a VPN affect streaming quality?

Streaming quality depends on your particular VPN. Low-quality VPNs not optimized for streaming services can potentially slow down your internet connection, thus affecting your viewing experience.

Are VPNs compatible across different devices?

Some VPN providers are available on devices like iPhone and Android phones. Others work for only particular operating systems, such as Windows. Before selecting the VPN, look through the features to ensure you can stream on multiple devices.

Does a VPN affect privacy while I use it?

A VPN connection makes all your internet traffic encrypted and private. Third parties won’t be able to see information such as your IP address.

Streaming Netflix With VPN

There are plenty of workarounds that you can undertake to secure your connection with Netflix while using a VPN. Streaming services will frequently block IP addresses, so it’s essential to configure your settings for an optimal connection. Also, ensure you’re using a good VPN compatible with watching Netflix.

What do you think about the solutions for making your VPN work with streaming? Did you use setting changes or need to change your VPN entirely? Let us know in the comment section below.