The Now streaming service is only available to stream in the UK. So when you’re traveling abroad, even if it’s just for a short vacation, you’ll find that the content becomes region-locked. Indeed, if you try to access it you’ll likely encounter a streaming error such as the following:
“We’re sorry, this isn’t currently available to watch on your device at the moment, due to rights restrictions.”
It was possible to stream Now across the EU until December 2020. When the UK left the EU, it became far more challenging to watch your favorite shows outside of the country. To navigate any content blocks, you need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as Atlas VPN. This is one of the best VPNs for Now. However, there may be moments when it doesn’t work as it should. Below, we explain some of the more common VPN issues and how to fix them.
Why isn’t Atlas VPN working with Now?
Due to the fact that Now must comply with copyright and licensing laws, it ensures its content is geo-blocked outside the UK. The best VPNs are able to bypass restrictions and access Now, although occasional issues can arise. If you do encounter a problem, don’t panic! It’s probably for one of the following reasons:
- You’re not yet connected to Atlas VPN, or you’re connected to a server in the wrong country. Remember, the server must be located in the UK.
- Now has a cookie stored on your browser that tells it your previous IP address and location. As such, it’s not accepting the new IP address provided by the VPN.
- The UK IP address you’ve been provided by Atlas VPN has already been identified by Now as belonging to a VPN and was added to a blacklist as a result.
Here’s how to fix Atlas VPN not working with Now:
- Make sure Now doesn’t remember you from a previous visit by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Be sure to try more than one server, as some may be blacklisted while others might still work fine. Clear your cookies between each new attempt.
- If you can’t find a server that works, it’s worth getting in touch with Atlas VPN’s support, which may be able to recommend a specific server to try.
- Failing this, why not try another VPN? Some of the best VPNs for Now include NordVPN and Surfshark, both of which include 30-day risk-free money-back guarantees.
How to sign in to Now with Atlas VPN
First time using a VPN? Atlas VPN makes it quick and easy for you to access Now from anywhere. Just follow this step-by-step guide.
Here’s how you can sign in to Now using Atlas VPN:
- If you haven’t already, make sure you sign up with Atlas VPN. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
- Next, you’ll need to download and install Atlas VPN on the devices that you want to stream Now on. Atlas VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Log in to the Atlas VPN app, then choose the UK from the server list. You’ll then have a UK IP address for accessing Now from overseas.
- Open Now via the web or the native app and sign in to your account. Select your preferred stream, which should no longer be geo-blocked.
- Now should now work but if not, take a look at the potential fixes listed above.
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Atlas VPN with Now: FAQs
Why do streaming services region-lock their content?
Content creators (in this case, TV networks and studios) have licensing agreements with the likes of Now, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. Licensing terms dictate the locations in which a streaming platform can show particular content. Now only holds the rights to show content in the UK, and to comply with this, it restricts access to its content in other countries.
While you could stream Now across the EU before Brexit, this is no longer the case. Instead, you’ll meet a streaming error should you try to stream Now from abroad. Of course, this can be frustrating if you’re a paying subscriber and simply want to continue watching your favorite shows. A VPN can help in this respect because it allows you to change your IP address and spoof your location, enabling access to Now in the process.
What can I watch on Now?
Now offers you a way to watch Sky TV channels without committing to a long-term contract. Aside from various Sky entertainment and sports channels, a number of other channels are available for streaming. Here’s some of what you’ll be able to watch:
Channels
- Sky Atlantic
- Sky Max
- Peacock
- Sky Witness
- Sky Nature
- Comedy Central
- Sky Sports Football
- Sky Sports News
- Gold
- NBC News Now
TV shows
- Breeders (Sky Comedy)
- The Midwich Cuckoos (Sky Max)
- Scouting for Girls: Fashion’s Darkest Secret (Sky Documentaries)
- The Baby (Sky Atlantic)
- Ridiculousness (MTV)
- Madam Secretary (Sky Witness)
- Peep Show (Gold)
- Billions (Sky Atlantic)
- Supergirl (Sky Max)
- Tales of the Unexpected (Sky Arts)
How does Now know if I’m using a VPN?
Any device you use to browse or stream on the web is assigned an identifying number (an IP address). This links to an approximate geographical location. Now uses this information to determine whether you’re in the UK or another country. A VPN can make it look as if you’re located in the UK. However, if many users are accessing Now with the same IP address, Now is likely to determine the traffic is coming from a VPN server and stop access to the content.
Are there any free VPNs that work with Now?
Few free VPNs work with Now due to the fact that most free VPN IP addresses quickly become blacklisted. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only problem with free VPNs. Their slow speeds and limited bandwidth makes for low-resolution streams that are full of performance problems, including buffering and lag. They also tend to lack important security and privacy-related features, which may result in your data or personal information becoming compromised.
