Copyright and licensing deals mean that certain Netflix shows and movies are restricted to particular countries. Moreover, if you have a Netflix account in one country, you’ll find that you can’t use it while abroad – unless, that is, you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Even then, you may find a VPN like Speedify is not working with Netflix,
If this is the case, you’ll receive the following error message:
“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”
You have several options at this point, but the best is to switch to a more reliable VPN – for reasons that we’ll get into below. We’d recommend using NordVPN or ExpressVPN instead.
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Does Speedify work with Netflix?
Speedify has servers in 36 countries, enabling customers to access geo-restricted content from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceana.
We tested whether Speedify could access Netflix in the US using multiple US servers and it worked seamlessly each time. However, it struggled with libraries outside the US, and failed to access Netflix UK or Netflix France.
If you haven’t yet signed up with Speedify, it might be worth considering one of the more reliable VPNs that are able to access country-restricted content. NordVPN has the best success rate in this regard.
Why isn’t Speedify working with Netflix?
Netflix content has different licenses in different countries. For example, a movie available in the US might be expected to perform poorly in the UK, so Netflix may choose not to pay for its license there. Ultimately, the company wants to ensure that people only access content licensed to the country that they’re in.
When you try to access content from abroad using a VPN like Speedify, Netflix can check whether your IP address appears on its list of servers used by VPNs. If it does, then it will restrict access.
Alternatively, you might find that Netflix does work with one device, but not another. If this is the case, it’s possible that Netflix apps are using GPS data to check whether your device is located in the place suggested by its IP address. If it isn’t, this will result in Netflix blocking it.
Another reason for Speedify not working is that Netflix is using cookies stored in your browser as the basis for your location. So, for example, if you’ve just returned to the US from a vacation in France, your device might show cookies with a French IP address, leading Netflix to deny access.
How to access streaming services with Speedify
If you can’t connect using Speedify, the first thing to try is switching servers. Disconnect from the current server and connect to a different one within the same region. You may have to try this several times before finding a working connection.
You should also make a habit of clearing your browser’s cache, cookies, and history. Once clear, try streaming YouTube TV in your browser rather than using the app. It’s also worth experimenting with different browsers.
For mobile connection problems, try using a GPS-spoofing app. Alternatively, switch to a VPN like Surfshark, which comes with a built-in GPS override function. This allows you to set fake GPS locations that match your VPN server location.
Older versions of Speedify are more likely to be blocked, so make sure you have the most up-to-date release.
If you’re still having trouble, get in touch with the Speedify support team. They are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 to 16:00 Eastern US Time.
How to securely stream Netflix with a VPN
A VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions by letting you connect to a server in the country of your choice. However, Netflix knows this and has been clamping down on VPN use. It has been so successful at this that few VPNs are now able to stream Netflix.
Here’s how to securely stream Netflix with a VPN:
- Get online and sign up for one of the Speedify plans. They all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk involved.
- Download and install the appropriate version for your device.
- Connect to one of Speedify’s server locations in the country that your Netflix account is registered in.
- Sign in to your Netflix account and start streaming.
Which are the best VPNs for streaming from abroad?
Netflix has more subscribers than any other streaming platform and consequently has the money to systematically crack down on VPN use. Under-resourced VPNs tend to get caught out first, so it tends to be the major players that are more reliable.
Listed below are the top VPNs for streaming Netflix, which we’ve tested with 30 country versions of the streaming provider.
Best VPNs for streaming Netflix abroad:
- NordVPN: Best VPN for streaming Netflix abroad. NordVPN has a huge number of servers around the world, military-grade encryption, and it works with many Netflix libraries. NordVPN comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN. Impressive speeds and privacy features. Also able to access a number of Netflix libraries.
- ExpressVPN: Reputable provider with fast, secure connections, Worked with more than a third of the libraries we tested.
- CyberGhost: Secure, fast and relatively inexpensive, Cyberghost also works well with Netflix.
- PrivateVPN: Worked with a majority of the Netflix libraries we tested, and also boasts market-leading speeds.
Can’t I just use a free VPN?
While the idea of using free VPNs is undoubtedly tempting, they come with several major drawbacks. The first is that they’re unlikely to work with Netflix. As previously mentioned, Netflix is constantly trying to prevent VPN access, and it’s the under-funded applications that tend to get blocked first.
By their nature, free VPNs can’t rely on subscriber’s money to improve their service. They tend to have a poor server-to-user ratio, which means connection speeds are often sluggish – sometimes to the point of unusability.
They also have little to invest in the security side of things, which is more than a little worrying. Our own research shows that trackers are a common feature of free VPNs, as is a lack of data protection. Indeed, some even sell your data. From a security perspective, you’d be safer not using a free VPN.
If being safe online matters to you, we’d recommend only using trusted VPNs with a proven track record of protecting customers’ privacy.
Read more Netflix articles here:
Will using a VPN connection slow down my network speeds?
There will inevitably be some slowing of your network speed, as your data needs to be encrypted, routed through the VPN server, and decrypted. However, the extent of the slow-down will depend on the VPN provider, server location, and how many people are currently using that particular server.
The VPNs listed above should all provide you with more than enough download speed to stream standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) Netflix content. For SD, you’ll need download speeds of 1Mbps, while for HD it’s up to 5Mbps. If you use one of our recommended VPNs, then you should barely notice any change in streaming quality.
Which shows can I watch abroad with Speedify?
Although Speedify won’t let you access catalogs in the UK and France, it will work for US content. Some of the most popular shows in the US that you’ll be able to watch from abroad with Speedify include:
- The Sandman
- Lupin
- Ozark
- Maid
- Stranger Things
- Squid Game
- You
- The Witcher
- Unbelievable
- Mo
Speedify & Netflix FAQs
Does Speedify have a kill switch?
Yes, all Speedify apps come with a built-in kill switch that will immediately stop all internet traffic if the VPN connection suddenly drops out. Note that the built-in kill switch is disabled by default, so make sure to turn it on by accessing the Privacy tab within the app settings.
How many devices can I use with Speedify?
It depends on which plan you choose. The basic package allows you to use Speedify with up to five devices, which is plenty for most individuals. Alternatively, there’s the family plan, which allows five users to connect simultaneously with up to five devices each. Paid plans all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I install Speedify on my router?
Speedify is relatively unusual in that it is not compatible with routers. There is a workaround, but you need to purchase a service from Speedify’s parent company, Connectify, which will turn your PC into a wifi hotspot.
Given that many VPN providers allow manual router installation as well as enabling you to create a virtual wifi hotspot, purchasing services from both Speedify and Connectify seems like an unnecessary expense.
Does Speedify keep logs?
Speedify unequivocally states that it does not log IP addresses, websites, or data that you send or receive while connected to its service.
Users’ data is protected using AES128-GCM encryption, making use of the hardware instruction support for AES built into modern CPUs. Data from older devices that don’t support hardware acceleration for AES is protected by the ChaCha encryption cipher.
How do I turn off Speedify?
It’s simple to disconnect from Speedify: simply slide the toggle switch on the main screen, next to where it says “Speedify”. You can change whether you connect to Speedify every time you start up your device by clicking on the Sessions tab in the Settings screen, and then sliding the Connect at Startup toggle switch.
Is Speedify a slow VPN provider for streaming?
Speedify offers decent speeds thanks to the unusual way it operates. Unlike other VPNs, Speedify combines multiple internet connections to create what it says is a more reliable and faster “super-connection.”
In our tests with the mobile app, this gave a download speed – with wifi alone – of 33.6Mbps, and a speed of 66.8Mbps when combining wifi and an LTE connection. These speeds are ample for streaming SD and HD Netflix content.
Will my ISP know if I’m using Speedify?
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might know that you’re using a VPN, but it won’t know which one unless it can link the IP address of the server you’re using to Speedify. Other than this, the only information it can see is the time when you connected and the volume of encrypted data moving between the server and your device.