The Netflix proxy error and how to fix it with a VPN

The Netflix proxy error occurs whenever Netflix detects that a user is trying to stream a video through a proxy server or VPN. A proxy error message displays in the video player and is often accompanied by the error code m7111-5059:

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

In this article, we’ll discuss the Netflix proxy error, why it’s there, how it works, and how to bypass it to continue enjoying Netflix while using a VPN. We’ll also list the best VPNs to help you bypass this proxy error. We’ll go into each of them in more detail, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for the Netflix proxy error:

1. NordVPN: Our first choice VPN for Netflix! Offers very high speeds, strong security, reliable servers, and works well with Netflix. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly.
   
2. Surfshark: A budget-friendly VPN that works great with Netflix. No speed, bandwidth, or VPN connection limits. Strong encryption. Strict no logs policy.
3. IPVanish: One of the fastest VPNs tested. Ideal for streaming and works with Netflix US and Netflix UK. Unlimited simultaneous connections per account.
4. ExpressVPN: Superfast, reliable servers in every corner of the globe are great for accessing Netflix in HD quality.
5. CyberGhost: A great VPN for beginners as apps are easy to install and get working. Streaming speeds are surprisingly good for a low-cost provider.
6. PrivateVPN: Newish provider with good capabilities at accessing most streaming sites, including Netflix.
7. PureVPN: Perfect if you want to watch Netflix on a budget. Secure, fast, apps for all devices and fast WireGuard connections.
8. ProtonVPN: Highly advanced VPN that works to watch multiple Netflix regions. Solid no-logs policy and robust AES encryption. System level kill switch.

Why does Netflix ban VPNs and proxies?

When Netflix went global a couple of years back, it didn’t have all the licensing rights necessary to stream the same TV series and movies to every country. And even before the worldwide rollout, users would connect to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and other types of proxies to access the different content available in other countries’ Netflix libraries. The US Netflix library is particularly popular due to its larger and generally newer catalog of TV shows.

A proxy service acts as a middleman between your device and Netflix. Instead of communicating directly with Netflix, internet data is first routed through the proxy server. To Netflix and other websites and apps, it appears the user is connecting from the proxy server’s location instead of their own. If the user is in Canada and wants access to US Netflix, for example, they can connect to a proxy server in the USA and gain a US IP address. In simplest terms, VPNs work the same way but usually encrypt data in transit.

Netflix started blocking connections from all proxies and VPNs in early 2016 to enforce its copyright obligations. The trouble with this is that even users who connect to a proxy service or VPN server in their own country get hit with the proxy error, despite not trying to access content from another country.

How to fix the Netflix proxy error

Once you have a suitable VPN, avoiding the dreaded proxy error is easy. Simply follow this step-by-step guide.

Here’s how to avoid the Netflix proxy error:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works with Netflix, we recommend NordVPN.
2. Run your VPN app
3. Select the server location for the Netflix library you want to access. To watch UK Netflix, for example, choose a server located in the United Kingdom, this will give you a UK IP address.
4. Hit the Connect button and give it a few seconds to establish a VPN connection.
5. Open the Netflix app or go to Netflix in your web browser.
6. If your VPN is working, you should now be able to stream without the proxy error.

If you’re still getting the proxy error, try using a different server or location, clearing your cookies, and/or clearing your web browser cache.

Your VPN provider’s customer support might be able to help choose the correct settings and servers for Netflix.

Best VPNs for bypassing the Netflix proxy error compared

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for bypassing the Netflix proxy error.

Best VPNs to bypass the Netflix proxy error

The most reliable method to allow access to Netflix from abroad is still by using a VPN.

Here are the best VPNs for Netflix to resolve the proxy error.

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 works with NetflixTested Nov 2024

NordVPN works with at least six countries’ Netflix catalogs, and any server you connect to will allow you to access Netflix. Most of them redirect to Netflix US, the most popular library. NordVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST FOR NETFLIX:NordVPN is our top recommendation. It’s extremely fast and works with Netflix no matter which server you’re connected to, which makes it a breeze to get up and running. Strong security and privacy policies. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with NetflixTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is extremely affordable and works with several Netflix libraries, including Netflix US, UK, and Japan. It has a global network of over 3200 servers in around 100 countries, so finding a server in your desired location is easy. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is highly affordable and works out of the box with Netflix. It’s secure and reliable and doesn’t impose a connection limit. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

works with netflixTested Nov 2024

IPVanish has become one of the fastest VPNs on the market thanks to its implementation of the WireGuard protocol. This makes it an excellent choice for streaming Netflix, and you can use it with both the US and UK versions.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. You must manually configure the on Linux and select routers.

IPVanish speed test data

LAG-FREE STREAMING:IPVanish lets you stream in the highest quality thanks to its fast, unthrottled connections. Unlimited simultaneous connections and quality customer support. Includes a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

works with NetflixTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN works with Netflix in several countries, including the US, the UK, and Canada. You can connect up to five devices on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain wifi routers, all of which work with Netflix. If you’re not sure which server to use, just use the provider’s 24/7 live chat support to get an answer in seconds.

If your device doesn’t support VPNs, for example, if you’re using a game console or Apple TV, you can use the MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy included in every ExpressVPN subscription.

ExpressVPN speed test data

STREAM WITH EASE:ExpressVPN is fast and security-conscious. It’s been reliably working with Netflix since the proxy error first appeared. Secure and reliable with a no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

works with NetflixTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost provides access to US Netflix and is a great beginner-friendly option. The app allows you to browse through any of the streaming services shown easily, and there are many of them. There are over 10,000 servers to choose from. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

CyberGhost speed test data

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost specifically lists Netflix servers in its apps, so you don’t have to guess at which locations work. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

works with NetflixTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider but works with Netflix in 20+ countries. If you’re trying to access a show or subtitles only available in a specific country, try this one. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV.

PrivateVPN speed test data

ONE SIZE FITS ALL:PrivateVPN works with Netflix in more countries than any other provider we’ve tested, so it’s great if you want to access international libraries. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

works with netflixTested Nov 2024

PureVPN is an awesome VPN that is perfect for users on a budget. Despite being cheaper, it can effectively access multiple Netflix regions, including the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, and Germany. Thanks to its fast servers and WireGuard protocol, PureVPN ensures fast streaming of HD content without the frustration of buffering.

PureVPN has servers across over 65 countries, enabling users to access a wide range of region-locked content and services globally. It is particularly good for streaming British television channels like BBC iPlayer and ITVX – as well as watching tons of US streaming platforms (ESPN, Sling TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Hulu, HBO Max, and many more).

The VPN has reliable apps for all major platforms and includes advanced security features like robust AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logging policy. These features make PureVPN a secure choice for those looking to stream content discreetly at work or school and are equally beneficial for remote work and protecting against ISP snooping and government surveillance.

A minor limitation is the somewhat slow response times of its live chat support, however, the overall performance and reliability of this VPN make it an excellent choice for most home users. Plus, you can try PureVPN risk-free using its 31-day money-back guarantee.

PureVPN speed test data

LOW COST:PureVPN is perfect if you want to watch Netflix on a budget. It is secure, fast, and perfect for home internet users seeking online freedom and privacy. Apps for all devices and fast WireGuard connections. 31-day money-back guarantee lets you test it yourself.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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8. ProtonVPN

works with netflixTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN offers fast access to US-based platforms with its Tier 1 servers strategically located on both the West and East coasts. This setup is ideal for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock, as well as for accessing US game servers and other region-specific content.

ProtonVPN maintains a robust no-logging policy. Its apps are equipped with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. The service combines robust protection with high-speed connectivity giving you the best of both worlds. This makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to access entertainment and online safety.

With servers in over 85 countries, ProtonVPN excels in overcoming regional restrictions and navigating censorship. Just remember that its free plan does not support Netflix streaming—this requires a paid subscription. Torrenting is supported with features like split tunneling and port forwarding. It even has advanced features like obfuscation, Tor over VPN, multi-hop, and ad and tracker blocking.

While ProtonVPN’s pricing is higher than some alternatives, its extensive features justify the cost for users who want advanced functions as well as great speeds. Plus it is one of the fastest connecting VPNs we have ever tried. ProtonVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee offers a risk-free way to evaluate its performance compared to other VPNs.

ProtonVPN speed test data

GREAT FOR TORRENTING:ProtonVPN is a highly advanced and feature-packed VPN. It works to watch multiple Netflix regions as well as tons of popular services around the world. Perfect to engage in secure torrenting. Solid no-logs policy and robust AES encryption. System level kill switch. 30-day refund guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for fixing the Netflix proxy error

Most VPNs struggle with Netflix, which often results in the Netflix proxy error. We don’t expect you to test each and every VPN to find one that works! That’s why we used our methodology to find the best VPNs for fixing the Netflix proxy error. Here’s what we looked for in each VPN:

• Servers worldwide: Netflix is available in most countries, so we’ve looked for VPNs covering as many locations as possible. In all cases, you’ll find servers across dozens of countries, including popular locations such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. 
• Speed: According to Netflix, streaming its content in 4K requires at least 25 Mbps connection speeds. The VPNs recommended in this post all offer far more than this. Furthermore, each includes unlimited bandwidth. That way, you can stream in high definition and 4K and do so without lag and buffering.
• Access streaming services: We test all of the aforementioned VPNs with Netflix and check that they securely access BBC iPlayer and HBO Max. Not all VPNs excel in this area, but those selected were found to be the most reliable options available.
• Security: If you want to be able to access Netflix while traveling abroad securely, you’ll need a VPN service that uses 256-bit AES encryption. This, combined with a kill switch and DNS leak protection, ensures you’re protected from cybercriminals. If you’re looking for even greater protection, note that some VPNs offer extras, such as an ad blocker.
• Privacy: The best VPNs offer a strict no-logs policy. This ensures that there’s no user data to share, even if requested by authorities. We’ve looked at some 140 VPN logging policies and found those that protect your privacy (as well as those that don’t!). For full anonymity, you can always choose a VPN that lets you pay in Bitcoin.
• Ease of use: We’ve only selected VPNs that offer user-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms. These are quick and easy to navigate and even come with 24/7 support which you can contact via live chat and email. You’ll also find a wide range of additional help in the form of setup and troubleshooting guides.
• Devices: Each VPN we recommend is compatible with a variety of devices, including mobile platforms like IOS and Android. We also test these VPNs on PCs, laptops, and gaming consoles. Extra points are rewarded for those that offer a generous amount of simultaneous device connections.
• Value for money: Just because a VPN offers the above doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. This is particularly the case for the best VPNs for fixing Netflix proxy errors. That’s because we provide VPN discount coupons for each, so you can save even more. Better still, all of them come with a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.
• Customer support: Hopefully, you’ll never need to contact customer support. But, if you do, you must promptly get the help you need. We conduct mystery shopper tests on every VPN we recommend and look at average response times and quality of service. If a VPN fails these checks, it doesn’t appear on our website.

Our VPN testing methodology post goes into even greater detail about how we test VPNs in areas such as speed and security.

How does the Netflix proxy error work?

Netflix doesn’t publicly disclose how the VPN ban and proxy error work, but we can surmise a few things through our extensive testing.

Blacklisting IPs

An IP address is a unique string of numbers and decimals assigned to every internet-connected device. Public IP addresses are visible on the web and correspond to specific countries. Whenever you connect to a VPN or proxy service, your device’s public IP address is masked by that of the proxy server.

Netflix blacklists most proxy and VPN server IP addresses. Rather than weeding out individual servers, we believe Netflix simply blocks entire ranges of non-residential IP addresses. Netflix knows most proxy servers are hosted in data centers, which use different ranges of IP addresses than residential networks.

DNS filtering

Netflix can also detect when some VPNs and proxies are being used through DNS. DNS, short for Domain Name System, works like a phone book for the Internet, associating IP addresses with domain names.

Whenever you go to the Netflix website, your web browser sends a DNS request to a DNS server. The DNS server looks up the IP address for Netflix and returns it to your device, which then fetches the video from the Netflix server. Netflix can determine which DNS server was used in this transaction.

By default, your DNS server probably belongs to your local Internet Service Provider and corresponds to a specific country or region. Many proxies and VPNs only route web traffic and not DNS traffic. If Netflix spots a mismatch between your DNS server location and your IP address location, it knows a proxy service is in use and throws up the error.

Most good VPN providers route DNS traffic along with everything else through their servers, but the Netflix apps for iOS and Android compound the issue by overriding these DNS settings. The website version that you access in a web browser doesn’t do this, though, so accessing Netflix in a browser is typically easier than on mobile apps.

Why Netflix bans VPNs

Our research has conclusively shown that despite Netflix’s aggressive crackdown on VPN and smart DNS proxy providers, a select few VPN providers have managed to maintain Netflix access for their users. This heavy-handed VPN ban overlooks these tools’ crucial role in safeguarding users’ privacy and enabling secure access to home-based services while traveling abroad. We firmly believe that the value of these essential privacy shields should not be underestimated or ignored.

Through years of experience testing VPNs, we’ve discovered that even with the ban in place, VPNs and smart DNS proxies are still the most commonly used and accessible methods for accessing Netflix outside of one’s home country. We firmly believe that both options effectively resolve the proxy error, and we will detail how to do so in the upcoming sections.

How do VPNs work with Netflix?

As mentioned above, a VPN encrypts a device’s internet traffic and routes it through a middleman server in a location of the user’s choosing. By connecting to a VPN in the US, you can access the internet as if you were physically located in the US.

For the average Netflix user, a VPN is a desktop or mobile app that usually requires a small monthly fee.

Most VPNs that can reliably access Netflix don’t share how they do so. Again, however, we can surmise how they manage to do it.

Because Netflix blacklists most data center IP addresses, VPN providers set up several servers using residential IP addresses. These IPs are off Netflix’s radar, and blocking them could result in some non-proxy users being unable to access videos. If Netflix happens to block a residential IP anyway, the VPN provider swaps it out with the next one in line.

A few VPNs have also forced the Netflix app to use the VPN provider’s DNS servers instead of local ones. This ensures that Netflix cannot determine whether the user is accessing videos through a VPN.

Smart DNS proxy

A smart DNS proxy cleverly allows you to use a proxy only as needed for certain websites, apps, and services. It is usually configured in the DNS settings of your device’s network settings menu. Like VPNs, DNS proxies often require a monthly subscription.

We mentioned before that DNS works like a phone book for the internet. Smart DNS alters entries in the phone book for specific domains like “netflix.com.” Instead of Netflix’s IP address, a request for netflix.com on a smart DNS proxy sends your traffic to a proxy server in the US (or the location you want to access).

These proxy servers likely use residential IP addresses in place of commercial data center IP addresses to avoid Netflix’s firewall, similar to some VPNs. Unlike VPNs, however, your internet traffic is not necessarily encrypted, so you don’t get the same level of privacy or security. They are useful, however, on Smart TVs when no VPN app is available.

Combining smart DNS and VPNs

Most VPN providers that can access Netflix only operate a small handful of servers that can do so. This means users must look up or ask customer service which server or location to connect. To get around this, some providers combine a VPN with smart DNS to let users use Netflix regardless of which server they’re connected to.

For example, when you connect to any NordVPN server through a VPN, you use NordVPN’s DNS servers. Those are smart DNS servers that, in most cases, will route requests to Netflix back to the US version, regardless of actual server location. This allows NordVPN users to access Netflix USA from any server location, although they might not get the localized version they expect. In this case, even though you’re connected to a server in Mexico, your connections to Netflix still run through US servers.

Some VPN providers like ExpressVPN allow you to use smart DNS either with the VPN or as a standalone service.

Netflix Proxy Error: FAQs