VPNs to Beat the Netflix Ban: Bypass Netflix Blocks in 2020
Distributors partnered with Netflix lose money when streamers around the world use VPNs to access the complete library. This led them to create the most remarkable Netflix VPN ban and detection system outside the People’s Republic in China.
So, can Netflix ban you for using a VPN? Not really! The only thing that happens is Netflix knowing you are using a VPN connection. In most cases, you will just get a “VPN/proxy detected” error, and you won’t be able to stream anything, but that’s just about it
Netflix VPN Ban: Top 5 VPNs that Work with Netflix
To avoid getting the “you seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” message, you need a provider that has the infrastructure or canniness to bypass the VPN ban. So, I decided to ease the process for you by giving a list of the best Netflix VPNs:
- Surfshark: Unblocks 16+ Netflix Libraries ( $2.49/mo )
- PureVPN: “Popular Websites” includes Netflix ( $1.99/mo )
- NordVPN: Smooth Netflix Unblocking Always ( $3.99/mo )
- ExpressVPN: Enjoy 4K Streaming on Netflix ( $6.67/mo )
- Ivacy VPN: Netflix Unblocking Mode Available ( $1.19/mo )
- CyberGhost: Dedicated Servers for Netflix ( $2.29/mo )
1. Surfshark: Unblocks 16+ Netflix Libraries
The newcomer and inexpensive, Surfshark ranks at the top of my Netflix VPN list. For a low price of $1.99/mo. on a 2-year plan, the provider goes head-to-head against top names like Nord and Express.
I encountered zero WebRTC/DNS/IP leaks that could ban me from the site and even receive high-speeds while streaming on Netflix. Just make sure if you sign up with Surfshark to change the protocol to OpenVPN (UDP).
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of Surfshark!
2. PureVPN: “Popular Websites” Includes Netflix
When I inquired from PureVPN’s live chat support about Netflix unblocking, the agent told us that PureVPN only supports Netflix on its Chrome Extension on Windows/Mac only.
Now, the service has extended Netflix unblocking for iOS, Android, and even Firestick. The speeds were great when we actually used the “Popular websites” listing to access Netflix and I could stream in ultra HD quality.
Just make sure to clear your browser cache before accessing the Netflix site on your browsers, or as a simpler solution launch the “private mode” on Mozilla Firefox or “Incognito” on Google Chrome.
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of PureVPN!
3. NordVPN: Smooth Netflix Unblocking Always
Another well renowned VPN provider, NordVPN Netflix successfully unblocks the VoD platform. I approached their support for info on accessing Netflix and got a detailed reply:
“Hello! Our customers report that Netflix is available in these regions using our service:
Netflix US works with any other server on desktop devices and US servers # 2352-2367, 2340-2347, 2332-2335, 2320-2327, 2312-2315, 2228-2307, 2216-2223, 2096-2203, 2052-2087, 2042-2045, 2010-2037, 1906-2005, 1862-1901, 1806-1857, 1754-1801, 1734-1749, 1709-1732, 1692-1707, 1676-1687, 1652-1659, 1640-1643, 1616-1635, 1580-1607, 1560-1575, 1520-1539, 1500-1515, 1492-1495, 1470-1487, 1422-1429, 1410-1417, 1402-1405, 1366-1373, 1358-1361, 1322-1346, 1297-1312, 1276-1283, 1260-1271, 1248-1255, 1236-1239, 1170-1195, 1146-1165, 2404-2411, 2452-2480, 1118-1141, 1054-1113, 1046-1049, 1027-1036, 1016-1020, 1008-1011, 976-999, 968-971, 956-959, 940-947, 932-935, 896-899, 856-883, 841-851, 829-836, 801-824, 769-780, 714-741, 707-710, 689-702, 679-684, 645-664, US621-640, 577-617 on mobile devices.
NL Netflix works with all NL servers on desktop devices.
JP Netflix works with all JP servers on a desktop and mobile devices.
HK Netflix works with HK servers: # 15-18, 35, 38-43, 45-48, 53-60 on mobile devices.
CA Netflix works with all CA servers on desktop devices and CA servers # 283-290, 295-314, 315-318 on mobile devices.”
For more information, check out this complete NordVPN Review!
4. ExpressVPN: Enjoy 4k Streaming on Netflix
ExpressVPN has incredible credibility when it comes to unblocking Netflix. I first approached their support team for information about “working” servers to bypass the VPN ban.
The attention to detail and the resolve to provide their users with the best possible solutions is incredibly evident in their reply to us on the issue. They highlighted two servers we could connect to:
- USA – Los Angeles 3
- USA – New Jersey 2
Both of them worked, in addition to 9 other servers, out of which 3 were located in the US, 5 in the UK, and 2 in Japan. All successfully managed to bypass the geo-restrictions on the streaming platform.
For more information, check out this full 2022 ExpressVPN Review!
5. Ivacy: Netflix Unblocking Mode Available
Renowned as the best VPN for China, Ivacy also offers exceptional unblocking capabilities for streamers around the world. Its app has a special mode for Netflix unblocking, which gives you access to the US version.
However, you can use the servers listed in this guide for unblocking different Netflix versions. Best part of all: users will experience no downtime or “proxy/VPN detected” error, as the VPN offers solid protection.
It offers features like IPv6 leak protection, NAT firewall, and Split Tunneling. You even have dedicated IPs available, which further prove useful in unblocking Netflix, as shared IPs do get banned after some time.
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of Ivacy!
6. CyberGhost: Dedicated Servers for Netflix
CyberGhost is among the few VPNs that offer specialized servers for streaming via Netflix US and UK, while making available advanced features like Wi-Fi Protection, Ad/Tracker Blocking, and Kill Switch.
To access these specialized servers, enter “Netflix” into the search bar, available on the top left corner of the Windows client. Android and iOS versions list these servers in the recommended “Streaming” listing.
For testing the provider, I analyzed over ten different servers; five from the US and five from the UK, among which nine worked smoothly for Netflix, on all platforms including Android and iOS too.
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of CyberGhost!
What is Netflix VPN Ban?
Netflix offers different libraries of content for each geographical location. This literally means that a TV show or movie available in the US may not necessarily be available in Australia.
Some people with a Netflix account even pay higher for a subscription, but have access to only 2000 to 3000 titles, whereas binge-watchers in the US have a library that exceeds 5,000+.
To get through this problem, users started signing up with a myriad of VPN services. This allowed them to spoof their location and gain access to the largest libraries of Netflix that exist in the US, UK, and Japan.
What most did not realize is that VPNs utilize shared/dynamic IPs. This led to the discovery that people are misusing the service, while partnered distributors of Netflix were losing money.
Therefore, it was only natural for the streaming platform to induce a ban by setting up a remarkable VPN detection system, but it is still quite possible to bypass it using working VPNs for Netflix.
Netflix VPN Ban Worldwide Impact
Netflix banning VPNs has seen a high amount of interest worldwide. Not getting the permission to view something you really want to can be an immensely frustrating experience.
On Google Trends, the top 5 countries with the highest amount of search interest in Netflix VPN Ban were Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and the United States.
Netflix VPN Ban Discussion on Reddit Threads
I headed over to Reddit, to check up on what users recommend are the best VPN reddit providers to bypass the Netflix VPN ban and access the US version of the site, and we found them full of praise for NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
People Also Ask
Why does Netflix ban VPN?
VPNs shift your location and mask your IP address, preventing Netflix from determining what content is localized to your region, which directly results in distributors partnered with the VoD service losing money, hence why a ban is imposed.
How do I stop Netflix from blocking VPN?
Providers that leak your WebRTC/DNS/IP address or do not provide sufficient protection will get instantly blocked by Netflix, which is why you need to invest in a reliable solution that has the ability to bypass the VPN ban (like the ones mentioned in this list).
Will Netflix ban you for using a VPN?
Contrary to popular belief, Netflix will not block your subscription just because you tried logging in using a VPN. The site only stops you from accessing the content, until you turn your VPN off.
Is it illegal to use a VPN for Netflix?
No, it is not illegal to use a VPN with Netflix, as you are not engaging in piracy. However, if you record and redistribute the content from Netflix, you could face legal issues by the streaming platform, if your VPN sucks.
How do I fix Netflix error 22004?
The process is simple: switch to a different network. If you are on cellular, try the Wi-Fi. Another option is to clear the Netflix app data, remove the app and reinstall it.
Is there a free VPN that works with Netflix?
Names like TunnelBear and Windscribe Netflix may come up when searching for free VPNs that work with Netflix, but the truth is most fail at unblocking the streaming platform.
How to watch Netflix from other countries?
Watching Netflix from other countries does not require any rocket science. Subscribe to any of the best VPNs above and connect to a server, based on the Netflix version you want to unblock.
My choice is small VPNs such as Surfshark or X-VPN. Both unblock Netflix, gives proper speeds for HD streaming and because of small user number they are less likely to get blocked or get your account marked as suspicious. Though, I don’t know if I trust X-VPN as much as I did before due to confusing information they given while talking about their product (but as I can see from their reviews it’s not only me that gets confused) I mean just the fact that they’re boasting about 8 protocol support and never naming them or explaining what do they mean… Meh. Surfshark works for me so I shouldn’t complain, I guess.
Hey Hilton,
Feels great to see you comment with your opinion on bypassing the Netflix VPN ban here. X-VPN, Surfshark or similar small providers can sometimes prove very good in bypassing such bans as they are obscure services with very little traffic emanating from their servers and thats exactly the reason why they can do this. You are absolutely right with this, but having said that, if any provider is dubious with its features or isn’t open enough as it should be, you need to be pretty careful with it as most of the time such suspicions come alive when its found that doubtful services like these very duping you out of your precious data.
Never compromise on privacy online even when you are getting a way cheaper price as for saving a few bucks you might be risking hundreds of thousands of dollar or any other currency in your bank account or your sensitive personal data!
Thanks!