How to Fix a Netflix VPN Not Working

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

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

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

Delete your cookies

The simplest and often most effective way to use your VPN with Netflix It would be deleting your cookies. Netflix uses cookies as small files to make your viewing experience more accessible. These small files contain essential information such as your IP address and location. They are important because Netflix will block your VPN if you connect to a different region than indicated in its cookies.

To delete your cookies, follow the steps below:

1. Open the browser you want.
2. Click on the three dots option in the top right corner of your browser (it should look the same for both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox).
   
3. Go to “Settings” for Chrome or “Options” for Mozilla Firefox.
   
4. Open “Privacy and Security”.
   
5. Select “Clear browsing data” and then “Cookies and other site data.”
   
6. Confirm your choice with “Clear data”.
   

It’s as simple as that. By clearing your cookies, Netflix won’t detect your VPN and you won’t get that dreaded error message. But there are still other ways to fix persistent problems.

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Using a different server

Often, Netflix will completely block your VPN’s IP address and your connection will still not work even after you have deleted cookies. Other issues indicate that Netflix has identified your IP address and server before blacklisting you. However, you can still change the address you initially selected.

Before starting 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 across most VPN providers.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the VPN software or application of your choice.
2. From the main interface, there should be a menu for server selection.
   
3. Choose the region or country you want to connect to from a list of locations.
   
4. Select the location you want to establish a VPN connection.
   

Choose the VPN protocol

VPN works by creating a secure and encrypted connection. There are several protocols available and most VPN services give you the option to switch between 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:

1. Open the VPN software or app and find the settings menu on the interface.
   
2. From the settings menu, you should have the “Protocol” option.
   
3. Change the available protocol options and then use the VPN service with Netflix until it 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 you can do to ensure that technology works effectively. As Netflix constantly improves its systems for blocking specific VPNs, providers must continually revamp their apps to stay ahead. If you’ve had recent problems watching Netflix with a reliable VPN, you can probably upgrade.

The instructions below are for updating your VPN software.

1. Navigate to the website of your chosen VPN service provider
   
2. Download and install the latest version; In most cases, this will be the only version available.
   
3. Uninstall and remove the previous version.
   

VPN update for the app

If you have a VPN app on your device, it will usually ask you to update it as new versions come out. Some apps will even update automatically on their own. To double check, you can also log in to the VPN website of your choice.

Disable IPv6

This is where things can get a little complicated. Sometimes your Netflix will work using a VPN and you won’t see any error messages. However, the library will reflect your current region rather than the content of your selected server.

Netflix always bases library selection on your IPv6. Some VPNS do not fully support IPv6 and will reveal this to the streaming service, making it impossible to watch the shows you want.

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

1. Right click on the “network” option on your taskbar.
   
2. Go to the “Open network and Internet settings” option.
   
3. Select “Network and Sharing Center.”
   
4. Click “Change adapter settings.”
   
5. Choose the appropriate network connection before clicking “Properties.”
   
6. The option will take you to an interface that shows TCP/IPv6 as your Internet protocol. Deselect this to disable it.
   
7. Be sure to save your changes before exiting the window.

Once IPv6 is disabled, sign out and sign back into Netflix. If the problem was IPv6, you should have access to the appropriate library.

Using smart DNS

Smart DNS is a feature of multiple VPN providers and inpidual services. Many have claimed that it may be a more efficient way to convey libraries from other regions. However, the option has some drawbacks, such as compromised privacy. If you use a VPN and do not 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 works by routing your activity with a proxy server located somewhere else in the world.

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

1. Disconnect from the VPN you are currently using.
2. Log in to your Nord account and navigate to the “control panel”.
3. Select “Services” and then select “Nord VPN.”
4. Click on the “Enable Smart DNS” option.
5. Select “Enable DNS.”

The process could take 10 minutes before it is ready for use. If you’re not using Nord, select a different service that specializes in or offers a Smart DNS option, such as surfer shark.

Additional FAQs

Is it legal to use a VPN?

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

Can I use a free VPN?

While there are free VPNs on the market, select one that you know supports Netflix. Otherwise, a free VPN may be useless as the technology will not allow for a secure encrypted connection.

Does using a VPN affect streaming quality?

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

Are VPNs compatible between different devices?

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

Does a VPN affect privacy while using it?

A VPN connection makes all your Internet traffic encrypted and private. Third parties will not be able to see information such as your IP address.

Streaming Netflix with VPN

There are many solutions you can take to protect your connection to Netflix while using a VPN. Streaming services will often block IP addresses, so it’s essential to configure your settings for an optimal connection. Also, make sure you use a good compatible VPN to watch Netflix.

What do you think of the solutions to make your VPN work with streaming? Did you use configuration changes or do you need to change your VPN completely? Let us know in the comments section below.