THE QUICK ANSWER

What you need to know

Use Netflix’s connection test to check which country your network reports. Then check the title and plan you intend to use: Netflix publishes specific catalogue and plan rules for VPN connections.

IPVANISH · AFFILIATE PARTNER

Change your IP location. Set up IPVanish.

Bring IPVanish into your Netflix viewing setup: choose your server country, connect and then open Netflix on your device. IPVanish changes your public IP location and encrypts the connection to its servers.

Choose a country in IPVanish, connect, then open your streaming app. The service sees the VPN server’s IP location instead of your usual one. That can help you access location-dependent services where your subscription and the provider’s rules allow it, while encrypting traffic between your device and the VPN server.

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How to set up IPVanish for streaming
  1. Check your viewing option. Choose the broadcaster and plan for your event or title from the viewing options above.
  2. Install and sign in. Choose your IPVanish plan, then install the IPVanish app from your device’s app store and sign in. Our Android TV setup guide explains the steps for compatible TV boxes.
  3. Choose a location and connect. Select a server in the country you want to connect through. Wait until IPVanish confirms the connection.
  4. Open your streaming app. Sign in to the broadcaster separately and open the event or title. Your VPN subscription does not include a TV subscription, sports pass or pay-per-view purchase.

Streaming & VPN compatibility →

Red-lit television and a blue network dial, an editorial illustration of streaming connection setup
AI-generated editorial illustration. EntertainmentBox

What Netflix says about VPNs

If you connect to the internet using a VPN, Netflix says your device or network can look like it’s connecting from somewhere other than your physical location.

With a VPN, you may only be shown TV shows and movies Netflix has worldwide licensing for.

Netflix also says VPNs aren’t supported for watching Live events on Netflix or if you're on an ad-supported experience.

  1. If a title is missing, turn off the VPN and reload Netflix.
  2. If you’re trying to watch a live event or using an ad-supported plan, a VPN won’t fix playback.

How to check whether a VPN is turned on

Netflix says some antivirus software comes with a VPN that might be turned on.

If you aren’t sure whether a VPN is on, use fast.com on a device on the same network as the one with the issue.

When the test stops, click Show more info and note the country next to Client. If the country doesn’t match your location, Netflix says your device or network likely has a VPN turned on.

  1. Open a web browser on a device on the same network as the device with the issue.
  2. Go to fast.com and wait for the connection test to finish.
  3. Click Show more info, then note the country next to Client.
  4. If the country doesn’t match your location, turn off the VPN and try Netflix again.

Fix Netflix VPN errors step by step

Netflix says to turn off the VPN first and try Netflix again.

If that doesn’t solve it, check your Netflix plan on your account page, because VPNs aren’t supported if you're on an ad-supported experience.

Netflix also says there might be an issue with network settings on your device or your modem or router.

  1. Turn off the VPN and retry Netflix.
  2. Check your Netflix plan on your account page.
  3. Reset the network settings on the device with the issue.
  4. Restore your modem or router to its default settings if needed.

What to send your ISP

If you still have problems after the earlier steps, Netflix says to contact your internet service provider.

Before you contact your ISP, use fast.com, click Show more info, and note the country and your IP address.

Tell your ISP about the issue and the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried. Netflix says they should confirm that the country and IP address match the location and IP address assigned to your home.

  1. Collect the country and IP address from fast.com.
  2. Tell your ISP which troubleshooting steps you already tried.
  3. Ask your ISP to confirm whether the connection uses their DNS server.
  4. If it doesn’t, ask for help switching to their DNS server and then restart Netflix.

If Netflix still isn’t working

Netflix says to enter the exact error code or message in the Help Center search bar if Netflix isn’t working.

If you can sign in on one device but not on another, Netflix says there may be an issue with your device or home network.

For sign-in problems, follow the matching account or device troubleshooting path instead of guessing at a VPN fix.

  1. Use Netflix Help Center search with the exact error message or code.
  2. If the VPN fix doesn’t help, follow the relevant sign-in or device troubleshooting steps.
  3. Contact Netflix support only after you’ve tried the official network and account checks.

Sources & verification

We use official sources and automated checks to prepare this guide. Availability and prices can change.

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