Netflix changes its content libraries from one country to another, meaning some shows are only available in specific regions. Many users have previously been able to continue watching shows from back home with the help of a virtual private network or proxy service, but these days, there is a perfect chance they will see the following error when connected. The best way to fix this Netflix error is by using a high-quality virtual private network. If you are using a VPN, seeing the error means that it cannot access Netflix, or Netflix has blacklisted the IP address you are using.
Why am I getting this Error Message on Netflix?
Netflix is one of the popular streaming platforms that provide movies and TV shows from many countries like the USA, France, Spain, Canada, the UK, and Germany. Netflix varies its content for each country due to censorship restrictions. It does not allow the use of proxy, VPN, or other unblocking services to bypass these restrictions as this would violate its licensing agreements. That is why it uses highly sophisticated software to detect virtual private network usage and sends the streaming error message to block you from accessing its geo-restricted content.
You are currently seeing the error code because the virtual private network or the proxy server you are using does not have the resources to get past Netflix’s region blocks. Not many virtual private networks can keep up with Netflix’s technology because it is constantly being updated. Luckily, the premium VPN services on the list mentioned below have the updated software to keep up with Netflix’s advanced geo-restricted technology, so you can be confident this message will not bother you anymore. In this blog, TechNinjaPro will fix Netflix’s “you seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” error.
A 3-step Easy Guide to Fix The Netflix Proxy Error
The best way to prevent the Netflix proxy error is to get a reliable virtual private network that has been tested and works to unblock different content libraries. After that, streaming your favorite movies or TV shows will be easy:
- Get a reliable virtual private network that can unblock Netflix. TechNinjaPro recommends you try PureVPN with Netflix as its servers work efficiently with Netflix libraries.
- Connect to a virtual private network server in the location for the Netflix library you need to access. For example, connect to a UK server if you need to watch Netflix UK.
- Start watching your favorite Netflix movies and shows.
How to fix Netflix's "unblocker" error?
This standard streaming error is due to Netflix detecting the use of a virtual private network or proxy service. The excellent news is that there is an easy way to fix it. TechNinjaPro’s step-by-step guide explains what you have to do if you are getting the message ” you seem to be using a proxy or unblocker.”
- Sign up with a virtual private network that works with Netflix.
- Download and install the appropriate virtual private network app.
- Open the VPN application or browser extension and connect to a server in your home country.
- Clear your cache and cookies. This makes sure that Netflix forgets your actual IP and location.
- Go to Netflix and choose your preferred content which should now be accessible as usual. If not, try another server.
Why Do Some VPNs and Proxies Not Work on Netflix?
Some VPN services and proxies do not have enough servers to help users unblock Netflix easily from anywhere in the world. You must never forget that you need a reliable server to go around geo-restrictions and access Netflix libraries. Proxies and VPN services are useless if they fail to provide you with more servers. Another reason is security protocols. Many free virtual private network servers and low-priced proxies do not use standard encryption protocols.
That is why streaming platforms like Netflix can detect whether you are using a virtual private network or not. Reliable VPN services use security protocols like 256-bit encryption to protect your IP and prevent any proxy or VPN error. Furthermore, Netflix is smart enough to detect and blocklist many VPN-enabled IPs that are constantly trying to avoid Netflix libraries.
As Netflix knows specific servers and IPs belong to a VPN or proxy server, you need more chances to get blocklisted. This is the reason TechNinjaPro suggests you use a VPN that can get around this issue quickly and easily.
How to use a Virtual Private Network for Netflix in the Right Way
If you are using a reliable VPN for Netflix, it is time to share some amazing tips that can improve your streaming experience. TechNinjaPro’s experts recommend these tips so you can try them on your own and enjoy Netflix shows without any lagging or buffering. Here are some tips for using a VPN service.
- Select the “Streaming” mode as it is designed to improve server speed.
- Choose Non-NAT Network from the network type to use a dedicated IP.
- Tick on security from advanced options to enable AES 256-bit encryption and disable IPv6 leak protection.
- Select App Settings and then choose IKEV from the selected protocol drop-down menu. This tunneling protocol is considered the fastest protocol for Netflix streaming.
- Select App Settings and then check “Redial automatically if the connection drops.”
Best VPNs for Netflix
Netflix’s content library is vast, but its content is geographically limited due to copyright agreements. This means the TV shows and movies you can watch are restricted by the country you are in. This also means that you may have a virtual private network to safely access your usual home streaming services if you are traveling abroad.
PureVPN is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs for Netflix. However, many other VPNs are also offering servers all over the world to access Netflix restricted content libraries. If you are looking for a quick answer on which VPN services work with Netflix, TechNinjaPro has rounded up its top recommendations below.
1. PureVPN
PureVPN is one of the best picks that has more than 6500 servers all over the world. PureVPN provides you access to more Netflix content libraries. It ensures that your records of internet browsing activity, DNS requests, real IP address, and VPN session timestamps would not be logged or leaked. PureVPN comes in top results of best VPN services for Netflix with the high level of privacy and military-grade encryption protocols.
With PureVPN, you can watch your favorite shows on Netflix from anywhere you need. The best part is PureVPN works perfectly on Netflix, and you would not see any Netflix proxy or unblocker error. Moreover, PureVPN can also help you unblock Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. You get the perfect value for your money by using a single virtual private network connection and accessing major streaming platforms. PureVPN can also keep you safe as it uses the 256-bit encryption protocol, which is considered military-grade security.
PureVPN has a dedicated streaming mode that allows you to improve your streaming experience by a huge notch. PureVPN provides a streaming mode for those who need to enjoy buffer-free movies and TV shows on Netflix as well as BBC iPlayer and Hulu.
Benefits
- DNS Leak Protection
- Internet Kill Switch
- IP Masking
- Multiple server locations
- WebRTC Leak Protection
- Ad Blocking
- Access Netflix anytime, anywhere
Drawbacks
- Slow Speeds
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another top choice and is well-placed to fix the Netflix ” you seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” error. NordVPN has a broad collection of more than 5000 fast servers located in around 60 countries. In addition, this service works with some of the popular streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer and Netflix. NordVPN offers servers that are more optimized for P2P sharing or improved privacy.
With NordVPN, you can protect all your used devices as up to six simultaneous connections are permitted. Additionally, a wide range of applications and internet browser extensions make getting connected easy and quick. This virtual private network is based in Panama and operates a strict no-logs policy. NordVPN applications are offered for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android devices.
Benefits
- Exceptional user experience
- Multiple server locations
- Military-grade data protection
- More than 95% of servers work efficiently with Netflix
- Access Netflix anytime, anywhere
Drawbacks
- Torrenting issues
- Not quite mobile-friendly
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best virtual private networks with servers in more than 90 countries, allowing you to access your home Netflix library as you travel safely. This VPN has more than 3000 servers in countries including the UK, US, Australia, and Japan. Aside from resolving the Netflix error, ExpressVPN works with Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Moreover, it enabled you to connect up to five devices simultaneously via a single account.
ExpressVPN is also known to be very user-friendly. There is 24.7 live customer chat and email support, plus the applications and internet browser extensions make it straightforward to connect to a server. ExpressVPN secures your information using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. This virtual private network is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and does not keep any logs of its users. Users can use ExpressVPN via the applications for desktop, mobile, and routers.
Benefits
- Compatible with multiple devices and routers
- 24/7 live customer support
- Huge collection of server
- Reliable user interface
- Supports for both Torrenting and Tor networks
- Consistent Speed
Drawbacks
- A bit expensive
4. SurfsharkVPN
Surfshark is one of the most budget-friendly virtual private networks, making it easy to stream Netflix. There is no trial and error here because all of Surfshark’s servers can access Netflix. Surfshark VPN has a huge collection of more than 3200 servers in around 65 countries. There are a lot of servers in all major locations, such as the UK, US, Canada, Japan, and more. Users can unblock Netflix restricted regions by selecting one of its servers, the most notable being the UK, Canada, and Japan.
Surfshark VPN provides various low-cost VPN subscriptions, making it the most affordable VPN for viewers who need to unblock various Netflix libraries. Surfshark’s server speeds are fast enough to stream in high-definition without compromising security.
Benefits
- Affordable
- Live customer support
- Speedy WireGuard Connections
- Multiple server locations
- Unlimited simultaneous connection
- Easily unblock American Netflix
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Drawbacks
- Issues with the Kill switch
- A limited security audits
4 Easy Solutions If You Still See "You Seem to Be Using Unblocker/Proxy" With a VPN Service
Even after using a reliable virtual private network, you may still see the Netflix error code. This is because Netflix is continuously updating its security features to detect and block more virtual private networks. In this situation where users have had trouble connecting to Netflix, TechNinjaPro uses these simple solutions to help you gain access:
Change the internet browser you are using: It worked for many users when they switched from Safari to Google Chrome.
Clear your internet browser cache and cookies. Then close and open your internet browser again and try logging on to Netflix again.
Pick a different VPN server in the same country. Sometimes it is just the particular server that Netflix has blacklisted. After changing VPN servers, try refreshing Netflix again.
Contact customer support. Speak to a customer support agent and tell them which Netflix content library you are trying to clear and ask them which servers currently work for that catalog.
Note: The above-mentioned steps will not work if you use a low-quality virtual private network or free proxy servers.
Why does Netflix ban Virtual Private Network IP addresses?
In 2016, Netflix implemented a virtual private network detection system to know when you access the streaming platform when using a virtual private network. This was mainly due to censorship rights; contracts may dictate that specific TV shows or movies can be shown in one country but not in another country. As many users were accessing Netflix via VPN services, Netflix was under pressure from major studios to stop their use.
When Netflix detects an IP that belongs to a virtual private network, the IP is blacklisted. This leads to the Netflix ” you seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” error or sometimes Netflix error m7111-5059.
Can You use a free VPN to fix the Netflix proxy error?
No, free virtual private networks would not work with Netflix, and that is because of Netflix’s anti-VPN features. The issue with free VPN providers is that they have a limited number of IPs and far too many users on each server, and Netflix quickly flags these IPs, essentially rending the server useless for using the streaming platform. Moreover, the servers of free VPN services are often very slow, which is not ideal for content streaming anyway.
Aside from Netflix, free virtual private networks struggle with many other services, including Amazon Prime Video and DAZN. In particular, they may not protect your information with encryption or use a kill switch to stop data leaks.
FAQs
Yes, if you use any of the above-mentioned VPN services, unblocking popular Netflix libraries is easy. Just log in, pick a server in your preferred region and start streaming your favorite shows and movies. However, if you are using a virtual private network that has not been tested or does not have the right software, you will likely see the Netflix error message. If you are having trouble selecting, why not try PureVPN?
In short, most proxies would not work. If you need a quick solution, you can try any virtual private networks mentioned above on the list. Proxies function similarly to virtual private network services that they mask your location channeling your internet traffic through a different server to cover your real IP. However, it does not have the added encryption technology to disguise your internet traffic further.
Without this added layer of security and privacy, Netflix's technology can easily detect its proxy traffic and block you. Virtual private network services are much more consistent at bypassing Netflix location-based restrictions because it has much more advanced technology than proxy services.
Depending on broadcasting rights, specific Netflix shows or movies may only be available in particular countries. You will be blocked if you try to access a Netflix library that is outside your region. It does this by detecting your device's IP, which shows your physical location and is visible to anyone. Virtual private network services help to bypass these country-based restrictions by masking your real location. VPNs do this by replacing your actual IP with the IP of the VPN's server. So if you are connected to the VPN's US server, Netflix will think that you are in the United States and allow you access to its US content library.
Netflix has a unique library of shows based on censorship agreements and copyright laws for each country. It uses particular software to detect your real location and stops you from watching content from other libraries. Users try to bypass these limitations by using a virtual private network to hide their location, providing them access to many different Netflix libraries. Netflix does not like this because it violates its censorship agreements with different media partners. This is why it is continuously updating its anti-VPN technology to detect and stop VPN users from watching content that is outside their region.
Blocklisting VPN IPs
Every device connected to the web is assigned a unique IP, and it functions similarly to a home address, as it helps devices identify and communicate with one another. When you connect to a VPN, your device takes on the IP of the VPN's server while covering your actual IP. Netflix constantly tracks down IPs that are linked to VPN services or proxy services and blocklists them. This is why you might have a virtual private network one day and not the next, because Netflix is always looking for new IPs that it thinks may be used by a virtual private network.
Analyzing Your DNS Traffic
The DNS works like a notepad for the internet, and DNS has to look up the site's IP to load the correct page for you when you enter a website address. Some virtual private networks do not route the DNS traffic through their own servers. That means it could expose your actual location to Netflix as it will see that your IP and the DNS server locations are different. Whenever it detects the difference, it will know that you are using a virtual private network and send the proxy error.