Amazon Prime VPN Not Working? Quick Fixes for 2025

You’ve got a working VPN; Netflix loads fine, but Prime Video won't work. Instead, you’re hit with “Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service” or Error 4601. I found this extremely frustrating when I tried watching shows I already paid for on my smart TV — the app is stricter on these devices, and Fire TV, than the browser

Why does Prime Video not allow VPNs? Amazon uses advanced VPN detection technology to protect its regional licensing deals; with over 220 million Prime subscribers worldwide (Statista, 2025)¹, its filters are built to catch even the smallest mismatches. I'll be honest: no VPN always works with Prime Video. That's because the service's VPN detection technology is top-notch. However, some premium VPNs work more consistently than others, and making specific changes can improve reliability.

My guide cuts straight to what actually works, and I'll start with fast wins like switching VPN servers, clearing cookies, or turning off location services, which can get you streaming again within minutes. Then I'll tackle the more advanced methods, like flushing your DNS and activating the VPN's obfuscation.

How To Fix the Amazon Prime VPN Proxy Error — Easy Methods

How does Amazon Prime Video detect VPN usage? Prime Video doesn’t just check your IP address; it also compares multiple data points to spot inconsistencies. The platform is serious about ensuring nothing jeopardizes its licensing deals. Amazon Prime Video made $14 billion in 2023 (Business of Apps, 2025)², and part of the reason lies in how carefully it monitors every connection.

• Blocking VPN IP ranges. Prime keeps an updated database of known VPN and proxy IP addresses. If your server matches one of these, you’ll instantly see the VPN or proxy detected message. This is how most streaming services detect VPNs, so this one doesn’t surprise me.
• Leaked DNS and routing data. Even with a VPN, a DNS leak can expose your actual location, letting Prime see where you really are.
• Device and GPS data. On Fire TV, mobile, and smart TVs, the app can use built-in GPS or system location settings to confirm your actual region.
• Account and payment details. Prime Video also cross-checks your Amazon account country, billing address, and payment method. If these don’t match your VPN’s location, it can either show the wrong catalog or block access completely.

Once I saw all these combined checks, I realized how thoroughly Amazon can block VPNs. You might see an error 4601 or “proxy detected” message even when your VPN works perfectly with other streaming platforms. The fixes below address each cause directly, so it may be possible to access Amazon Prime Video securely from anywhere.

Connect to Another VPN Server

If Prime Video suddenly stops working with your VPN, the most common reason is that your current server’s IP address has been blocklisted. Amazon regularly updates its database of blocked IPs, so switching servers is often the fastest way to get around the error.

1. Disconnect From Your Current Server

Before reconnecting, wait a few seconds so your VPN can refresh its connection data. This helps clear any stuck sessions or cached IPs that Prime might still flag.

You can save specific apps like Chrome to quickly access them with the VPN connected

2. Connect to Another Server

If you were using a US server, try another one in a different city. Avoid overcrowded or “streaming-optimized” servers, as they’re commonly used, as those IPs are usually the first to be detected and blocked.

You can save servers to your 'Favorites' for faster access anytime

3. Refresh Prime Video and Start Streaming

Close and reopen Prime Video, then reload the title. If it still shows “VPN or proxy detected,” repeat the process with another server location. Most users find success within one or two switches.

Once Prime Video plays normally, you can save that server as a favorite for future use

Clear Cookies and Cache

Old cookies or cached data can expose real locations to Prime Video, even when a VPN is connected. This often leads to Error 4601 or the “VPN or proxy detected” message because Amazon still remembers a device’s previous region. Here’s how to fix it.

1. Go to your browser or app settings. Find the section for privacy, storage, or browsing data.
2. Clear cookies and cache. Delete all stored data for primevideo.com or the Prime Video app to remove outdated location details. When I was using Chrome, I noticed I could delete data for up to 90 days or as little as a few minutes. I like that this lets me keep the login details I don’t want removed.
3. Restart your browser or device and start streaming. Reopen Amazon Prime Video and try playing your show again. If it works, the issue was caused by stored region data.

Disable GPS/Location Services

Even with a VPN active, Amazon Prime Video can still detect the device's physical location by using its GPS or system location services. This is especially common on mobile devices, Fire TV, and smart TVs. Here’s how to fix it.

1. Turn off location services. Open your device settings and disable GPS or location permissions for the Prime Video app.
2. Restart your device. This ensures Prime no longer has access to cached location data.
3. Launch Prime Video and start streaming. Your VPN IP should now be the only location Amazon can detect.

Try Another Browser

Sometimes, Prime Video blocks playback due to how the browser handles DRM, user-agent data, or extensions that interfere with location masking. Switching browsers can help reset these settings and bypass hidden detection issues. Try these alternatives:

• Switch to Chrome or Edge if you’re using Firefox or Safari. I did this a long time ago, actually, because Firefox kept crashing on me.
• Use an incognito or private window to avoid stored cookies and cached data.
• Disable extensions like ad blockers or privacy add-ons that may conflict with streaming.
• If you’re on a desktop, test the Prime Video app instead of a browser for cleaner routing through your VPN.

Update Your VPN App

Outdated VPNs can cause connection drops, weak encryption, or outdated IP lists. All of this makes it easier for Amazon Prime Video to detect and block the connection. Keeping a VPN app updated ensures that the latest protocols and newest servers are used. Here’s what to do:

• Check for updates in your VPN app settings or on the provider’s website.
• Install the latest version to get improved compatibility with streaming services. In my experience, installing a VPN rarely takes longer than 5 minutes.
• Reconnect and test Prime Video to see if the update resolves the “VPN or proxy detected” error.

Restart Your Device or Router

Sometimes the issue isn’t your VPN but a cached network route or old IP assignment from your router. Restarting your device or router resets your connection and helps your VPN create a fresh, stable tunnel for Prime Video. This is my go-to for fixing any problem online. You’d be shocked at how often it works! Here’s how to fix it:

• Unplug your router and wait at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
• Restart your streaming device or computer while the router reboots.

Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable connection can cause Prime Video to show VPN or proxy errors even when your VPN is working correctly. Packet loss, dropped connections, or network timeouts might lead Amazon Prime Video to believe you’re tunneling through an unreliable proxy. Here’s how to do it:

• Run a speed test to confirm your internet is stable and fast enough for streaming.
• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi or switch to Ethernet for a more stable connection.
• Restart your VPN after fixing any network issues, then try Prime Video again to see if the error clears.

Update System Date and Time

If your device’s clock is out of sync with your VPN server’s time zone, Prime Video may reject the connection as suspicious. This mismatch can cause login issues or trigger Error 4601 during playback. I had to slap myself on the forehead when I found out about this fix. It’s so simple that I should have thought of it right away. This is all you have to do:

• Open your device’s date and time settings and enable “Set time automatically.”
• Select the correct time zone that matches your VPN’s location if needed.
• Restart your device and relaunch Prime Video to verify that the connection works properly.

Check Your Smart TV Configuration

Smart TVs often save network and location data that can override your VPN settings. This means that even if your VPN is active on another device, your TV might still reveal your real region to Amazon, leading to VPN or proxy-detection errors. Just do this:

• Disconnect and reconnect your smart TV to your network after turning on the VPN at the router level or via a hotspot.
• Clear the Prime Video app cache or data in your TV settings to remove old location information.
• Restart the TV and reopen Prime Video to confirm that it correctly recognizes your VPN region.

Change Amazon Account Country

Even with a VPN, Prime Video uses your Amazon account’s country settings and payment details to decide which catalog you can watch. If your account region doesn’t match your VPN’s location, you’ll still see Error 4601 or limited titles. This is what you can do:

• Go to your Amazon account settings and open Manage Your Content and Devices.
• Select Preferences, then go to Country/Region Settings, and update your address to match your VPN location.
• Confirm and restart Prime Video to load the catalog for your new region.

Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus

Firewalls and antivirus software sometimes block or interfere with your VPN’s encrypted connection, making Prime Video think you’re using a proxy. Although it breaks my heart to turn off my beloved Norton, it’s necessary for this step. Temporarily disabling antivirus programs and firewalls helps confirm if that’s the cause of the problem. Try this:

• Turn off your firewall or antivirus from your system tray or settings panel.
• Reconnect your VPN and try streaming on Prime Video.
• If playback works, add your VPN app to your firewall or antivirus exceptions list before turning protection back on.

Change VPN Protocols

Amazon Prime Video can sometimes detect VPNs based on how their data packets are routed. Switching to a different VPN protocol changes how your connection looks to Amazon’s servers and can often bypass detection. Here’s what to do:

• Open your VPN app’s settings and look for Protocol or Connection Type.
• Switch to a different option, such as Lightway (for ExpressVPN), OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), WireGuard, or IKEv2, to test which works best.
• Reconnect to your chosen server and try streaming again. If the error persists, repeat the process with another protocol until Prime Video plays normally.

Changing protocols took me less than 10 seconds in the settings menu

Enable Kill Switch & DNS Leak Protection

Even if the VPN is active, small data leaks can expose a real IP or DNS requests to Amazon’s servers. Enabling your VPN’s kill switch and DNS leak protection prevents these leaks and keeps your actual location hidden during streaming. Here’s how it’s done:

• Open your VPN settings and look for a Kill Switch or DNS Leak Protection option.
• Enable both options so that your internet connection is cut off instantly when the VPN drops.
• Reconnect to your server and test Prime Video again. If the leak is fixed, the “proxy detected” message should disappear.

Use Split Tunneling to send only Prime Video traffic through the VPN

Disable IPv6

Some ISPs and devices use IPv6 alongside IPv4, and your VPN might not cover IPv6 traffic by default. This can leak your real location to Amazon’s servers, causing Prime Video to trigger proxy or VPN detected errors even when you’re not using one. Here’s how to fix it:

• Open your computer's or router's network settings.
• Find the IPv6 option and toggle it off or uncheck Enable IPv6. I stick with IPv4 by default since IPv6 has been more trouble than it’s worth in my opinion.
• Restart your connection and test Prime Video again. If the error disappears, the leak was caused by unprotected IPv6 traffic.

Flush Your DNS

Your computer’s DNS cache stores old location data that Prime Video can use to verify your real region, even if your VPN IP is different. Flushing your DNS clears that memory so your system requests new routing information that matches your VPN connection. Here’s how to make it happen:

• On Windows. Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns, then press Enter.
• On macOS. Open Terminal and type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder, then hit Return.

Activate Obfuscation (If Available)

Some VPNs include an obfuscation or “stealth” feature that hides the fact you’re using a VPN at all. Amazon Prime’s systems can easily detect standard encrypted tunnels, so turning this feature on makes your traffic look like regular browsing and helps bypass VPN blocks. Here’s all you need to do:

• Open your VPN settings and look for options like Obfuscated Servers, Stealth Mode, or Camouflage Mode.
• Enable the feature and reconnect to your preferred streaming server.
• Restart Prime Video and try streaming again.

Contact VPN Support

If you’ve tried every fix and Prime Video still detects your VPN, your VPN’s support team can usually point you to the servers that still work. I recommend you ask for a human agent immediately, since the AI bots are super frustrating. Top VPNs regularly test and update their server lists specifically for reliable Amazon Prime streaming. Here are the steps you should take:

• Open your VPN app or visit their website to reach live chat or email support.
• Ask for the latest working servers for Amazon Prime Video in your target region.
• Connect to the recommended server and relaunch Prime Video to test streaming.

Consider a Dedicated IP Address

Most VPN users share IP addresses, which makes them easier for Amazon to detect and block. A dedicated IP gives you a unique address that you use exclusively, reducing the risk of being flagged as a VPN or proxy. Here’s how to get one

• Check whether your VPN provider offers dedicated IPs (usually as an add-on). Note that some VPN's dedicated IPs are not meant for streaming, so be sure to ask customer support.
• Purchase and enable the dedicated IP in the country whose Prime catalog you want to access.
• Reconnect using the new IP and restart Prime Video. This often restores consistent streaming without proxy errors.

Note. Not all VPN dedicated IPs are suited for streaming; check with support before purchasing one. 

Switch to a VPN Known to Work With Amazon Prime Video

If none of the fixes work, your current VPN may be blocked indefinitely. Amazon’s detection systems update constantly, and only a few VPNs manage to stay one step ahead with fresh IPs and optimized streaming servers. Here’s how to pick the best one:

• Choose a reliable VPN that’s regularly tested to work with Amazon Prime Video, such as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, or Private Internet Access.
• Install and connect to a streaming-optimized server in the region you want.
• Open Prime Video and test playback. If it works immediately, your previous VPN’s IPs were likely blacklisted.

Quick Comparison Table: Amazon Prime Video VPN Features

Not every VPN can safely access Amazon Prime Video from anywhere. The ones that do combine fast speeds, obfuscation, and strong DNS leak protection. Here’s a quick look at the most reliable VPNs for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in 2025.

Our Methodology for Testing Solutions for Fixing Amazon Prime VPN Proxy Error

Our international team and I tested multiple VPNs to determine which works best with Amazon Prime Video. From our experience, the best solution is to find a VPN that balances speed and stability while avoiding detection (obfuscation). Look for a properly configured VPN with leak protection and obfuscation. I also recommend avoiding free or outdated tools that recycle IPs or lack encryption, as they’re often the first to be blacklisted by Amazon.

FAQs on Fixing the Amazon Prime VPN Error

References

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/273963/quarterly-revenue-of-amazoncom/
2. https://www.businessofapps.com/data/amazon-prime-video-statistics/