Does PIA Work With Netflix in 2024? Yes. An Easy Guide

Private Internet Access didn’t work with Netflix for a long time. Now it’s actually a good option if you want a VPN to get around ISP throttling and watch Netflix content in HD. However, there are still times when they don’t work well together.

If you’re having trouble making PIA work with Netflix, there are several easy solutions. Usually, all that’s required are a few simple adjustments in your VPN settings. Sometimes it’s as simple as using a different web browser, for example.

If you’ve already tried these quick fixes and the problems persist, then you might want to try a different VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because its servers consistently work with Netflix. On top of that, its superfast speeds let you load shows in a couple of seconds and watch without lag. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can easily get your money back. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN Today

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

PIA Still Isn’t Working? Here’s How to Fix It

If you connect to a PIA server that doesn’t work with Netflix, there are several simple ways to solve the problem. These solutions don’t require any technical knowledge and they can also help you if you’re struggling with another streaming platform. If none of these solutions work for you, then your best bet is to try a VPN that's been proven to work reliably with Netflix, like ExpressVPN.

1. Check your IP address. You need an IP address from your country to use your Netflix account as normal.
2. Change your protocol. You may be using a protocol that isn’t compatible with Netflix, which means you’re better off changing it. The best protocols for Netflix are OpenVPN and WireGuard, which can be selected from your settings.
3. Check your Firewall settings. Antivirus software and firewall settings can stop PIA from working with Netflix. Try disabling your firewall or antivirus software and see if anything changes.
4. Flush your DNS. The DNS server you’re using could be preventing PIA from working with Netflix. This happens when Netflix detects your default DNS, so you’ll need to flush your DNS. The instructions for doing this are different for both Windows and macOS users.

For Windows:

Open the command prompt and select “run”. Then, type “Click Command Prompt” before typing “ipconfig/flushdns”.

For macOS:

Open Terminal and type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” in the command line. Then, enter your Mac password to make changes.

Why Should I Use PIA to Watch Netflix?

PIA gives you access to 29,650 servers in 91 countries, which makes it easy to find working connections in your country. The VPN has 24 servers in the US alone, so if you’re there, you’re unlikely to run into subscriber overcrowding. Case and point: during my PIA tests from NYC, I connected to 3 US servers and I watched Netflix in HD without buffering on all of them.

You can also watch Netflix on Unlimited devices simultaneously under a single PIA account. It has native apps for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux, which can be installed in under a minute. But you can also install PIA on your home router, which lets you connect an unlimited number of devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Its fast speeds will provide you with a lag-free streaming experience. When I watched Netflix on its US servers, my download speeds averaged 42.8Mbps. This is much faster than the 5Mbps needed for HD streaming.

PIA also keeps you secure with its automatic kill switch, which has 3 modes (off, automatic, and always). “Automatic” blocks your traffic when you’re disconnected from the VPN, while “Always” only lets you browse the internet while using PIA. It’s convenient when watching Netflix on public networks — it instantly disconnects you if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, ensuring no one else on the shared network can see your personal info.

Just note that my international team reports that PIA effectively works with Netflix, but only in 6 countries: the US, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan. So it’s only really a good option if you’re in one of those countries. On the plus side, the service is quite affordable. Subscription plans begin at $2.19/month, making it a cost-effective choice.

What I liked most about PIA is that you can try it for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. It requires an upfront payment first, but you’ll be fully refunded if you’re not impressed (and remember to cancel within 30 days). When I canceled my subscription, I got my money back after 5 business days.

Alternative VPNs if PIA Doesn’t Work for You

1. ExpressVPN — Ultra-Fast Speeds for Watching Netflix Lag-Free

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s lightning-fast speeds make it an excellent choice for watching Netflix. During my speed tests, my download speeds averaged 45.7Mbps when watching shows on my local Netflix US library. This was a lot more than the 5Mbps needed for HD streaming, so I didn’t experience any lag. As reported by our international team, ExpressVPN also works with Netflix in 15+ other countries, including the UK, Australia, and Japan.

You can stream Netflix on devices that are not typically VPN-compatible. I utilized ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature to install the service on my PlayStation. The setup process was completed in under 3 minutes and I found the step-by-step instructions on the ExpressVPN website very straightforward. With my PS4, I enjoyed US Netflix on my TV without any problems.

You can also try ExpressVPN for yourself risk-free since it’s backed by a money-back guarantee. Just request a refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied. I wanted to test this policy, so I used its 24/7 live chat feature to cancel my subscription. The representative asked me a couple of questions before going ahead with my request. After 3 business days, I was fully refunded.

2. IPVanish — Watch Netflix on All of Your Devices

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ HBO Max Hulu

BBC iPlayer More

Try IPVanish VPN >

www.ipvanish.com

IPVanish allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices with just one subscription, making it perfect for big families. I was immediately drawn to this feature and quickly connected my MacBook Pro, smartphone, old Windows laptop, and Android tablet all at once to watch Netflix. Impressively, there was no noticeable drop in device performance or connection speed.

It also has 2,400 servers in 135 countries, making it easy to find one in your country to use with your Netflix account. When I tested IPVanish out, I connected to 4 of its US servers and watched Netflix shows in HD without buffering on all of them. The process took me under a minute every time and there were no errors at all.

Every IPVanish subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test its features without any risk. It was really easy to cancel my subscription. I didn’t have to contact customer service at all. I just logged in to my account and clicked a couple of buttons. I didn’t even need to give a reason for canceling. After 4 business days, I had my money back in full.

3. CyberGhost — Easy-to-Use VPN With Netflix-Optimized Servers

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has a global network of 11,690 servers, which includes optimized servers for Netflix. These servers are designed for streaming Netflix in HD. When I tested its optimized Netflix servers in the US, they all worked flawlessly. Likewise, our international team tested the same servers in the UK and France and reported similar results. They also reported that the regular servers worked with Netflix too.

The rapid speeds of CyberGhost VPN make it an excellent choice for streaming shows on Netflix. In my speed tests, the average download speed across the Netflix US servers was 43.5Mbps, compared to 42.5Mbps on its regular US servers. Regardless of server type, you can enjoy uninterrupted HD Netflix streaming on all of them.

You can even try CyberGhost for free using its 45-day money-back guarantee, which is one of the longest available. I tried canceling my subscription on day 45 by asking a live chat representative. They kindly approved my request after I provided my reasoning, and I got my money back after 5 business days.

FAQs on Watching Netflix With PIA

Does PIA work with Netflix?

Yes, PIA works with Netflix. Just make sure to choose a server in the same country as you. Connecting to a local server usually ensures the fastest possible speeds, as well as allowing you to use your Netflix account as normal. Once connected to the VPN, open Netflix and start streaming your favorite shows.

Can I use a free VPN to stream Netflix?

Streaming Netflix with a free VPN is pretty much impossible. A low-cost premium VPN is a much better option. Since you can theoretically use a VPN to watch geoblocked content on Netflix, the platform employs enhanced VPN detection and blocklisting technology. Smaller or less powerful VPNs, like free services, can be blocked even if you just want to use one to bypass ISP throttling and watch Netflix in HD.

Free services lack the financial resources required to sustain and upgrade their limited server networks. This results in many people resorting to using the same servers with Netflix, which can cause login issues. Plus, the heavy traffic on these servers leads to significant slowdowns and extensive buffering during streaming.

Also, many free VPNs are known to collect user data and sell it to third parties, such as advertisers and governments. This is a serious breach of online privacy as your data and online behavior can be collected and used against you.

Which Netflix libraries does PIA work with?

The Netflix libraries that PIA works with are the US, the UK, Germany, Italy, France, and Japan. All you have to do is connect to a local server in the country you’re in to start watching Netflix. Do bear in mind that, while it’s theoretically possible to access other libraries with a VPN, this goes against the platform’s terms of service and may lead to legal consequences.

Will Private Internet Access slow my internet connection?

Like all VPNs, PIA will slow down your internet connection a bit. This is because your data has to travel to the VPN server. Also, it takes time to encrypt data, so this causes a bit of slowdown as well.

When I conducted my speed tests, I recorded an average download speed of 42.8 Mbps on PIA’s US servers, a 27% reduction from my original speeds. This might seem like a lot, but it was still more than fast enough to watch Netflix in HD, which only requires a download speed of 5 Mbps.

Can I watch Netflix Japan with PIA?

Yes, if you’re in Japan. From within the country, connect to one of PIA’s Japanese servers. Then just log in to your Netflix account to start watching your favorite Japanese shows. If you’re experiencing difficulties, you can contact customer support for help or try a different VPN.

Is it legal to use PIA for Netflix?

Using PIA with Netflix is mostly legal but it can be complicated. VPNs are legal in most parts of the world since they protect people’s online privacy and security on public networks. Only a few countries like China and Russia have either banned or heavily restricted VPNs, so check the laws and regulations in your country if you aren’t sure.

Even though a reliable VPN will keep you secure and private, using one to access Netflix libraries outside your actual location goes against Netflix's terms and conditions. This means that they have the right to ban you from their service if you get caught. It can also amount to copyright infringement.

Watch Netflix With PIA Today

PIA now joins the ranks as one of the leading VPNs that work with Netflix. This includes Netflix US, UK, Japan, Germany, Italy, and France. But like other VPN providers, issues can arise, which means you’ll need to have some solutions ready.

If you consistently have problems making PIA work with Netflix, I’d recommend using another VPN instead. Many other reliable VPNs work well with Netflix. I recommend that you test out ExpressVPN risk-free. Since it’s backed by a money-back guarantee, you have 30 days to claim a full refund if you don’t like it.

The best VPNs for Netflix in 2024 are...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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