How To Bypass Netflix VPN Blocks & Errors: Easy Fixes 2025

Having your VPN blocked by Netflix when you've paid for both services feels downright unfair. I've experienced this myself, and so have thousands of users on Reddit and support forums. More than 1.75 million people worldwide use VPNs (Surfshark, 2025)¹, and over 26% rely on them to safely access streaming content (Windscribe, 2025)².

Netflix's VPN detection is ruthless: it instantly blocks your connection, showing the annoying "You seem to be using a VPN or proxy" error. It can flag shared IP addresses, Smart DNS services, and even some "premium" VPNs that used to work flawlessly.

How do you bypass Netflix VPN blocks? Switching to a different server or clearing your cache might get you back on track. But when these quick fixes fail, you'll need more advanced techniques or a VPN specifically built to outsmart Netflix's detection system. I'll walk you through the most reliable methods for keeping Netflix and VPNs working together, even amid the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between them.

How To Get Past the Netflix VPN Blocks and Errors? Ultimate Tips for 2025

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen Netflix’s "You seem to be using a VPN" or proxy error (M7111-5059) pop up, sometimes even when my VPN was off. This usually happens when the platform detects that your connection is coming through a VPN rather than a regular network.

If you’ve had the same headache, I recommend trying the tips below — they’ve helped me get right back to streaming plenty of times.

Switch to a Different Server

Netflix keeps track of and blocks IP addresses associated with VPN use. When too many users connect from the same IP address or if Netflix detects suspicious traffic patterns, it adds that IP to its blocklist. This is why you might suddenly get the proxy error even if your connection was working earlier. The same logic applies to proxy or DNS services as for VPNs.

A proxy or DNS service requires additional configuration

In 2021, Netflix began blocking residential IP addresses exhibiting VPN-like behavior. According to a report by Ars Technica, even regular users who weren't using VPNs got blocked and couldn't access their accounts, which shows just how far Netflix will go to stop VPN usage³.

That’s why it’s important to choose a Netflix VPN with an extensive server network. If you find the server you’re connected to is blocked, you can switch to a different one. Your VPN will assign you a new IP address that might not yet be on Netflix's blocklist. The best VPNs regularly add new IP addresses, so keep trying different servers until you find one that works.

Also, Netflix’s VPN blocks aren’t always equally strict across regions. For example, more sought-after libraries, such as those in the US, UK, or Japan, might be more strictly policed. The differences in Netflix's popularity, VPN use, ISPs' cooperation levels, and licensing rules across regions all affect how many resources Netflix allocates to blocking IPs.

Clear Cookies and Cache

Your cookies and cache store login information and other data from previous sessions. Netflix uses various browser data to detect VPN usage. If you’re browsing with a different IP within a short time frame, that might trigger security protocols on a website and get you blocked due to a mismatch between your IP and browser location. This may be the case if your VPN works fine with Netflix when using a local server.

Here's how to clear your browser data for Netflix in Chrome:

• Open Chrome and click the three dots in the top-right corner.
• Click Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > View permissions and data stored across sites, then search Netflix.

Either click ‘Delete displayed data' or use the bin icons to remove entries one by one

I also recommend using your browser's incognito or private mode while connected to your VPN to prevent cookies, cache, and history from being stored during your streaming sessions.

Change VPN Protocols

If you’re still getting an error, switching VPN security protocols might help. Netflix uses various tools, including port filtering and deep packet inspection (DPI), to fingerprint VPN traffic. VPN protocols work differently, and some are better at avoiding detection than others. OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 are common options, while some VPNs offer their own protocols, like Lightway, NordLynx, or Catapult Hydra.

Most VPNs recommend that you use the "automatic" option for the best performance

While the automatic setting usually picks the best protocol for your connection, manually trying different ones can help fix the Netflix error. Experimenting with different port numbers, MTU values, and port forwarding settings can also make a difference.

For example, OpenVPN TCP on port 443 often works well because it disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it harder for Netflix to detect. Some VPNs, like ExpressVPN, also offer custom protocols with built-in obfuscation to hide their encryption signature. Keep experimenting with different protocols and ports until you find one that works.

Use a Different Browser

Browsers differ in how they store data, manage IP/DNS information, and share telemetry with websites. Browser fingerprinting is one way Netflix can detect VPNs — it collects details about your browser setup and compares it against your location data to spot inconsistencies.

Switching browsers gives you a fresh start with different privacy settings and data handling. Chrome typically shares more data that could reveal VPN use, while Firefox, Brave, and Safari are more privacy-oriented, minimizing the data that can lead to location tracking or WebRTC leaks.

Be careful, many modern browsers share data between them

Although browsers like Opera and Brave offer built-in VPNs, we don’t recommend them for streaming Netflix. They’re generally designed for convenience and privacy, not for use with streaming websites.

Try Desktop Instead of Mobile

The Netflix mobile app has stronger VPN detection than the browser version. Mobile apps can access your device's GPS, network information, and other identifiers that aren't available to browsers. They can also detect VPN apps running on your device. Finally, Android and iOS devices also use DRM to verify your location and prevent misuse of apps.

The browser version of Netflix has more limited access to your system information and relies mainly on IP-based detection. This makes it easier to bypass blocks when watching Netflix through a desktop browser with your VPN enabled.

Update the VPN App

VPNs regularly upgrade their services to improve performance for streaming, browsing, and other online activities. This may include launching new servers, updating their cryptography, and releasing streaming-specific features. Without these changes, it’s only a matter of time until Netflix’s detection system catches up with the current VPN technology.

On smartphones, you can set apps to stay updated automatically. However, most apps will alert you when a new version is available on any device.

Switch Off GPS/Location Services

Even if your IP changes, streaming platforms like Netflix can still detect your physical location through your device’s GPS. If your GPS says you’re in one country but your IP address shows you're in another, that mismatch can trigger a proxy or location error.

Turning off location services doesn’t guarantee success. Still, Netflix relies mainly on IP-based detection, so disabling location/GPS or extensions that leak your IP address could further help prevent your VPN from getting blocked. For best results, combine this step with clearing cookies and using a privacy-focused browser.

On Windows:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Location.
2. Toggle Location services off on your device or for individual apps, such as your browser.

On macOS:

1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
2. Turn off location access globally or disable it for Safari or other browsers.

Most browsers prompt you for permission before sharing your location. If prompted by Netflix or another site, click Block.

To manage this manually:

• Chrome/Edge: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Location, then check Don’t allow sites to see your location.
• Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Location — Remove or block sites.
• Brave: Settings > Privacy and security > Site and Shields Settings > Location > check Don’t allow sites to see your location.

On mobile devices:

• Android: Settings > Location > Toggle off or deny the Netflix app's location permission.
• iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Turn off for Netflix or completely.

Use Obfuscation (If Available)

Obfuscation is a feature that disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. How does obfuscation help avoid Netflix detection? It scrambles your data in a way that makes it much harder for Netflix to identify VPN patterns.

Not every VPN offers this feature, but those that do might call it Stealth Mode, cloaking, or Camouflage Mode. Some VPNs offer obfuscation that kicks in automatically when the app detects restrictions.

Enable obfuscation before connecting to Netflix if your VPN offers it. This extra layer of protection can often bypass blocks even when other methods fail.

Disable IPv6

While most VPNs encrypt IPv4 traffic, many devices automatically send IPv6 requests that might not be properly protected. This creates a mismatch between your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, making it easy for Netflix to spot VPN use. When you disable IPv6 on your device, all your internet traffic is forced through IPv4, which your VPN can properly protect.

For example, the steps to disable IPv6 for Windows are:

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click your active connection > Properties.
3. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
4. Click OK, then restart your connection.

You can easily find guides online to disable IPv6 on Mac, Android, and your router. The iPhone and most smart TVs don’t currently allow this, so the best workaround is to use a VPN that disables IPv6 by default or configure it on your router.

Use a Premium VPN That Actually Works

Netflix uses advanced detection systems that analyze traffic patterns and behavior to spot VPN connections. Free VPNs are usually the easiest to detect. According to a report by NordVPN, 40% of Americans still use free VPNs despite their limitations⁴. Some free VPNs occasionally work with Netflix, but they rarely maintain secure access, which explains the frequent proxy errors you may encounter.

The VPNs that consistently work with Netflix are those that regularly rotate their IP addresses, maintain an extensive server network to spread user traffic, and implement advanced features to avoid detection (e.g., obfuscation). Some even dedicate specific servers solely to Netflix, constantly monitoring and updating them to avoid being flagged.

If you get a Netflix login screen error, disconnect the VPN, log in to Netflix using a regular connection, and then reconnect the VPN. The next page refresh or load should update fine using the new IP.

We streamed in UHD without any buffering or quality drops

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Bypassing Netflix VPN Blocks

Due to Netflix’s strong anti-VPN technology, even the best paid VPNs are not always reliable. We focused on features that improve the chances of error-free streaming. This includes an extensive server network, obfuscation, fast speeds, and support for various Netflix libraries.

Note. Baseline refers to our tester’s average download speed without the VPN connected.

Use Smart DNS

Smart DNS replaces the DNS address provided by your ISP with a different server's address. It’s usually designed with streaming in mind, plus it’s a bit faster than a standard VPN connection as it doesn't encrypt your traffic. Some devices that can stream Netflix don’t support VPNs (smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.) but still allow you to alter their DNS settings.

VPN-linked Smart DNS services are generally more reliable for Netflix, since they rotate IPs and may maintain compatibility with specific regional catalogs. However, most Smart DNS services can only reliably access content in specific regions, such as the US and the UK.

Once you sign up for a service, you can get the Smart DNS configuration details for a specific server in the dashboard. You then plug this information into your device or app’s settings to route your traffic via the DNS server. Your device will then automatically use this new DNS whenever connecting to the internet.

Get a Dedicated IP Address

Netflix easily spots shared IPs when it sees dozens or even hundreds of accounts streaming from the same IP — something that wouldn't happen from a regular home connection. A dedicated IP address might solve this by giving you an address that only you use.

Is there a way to get around Netflix’s password-sharing restrictions? In theory, a dedicated IP address makes it possible to share your Netflix account, which can help with this, too. Netflix now tracks your home location and limits streaming to specific households. A dedicated IP creates a consistent access point that looks like a regular home connection, making it much harder for Netflix to detect.

Check Network Admin Settings

Network configurations can interfere with how your VPN connects to Netflix. Corporate firewalls, school network restrictions, or even home router settings might force your traffic through specific routes or block VPN protocols. This can create conflicts that make Netflix more likely to detect your VPN.

Check your router and network settings for any VPN restrictions or forced traffic routing. If you're on a managed network (work, school, etc.), the network administrators might have policies that affect VPN connections. In this case, a VPN with obfuscation may be able to break through and help safely access Netflix.

Route Your Traffic Via a Home VPN or Travel Router

Routing your connection through a residential IP address is one of the most effective ways to access Netflix without errors. An IP address tied to an actual ISP-assigned home address looks much less suspicious to online services than one provided by a large IP datacenter.

You can do this away from home by setting up a VPN or SSH tunnel on your home router or PC, then connecting to it remotely. Options include:

• Self-hosted VPN. Install and configure OpenVPN or WireGuard on a home PC or NAS.
• Travel router. Use a portable router that connects back to your home VPN. It encrypts all traffic and assigns you a home IP address, even when abroad.
• Residential IP/VPS services. Some providers rent genuine residential IPs or private VPS servers, which can also appear as standard home connections.

This is also far more reliable than a mobile carrier connection. Mobile networks often use shared or dynamic IPs (CGNAT), which can be flagged by Netflix or cause frequent region mismatches. While this approach takes more effort to set up, it’s one of the more reliable long-term solutions for accessing Netflix without proxy errors.

Contact Your VPN's Support

When nothing else works, your VPN's support team can provide specific solutions. Over many years of testing different VPNs, I’ve noticed that the best providers are proactive; they monitor their networks, fine-tune connections, and roll out updates to keep streaming and other services running smoothly.

Most premium VPNs have 24/7 support teams that deal with Netflix blocks daily. They can recommend working servers, help you configure optimal settings, or provide custom solutions based on your specific situation.

Our Methodology for Testing Fixes for Bypassing Netflix VPN Blocks

Our primary considerations were effectiveness, simplicity, and affordability. For example, solutions like switching servers and protocols are already core to a VPN app, so it takes little effort to try. They also work mostly the same on a variety of devices, making them easy to test. We also tested each fix under a wide range of conditions to confirm that the results apply to a broad spectrum of Netflix users.

Before trying to fix your Netflix VPN errors, check the exact error message or issue you're seeing. This will point you to the most likely fix to try. Once you’ve exhausted the easier ones tied to your VPN app or browser, you can move on to more complex setups. However, getting similar errors with different fixes in place likely means that you should try a better or different VPN.

Why Does Netflix Block VPNs?

Netflix blocks VPNs primarily due to licensing agreements with rightsholders like studios, production companies, and regional distributors. These agreements restrict where shows and movies can be streamed, as content rights are often sold separately in different regions. Failing to enforce those restrictions could lead to legal issues and financial penalties.

When Netflix detects VPN use, you may see a variation of the following error codes (M7037-1111, M7111-5059, M7111-1331-5059, or 07701-1003) and be temporarily blocked from accessing the service.

Netflix immediately detected a free VPN we used for testing

Beyond licensing, Netflix might also block VPNs to protect against fraud and account abuse. VPNs can be used to exploit regional price differences, where users might subscribe from a country with lower prices while watching from elsewhere. Netflix also needs to prevent automated bots that use VPNs to create fake accounts or attempt unauthorized access.

Types of Netflix VPN Blocks

Netflix uses several methods to detect and block VPN connections. Here are the main techniques it uses to identify when someone is watching its content through a VPN:

Popular Netflix VPN Errors and Solutions

In addition to the errors mentioned above, you might encounter other common issues when using a VPN with Netflix. Let’s take a look at some of these errors and how to resolve them:

FAQs on How To Bypass Netflix VPN Blocks

References

1. https://surfshark.com/blog/vpn-users
2. https://windscribe.com/blog/vpn-statistics-trends/
3. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/08/netflix-is-adding-residential-ip-addresses-to-its-vpn-blocklists/
4. https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-usage-survey