Netflix Proxy Detected: How to Fix It With a VPN in 2025
The “Netflix proxy detected” error code can stop you from streaming your favorite content, but it’s easy to fix using a high-quality VPN like NordVPN. We’ll tell you how to fix the error and explain why it pops up.
Written by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Reviewed by Samuel Chapman (Writer, Editor)
Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski (Fact-Checker, Formatter)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: How to Fix the Netflix Proxy Error
- Ditch your current VPN or proxy and sign up for a VPN that works consistently with Netflix, like NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN on the device you use to watch Netflix.
- Connect to a VPN server in your chosen Netflix location.
- Open Netflix and stream without proxy errors.
The Best VPNs to Fix the Netflix Proxy Error:
- NordVPN — Reliably avoids Netflix’s proxy detection for fast, smooth streaming. Save 72% and get three months free with NordVPN’s latest offer.
- Surfshark — Low-cost VPN that works well to beat the Netflix VPN ban, with plans starting at $1.99 per month with a 66% (plus 3 months free) discount.
- ExpressVPN — Easy to use with strong security for streaming Netflix. Plus, all plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee and there’s a 25% discount on the longest plan.
Facts & Expert Analysis: Netflix VPN Not Working
- Most VPNs struggle to avoid Netflix’s detection technology: Only a handful of VPNs, including NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN, consistently stay ahead of the Netflix proxy ban.
- Netflix blocks proxies to protect copyright and licensing agreements: VPNs are often used to access regionally restricted content, so Netflix stops these connections to prevent users from streaming content in prohibited locations.
- Netflix is excellent at detecting proxies: Netflix uses several methods to detect proxies, including checking for known VPN IP addresses and looking for conflicts between your IP address and DNS server locations.
Few things are more frustrating than being hit with the “Netflix proxy detected” error when you want to stream. This happens when Netflix flags a proxy service or low-quality VPN provider that can’t avoid detection. Rather than giving up on VPNs altogether, the key to fixing this issue is upgrading to one of the best VPNs built to bypass Netflix restrictions.
Using a good virtual private network (VPN) is the most effective way to bypass Netflix’s detection and stream content smoothly. In this guide, we’ll explore how to avoid the Netflix proxy error, discuss the top VPNs for reliable Netflix connections, and explain how to fix it when your VPN isn’t working properly.
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03/02/2022 Facts checked
Cloudwards.net updated this article’s formatting.
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02/26/2024 Facts checked
We updated the information about VPN services based on their effectiveness at fixing the Netflix proxy error.
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07/04/2024 Facts checked
Updated the article to reflect latest information on NordVPN’s allowed number of simultaneous connections.
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08/15/2024 Facts checked
Removed Atlas VPN as the service discontinued and merged with NordVPN last April 2024.
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09/30/2024 Facts checked
We refined the rankings to reflect evolving industry standards and user needs.
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02/07/2025 Facts checked
We’ve rewritten this article with a step-by-step guide for fixing the proxy error, as well as an in-depth look at how Netflix detects proxies.
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04/10/2025 Facts checked
This article was updated with more information about NordVPN and additional troubleshooting tips to bypass Netflix proxy detection.
“You Seem to Be Using an Unblocker or Proxy” Error Message
This Netflix proxy error appears when Netflix detects that you’re using a VPN or other IP-masking tool, like a proxy server. Netflix uses proxy detection technology to enforce its licensing agreements, which restrict certain shows and movies to specific locations.
Shared IP addresses are the main reason you’ll see a proxy error like M7111-5059. VPNs often give the same IP address to many users at the same time. This protects user privacy but also creates odd traffic patterns that Netflix can detect. To spot VPN use, Netflix also checks for a mismatch between the IP address and DNS server locations.
Netflix uses methods like IP and DNS filtering as well as deep packet inspection to distinguish between regular traffic and VPN traffic. If a VPN doesn’t regularly update its infrastructure or refresh its IP addresses, it’s more likely to be flagged and blocklisted by Netflix.
Why Netflix Proxies Don’t Work
Proxy servers generally don’t work well with Netflix because they lack encryption for masking user traffic. Proxies tend to share the same public IP among many users, which creates unusual traffic patterns that Netflix can flag.
When deciding between a VPN or proxy, a VPN is always the better option. VPNs provide encrypted connections that mask your true location and stop Netflix from seeing your streaming location. The best VPNs also regularly rotate IPs, making it harder for Netflix to block them.
Netflix’s detection systems are particularly effective at identifying and blocking data center IP addresses commonly used by VPNs, while residential IP addresses (like those assigned by your ISP) are less likely to be flagged. This is why dedicated IP services can be more effective for streaming, as they appear more like standard residential connections.
Premium VPNs often provide residential IP addresses that appear as normal home connections rather than data center IPs. Some VPNs also offer static IP addresses (sometimes called dedicated IPs) which are less likely to be blocked by Netflix since they’re not shared with other users.
Netflix Says I’m Using a VPN But I’m Not — What to Do
Netflix’s detection isn’t foolproof — sometimes, it will flag a residential IP that isn’t routed through a proxy. This can happen if the internet service provider (ISP) assigns you an IP address that falls within a “suspicious” range or has previously been associated with proxy or VPN use.
If you get a proxy error without using a VPN, switch to a different device to see if the error persists, and clear your browser’s cache and cookies to remove any stored location data that might be causing a conflict. You can also restart your router so your ISP assigns you a new IP address that isn’t on Netflix’s blocklist.
Using a reputable VPN can also resolve this issue. Services like NordVPN regularly rotate and refresh their server IPs, so you can use a connection that hasn’t been flagged and blocked.
How to Fix the Netflix Proxy Error With a VPN
If you get the Netflix proxy error, you can easily fix it with a high-quality VPN. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll be using our top choice, NordVPN, as an example.
- Get a Reputable VPN
Visit your chosen VPN’s website and sign up for a subscription. NordVPN’s plans start at $3.09 per month for a 27-month subscription, and you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure it works with Netflix.
- Install the VPN on Your Device
Download the app to your chosen device, and follow the installation and setup steps.
- Connect to a Server
Choose the Netflix library you want to access and connect to a VPN server in that location.
- Open Netflix and Start Streaming
Visit Netflix in your browser or open the Netflix app on your device to start streaming content from your new location.
The Best Netflix VPN Service
The best way to avoid Netflix proxy error codes is to use a reliable VPN. The best VPNs for Netflix stay ahead of Netflix’s detection technology by regularly refreshing and rotating IP addresses, and implementing robust leak protection.
A good VPN also prevents ISP throttling, which can cause buffering when streaming Netflix by encrypting your traffic so your provider can’t identify and slow down streaming data.
- NordVPN — Offers a huge network of regularly updated servers and includes built-in smart DNS (SmartPlay) so you can watch Netflix without seeing the proxy error.
- Surfshark — Provides unlimited device connections and a Nexus network designed to bypass proxy errors and improve speeds for lag-free Netflix streaming.
- ExpressVPN — Delivers consistently fast speeds and a user-friendly interface, with connections that easily avoid the Netflix proxy error.
1. NordVPN — The Best Netflix VPN
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NordVPN is not only one of the fastest VPNs; it’s also the best option for streaming Netflix due to a built-in streaming feature called SmartPlay. This combines smart DNS — which redirects DNS requests through servers in different locations to bypass geo-blocks — with the security of a VPN. You’ll get faster streaming speeds with no proxy error messages.
NordVPN works well for streaming Netflix via browsers and the Netflix app on mobile devices and smart TVs. While it lacks specific streaming-optimized servers, it doesn’t appear to need them.
It does offer obfuscated servers specifically designed to hide VPN traffic, making it appear as regular HTTPS traffic and helping to bypass Netflix’s VPN detection. During our tests, we could access local Netflix libraries in multiple locations without being blocked.
NordVPN now clearly marks virtual server locations throughout the app with visual indicators. This transparency helps you distinguish between physical servers and virtual locations when choosing servers for streaming, allowing you to make more informed choices if certain location types are triggering Netflix’s proxy detection.
NordVPN’s newest protocol, NordWhisper, is specifically designed to bypass networks that restrict VPN usage. Unlike traditional VPN protocols, NordWhisper doesn’t have distinct traffic signatures that reveal it as a VPN connection, making it particularly effective at avoiding detection on networks that actively block VPN traffic.
The Meshnet feature can also help you work around Netflix’s password-sharing restrictions by allowing you to securely access your home network from anywhere. This means you can connect to your home IP address while traveling, potentially avoiding Netflix’s household verification checks while maintaining the security of a VPN connection.
For additional security, consider enabling NordVPN’s post-quantum encryption feature, which protects your connection against future quantum computing threats. While not directly related to Netflix detection, this advanced encryption helps ensure your streaming activity remains private and secure long-term.
The long-term plans are the most affordable, with prices starting at $3.09 per month for the Basic plan. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can find out more in our NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
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2. Surfshark — Budget-Friendly VPN for Netflix
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Surfshark is an affordable option for streaming Netflix, with plans starting at just $2.19 per month. The unlimited connections let you watch Netflix on many platforms and share VPN access with your household.
You’ll also benefit from private DNS, which routes your traffic through Surfshark’s DNS servers to avoid leaks that prompt the Netflix error.
Surfshark’s Nexus network optimizes your connection by dynamically choosing the best entry point (where your data meets the VPN network) and exit point (the server you use to access content) depending on your online destination.
This reduces lag, prevents server congestion and ensures smoother streaming. It also makes it harder for Netflix to detect your VPN usage and reduces the likelihood of encountering proxy errors.
You can read our Surfshark review to learn more, or subscribe to Surfshark to test it for yourself. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if it’s not right for you.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
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- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Best Netflix VPN for Beginners
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ExpressVPN’s intuitive apps are ideal for streaming Netflix. It takes just a few clicks to connect to a server and start watching. The apps are identical across devices, so it’s easy to watch Netflix on different platforms.
ExpressVPN also has MediaStreamer smart DNS. This reroutes DNS queries to bypass geo-restrictions, letting you view the Netflix U.S. library anywhere.
It also provides a smart DNS solution ideal for streaming Netflix on devices that don’t support VPN apps natively, such as Apple TV, gaming consoles and certain smart TVs. While it doesn’t provide the encryption of a full VPN connection, it effectively bypasses Netflix’s geo-restrictions.
During testing, we didn’t see any Netflix proxy error messages on ExpressVPN’s server connections. We recommend using the Lightway protocol for the best speeds and near-instant connections.
While ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than some alternatives (plans start at $4.99 per month), it’s good value considering its reliability and speeds. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its refund guarantee, or learn more in our ExpressVPN review.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
Honorable Mention
Though not in our top three, CyberGhost deserves mention for its dedicated streaming servers specifically optimized for Netflix. These specialized servers are regularly updated to maintain access to various Netflix libraries, including the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany and Japan, making it easier to connect to working servers without trial and error.
Netflix VPN Not Working? Here’s a Fix
Even the best VPNs occasionally encounter the dreaded Netflix proxy error code, but you can fix the issue by changing servers, switching protocols or testing other settings. Here are some top troubleshooting tips to get your VPN working so you can watch Netflix.
- Switch to a different server: Netflix may have detected and blocked the server you’re using. Switching to a different server in the same country often fixes the issue. This is usually as easy as disconnecting and reconnecting to the same VPN region.
- Clear your cache and cookies: Location data stored in your cache and cookies can trigger Netflix’s proxy detection. Clearing the data on your mobile device or browser removes any location information saved there.
- Check for WebRTC and DNS leaks: WebRTC and DNS leaks can expose your real IP address and location even when using a VPN, particularly when streaming Netflix in a browser. Most premium VPNs offer built-in DNS and WebRTC leak protection to prevent this issue.
- Use smart DNS: If standard VPN connections continue to trigger Netflix’s proxy detection, try using your VPN’s smart DNS feature. This routes your DNS requests through servers in different regions without encrypting your traffic, which can be more effective at bypassing Netflix’s VPN blocks.
- Update your VPN app: Keeping your VPN updated ensures you have the latest security tools and fixes for any bugs that could cause connection issues.
- Disable double VPN: Try disabling double VPN features if your provider offers them, as routing through multiple servers can sometimes trigger Netflix’s proxy detection systems.
- Use split tunneling: Enable split tunneling to route only your Netflix traffic through the VPN while allowing other applications to use your regular connection, potentially reducing the chance of proxy detection.
- Disable IPv6 on your device: VPNs don’t always route IPv6 traffic through the encrypted connection, which can cause Netflix to detect your true location. Check if your VPN allows you to disable or reroute IPv6 traffic (NordVPN and ExpressVPN do this automatically) or switch this off in your device settings.
On Windows, search for “view network connections,” right-click your connection, select “properties” and uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6.” On Mac, go to “system preferences” > “network” > “advanced” > “TCP/IP” and toggle off “configure IPv6.” - Try a different protocol: Changing connection protocols can sometimes help avoid detection by making your traffic appear more like regular internet traffic. NordLynx and WireGuard are good choices for this.
- Change port forwarding settings: Changing port forwarding settings in your VPN application might help bypass Netflix’s detection systems, as some ports are less scrutinized than others.
- Use a dedicated browser extension: Consider using dedicated browser extensions offered by VPNs like NordVPN instead of the full desktop app for a lighter, faster connection when streaming Netflix.
- Contact customer support: If all else fails, get in touch with customer support. An agent can tell you which servers are best for Netflix, or walk you through any app configurations needed to fix your connection.
Final Thoughts
It’s quick and easy to fix Netflix proxy error messages by using a VPN that works reliably with streaming platforms. The best VPN for the job is NordVPN, which not only excels at accessing Netflix without prompting errors but also works with Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer and other streaming sites.
Have you had proxy error issues when trying to stream Netflix securely? Which VPN software do you use to unblock Netflix? Have you used a free VPN to stream Netflix content successfully? Let us know in the comments below, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: Netflix VPN or Proxy Service Error
Netflix blocks VPNs and proxies to abide by copyright and broadcasting agreements that restrict content to specific locations. Proxy software can bypass geo-restrictions, so Netflix detects and bans it when it can.
Netflix detects VPN use by checking for IP addresses shared by multiple users, unusual traffic patterns or DNS traffic that doesn’t match the IP location information. Netflix also implements IP and DNS filtering as well as blocklists to identify and block known VPN servers.
First, clear your cache and cookies to remove any location data stored there. Then, connect to a private or dedicated proxy with a unique IP address. Avoid free or shared IPs, as these are more easily blocked. If this still fails, you’ll have an easier time using a VPN instead.
The best way to stop Netflix from detecting your VPN is to use a well-regarded service that regularly updates its IP addresses to stay ahead of the ban. You can also clear your browser’s cache and cookies for a better chance.netflix error