Unfortunately for many VPN users, VPN detection technology is advancing rapidly. If you were able to access certain streaming services using a VPN in the past, it might not be possible now. While traveling abroad, if you’re having trouble accessing your home Netflix account with Overplay, the harsh reality is that this VPN service no longer works with the platform.
After Netflix began intermittently blocking Overplay’s smart DNS proxy and VPN services, the company seems to have thrown in the towel. It has even gone ahead and scrubbed any mention of Netflix from its website.
If you’re looking to quickly find out which VPNs still work with Netflix when you’re traveling, we’ve rounded up our top recommendations below. If you’re currently trying to use Overplay with Netflix, you will find it isn’t working and will need an alternative.
Best VPNs for Netflix:
- NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix. Works reliably with American Netflix plus Netflix UK, AU, JP, and CA, among others. One of the fastest services available on the market. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Netflix. A reliable way to securely stream Netflix from abroad. Supports the super fast WireGuard protocol.
- ExpressVPN: A fast, privacy-conscious service that works with a huge range of Netflix libraries.
- CyberGhost: Works well with Netflix. Apps are easy for beginners to use.
- PrivateVPN: Impressive speeds and apps for all platforms that work to access 20+ Netflix regions.
- IPVanish: Works with US and UK Netflix on desktop, Android, and iOS.
How to sign in to Netflix with a VPN
Despite the challenges that some VPNs experience with Netflix, the set up process is usually fairly straightforward. By following the steps highlighted below, you’ll be up and running in a matter of minutes.
There are no hidden terms. Just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t the right fit for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Here’s how to sign in to Netflix with a VPN:
- Sign up with a VPN that works with Netflix. We recommend NordVPN, although Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two highly reliable alternatives for streaming.
- Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device. Note that with the VPNs listed in this post, you can connect multiple devices at once.
- Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in the UK or US. This is how you get an IP address for accessing and streaming from anywhere.
- Go to Netflix via the web or the app and sign in. All content should now be available to stream regardless of your location.
- You shouldn’t have any issues with the VPNs recommended in this post. However, if you do, be sure to try some of the potential solutions listed further below.
How to fix VPN errors and securely access Netflix
The VPNs recommended above are fairly simple to use. However, should something go wrong, finding the root cause can take a great deal of trial and error. That said, if you follow the steps laid out below, you should be able to use Netflix while connected without any errors or playback issues.
Here’s how to fix VPN errors and securely access Netflix:
- Pick the appropriate VPN: Every VPN strives to be able to access Netflix as it’s such a popular streaming service. However, most providers lack the necessary resources to reliably come up with workarounds as the platform develops its VPN detection techniques. That’s why we strongly advise you to use NordVPN. For many years, it has continually worked with this service.
- Clear your cookies: Clear the cookies, cache, and history in your Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser. This is a crucial step and one that you should repeat after any failed attempt to access Netflix. Old location data can lead to a wide range of problems, including Netflix failing to recognize when you’ve traveled from one country to another.
- Make sure you’re connected to the right servers: It’s easy to overlook the simple things. That’s why we recommend making sure that you’re actually using a server in the right location. After all, you’re not going to be able to access Netflix US if you’re connected to a British VPN server.
- Switch to a different browser: It’s not exactly clear why, but sometimes a VPN that has been detected in one browser can access Netflix freely in another. This might be due to old cookies, as mentioned above, or even different permissions.
- Try a few different servers in the same location: Try doing a speed test first if you can play video but are experiencing lag, stuttering, or buffering. If your base speeds are satisfactory, the next step is to rule out any potential server issues. It’s important to keep in mind that servers located near your physical location typically deliver the best performance.
- Turn on your VPN’s stealth mode: Few VPNs still have the ability to avoid detection, and those that do frequently provide traffic scrambling or obfuscation. In many cases, you may be able to activate stealth mode for this in the settings menu.
- Contact customer support: If, after troubleshooting for a while, you’re still unable to access Netflix with the VPN active, your best bet is to get in touch with your VPN’s support team. Most major providers offer free 24/7 support over live chat, so it couldn’t be easier to get help.
Plus, there are far too many security issues associated with free VPNs for them to be considered a viable option. A 2020 study showed that nearly 40 percent of free iOS VPN apps leaked some form of identifiable information such as the source IP address or even passwords. Some free VPNs have even been known to log your browsing data and sell it to third parties. Luckily, you can easily avoid all of this by signing up with a reputable, paid VPN provider such as one of those listed above.
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