There are many reasons for IPVanish not working with Netflix. And the best part: most of them are easy to fix.
However, if you can’t access Netflix via your IPVanish app, you may need to switch to a better alternative.
In this quick guide, we’ll show you the most common technical issues that stop IPVanish from working with Netflix and how to fix them. If that doesn’t work, we have a list of alternative VPNs you can try.
How to stream Netflix with IPVanish
Let’s make sure you’ve got IPVanish set up correctly.
IPVanish has different apps for various Netflix-compatible devices. But the installation process is roughly the same on all of them:
- Sign up for IPVanish. You can try it risk-free using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Download the latest version of the app onto your favorite Netflix device.
- Connect to a VPN server in the Netflix location of your choice.
- Clear the cache and cookies on both your browser and Netflix.
- Sign into Netflix and stream as usual.
That’s it.
NOTE: It's crucial to clear your cache and cookies on any device or browser you’ve watched Netflix on. This step alone could be causing your issues accessing the service.
How well does IPVanish work with Netflix?
IPVanish is one of the best VPNs for Netflix, and usually works reliably with the streaming site.
Throughout our many tests, it has proven capable of accessing Netflix libraries worldwide and delivering buffer-free streaming.
IPVanish achieves this courtesy of its 5,800+ speed-optimized servers in 60+ countries – including all the most popular Netflix locations (the US, UK, Japan, etc.) and many smaller regional ones (Bulgaria and South Africa). Many servers are built for streaming, combining fast connections with airtight privacy to keep your location hidden.
IPVanish’s patented NordLynx VPN protocol delivers reliable connections, averaging 55 Mbps in our latest tests – fast enough for streaming in 4K HD. It also features SmartDNS technology, which allows you to stream on devices that don’t support VPNs, like your game consoles and smart TVs.
Why Isn’t IPVanish working with Netflix?
While IPVanish is one of the most powerful VPNs available, Netflix is constantly trying to thwart it and sometimes succeeds.
Every TV show and movie on Netflix is bound by local copyright laws, which dictate where it can (or can’t) be shown. Netflix is legally responsible for adhering to these laws and stopping people outside certain jurisdictions from viewing content.
For example, you’ve probably seen how much better Netflix US is than any other regional library, with hundreds of movies and shows not accessible from any other country. That’s because US copyright laws restrict Netflix from showing them anywhere else.
This is why Netflix invests heavily in blocking even the most advanced VPNs, including IPVanish, usually by identifying servers belonging to VPNs or looking for patterns that suggest VPN usage.
However, there are also some technical reasons why your IPVanish might not work with Netflix.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the most common reasons.
1. Netflix is reading old location data from your browser or device. Your old data will conflict with your current VPN data and cause an error on the Netflix app.
Solution: Clear your cache and cookies.
2. Netflix has identified and blocked the IPVanish server you’ve selected. It won’t accept connection requests from that server’s IP address. Luckily, IPVanish has numerous servers, and you can switch to another in the location.
Solution: Switch to another server in your desired location.
3. Netflix could use GPS information to establish your location. Mobile apps often log your location using GPS functions, such as when you open Google Maps. There is no way for IPVanish to hide this data.
Solution: Use a GPS spoofing app or access Netflix on your mobile browser.
4. IPVanish doesn’t have a server in your chosen country. IPVanish has a vast server network, but only in 60+ countries. If it doesn’t have a server in the country with a local Netflix library, you’ll be blocked from that content. For context, many top alternatives to IPVanish have servers in 90+ countries.
Solution: Switch to a VPN with servers in more countries than IPVanish, such as ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
Best alternative VPNs for streaming Netflix
The following VPNs are the best alternatives to IPVanish if you’re trying to access Netflix content.
We’ve tested each one for speed, server reliability, and compatibility with Netflix’s most popular libraries, and they excelled.
NordVPN is the best VPN for Netflix. It’s fast, secure, affordable, private, and even works in locations where VPNs are illegal. NordVPN is unrivaled when it comes to Netflix. It has a vast network of over 5,800 speed-optimized servers in 60+ countries. These are more than capable of delivering bufferless 4K HD streaming in most countries. Its patented NordLynx VPN protocol delivers super-fast, stable connections with speeds averaging 55 Mbps (based on our latest tests). This is more than enough for Netflix and every other streamer. NordVPN also has a SmartDNS feature, so you can stream on devices that don’t support VPNs, like game consoles and some smart TVs. You also benefit from industry-leading security. As you stream, you’ll be shielded behind 256-bit AES encryption (the same standard used by banks, governments, militaries, and spy agencies), automatic kill-switches that block your internet if your VPN connection is disrupted, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and much more. If IPVanish isn’t working with Netflix, switch to NordVPN on its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is the best budget VPN in the world. It offers unlimited device connections, 3,200+ fast servers, and excellent privacy tools. Surfshark is an excellent low-cost VPN that outperforms many more expensive competitors. It works with the most popular Netflix libraries – the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and many more – and delivers buffer-free HD streaming. Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous device connections is outstanding. A single subscription covers as many devices as you want, which makes it the best VPN for large families or groups of friends. And it's still cheaper than many inferior streaming VPNs. But don’t worry, Surfshark hasn’t sacrificed performance or security. It’s packed with impressive privacy tools that hide your location, identity, data, and online activities. Our favorites include the built-in ad blocker, malware detection, and obfuscated servers (they hide the fact you’re using a VPN – excellent for streaming Netflix). You can try Surfshark risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN is lightning-fast, offers airtight security, and delivers buffer-free streaming anywhere in the world. ExpressVPN has super-fast servers in 90+ countries, giving you crisp, buffer-free HD streaming and interrupted access to every popular global Netflix library. It’s also got some of the best security in the industry. You can rest assured that your data, identity, location, and browsing will never get hacked, leaked, tracked, or used against you. Along with industry-standard cybersecurity tools, ExpressVPN operates RAM-only servers that automatically wipe your browsing and location data after every VPN session. It’s HQ’d in the British Virgin Islands, one of the most private places on Earth, and volunteers for regular independent security audits. Test ExpressVPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost is beginner-friendly and affordable. And it's got dedicated Netflix servers in Germany, France, and the US – guaranteeing you access to the best shows and movies. CyberGhost has a massive network of 9,400+ servers in 90+ countries, covering almost every Netflix library imaginable. It’s also the most beginner-friendly VPN on this list. You can install CyberGhost on up to seven devices, with your settings pre-configured every time you download it. Your favorite Netflix servers, security and privacy settings, and preferences will instantly be available across all devices. CyberGhost struggles with torrenting and bypassing VPN restrictions in countries like the UAE and China. It also lacks obfuscated servers that hide your VPN from detection. However, it's a fantastic choice if you’re just looking for something to stream Netflix, without any other bells and whistles. You can try CyberGhost out using its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. Private Internet Access (PIA) is a 100% open-source alternative to IPVanish, with over 20,000 servers, excellent security, and lots of customization. PIA was built for torrenting and P2P, which means it’s focused on privacy above all else. It’s also lightweight enough to deliver fast, reliable downloads for large files. These features make it a superb VPN for streaming Netflix, too. We like that PIA is completely open-source. You can log into the code anytime and review it from your device. This probably won’t appeal if you’re just trying to stream Netflix, but it's a nice touch for the privacy nuts (like us!). PIA’s 20,000+ servers are also incredibly impressive. However, many of the servers are virtual rather than physical. This means they may not work with the most popular Netflix libraries. While PIA is based in the USA – a founding member of the secretive Five Eyes surveillance alliance – it follows a strict no-logs policy and never stores your data. PIA was taken to court in 2016 and 2018, and both times could not hand anything over even if it wanted to. Use PIA’s risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to see if it suits you. 1. NordVPN
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Do free VPNs work with Netflix?
Most free VPNs don’t work with Netflix because the streamer easily catches their limited servers.
However, that’s not the only reason we don’t recommend free VPNs. They come with a whole host of user experience and security concerns:
1. Limit your server locations. Most have servers in two to three countries that quickly get crowded with other free users.
2. Too slow for Netflix – or anything else. They either can’t deliver fast connections or throttle your connection so you eventually upgrade to their paid plan.
3. Come bundled with ads. They’re intrusive, irritating, and could be loaded with malware.
4. Sell your information to data brokers and advertisers. Your privacy will be compromised, and you can’t be sure what malware and trackers are installed on your device to track you.
5. Been caught hosting malware and hackers on their networks.
Plenty of excellent cheap VPNs work with Netflix and don’t compromise your safety or deliver bad service.
Save yourself a lot of headaches and stick to them.
How we tested IPVanish and others with Netflix
We use a long list of strict text criteria before recommending any VPN. Here’s a brief sample of what we look at:
- Server network: You need a VPN with thousands of servers across the globe to guarantee fast, reliable connections and access to content.
- Connection speeds: We tested every VPN to ensure it delivers fast, reliable, buffer-free HD streaming in numerous locations worldwide.
- Access to content: Make sure your VPN works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and every other streaming site.
- Security: The best VPNs offer military-grade encryption, advanced VPN protocols, leak protections, automatic kill-switches, and much more to keep you safe.
- Privacy: Look for a VPN based in a privacy-friendly location, using RAM-only servers, following strict no-logs policies, and volunteering for third-party audits.
- Value: VPNs don’t have to be expensive. We only recommend premium providers with low-cost plans and money-back guarantees.
- Ease of use: We only suggest beginner-friendly VPNs that are simple to configure or troubleshoot.
- Customer support: Premium VPNs offer live 24/7 support with human agents, comprehensive tutorials, YouTube channels, and more.
Look at our complete VPN review process to see the full list and use it to guide you when choosing a VPN for Netflix – or anything else.
FAQs
Conclusion
IPVanish does a marvelous job streaming international Netflix libraries. But, like all VPNs, you’ll occasionally experience issues.
The solutions we’ve listed should fix the issue.
If they don’t, the best alternative VPNs for Netflix will not only get you streaming again, but they’ll also give you a better VPN experience. Give NordVPN or ExpressVPN a try first using their 30-day money-back guarantees.
Or go through our other VPN reviews to find out which works for you.