Is your NordVPN app not working with Netflix? Don't worry. It's not a unique problem, and is usually easy to solve.
In this article, we'll show you the most common fixes for issues that prevent you from accessing Netflix using NordVPN. And if those don't work, we'll give you the best alternative VPNs to switch to.
How to stream Netflix with NordVPN
But first, let's make sure you have NordVPN configured correctly to work with Netflix.
NordVPN has many apps for devices that you probably use to watch Netflix, including some brands of smart TV. However, the process is generally the same for all of them.
Here's how to do it:
- Sign up for NordVPN. You'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.
- Download the app onto your preferred Netflix device. Make sure it's the latest version.
- Connect to a server in your desired Netflix location.
- Clear your browser or Netflix app cache and cookies.
- Open the Netflix app or sign in on your browser and stream as usual.
You're done!
It's crucial to clear your cache and cookies if Netflix logged your location in a previous session. If you're still unable to access Netflix now, try connecting to a different server.
Or, keep reading to find alternative VPNs that work with Netflix if NordVPN is completely blocked.
How well does NordVPN work with Netflix?
NordVPN 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.
NordVPN 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 guarantee your location remains hidden.
NordVPN'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 does NordVPN not work with Netflix?
While NordVPN 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 NordVPN, usually by identifying servers belonging to VPNs or looking for patterns that suggest VPN usage.
However, there are also some technical reasons why your NordVPN 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 NordVPN server you've selected. It won't accept connection requests from that server's IP address. Luckily, NordVPN 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 NordVPN to hide this data.
Solution: Use a GPS spoofing app or access Netflix on your mobile device's browser.
4. NordVPN doesn't have a server in your chosen country. NordVPN has a huge 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 NordVPN have servers in 90+ countries.
Solution: Switch to a VPN with servers in more countries than NordVPN, such as ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
The following VPNs are the best alternatives to NordVPN 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.
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, including:
- Free VPNs limit the number of locations you can access. Most have servers in two to three countries that quickly get crowded with other free users.
- Free VPNs are too slow for Netflix - or anything else. They either can't deliver fast connections or throttle you, so you eventually upgrade to a paid plan.
- Free VPNs come bundled with ads. They're intrusive, irritating, and could be loaded with malware.
- Free VPNs 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.
- Free VPNs have been caught hosting malware and hackers on their networks.
Plenty of 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 NordVPN and others with Netflix
We use a long list of strict 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 recommend beginner-friendly VPNs and 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
NordVPN isn’t the only VPN provider caught up in this cat-and-mouse game with Netflix. The streaming service will constantly develop methods to restrict VPN use. VPN providers will try to find ways around them.
If NordVPN isn’t working on your Netflix device, try the quick fixes suggested in this guide. If you still can’t access your favorite shows, you might need an alternative Netflix VPN, like ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
Or you can read our other VPN reviews to find out which is best suited for you.