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How to Use NordVPN with Netflix & Fix It Not Working

Simon Migliano

Simon Migliano is a recognized world expert in VPNs. He's tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more.

Fact-checked by Callum TennentAdditional Research by Luke Williams

Our Verdict

NordVPN still works with Netflix. It unblocks US Netflix and 11 other regions, with fast streaming speeds on a range of devices including Firestick and Smart TVs. If NordVPN stops working with Netflix, try clearing your cache and third-party cookies, or connect to a different NordVPN server.

Illustration of a man in a NordVPN sweatshirt climbing through a device displaying the Netflix logo

Latest Update: Try our workarounds if NordVPN isn’t working with Netflix for you. If none work, then try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days, the best VPN for Netflix USA, UK, and Australia.

Netflix catalogs differ based on your geographical location. If you access the streaming service from the US, you’ll get the American library. In the UK, you’ll see Netflix UK.

The solution to bypass these geo-blocks is to use a VPN. High-quality VPNs spoof your geolocation and unblock Netflix content from other countries.

Since Netflix started blocking VPN traffic in 2016, it has become increasingly difficult to find VPNs that beat the Netflix ban.

We regularly test 64 VPNs with international Netflix libraries. Only a handful consistently work, and one of these services is NordVPN.

Quick Summary: Using NordVPN to Watch Netflix

  • Based on our latest unblocking tests, NordVPN works with 12 international Netflix regions including the US, UK, Japan, and South Korea.
  • Netflix identifies and blocks VPN server IP addresses. If the NordVPN server you’re using doesn’t work, try disconnecting from the VPN and then re-connecting to a different server in the same location.
  • Netflix error messages don’t always mean that NordVPN can’t unblock Netflix. It’s possible that there are other issues including an unstable internet connection, DNS issues, or third-party cookies exposing your real location.
  • SmartPlay is a hybrid of VPN and Smart DNS technologies that is automatically built into the NordVPN service. It changes the DNS server your traffic is routed through, which tricks websites into thinking your physical location is elsewhere.

Later in this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step how to watch Netflix with NordVPN and share our experience streaming with NordVPN.

We’ve also produced helpful troubleshooting tips in case NordVPN isn’t unblocking Netflix for you.

How to Watch Netflix with NordVPN

In the video below, we show you how to use NordVPN to watch Netflix:

How to unblock US Netflix using NordVPN.

In addition to the video tutorial above, we’ve created step-by-step instructions below on how to use NordVPN to unblock Netflix.

These steps explain how to access the American Netflix library from abroad, but you can follow the same process to unblock any one of the 12 Netflix catalogs that NordVPN unblocks.

Follow the steps below to watch Netflix using NordVPN:

  1. Sign up for NordVPN and select a subscription plan.

  2. Download and install the appropriate application for your device. NordVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and Linux. You can also install the VPN on your router, or use the VPN’s Smart DNS service on Apple TV and games consoles.

  3. Decide which Netflix content library you want to unblock.

  4. Connect to a VPN server in that location. Confirm the VPN has changed your IP address by using our What Is My IP checker tool.

  5. Navigate to Netflix and log into your account. Your desired Netflix library should appear.

  6. Select a video title and start streaming.

To quickly find the right server to connect to, see our list of NordVPN servers that work with Netflix.

Your Netflix subscription works in every country. You can use your existing account to watch content typically unavailable in your location.

If you encounter viewing problems, such as the Netflix proxy error, see our simple fixes to get NordVPN working again.

How to Fix NordVPN Not Working with Netflix

NordVPN is one of the few VPNs to unblock several Netflix regions. However, the streaming platform is always finding new ways to block VPN traffic.

Netflix’s streaming blocks are becoming so effective that they can affect NordVPN’s excellent content unblocking capabilities.

We’ve listed below simple workarounds to help you if your VPN isn’t working with Netflix. They’ll help you bypass the m7111-5059 Netflix proxy error and stream geo-blocked content.

“Oops, something went wrong… Streaming Error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”

How to unblock Netflix proxy error.

Netflix’s m7111-5059 “Streaming Error” message.

1. Connect to a Different Server

Netflix identifies IP addresses that belong to VPN servers and blacklists them. NordVPN overcomes this by operating a huge server network that is extremely difficult to block in its entirety.

However, individual servers can still make their way onto the blacklist, though. If the server you’re using has been blocked, try disconnecting from the VPN and then re-connecting to a different server.

Because you’ll be assigned a new IP address, this should solve the problem. However, you might have to try it a few times to find a server that works.

Thankfully, NordVPN’s server network is so large that you won’t even have to change location to do this. The service offers multiple VPN servers in each country.

See the list of some of NordVPN’s servers that we’ve verified to beat the geo-blockers.

EXPERT ADVICE: Connect to NordVPN servers which have the largest number next to them. These are the latest servers, therefore, they have the least chance of being blocked by Netflix.

2. Change Your Device’s DNS Servers

Another useful tactic is to make sure you’re using NordVPN’s DNS Servers. To do this:

  1. Close the Netflix app if you’re on mobile, or clear the browser’s cache if you’re on desktop.

  2. Restart the NordVPN application.

  3. Manually configure your device to use the following DNS server addresses: 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100. The NordVPN website explains how to do this on a number of different platforms.

  4. Restart your device and check your DNS servers.

  5. Open the NordVPN application and connect to a server.

  6. Navigate to Netflix and start streaming.

3. Contact NordVPN’s Customer Support Team

If all else fails, contact the NordVPN Customer Support Team.

NordVPN’s live chat service is one of the best we’ve tested. It’s available 24/7 and the agents are often helpful and prompt in their replies.

4. Use a VPN that reliably unblocks Netflix

Since the August 2021 Netflix VPN ban, most VPNs no longer work with Netflix. Even NordVPN stops working from time to time.

If our other troubleshooting steps don’t work, it means that Netflix has blocked all of NordVPN’s servers and you’ll have to get another VPN.

We’ve found that ExpressVPN is still the best Netflix VPN, and the only VPN that can always stream US Netflix. It also unblocks the Canada library, which NordVPN can’t access.

How Good Is NordVPN for Netflix?

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs we’ve reviewed, particularly for streaming Netflix.

NordVPN unblocking American Netflix from abroad

NordVPN worked reliably with US Netflix.

We regularly review NordVPN and can confirm it’s still one of the most effective VPNs at bypassing Netflix geo-restrictions.

Here’s a summary of NordVPN’s streaming strengths and weaknesses:

PROS CONS
  • Unblocks an impressive 12 Netflix regions
  • You can stream US Netflix using local servers
  • Great for streaming on your TV
  • Uses a fully-integrated Smart DNS feature
  • Has extremely fast connection speeds
  • Uses industry-leading security features
  • The company is openly committed to unblocking Netflix
  • Other VPNs can unblock more Netflix libraries
  • Doesn’t work as often with US Netflix as other top VPNs

In the section below, we’ll take a closer look at the features that make NordVPN such a good VPN for Netflix.

NordVPN Works with 12 Netflix Regions

We tested NordVPN in every Netflix region around the world and found that it unblocks the following 12 international catalogs:

  1. Australia
  2. Brazil
  3. France
  4. Germany
  5. Italy
  6. Japan
  7. Mexico
  8. Netherlands
  9. South Korea
  10. Switzerland
  11. United Kingdom (UK)
  12. United States (US)

This is much higher than average, and better than other top-tier VPNs. For example, NordVPN unblocks 2 more Netflix libraries than PIA.

While a few other paid VPNs can access more Netflix regions, NordVPN unblocks all the richest and in our opinion most important catalogs.

For instance, the VPN works with Netflix Japan, US, and UK – three of the most popular libraries among Netflix subscribers.

That said, if you enjoy watching more niche content, Windscribe VPN works in 32 regions.

Access to US Netflix on Local Servers

One excellent benefit of using NordVPN with Netflix is that it lets you unblock American Netflix from anywhere in the world.

Connect to a VPN server located outside of the countries listed above, and you’ll access the US library when you log into Netflix.

This is a huge bonus for users who don’t live near the US, because you can browse the largest content catalog without suffering slower speeds.

Generally, the closer you are to the VPN server, the faster your speeds will be. With this unique feature, NordVPN lets you enjoy local connection speeds while streaming US exclusive videos.

This sets NordVPN apart from many rival streaming VPNs, but the company is tight-lipped on how it works. All we know is NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature is responsible.

NordVPN’s SmartPlay Feature

SmartPlay is a hybrid of VPN and Smart DNS technologies that is automatically built into the NordVPN service.

Similar to a VPN, Smart DNS tricks websites into thinking your physical location is elsewhere to hide your true location and unblock region-restricted content.

To do this, a Smart DNS tool changes the DNS server your traffic is routed through.

Usually, the main drawbacks of Smart DNS tools are that they don’t encrypt web traffic, and can require some technical know-how to set up.

However, by combining Smart DNS with VPN software, and integrating it automatically, NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature appears to avoid these drawbacks.

Very Fast Connection Speeds

Beating Netflix’s blockers is impressive, but a VPN service also needs to have good enough connection speeds to stream effectively.

With poor connection speeds, you’ll be forced to watch low-quality video and endure a lot of buffering.

Netflix’s recommended minimum speeds are:

  • >3Mbps for Standard Definition quality (480p)
  • >5Mbps for High Definition quality (1080p)
  • >25Mbps for Ultra High Definition quality (4K)

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN services we’ve ever tested.

Every VPN slows down your internet speed to some degree, but the speed loss is barely noticeable when using NordVPN.

When connecting from the US to servers in the UK, we experienced an average speed loss of just 10% – where our normal download speed of 100Mbps dropped to 90Mbps after connecting to a server in London

These are impressive speeds for a long-distance VPN connection, and our tests show that NordVPN consistently performs well on other international connections:

Country City Speed Speed Loss
Australia Sydney 84Mbps 16%
Germany Berlin 92Mbps 8%
Japan Tokyo 89Mbps 11%
USA (West) Los Angeles 91Mbps 9%

These speeds make NordVPN an excellent choice for Netflix. Even with a modest home connection, you should be able to stream buffer-free and in Ultra HD.

EXPERT ADVICE: For the fastest speeds, use the NordLynx protocol and connect to a VPN server as close to your physical location as possible.

Huge Server Network

NordVPN has one of the largest server networks on the market. It runs 5,754 VPN servers spread across 60 countries.

Larger server networks are much harder for Netflix to completely ban.

Netflix blockers work by identifying and blacklisting IP addresses that belong to VPN servers. Therefore, the more VPN servers, the more likely you’ll find one that works.

Some of NordVPN’s servers also use obfuscation technology. Often, services like Netflix can see that traffic has been encrypted, and deduce it’s VPN traffic.

Obfuscation masks VPN encryption and makes your traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic. This prevents censorship systems from detecting your VPN connection.

To use obfuscation, select Obfuscated under Specialty Servers and choose your desired location from there.

NordVPN's obfuscated servers list

Which NordVPN Servers Currently Unblock Netflix?

Here is a list of NordVPN servers we recently tested that work with the specified Netflix region:

Country Server IDs
Brazil #76, #79, #80
India #82, #91, #96
Japan #523, #534, #549
UK #2016, #2097, #2173
US #5059, #6950 #9357