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How to Use Proton VPN with Netflix & Fix It Not Working
Guide Summary
Proton VPN works with Netflix but you need a paid subscription (such as Plus or Unlimited), as the free tier doesn’t unblock streaming services.
Here’s how to start streaming:
- Subscribe to Proton VPN.
- Download and log into the app.
- Connect to a server in the country whose library you want to watch.
- Open Netflix and start streaming.
Proton VPN not working with Netflix? Avoid Secure Core servers, clear your browser cookies & cache, and make sure you update your app to the latest version.
Netflix doesn’t have the licensing agreements to distribute content in every country. As part of these contracts, users in different parts of the world have access to different content libraries.
However, you can use a VPN to unblock Netflix titles from other regions, by changing your IP address and location.
Proton VPN is one of the more reliable VPNs for Netflix, but it still fails sometimes. It doesn’t work with as many libraries as competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
I also tested Proton VPN’s free tier and found it doesn’t work with any Netflix library. This is very disappointing considering there are other free VPNs like PrivadoVPN and Windscribe that unblock multiple Netflix regions.
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How to Watch Netflix with Proton VPN
Here’s how to stream Netflix using Proton VPN:
- Subscribe to Proton VPN and Netflix if you haven’t already.
- Install Proton VPN and log in: You’ll need a Plus or Unlimited account. You can’t watch Netflix using Proton VPN’s free plan.
- Decide which Netflix region you want to unblock: If you want to unblock a specific film, try searching uNoGs for what country it’s streaming in.
- Connect to a Plus server in that country. Make sure you avoid using a Secure Core server.
- Clear cache on Netflix: Do this either by opening an Incognito window or by restarting your mobile or streaming device.
- Open Netflix and start streaming.
Or you can watch the quick tutorial video below, showing you how to watch US Netflix with Proton VPN.
Proton VPN is a fast and reliable VPN for unblocking US Netflix.
EXPERT TIP: You can use Proton VPN’s Profiles feature to bookmark VPN settings. When you find a server that works well with Netflix, create a Profile so you can quickly connect to it next time.
Is Proton VPN Good for Netflix?
Proton VPN’s ability to unblock Netflix varies depending on whether you’re using the paid or free version. With a paid account, I’ve consistently accessed US Netflix without issues. However, the free version has never managed to do the same.
Proton VPN’s Plus US servers are a reliable option for US Netflix.
You can read more about my personal experiences using both versions below.
Proton VPN Paid vs Free
Proton VPN claims you can watch Netflix on its servers in almost every country. After using both versions of the VPN extensively, I found this isn’t true.
Here’s a table comparing the free and paid version for Netflix performance:
As shown above, Proton VPN’s free plan is a bad choice for streaming Netflix. It doesn’t work with a single library I tested it with. This is a far cry from the free VPNs offered by competitors like Windscribe and PrivadoVPN, which unblock 5 and 2 libraries respectively.
On the other hand, my research confirmed Proton VPN’s paid version is a great VPN for streaming. It consistently works with US Netflix and 9 other regions, giving you access to thousands more films and TV shows.
Proton VPN works well with US Netflix.
However, other VPNs do unblock more Netflix regions than Proton VPN. For instance, ExpressVPN can access 8 more Netflix libraries, and NordVPN works with 7 more.
Fast Speeds for HD & 4K Streaming
To stream Netflix content in HD and 4K, a VPN must deliver fast speeds to prevent buffering and maintain high picture quality.
Thankfully, my latest speed tests reveal that Proton VPN is extremely fast.
We’re glad to find Proton VPN’s speeds are far above the 5Mbps speed bandwidth that Netflix recommends for streaming in HD and the 25Mbps needed for 4K streaming.
You can see the Proton VPN’s full speed test results in the table below:
EXPERT ADVICE: To get the fastest speeds from Proton VPN, use the WireGuard protocol and enable VPN Accelerator in settings.
Apps for Popular Devices but No Smart DNS
Proton VPN can unblock Netflix on its Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV and Fire TV apps.
Sadly, Proton VPN is lagging behind other Netflix VPNs by not offering Smart DNS functionality. Smart DNS lets you easily spoof your location to unblock Netflix on Smart TV and games consoles.
While you can install Proton VPN on your router to use it on devices that don’t support VPN applications, it’s a trickier process.
You’re better off using an alternative VPN with Smart DNS support, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
How to Fix Proton VPN Not Working with Netflix
When the VPN isn’t working with Netflix, you’ll either be limited Netflix originals, encounter a Netflix proxy error, or you’ll be unable to log in to your account.
Netflix’s ‘Pardon the interruption’ streaming error message.
Here are some simple ways to bypass the Netflix proxy error with Proton VPN:
1. Connect to a Compatible Country
In my testing, I found Proton VPN unblocks exactly 10 Netflix libraries.
If you want to watch Netflix title from a region not listed below, I recommend switching to a different VPN service because none of these workarounds will work.
My tests found that Proton VPN works with the following Netflix libraries:
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- India
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- UK
- United States
2. Connect to a Working VPN Server
Every Proton VPN server has a unique IP address. If one server in a country isn’t working, Netflix might have blocked the IP address from that specific VPN server.
To get a new IP address, disconnect from the server and reconnect to the same country. You can verify your new IP address with the address listed in the home screen of the app.
You also need to ensure that Secure Core servers are disabled in your app settings, as they never worked in my experience. To do so, click the pad lock symbol and select “Secure Core Off.”
For a more reliable connection to your desired Netflix library, connect to one of the following recommended servers:
| Netflix Library | Proton VPN Server |
|---|---|
| Australia | AU#279 (Perth) |
| Canada | CA#124 (Montreal) |
| France | FR#654 (Paris) |
| India | IN#20 |
| Italy | IT#29 (Milan) |
| Japan | JP#390 (Tokyo) |
| South Korea | KR#13 |
| Switzerland | CH#745 |
| US | US-NY#138 |
| UK | UK#273 (London) |
Make sure you turn off Secure Core before you stream Netflix.
3. Enable WebRTC Leak Protection
If you’re trying to access Netflix in a web browser, WebRTC may be leaking your true IP address and real location.
I recommend using Proton VPN’s Chrome extension, which has WebRTC leak protection enabled by default, instead of the Proton VPN app. With this method, I successfully unblocked US Netflix with the first US server we I.
Alternatively, you can add an extension like WebRTC Network Limiter, which prevents WebRTC leaks.
I used Proton VPN’s WebRTC leak protection on Chrome to unblock US Netflix.
4. Open Netflix in an Incognito Window
Some websites temporarily store location data in the form of cache and cookies. Consequently, if you change the VPN server location, your Netflix library may not update with it.
To fix this, open a new Incognito window in your web browser. Incognito mode is like starting over with a blank slate. None of your cache or cookies are carried over into the new window.
You can also allow Proton VPN’s extension in Incognito mode for the added convenience of not needing to leave the browser. Go to your extensions > Proton VPN > Details > Allow in Incognito.
Opening an incognito window is a quick and easy way to clear cache.
If you’re on Android, clear Netflix’s cache and cookie files from within the Settings app. On iOS, you’ll have to restart your device to clear cache and cookies.
5. Upgrade to a More Reliable VPN
Netflix’s VPN detection and banning techniques are extremely effective. While Proton VPN can unblock many libraries, there are even more reliable VPNs available.
My latest streaming tests have found that ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for Netflix, able to consistently unblock 18 Netflix regions.
You can read about alternatives to Proton VPN in the section below.
Alternatives to Proton VPN for Netflix
Proton VPN is a solid choice for streaming Netflix, but it has some flaws.
Unblocking 10 Netflix libraries is excellent, but it doesn’t compare to ExpressVPN and Netflix (which unblock 18 and 17 respectively).
Its free version also doesn’t work with Netflix at all. This is disappointing considering there are other free VPNs that do work with Netflix.
1. ExpressVPN: Reliably Streams 18 Netflix Libraries
ExpressVPN is a better VPN for Netflix than Proton VPN by every metric. ExpressVPN unblocks 8 more Netflix regions than Proton VPN, it’s faster, and it offers more compatibility with streaming devices.
ExpressVPN is my go-to for streaming US Netflix abroad.
Always Works with Popular Netflix Libraries
Over the last 10 years of testing, I’ve found ExpressVPN to be the most consistent with Netflix.
Unlike Proton VPN, ExpressVPN works seamlessly on nearly every server, eliminating the need to connect to specific ones to maintain access.
It also works with Netflix in Germany, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands, popular regions that Proton VPN fails to access.
Smart DNS & Apps for Every Streaming Device
ExpressVPN outshines Proton VPN when it comes to device compatibility.
ExpressVPN has user-friendly apps for all popular devices Proton VPN does and one more: a dedicated router app.
It also offers MediaStreamer (a Smart DNS service) that allows you to unblock US Netflix on Smart TVs and games consoles.
I also find ExpressVPN’s app to be much more intuitive and beginner-friendly.
2. Windscribe: Unblocks 5 Netflix Libraries
If you’re looking for an alternative to Proton VPN Free that actually unblocks Netflix, Windscribe Free is a great option. The free VPN works with 5 Netflix regions, including the UK library.
Windscribe’s free tier works with UK Netflix.
Much Better for Streaming
While Proton VPN Free doesn’t unblock a single Netflix library, Windscribe Free works in the UK, France, Germany, Romania, and Switzerland.
It also used to be able to unblock US Netflix, but its US servers have recently been blocked.
Unlike Proton VPN Free, it also works with other popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
Account Registration & 10GB Data Cap
Windscribe Free is the better VPN for unblocking Netflix. However, it comes with some limitations that are common in most free VPNs.
Firstly, it has a strict 10GB monthly data cap, which is average for a free VPN. To compare, Proton VPN Free offers unlimited data, but it can’t unblock a single Netflix library, so it’s useless for streaming.
Windscribe Free also requires all of its users to sign up with the service. This can be off-putting to some if you just want to set up a VPN in seconds.
However, we feel it’s worth the extra effort to sign up for a more effective service.
