How to Solve Netflix Proxy Error with a VPN in 2024

Abeerah Hashim  - Security Expert
Last updated: January 1, 2024
Read time: 20 minutes
Share

If you are troubled by the Netflix Proxy Error, don’t worry. Read this article and learn how to unblock American content by using Virtual Private Network.

THE TAKEAWAYS

Streaming your desired Netflix libraries in the comfort of your home is the ultimate bliss for all binge-watchers. However, given Netflix’s geo-restrictions, this ideal situation remains a dream. While VPNs sound like a solution, Netflix applies robust anti-VPN technologies to prevent unblocking content. Nonetheless, using the workarounds explained in this guide, you can easily fix the Netflix proxy error and stream your favorite media anywhere.

Netflix is one of the biggest streaming libraries of today, featuring content from almost all major entertainment industries worldwide. That means this single platform hosts a huge content library through which it attracts users from over 190 countries worldwide.

Sadly, you can’t watch them all unless you use a proxy because Netflix has its own content accessibility restrictions in place.

Yet, this workaround has another dreaded consequence – Netflix proxy error!

You get this error whenever you use something (even a VPN) to bypass content restrictions.

Does it mean you can never watch Netflix the way you want?

No, you can! That’s what I have set up this guide for!

Today, you’ll learn how to bypass the Netflix proxy issue and stream your favorite content anytime, anywhere!

A quick guide to resolving Netflix proxy error

  1. Get a robust VPN: This is the most important thing since an average VPN or a proxy will continue to give you errors.
  2. Subscribe and set up the VPN: You must first register with your chosen VPN to subscribe to a specific plan (our number one recommendation here is ExpressVPN). Once done, you can then install the VPN client on your device.
  3. Connect to the right server: To unblock Netflix USA, you must connect to a fast-speed USA server.
  4. Resume Netflix streaming: Simple as that. A good VPN won’t show that annoying Netflix proxy error.

Why does a Netflix proxy error occur

Since the use of VPNs, especially free VPNs and proxies is common now, people frequently try to bypass content restrictions using these tools.

However, these free tools used to work in the past. However, as the violations became common, service providers like Netflix started implementing robust measures to detect and block such attempts.

These service providers are bound to implement content limitations due to copyright, licensing, government policies, and other issues. If users bypassed these restrictions with such tools, the service providers would suffer legal and financial losses.

That’s why you can no longer use a free VPN or a proxy to unblock Netflix. The service frequently detects and blocks all requests that it finds arriving from proxy or VPN networks. In turn, you get that annoying Netflix proxy error.

While this VPN-banning practice remains the same, it works differently on the Netflix website and app. Thus, depending on your platform, you should act accordingly to bypass VPN blocks and avoid Netflix proxy errors.

How does the Netflix website detect VPN

When you use the Netflix website for streaming, the site detects your location via your IP address. At this point, if you change your IP location, you should technically access Netflix content.

However, you instead receive a terrible proxy error because the website detects your IP spoofing tool. It happens because Netflix has seemingly built up a database of IP addresses belonging to VPNs and proxies. Thus, whenever your IP address matches with the one in their list, they simply block your request.

Nonetheless, bypassing these errors on a website is relatively easy. That’s because robust VPN services still succeed in offering tons of IP addresses to their customers. Thus, even if one of their IP addresses gets blocked, you’ll get another IP address from the same location.

Besides, you can also apply various other means on your devices to prevent the Netflix website from tracking you. So, you have a higher chance for an easy Netflix proxy error code m7111-5059 fix.

How the Netflix app detects proxy

The Netflix app is the other way to stream Netflix, which has become more common today. You can download the app right on your Android or iOS device (whether a smartphone or a tablet, etc.) and watch your favorite media on the go. It’s a truly useful resource for binge streamers to have the show running wherever they go.

Yet, a common problem here is that the Netflix app detects your IP location way more easily than the website. Therefore, you are more likely to get slapped with the Netflix proxy error despite using an otherwise good VPN.

That’s because the app employs DNS-level filtering to detect your location instead of just tracking your IP address. Now, you should only use a bold VPN that unblocks Netflix across all platforms.

Another viable option is to stop using the app and switch to the web version to resume your stream.

Best VPNs to avoid Netflix ban

Now, you must have realized that you can’t really continue using a general web proxy to bypass Netflix content blocking.

But what is the best VPN that I should use to avoid Netflix proxy errors? I hear you ask!

Though finding such a VPN is difficult, it isn’t impossible. You must thoroughly research the VPNs that definitely offer to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other such strict services.

Yet, if you’re short on time, you may check out our detailed guide on the best VPNs to unblock Netflix. Go through the features and select the VPN that best meets your requirements and budget.

Nonetheless, if you just want us to list the best of the best, then here are three VPNs that seldom give you a proxy error.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN new features block logo 120 by 120 now

One of the most resilient VPNs of today. Its huge server network and stealth browsing technology successfully evade VPN detection by aggressive websites like Netflix.

servers 3,000+ servers across 160 locations in 94 countries
encryption AES-256-bit encryption
protection DNS/IPv6 leak protection
P2P optimized servers P2P optimized servers
network lock feature Network-lock feature
Zero-logs policy Strict no-logs
live chat 24/7 customer support via live chat
simultaneous connections Allows up to 5 devices simultaneously
money-back guarantee 30-day money back guarantee
Pros
  • Huge network with global coverage
  • Fast-speed servers
  • Wide choice of locations
  • Easily works with Netflix and other streaming services
  • Supports all major device platforms
Cons
  • Some users may find it somewhat expensive
  • Lacks fancy features like double-VPN

ExpressVPN has established a huge network with global coverage that makes it work anywhere. Plus, it also employs stealth browsing technology that makes it seamlessly bypass Netflix VPN detection.

ExpressVPN currently boasts a network of over 3000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries. This makes the VPN lead all others with one of the widest choices of locations.

This global presence with diversified servers not only makes it perfect for unblocking Netflix. Rather it also works great for watching Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other location-based streaming services.

Also, with this huge network of servers, you don’t have to worry about Netflix proxy errors. The VPN can bypass all blocking attempts by Netflix and other such services.

Besides, you also don’t have to worry about data security when using ExpressVPN. That’s because it is a tested and audited no-logs VPN that simply does not care whether you use it to stream Netflix, protect your privacy, or for any other reason.

(But that doesn’t mean this VPN encourages any immoral digital activities. As a responsible internet user, you should only use helpful resources only for legit purposes.)

The VPN also clearly claims to unblock Netflix on its website. So, you won’t likely face any issues when streaming with it. Yet, if you do, you can simply switch to another server or reconnect your VPN and continue. (Also, check out this detailed guide to resolving Netflix errors with ExpressVPN to learn more.)

Apart from streaming, ExpressVPN also supports numerous activities that demand privacy. Moreover, it’s one of the few VPNs that continue to give a tough time to the Great Firewall of China.

You can easily test this VPN for feasibility by subscribing to one of their pricing plans. Don’t worry about your money, as it remains secure with ExpressVPN – thanks to their risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Curious to know more about this VPN? Check our detailed ExpressVPN review.


2. NordVPN

NordVPN for Streaming

Leveraging its massive network bearing multiple servers from the same locations and server obfuscation feature, NordVPN easily saves you from that annoying Netflix proxy error.

servers 5,400+ servers in 60 countries
P2P optimized servers Supports P2P sharing
encryption AES-256-bit encryption
Zero-logs policy Zero-logs policy
Kill switch Kill switch
protection DNS/IPv6 leak protection
live chat 24/7 live chat
simultaneous connections Allows up to 6 simultaneous devices
money-back guarantee 30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Large server network
  • Super-fast servers
  • Premium features like malware protection, double VPN, ad blocker, and more
  • Seamlessly unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
  • Supports all major device platforms
Cons
  • Relatively narrower choice of locations
  • The app layout isn’t catchy

NordVPN is another robust VPN that has established a thriving presence in the market for several years. The service providers are bold enough to stand for users’ privacy, and so, despite facing some unfortunate cybersecurity incidents, the VPN continues to boast a vast customer base.

Considering the choice of locations, NordVPN may appear to lag behind ExpressVPN as it offers only 59 locations. Yet, it still competes with the latter, with an even larger server network bearing over 5400 servers. This vast number makes the VPN perfect for bypassing regional blocking without fearing VPN bans.

For instance, NordVPN offers over 15 locations in the USA alone with over 1900 servers. Services like Netflix can’t easily block all of the servers from NordVPN.

That means if you wish to stream Netflix USA anywhere, you can easily connect to one of the NordVPN USA servers. And if you ever face trouble, simply switch your server and resume streaming.

This isn’t only true for Netflix and all other streaming platforms like Hulu, iPlayer, Disney Plus, and more.

Alongside streaming, you can also use NordVPN for many other privacy-oriented activities, like accessing foreign news, watching documentaries, evading government tracking, or bypassing ISP throttling.

Besides, NordVPN also works great in repressive regions like China. Plus, for the users, it offers stealth browsing features like robust encryption, obfuscated servers, and seamless Tor support. These features make your data indistinguishable from regular internet traffic. And so, you remain anonymous online without the surveillance authorities knowing your VPN use.

Want to try this one? Read along with our comprehensive NordVPN review to learn more about NordVPN features.

And if you’re truly attracted to it, go ahead to complete a stress-free subscription process with the VPN. You can do this all without fearing for your money, as the service provider keeps it safe with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For instance, if you subscribe to NordVPN to stream Netflix but continue to get that Netflix proxy error, simply ask for a refund from the service. Simple as that!


3. Surfshark

SurfsharkVPN

Boasting impressive evasive features like the Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode, Surfshark serves as a prompt Netflix proxy detection workaround.

servers 3,200+ servers in 65 countries
encryption AES-256-bit encryption
P2P optimized servers P2P servers
MultiHop mode MultiHop mode
protection DNS leak protection
Kill switch Automatic kill switch
Zero-logs policy Zero-logs policy
Camouflage mode Camouflage-mode
live chat 24/7 live chat support
simultaneous connections Allows unlimited simultaneous devices
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Extremely affordable pricing plans
  • Fast-speed servers
  • Offers numerous premium features like Clean Web security, double-VPN, and more
  • Unblocks Netflix and other major streaming platforms
  • Supports all major devices
Cons
  • Relatively fewer locations than ExpressVPN
  • Distant servers may offer slow speed

Despite being too new as compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN, Surfshark has managed to reserve a position among the best VPNs of today. Thanks to its robust security features to which, since its launch in 2018, the service provider has only made additions.

Currently, Surfshark offers even wider coverage than NordVPN. It offers server locations in 65 different countries with a modest network of 3200+ servers.

It means you can get plenty of locations with numerous servers in the same location as Surfshark. This is a must-have for every VPN, as the more servers it bears, the better it can withstand VPN detection.

Nonetheless, that’s not the only good thing about Surfshark.

Rather what makes it stand out among others is its typical stealth technology, the “Camouflage Mode.” This technology obfuscates your network traffic, thus making it indistinguishable from regular traffic. Neither the websites, online trackers, nor your ISP can detect that you’re using a VPN. Don’t you think this will also bypass Netflix’s proxy error?

But that is not enough!

Another thing that particularly benefits Android users in streaming Netflix without errors is its GPS spoofing technology. With this feature, you can simply spoof your GPS location with the Surfshark servers. In this way, whenever an app requests access to your location via GPS, it’ll read the VPN location as yours.

Using this feature, you can easily avoid the Netflix ban even with the app. Simply spoof your location, reset the Netflix app permissions, and start over. The app will now read the virtual location as yours, permitting your access.

Wondering if that’s all really true? Try this VPN with ease – thanks to their no-risk 30-day money-back guarantee. Also, on Android and iOS, you can enjoy a 7-day free trial to decide whether to pay for this service.

Whereas, if you wish to know more about this VPN in detail, check out our ultimate SurfsharkVPN review.


Fixing the Netflix proxy error using a VPN – the detailed guide

Now that you know which VPNs you should use to stream Netflix seamlessly, let’s move on to unblocking Netflix again.

Though, if you have previously used a VPN with Netflix, you might not face trouble using another VPN. In that case, you may simply skip this section.

However, if you haven’t used a VPN for that, have just used a proxy, or have simply watched Netflix via your local IP and are now interested in unblocking other content libraries, these steps will guide you through.

Bypass Netflix proxy error on PC

Now you know the ways through which you can bypass Netflix proxy error. You must have also selected an appropriate VPN by now that you will use to evade this error.

So, the next thing you need to learn is how actually to use this VPN to access Netflix.

Of course, this may seem easy to many of you. Yet, you might still be making a mistake in enabling the VPN and connecting to Netflix. That might have caused your existing VPN or proxy to fail as well.

Therefore, here I list these things in an easy step-by-step manner. Let’s get started.


1. Get a Netflix subscription

Netflix is typically a subscription-based service. You’re wrong if you think you can ever stream it without an account. You not only need to register with Netflix but also have to pay the subscription fee regardless of where you live.

If you live in one of the regions where Netflix is available (be it any streaming library), then you’re good to subscribe and pay for it.

Otherwise, you must change your IP location to access Netflix and create an account. You can take a look at this guide to unblocking Netflix anywhere to learn how to do that.

Once you subscribe to it, proceed to the next step.

2. Setup the VPN on your computer

After you select a good VPN service, subscribe to it and download the native app client for your PC.

Once downloaded, click on the setup executable for installation. Usually, it won’t require any input from you during this process. After the installation completes, you just have to enter your VPN account credentials to sign in to the app.

3. Connect to an appropriate server

After signing in, the next step is to connect to an appropriate server location.

Although, you’ll find a huge list of locations your VPN offers. You may also find the VPN recommending some fast-speed servers. Yet, you should connect to a location where your desired Netflix media library is available.

For example, connect to a USA server location to unblock Netflix USA. Whereas to access the Netflix UK library, connect to a UK server.

Some VPNs like Surfshark also show the current speed and server load indicator with the server list. So, you may choose a server with the fastest speed and less load.

Wait for your connection to establish before proceeding to the next step.

4. Start streaming via a web browser on a PC

Open the web browser on your Windows, Mac, or any other PC where you wish to stream Netflix.

Though, you may find a Netflix app to download on your PC. Yet, I advise you to use a web browser for streaming as it is relatively easy to bypass Netflix proxy error on a web browser than on an app. I have already explained this thing in detail earlier in this article.

So, open your web browser and check for possible IP leaks (You can also check your IP address for free using our IP tool here.) Though, most good VPNs offer adequate IP leak protection by default. Yet, it’s better to double-check your security before accessing an aggressive website like Netflix. If your IP address is being leaked online, you’ll likely face that Netflix proxy error again.

With an active VPN connection, your IP address should appear the same that your VPN shows. If that’s what you see, head on to the Netflix website, sign in to your account, and start streaming.

If you follow all these steps as given, you won’t really face trouble in streaming. Yet, if you get that proxy error, simply switch your VPN server and start over. It should now work smoothly.

Bypass Netflix proxy error on mobile devices

While your favorite streaming service – Netflix – might remain the same. However, it exhibits differences in how it behaves across different platforms.

That’s why I now share a separate step-by-step procedure to bypass Netflix proxy errors on mobile devices.


1. Subscribe to a VPN

Of course, that’s the basic step for you to begin with. Ideally, your chosen VPN provider should support your mobile device (whether Android or iOS) the same as it does for the PC. Yet, numerous VPN service providers offer different features for PC and mobile devices.

Therefore, before you pay, thoroughly research the features you’ll get with the VPN app on your mobile. Again, as you can see above, ExpressVPN is our number-one recommendation for Netflix streaming.

2. Set up the VPN client on the mobile device

After subscribing, go ahead to download the VPN app on your mobile device. You may get the genuine app from the app store, such as the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Once downloaded, give the app the requested permissions and wait until it gets installed. Usually, you don’t need to give any input at this point. Once it’s installed, sign in to the app to activate your VPN.

After that, if you have any apps that would cause trouble due to an IP conflict, such as your banking apps, you may have to adjust the app whitelist/split-tunneling feature before proceeding to the next step. (This is the most important feature after the kill switch that your VPN should offer to mobile users.)

3. Connect to the right server

After you’re done with VPN settings, scroll through the location list and connect to a server from your desired location. For example, connect to a US server to stream the Netflix USA library.

Once the connection establishes, go to your mobile web browser and check for potential IP leaks. If everything is okay, proceed to the next step.

4. Stream via the mobile web browser

Don’t close your mobile browser after the previous step. Rather, simply head on to the Netflix website.

As I explained earlier, the Netflix app has a more robust mechanism to detect your location. Thus, you have a higher chance of getting that frustrating Netflix proxy error with the app.

Therefore, you should instead choose to stream via your mobile web browser, just as you’d do on your PC. Sign in to your account and enjoy uninterrupted streaming.

P.S. If you wish, you may give your Netflix app a try. But make sure to clear the app data as a precaution.

How to troubleshoot recurrent Netflix proxy error

Although, subscribing to a VPN from a proxy or changing the VPN service to choose a more robust one turns out to be a viable option to get away with Netflix errors.

However, considering how vigilant Netflix remains in detecting and blocking proxies/VPNs, expect your streaming experience to suffer interruptions time and again.

While in most cases, you can resolve these errors simply by changing your existing VPN server.

Nonetheless, what if this workaround stops working? Or, what if it doesn’t work for you even for once?

As I already explained, Netflix employs different strategies to detect your location spoofing attempts. Thus, you cannot expect your VPN to fend off all those attempts adequately.

So, instead of losing hope, try these troubleshooting tips to get the Netflix errors fixed.

Reconnect your VPN

The first tip that may possibly resolve the Netflix proxy error on your device is to reconnect your VPN.

Though, if you have a kill switch, your IP address won’t be leaked to Netflix. Yet, in case this feature isn’t active or the VPN connection goes down for any technical reason, you may face errors. For example, your VPN may fail to auto-connect when you switch networks.

So, simply turn off the VPN connection and activate it again.


Switch to another server

If you continue facing trouble with one server, disconnect from it and connect to another server from the exact location. Most good VPNs of today surely offer more than two servers from popular locations like the USA.


Clear browser cache

If you’re streaming via the browser on your PC or mobile device (that you ideally should), halt your streaming session and clear your browser cache and cookies. You should now stream without interruptions.


Clear the Netflix app data

If you have the Netflix app installed on your device, PC, or mobile and used it previously, it’ll likely store some of the data. And this stored data will cause trouble even after you install a VPN.

So, if you can’t stream even after installing the VPN, turn off your VPN and your internet connection, clear the Netflix app data, and start over. That Netflix proxy error should now disappear.


Update your VPN app

If you have a good VPN app installed already, and it suddenly starts to give you errors while streaming, and you have tried all the above-given tips, then you may need to update the VPN app. Though, setting it up for automatic updates comes in handy. Yet, you can manually check for it to ensure you have the latest version running on your device.


Check if you have the right Netflix app installed

If you’re trying to stream via your app and it gives you errors, ensure you have the right app installed. That’s because – thanks to the popularity of Netflix – the perpetrators have dumped loads of fake, malicious apps on app stores mimicking Netflix. Owing to their similarity with the legit app, you’ll likely end up installing it on your device and falling prey to malware.

If you’re in doubt, go to the Netflix website and download the app again. Make sure that you have the VPN already active on your device. This will likely resolve the Netflix proxy error.


Check VPN app compatibility with your device

Sometimes, you may get streaming errors with VPN if you incidentally install the wrong version. Depending on your device’s OS version, the VPN may have launched a different app for it. So, ensure you have the right VPN app running on your device. You may also check the VPN provider’s website for information.


Look for a WiFi extender

Sometimes, the main reason triggering that irritating Netflix proxy error is neither your VPN nor the app. Instead, it’s your WiFi extender. That’s because your WiFi extender may leak your actual location to Netflix due to DNS data. This will continue despite an active VPN connection.

So, if you have a WiFi extender in place, either turn it off or configure your router settings to prevent this leak. You may also install the VPN client directly on your router so that your entire internet traffic would reroute via the VPN. This should definitely resolve the proxy error.


Contact VPN support

If you have tried all the fixes and nothing’s working, it’s time to contact VPN support. If your VPN provider offers 24/7 support via live chat (that it ideally should), then rest assured to get an easy Netflix proxy error code m7111-5059 fix from them soon.


How to stream on my Smart TV/Firestick without getting the Netflix proxy error?

If you love streaming on Fire devices, you can easily install a VPN on your Fire Stick, Fire TV, or Fire TV Cube. Most good VPNs, including the ones I recommended above, like ExpressVPN, offer dedicated VPN clients for Fire devices. Having one on your device should never give you any errors while streaming.

However, if this doesn’t work for you, or you cannot install the VPN on Firestick because the service provider doesn’t offer one, then you can set up the VPN on your router. This will make your entire network connected to the VPN. And so, any device connected to the router will automatically be connected to the VPN. This includes your Firestick too.

In fact, this workaround isn’t only applicable to Firesticks. Rather you can also use the same for your Smart TVs.

Conclusion

Okay, we have now ended our extensive guide to bypassing the Netflix proxy error.

I hope it won’t be a roller-coaster ride for you. Perhaps, it’s all about a bit of keenness towards unblocking Netflix that will help you resolve the streaming errors.

The key to eliminating this error is finding out what is causing it to appear. There should be something in your network that’s leaking your actual location to the Netflix service, in turn making it display errors.

So, if you keep an eye on every chain component, you can easily detect the culprit and resolve the matter.

In most cases, the reason behind such errors is a leaky VPN. So just switch to a better alternative, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark, to enjoy a smooth streaming experience no matter where you are.

All these VPNs offer dedicated VPN apps for mobile, PC, routers, and streaming devices alike, have robust anti-detection measures in place, offer a safe 30-day money-back guarantee, and have a smooth refund process. That means you can try these VPNs safely and see which one suits you the best.

Happy streaming!

FAQs

You don’t need a VPN if you can watch your favorite media on your existing IP location. But if you’re tired of ISP throttling while streaming or wish to unblock your favorite content to a location where it isn’t usually available, you certainly need a robust VPN.

Although, Netflix discourages the use of proxies or VPNs for streaming. It also blocks your access to the platform if it detects your proxy/VPN. Besides, it also threatens to block user accounts upon detecting a violation of its Terms of Service. Yet, there haven’t been any prominent cases until now where Netflix blocked a user account merely for using a VPN or proxy. So, while you should be careful about it, you don’t have to worry about losing your account.

Technically, yes. But, ideally, you shouldn’t. That’s because free VPNs are very easy for Netflix to detect and block. Also, most free VPNs do not provide enough bandwidth to support streaming. This is all in addition to the underlying security risks of free VPNs.

While VPNs offer unblocking content, they aren’t meant for it. Rather VPNs are considered a typical security tool for privacy-savvy users. Whereas proxies and unblockers are typically aimed at unblocking restricted content. That’s why whenever Netflix finds the use of such a tool that strives to unblock its media library, it simply labels it as an “unblocker” or “proxy” and blocks it.

Yes, you can. But ensure that your VPN offers a feature like split tunneling or app whitelisting. You can then configure the Netflix app on it to bypass the VPN tunnel. However, if you wish to stream via your web browser, you must whitelist that browser on your VPN.

Share this article

About the Author

Abeerah Hashim

Abeerah Hashim

Security Expert
166 Posts

Abeerah is a passionate technology blogger and cybersecurity enthusiast. She yearns to know everything about the latest technology developments. Specifically, she’s crazy about the three C’s; computing, cybersecurity, and communication. When she is not writing, she’s reading about the tech world.

More from Abeerah Hashim

Comments

No comments.