When you’re all set for some well deserved Netflix binging nothing can be more irritating that this error:
Whoops, something went wrong…Streaming Error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.
Nobody likes to see this. People resort to VPNs as a way to stream content that Netflix has blocked in their region. Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable way to access blocked content, especially when streaming from restricted countries. Unfortunately, Netflix has gotten better at detecting and blocking private connections.
Most VPNs have had to play catch-up. Some eventually grew tired of this and no longer offer Netflix unblocking. The error on your screen means your connection has been cut off by Netflix because you’re using PIA such as a VPN to access the content.
If you’re wondering whether there’s a workaround for this, we’ve got one for you. Keep reading.
Understanding why Netflix blocks a VPN provider
For the average netizen, a VPN makes life easy. It keeps your connections private by encrypting connections. This way, it allows you to access restricted content in other countries, no matter where you’re located.
People like to keep their VPN online all the time. Once you start using one, you’ll want to cover your footprints on every significant transaction you make online. Be it browsing on Amazon, checking your bank balances or streaming videos from providers such as Netflix.
When you subscribe to a particular VPN provider, they’ll assign you an anonymous IP address to protect your identity online. But here’s the catch, that IP address is also shared by other customers of the same VPN provider.
IP address sharing is not a bad thing. It allows for anonymity. Since other users’ activity also comes through the same IP address, it’ll be hard for anyone monitoring your online activity to track you down. It’s also economical for the VPN provider. They don’t have to keep churning out new IP addresses.
However, the shared IP address makes it easier for Netflix- or any other streaming service-to detect whether you’re using a PIA. It will then block that IP address from accessing their servers. When this happens, you can’t access any restricted content unless you get a new IP.
How Netflix Blocks a VPN Provider
When a VPN user connects to the provider’s network, they’re assigned an IP address. But as we’ve seen, this address is used by other customers. The Netflix monitoring system is smart enough to detect multiple connections coming from a similar IP address. This indicates that the users may be using a VPN or proxy server for access. It then blocks that IP.
After this, an error pops up when you’re streaming. Of course, you’ll get angry. (Who wouldn’t!) Because you paid for a VPN to avoid problems of this kind. So you contact your VPN provider to vent. If they are quick to respond (most aren’t) they’ll appease you by assigning you a new IP address. It will work, but only for a while before Netflix blocks it again.
It’s like a game, where Netflix makes a move by blocking an IP. Your VPN provider then makes a counter move by assigning you a new IP. The whole vicious cycle then begins anew.
This may seem aggravating, but Netflix is within its rights to do this. Remember Netflix is a video-streaming provider, so they also have contracts with other content providers such as movie and television networks. Their terms of the agreement require them to stream the licensed content in certain areas only. For instance, your favorite movie might be available for viewing in the United States, but not in France or Spain.
If Netflix allows you to access restricted content through proxies, they’ll be violating the terms of the contract.
VPN Alternatives
Initially, any VPN could easily unblock geographical restrictions on Netflix’s content. Then in January 2016, Netflix began purging users who were relying on VPN and proxy services to access their servers. Most VPN providers couldn’t beat Netflix the Netflix algorithm. They realized they were fighting a losing battle.
It seems like Netflix has successfully blocked most VPN providers. Some no longer claim to unblock Netflix while listing the features they offer. This makes sense because not all Private Internet Access providers have enough resources to continue the chess game between them and Netflix. However, some e.g ExpressVPN, still have the muscle to do this.
Why ExpressVPN is the best option for blocked Netflix
Here are some of the perks that make Express VPN the best private internet access option for blocked Netflix.
Global Coverage
With over 1500 VPN servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN allows you to access geo-blocked content from anywhere around the world.
Fast Connection Speed
I’d say one of the strengths of ExpressVPN is the fast upload and download speeds, though this is relative to what your ISP provides. Usually, nearly 84% of what your normal ISP speeds. In most cases, this is enough to stream HD content, depending on what your ISP offers.
Guarantees Anonymity even for Payments
A good VPN provider should keep no user activity logs of any kind. That’s how you know they take your privacy seriously. Express VPN never logs your browsing history or any data you may have accessed. They don’t know where you’re located or what you were doing online when you were connected to their servers.
They also accept Bitcoin for payments, guaranteeing end to end anonymity.
Supports Different Platforms
Given that Netflix is available on different platforms such as computers, set-top boxes, and mobile, you are not restricted to a single device when using Express VPN. It offers cross-platform support by providing native apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux platforms, with a limit of up to three connections for each account.
You’ll also find browser extensions for Express VPN on Chrome, Firefox and Safari browser platforms.
You can also use Express VPN to protect every device in your home by using it with your router, thus protecting your internet connection for every device that connects to the router.
Customer Support
Sometimes you’ll need to contact your VPN provider through their customer support for queries or any other issues that you have. You want them to respond to you on time, and come up with a solution or informed response for your inquiry.
Unlike other online services providers whose customer care departments handle clients poorly, ExpressVPN takes care of its customers well. Its online portal offers support text chat, trouble ticket submission forms and a library full of informative content for frequently asked questions.
Affordable Pricing
A monthly subscription will run you $12.95 per month, which is discounted if you pay on a yearly or half-year basis.
Why we recommend it
You can stream your TV shows from anywhere without buffering. Occasionally, Netflix will discover an IP from a VPN provider but all you have to do is simply disconnect and reconnect to the same server and it will work just fine. You could also select a different server location.
If you need reliable private internet access, I’d say ExpressVPN is the way to go.
