[SOLVED] Netflix Proxy Error Code m7111-5059 (Updated Fix)

If you’ve seen this error message, then you’ve met the dreaded Netflix proxy error: 

This often happens when Netflix detects that you’re using a VPN. While you can try a different server, it doesn’t always work if you’ve got a low-quality VPN.

The best solution is to use a VPN that’s been proven to get around Netflix’s error message. To save you time, I tested 45 VPNs with Netflix and I found the best choice is ExpressVPN. You don’t have to take my word for it though — you can use ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee to unblock Netflix risk-free for 30 days.

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How to Solve the Netflix m7111-5059 Error in 3 Easy Steps

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Quick Guide: VPNs That Still Fix the Netflix Proxy Error in March 2023

Avoid Netflix’s proxy error with ExpressVPN

Best VPNs to Bypass the Netflix Proxy Error in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Top-Tier Encryption Easily Unblocks Netflix From Anywhere

Outstanding!

Outstanding!

📍Servers	3000
📱Devices	5
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

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Key Features:

ExpressVPN’s best-in-class encryption and leak protection ensure that your VPN connection to Netflix goes undetected so you can access libraries from the US, Japan, Australia, the UK, and more. Thanks to its large server network, it can even get around tough restrictions in countries like China and the UAE — meaning you can rest assured that you’ll be able to unblock Netflix no matter where you travel. Just make sure that you have the app downloaded before you travel, as you may find the ExpressVPN website itself is inaccessible due to censorship.

During testing, I also found it gave me blazing-fast speeds for streaming. ExpressVPN always let me start streaming on Netflix immediately and I never experienced any buffering or lag. I ran speed tests using Ookla and discovered that my speed never dropped below 30Mbps, even when the server was over 14,000km away.

In addition to blazing-fast speeds and great streaming, ExpressVPN has helpful customer service that’s available to help you 24/7 via live chat and email. I was impressed with the representative’s helpfulness — when I asked the representative how to find the fastest server, she didn’t send me a link to an instruction guide. Rather, she walked me through the configuration process step-by-step until I was able to start streaming my favorite content. ExpressVPN really lives up to the level of service it promises!

The only downside is that ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than other premium VPNs. That’s why I recommend that you test it before committing to a long subscription. You can take advantage of ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it at no risk to you. Just make sure you request a refund before the 30 days are up and you’ll get your money back — no questions asked! I tested the guarantee and was relieved by how easy the process was. I connected with the live chat in less than a minute and they returned my money in 5 days.

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2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Netflix Helps You Avoid the Proxy Error

Outstanding!

Outstanding!

📍Servers	9740
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost’s optimized servers guarantee that you’ll be able to get around the Netflix proxy error every time you connect. They’re regularly updated by the CyberGhost team to ensure those particular servers (and IP addresses) haven’t been detected and blacklisted by Netflix. I tested them myself by connecting to the optimized Netflix server in all 5 locations — and I never got the proxy error message.

Since I’d never tried CyberGhost’s Netflix optimized servers before, I thought they would be difficult to use — but I was wrong. You can simply look through the “For streaming” server list or type “Netflix” into the search bar and let CyberGhost find them. I also like that CyberGhost offers specifically optimized servers for Fire Stick. Plus, you can even download CyberGhost directly to Fire Stick. This made it really easy to take my Fire Stick on vacation with me so I could stream Netflix from my hotel room!

When I tested CyberGhost, I found it was more than fast enough to stream Netflix in HD. Although its speeds weren’t quite as good as other VPN services on this list, I was still able to load content and watch it with minimal buffering.

Although CyberGhost has a large number of servers, it only offers optimized Netflix servers in a few locations (including the US, UK, and Germany). This was frustrating because I couldn’t always connect to Netflix in other countries with standard servers. When I contacted customer service, they recommended trying a different server in the same location. It didn’t take long for me to find a working server — but it would have saved me time if there were more optimized servers available.

CyberGhost is a great service to get around the Netflix proxy error, but I still think the best way to see if it works for you is to try it yourself. I recommend you test it using its 45-day money-back guarantee (that’s the longest policy available of any VPN on this list!). You can get your money back at any time if you decide you don’t want to commit to a plan. I got a refund by contacting customer service through the live chat — the agent was helpful and I had the money back in my account in 7 days.

Try CyberGhost free for 45 days

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Watch Any Netflix Region on Thousands of Global Servers

Outstanding!

Outstanding!

📍Servers	35000
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Commonly known as PIA, Private Internet Access offers an enormous server network for watching Netflix. PIA has expanded dramatically in recent years and now offers 35000+ servers in 84 countries (that’s not a typing error!). Approximately half of the servers are located in the US, which makes it perfect for getting around the US Netflix proxy streaming error.

Even though more servers usually means faster speeds and less connection errors, I experienced mixed results when I tested PIA with Netflix. I was happy to successfully stream Netflix US, UK, and Japan without being blocked by the proxy error. Occasionally there would be about 10-15 seconds of buffering at the beginning, but then I could watch an entire movie with no interruptions. However, I didn’t have as much luck with the servers I tested in German and Mexico.

You don’t have to take my word for it either. You can try PIA for yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee and test out Netflix on your own device. It’s easy to get a refund — just email the customer support team. When I tested the process myself, I got an approval over email in less than 12 hours and the money returned to my bank account within a week.

Try PIA free for 30 days

Still Getting the Error Even With a VPN? Try These Easy Fixes

If you’re using a VPN that isn’t on this list, it probably doesn’t have strong enough technology to beat Netflix’s detection. Simply swap your old VPN for a top provider like ExpressVPN to bypass blocks. But even if you use the best VPN available you may still get the proxy error sometimes. Here are simple solutions you can try if that happens:

1. Disconnect and reconnect with the VPN — Turning the service off and back on is often enough to fix the issue.
2. Clear your cache and cookies — Location data is sometimes stored in your browser cache and Netflix can see that information. In your browser settings, clear your cache and cookies. Then you can reopen Netflix while connected to the VPN server and try again.
3. Choose a different VPN server — Try connecting to a different VPN server in the same country. Refresh Netflix and see if you can now bypass the proxy error.
4. Make sure your VPN software is up to date — Download and install any available updates, reconnect to the VPN server, and try accessing Netflix.
5. Check to see if your location data is leaking — Your VPN should hide your IP address with its encrypted connection, but sometimes data can leak in other ways. Run a leak test and make sure that the only location detected is that of your VPN server.
6. Contact customer service — Speak to a support agent and ask which servers currently work with Netflix. ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat (as do other premium VPNs like CyberGhost) so you can expect a fast response.
7. Check whether you’re connected to a WiFi extender — DNS data from the extender may reveal your real location and cause the proxy error (even if you’ve connected to a VPN). You can install a VPN on your router or configure the extender’s DNS settings to resolve this problem.

Troubleshoot the Netflix Proxy Error on Android and iPhone

Regardless of whether you have an Android or iPhone, you’ll first need a VPN with proven ability to solve the proxy error. According to my extensive testing, the best service for unblocking Netflix is ExpressVPN for its advanced technology and broad device compatibility. I recommend you download the VPN app directly from the vendor site. When you get the VPN from an app store, you’ll have to deal with third-party vendor delays in the event you want a refund.

If you still have connection issues after activating your VPN, here are some suggestions:

• Check you’ve got the right Netflix app. Unfortunately, fake apps sometimes appear in app stores (especially on Google Play).
• Clear the Netflix app data and reinstall it. This will get rid of any pesky stored data (like location information) that might be causing the error.
• Make sure your device is compatible with the app. If you use an Android version between 4.4 Kit Kat and 7.1.2 Nougat, you’ll need to install this .apk version of the Netflix app. As long as your Apple device runs iOS 5.0 or later, it should work with the app available in the Apple App Store. If not, you can try connecting to Netflix’s mobile site via a browser.

Beat the Netflix Proxy Error on Smart TVs and Amazon Fire Stick

The easiest way to bypass the proxy error on smart TVs and Amazon Fire devices is to install the VPN on your router. This provides VPN encryption for every device you connect to your WiFi.

That being said, some top VPNs do have native apps for smart TVs and streaming devices. For instance, ExpressVPN provides a dedicated app for Android TV and Amazon Fire. If you have an Apple TV or LG Smart TV, you can also use ExpressVPN’s SmartDNS feature to change your device’s location by rerouting it through a private DNS server. However, this method only unblocks Netflix Originals (not global Netflix libraries).

FAQ: Watch Netflix From Anywhere With a VPN

Why does Netflix block VPNs?

Netflix blocks VPNs due to global copyright agreements (but there are some VPNs that can still bypass the blocks). Netflix has to purchase the rights to shows and movies for every country where it wants to provide programming. As a result, Netflix has to stop subscribers from using “unblockers” (like VPNs) to get content outside their designated country because it violates these copyright agreements.

In 2016, Netflix announced it would block VPNs and proxies:

The good news is that the best VPNs can still get around these blocks. That’s because premium providers like ExpressVPN have thousands of servers around the world and top-tier encryption to help you avoid detection. Even if a particular server gets banned by Netflix, you can switch to one of ExpressVPN’s other options to connect. These features mean that you’ll always be able to establish a reliable connection to stream Netflix with ExpressVPN.

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Can I use a free VPN to get around the Netflix proxy error?

Yes, but it can be dangerous. Netflix is extremely difficult for VPNs to unblock, so any VPN that does this for free will make you pay in other ways. I know this because I’ve tested the best free VPNs out there — none of them can afford to unblock Netflix for free while maintaining strong security and privacy standards.

If you’ve found a free VPN with access to Netflix, it’s most likely making a profit at your expense. The most common tactic is to display endless pop-up ads and implant trackers onto your device. Not all of these ads are harmless either. If you’re unlucky, you could click on ads secretly packed with malware.

Worse still, some free VPNs will even sell your browsing history and private data to the highest bidder. An example is Hola VPN, which was caught multiple times selling the private bandwidth of its users to unknown third-parties (even hackers!). Most users didn’t even know until it was too late and their personal information was already compromised.

I love free things as much as anybody, but I don’t believe the risks associated with free VPNs are worth saving a couple of dollars each month. If you only need a short-term option, you can always take advantage of CyberGhost’s money-back guarantee to watch Netflix for free for 45 days. Simply request a refund within this period and you can catch up on all your favorite shows without paying anything.

Does Netflix ban VPN users?

No. To date, my team and I haven’t heard of Netflix banning users simply for using a VPN. You’ll just be shown the annoying Netflix proxy error message, which prevents you from streaming any content (although there are ways to get around the block).

It’s worth being aware that the Terms of Service states that Netflix may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you’re engaged in “improper” use. However, it’s not clear what “improper” use means (and whether using a VPN falls under this category).

How does the Netflix proxy error work?

In short, the proxy error blocks you from using a VPN to change your Netflix location (but I’ve tested a few quality VPNs that still work). This is done to enforce Netflix’s copyright agreements for certain shows and movies.

Like other platforms, Netflix probably uses a combination of IP address blacklisting and DNS filtering to block proxy connections. Your IP address is a series of numbers assigned to your device that tell websites where it’s located. VPNs use encryption and redirection to mask your true location with an IP address from a VPN server. Normally, this fools websites about where you are.

However, some streaming platforms use advanced technology that may recognize that VPN-assigned IP addresses come from data centers, not private residences. Netflix often blacklists large ranges of non-residential IP addresses. That’s why you need a VPN with a large server network so that you have lots of IP address options to beat these blocks.

Netflix also uses DNS filtering to find out if your DNS server location and IP address come from the same location. When you connect to Netflix, your browser sends a DNS request to the server, which sends the IP address for the show or movie you want to watch to your device. If the VPN or proxy you use doesn’t reroute your DNS requests, Netflix can see that they don’t match your VPN-assigned IP address — and will block your access.

To outsmart Netflix’s detection technology, make sure to choose a high-quality VPN that masks your DNS request and IP address.

Why does Netflix say “unblocker” and “proxy” but not VPN?

Although Netflix doesn’t explain why they don’t include “VPN” in the error message, it’s probably because VPNs aren’t just for getting around content blocks. They’re designed primarily to provide you with privacy and security. On the other hand, proxy servers and unblocker services are mainly used to bypass restrictions.

When I searched on Netflix’s help pages for the proxy error, I found that the use of VPNs is addressed on a help section page:

Fortunately, services like ExpressVPN can still beat Netflix’s strong detection technology. This is because it uses the same level of encryption as military organizations and has DNS and IP leak protection to stop Netflix from seeing your location, DNS requests, and other private data.

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Netflix says I’m using a proxy, but I’m not — what should I do?

If Netflix is blocking you for using a VPN or proxy but you’re not connected to one, there are a couple of ways you can resolve the proxy error.

First, try connecting to Netflix on a different device while using the same WiFi network. If you can access Netflix without seeing the proxy error, the issue is with your original device. You can try restarting it and reinstalling the Netflix app.

If Netflix still doesn’t work on a different device, you may have a problem with your IP address. One of the main causes for this error is malware. Try using trusted antivirus software to see if you can locate and remove the malicious files. Once deleted, you can restart your device and try to access Netflix again.

If there’s no malware on your device, Netflix may have blocked your IP address incorrectly. You can get in touch with your ISP and ask them to contact Netflix to see if your IP address has been whitelisted. Unfortunately, this could take a long time to resolve — if you don’t want to wait, you can use a quality VPN to get around Netflix’s blocks. A service like ExpressVPN will mask your blocked IP address so you can start streaming Netflix fast.

Why is Netflix better with a VPN?

Netflix offers different movies and TV shows in every country — the best VPNs will give you access to the Netflix content you want no matter where you are.

It’s frustrating when I can’t watch some of the most popular programs on Netflix just because I don’t live in the right country. My local UK Netflix library isn’t bad, but it’s significantly smaller than US Netflix. I also like to access new releases right away rather than waiting. I think it’s really unfair that I pay for a full subscription but I don’t get access to all the same content at the same time because of where I live.

With a VPN, you can easily watch content that’s exclusive to Netflix libraries in the US, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, and other countries. I recommend you try ExpressVPN for its blazing-fast streaming speeds and a huge network of global servers. Plus, you can even try it risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Netflix with ExpressVPN today

Can I use a proxy with Netflix?

Netflix is extremely good at detecting and blocking proxies. I’ve tested dozens of providers and even the best proxy servers can’t get around its detection.

While a proxy masks your IP address and reroutes your connection through a different server, it doesn’t encrypt your connection like a VPN does. Without encryption, it’s much easier for Netflix to see that the connection is a proxy and block it.

A VPN’s encryption and other security features make it much harder for Netflix to detect. Plus, a VPN’s secure connection will protect you from other prying eyes and dangers on the internet too!

Can I connect to a VPN and still watch my local Netflix?

Yes, but only with a VPN that has a split tunneling or white-listing feature.

The top VPNs on this list offer these features. These configurations allow you to pick what websites or apps are routed through your VPN connection and which aren’t. For example, you can choose Netflix to be exempt from VPN coverage so the app or website will work as if your VPN were off. This gives you access to your local Netflix library but can let you access all other sites through the VPN.

ExpressVPN offers a split tunneling feature on its native Windows, Android, and Android TV apps. I tested it on my Windows PC and Samsung Galaxy S10 smartphone, and I could watch global Netflix while still browsing my local news sites. You can turn on split tunneling by clicking on the “Settings” gear icon in the app.

How can I watch Netflix in a hotel or when I’m traveling?

It’s easy to watch Netflix when you’re abroad — just make sure you download a high-quality VPN to your devices before you travel. If you wait until you’re in a country with tough censorship or surveillance, VPN vendor websites might be blocked.

I’d recommend ExpressVPN because it’s one of the best VPNs for Windows devices, MacBooks, Android smartphones, iPhones, and other portable devices. If you have a Smart TV where you’re going, you can also use a Fire Stick with ExpressVPN to access the Netflix content you want.

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Never See the Netflix Proxy Error Again With a Reliable VPN

Most services can’t bypass the constantly improving anti-VPN technology streaming platforms use. The only way around the error message is to use a VPN that has been proven to work with Netflix.

After testing over 45 VPNs, I found that ExpressVPN is the best at outsmarting the proxy error. Plus, you can even try ExpressVPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee. That means you can stream your Netflix favorites for a full month without having to commit to a long subscription plan. If you don’t need the VPN after that, you’ll be able to get a full refund like I did — I got mine in just 5 days.

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Summary: These Are the Best VPNs for Netflix in 2023

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

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1.

9.8

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

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$2.11 / month Save 84%

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3.

9.4

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$2.11 / month Save 82%

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