Solved — Netflix Error “You Seem to Be Using Unblocker/Proxy”
Netflix has impressive proxy detection technology designed to protect its copyrighted content from being viewed in non-broadcast locations. If Netflix detects a VPN or proxy connection, it’ll show an error message like this:
Pardon the interruption
You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again. For more help, visit netflix.com/proxy.
Error Code: M7111-5059
While it’s legal to use a VPN to watch Netflix securely, many don’t work with the service due to Netflix’s proxy technology. However, our global team has found several working options, with ExpressVPN being the top choice for streaming. You can try ExpressVPN with Netflix risk-free and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied with its performance.
How to Fix the Netflix Proxy Error in 3 Easy Steps
The best way to avoid the Netflix proxy error is to get a reliable VPN that has been tested and works with Netflix. After that, streaming your favorite content will be easy:
- Get a reliable VPN that works with Netflix. I recommend you try ExpressVPN with Netflix as it’s proven to work with the service.
- Connect to a local server. Your VPN can choose the best server automatically, so you don’t have to manually pick a connection.
- Start watching your favorite Netflix shows!
Important! The recommended VPNs have strict zero-log policies, so they won’t log or store your online activity. It is solely up to you to use your VPN responsibly. My team and I do not condone violating copyright or terms of use — please abide by all applicable rules and regulations.
Quick Guide: Best VPNs That Work With Netflix
- ExpressVPN – Works with Netflix reliably, with fast speeds for buffer-free streaming.
- CyberGhost – Has optimized servers for streaming Netflix in some countries, but regular servers are much slower.
- Private Internet Access – Large server network helps avoid user congestion, but doesn’t always work with Netflix on the first try.
Stream Netflix with ExpressVPNVPN
3 Best VPNs to Watch Netflix Without the Proxy Error in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Watch Netflix Lag-Free With Fast Streaming Speeds
Key Features:
- 3,000+ fast servers in 105+ countries
- Unlimited bandwidth for fast streaming speeds with no lag or buffering
- Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support through live chat and email available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN’s server network is reliable for streaming Netflix lag-free. During tests, our global team members connected to multiple servers in their respective locations. They never encountered the Netflix proxy error during this extensive testing.
What I like best about ExpressVPN is its fast server speeds for smooth Netflix streaming. When our international team ran speed tests, they recorded a tiny speed reduction of just 18% — more than enough for UHD streaming. This means you’ll always get a smooth streaming experience with ExpressVPN.
One minor issue I had with ExpressVPN was that it only allows up to 8 simultaneous device connections. This was not a big problem for me because I only ever log on to 2-3 devices at the same time. However, if you plan on sharing your account with family and friends, this might limit the number of people who can use your account.
You can always try ExpressVPN with Netflix to test out its fast speeds and reliability for yourself. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if you’re not 100% satisfied with its performance. When I contacted its customer service department, they immediately processed my request for a refund – I even got my money back in 5 days.
ExpressVPN works with: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, Fubo TV, Hulu, HBO, ESPN, and more
ExpressVPN is compatible with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Android TV, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Fire Stick, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and routers
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost – Specialized Servers For Watching Netflix
Key Features:
- 11,800+ servers in 100 countries with optimized servers for Netflix US, UK, Germany, Japan, and France
- Unlimited bandwidth for consistently fast streaming
- Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support through live chat and email available
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost features streaming-optimized servers for Netflix for residents of the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and France. Just search for the “For streaming” tab on the left panel and connect to the streaming-optimized server in your country. It only takes a few seconds to connect before you can start streaming with minimal buffering and no lag.
Unfortunately, CyberGhost does not have streaming-optimized servers in any other countries. Our global team tried using its regular servers, but they didn’t always work. This could be a problem if you want to stream Netflix but don’t have an optimized server in your country.
If you’re not ready to commit to a long-term subscription, you can always test CyberGhost for free for 45 days during its money-back guarantee period. If you’re not fully satisfied with its features, just contact its customer service department and they’ll give you a refund.
CyberGhost works with: Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO, YouTubeTV, ESPN, NBC, and more
CyberGhost is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick & TV, and routers
Try CyberGhost for free for 45 days
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Large Server Network Avoids User Congestion When Streaming Netflix
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth for unrestricted streaming
- Connect up to unlimited devices simultaneously
- 24/7 email and chat customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA’s impressively large network avoids user congestion for streaming Netflix, even if you’re watching at peak traffic times (like evenings and weekends). WIth so many local servers to choose from, you’ll find a working connection for Netflix nearby to keep speeds reliably fast.
In terms of speed, PIA actually had decent speeds for smooth streaming on Netflix. During global tests, my colleagues found they had an average speed reduction of around 30%. It’s not the fastest VPN available, but the team could always stream in HD (if not UHD).
PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can use it to watch Netflix for free for 30 days. If you change your mind about it, just contact its customer service and they will process a refund for you.
PIA works with: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Now, and Disney+
PIA is compatible with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
4 Solutions If You Still See “You Seem to Be Using Unblocker/Proxy” With a VPN
- Change the web browser you’re using – It worked for me when I switched from Safari to Chrome.
- Clear your web browser cookies and cache – Then close and reopen your browser, and try logging on to Netflix again.
- Select a different VPN server in the same country – Sometimes it’s just the particular server that’s been blacklisted by Netflix. After changing servers, try refreshing Netflix again.
- Contact customer service — Speak to a representative and tell them that you want to watch Netflix but you keep getting an error message. Both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost have helpful 24/7 live chat services, and I’ve always received a response within 10 seconds.
Do note that if you’re using a low-quality VPN or free proxy server, these steps will not work. They don’t have the right software to work with Netflix, so you will need to use a tested and reliable VPN. Of the 24 VPNs tested, ExpressVPN had the most consistent performance. You can even test ExpressVPN risk-free to see if it works for you. If you’re not satisfied with the performance, you can get a refund with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
FAQs on Watching Netflix With a VPN
Is it easy to fix the Netflix proxy error?
Yes. If you use any of the VPNs on this list, you can watch Netflix without seeing the proxy error. Just log in, select a server in your country, and start streaming your favorite content. However, if you’re using a VPN that hasn’t been tested recently or doesn’t have the right software, you’re still likely to see the Netflix error message.
Which proxy services are able to bypass the Netflix proxy error?
In short, none. None won’t work, and even if they do — it won’t be reliable. If you want a quick solution, you can try any of the VPNs on this list.
Proxy services operate in a manner akin to VPNs, but they lack the additional encryption technology that provides an additional layer of camouflage for your data. This absence of enhanced privacy measures makes it easy for Netflix’s systems to identify proxy-generated traffic and block you.
Do free VPNs work with fixing the Netflix proxy error?
You might be able to, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Free VPNs simply don’t work with Netflix. During tests, it was impossible to watch Netflix with some of the better free VPNs like Tunnelbear and Hide.me. Even if you do find one that works, it might not work consistently. Furthermore, free VPNs often have servers that are overloaded with too many users. That means you’ll face long buffering times and severe lag while streaming.
If you’re looking for a free option, try any of the recommended VPNs on this list, which all have money-back guarantee periods. For instance, CyberGhost has a 45-day money-back guarantee period. This means you can use CyberGhost to stream Netflix for free for 45 days. It’s completely risk-free, and I was able to get a refund after contacting its customer service department.
Try CyberGhost for free with Netflix
How does Netflix detect that I’m using a VPN or proxy?
Blacklisting VPN IP Addresses
Every device that is connected to the internet is assigned a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. It functions similarly to a home address, as it helps devices to identify and communicate with one another. When you connect to a VPN, your device takes on the IP address of the VPN’s server while masking your real IP address.
Netflix constantly tracks down IP addresses that are linked to VPNs or proxy services and blacklists them. This is why you might have a VPN working one day and not the next, because Netflix is always looking for new IP addresses that it thinks may be used by a VPN.
Analyzing Your DNS Traffic
The Domain Name System (DNS) works like a phone book for the internet. When you type in a web address (www.example.com), DNS has to look up the IP address of the website to load the correct page for you.
Some VPNs do not route the DNS traffic through their own servers. That means it could expose your real location to Netflix as it will see that your IP address and the DNS server locations are different. Whenever it detects the mismatch, it will know that you’re using a VPN and send the proxy error.
Why does Netflix use the terms “unblocker” and “proxy” instead of “VPN”?
This is just a matter of terminology. When it uses the terms “unblocker” or “proxy”, it is referring to VPNs and any other service that redirects your internet traffic.
How do I stop the Netflix proxy error message on Smart TVs, Android, iPhone, or Fire Stick?
If you’re seeing the error code on your other devices, I recommend using ExpressVPN or CyberGhost for bypassing it. They all have native apps for Android, iPhones, Android TV, and Amazon Fire Stick, so set up is easy. (PIA has native apps for Android and iPhone). Just download the app, select your server, log on to Netflix, and start watching your favorite shows! All VPNs also have native apps for Windows and macOS, so you have many device options for watching Netflix.
Most VPNs don’t have native apps for other Smart TVs and AppleTV. So to watch Netflix on these devices, you will need to install the VPN on your router. When your Smart TV or AppleTV is linked to the router, it will automatically be connected to the VPN too.
What are the common Netflix proxy error codes and how do I fix it?
| Netflix error code | Why is it appearing? | How to fix it? |
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These error codes usually mean that your VPN has been detected by Netflix. |
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What do I do if I’m not using a proxy or VPN, but still getting the Netflix error?
Unfortunately, it’s possible that Netflix has mistakenly blacklisted your IP address. These are some things you can do to fix it:
- Try these solutions to see if it will help you to reset your system.
- Contact Netflix to inform them of your issue.
- Request a new IP address from your ISP – this would most likely be a static IP address which has other pros and cons.
Watch Netflix With a Reliable VPN
Don’t waste your money with a low-quality VPN or proxy service that does not work — I did, and it was a frustrating experience! Our international team ran extensive tests and found that the VPNs on this list work consistently with Netflix — you’ll never have to see that annoying proxy error!
If you can’t decide between the recommended services, I suggest you try ExpressVPN with Netflix. Every plan has a 30 money-back guarantee, so you can always ask for a refund from its customer service if you’re not completely satisfied. When I tested the refund policy, I got my money back in just 5 days! It’s a totally risk-free way to test it out.
