Does IPVanish Work with Netflix in 2024?

Why Does Netflix Block VPN Connections?

Netflix offers content from other media companies to complement its Netflix Originals library.

The content from these media companies comes with copyrights, licensing, and other agreements.

These agreements stipulate that Netflix can broadcast a particular movie or TV show.

To avoid breaching the set contracts, Netflix uses geo-restriction techniques to offer content to regions where it is allowed.

Thus, it is necessary to block tools such as VPNs commonly used to bypass the geo-restriction blocks.

Take a look at our main guide on unblocking Netflix for solutions to this problem.

IPVanish vs. Netflix Blocks

IPVanish takes pride in its 40,000 plus IP addresses. Like most VPN services, IPVanish shares its IP addresses amongst its large user base.

Besides the economies of scale, sharing IP addresses is a robust way VPNs use to ensure privacy and anonymity among the subscribers.

That is, multiple subscribers use a single IP address. This makes it hard for prying eyes to trace the online activities associated with that IP address to a single subscriber.

However, shared IP addresses are the Achilles’ heel that Netflix exploits. This is one of the quickest ways Netflix uses to detect VPN traffic and block their connections.

Additionally, the Netflix detection system has blocklisted several VPN IP address ranges. This makes an entire VPN server unusable for unblocking Netflix.

Most VPNs overcome Netflix’s detection system by regularly updating their IP addresses, adding new ones, and using functionalities that make it hard for Netflix to detect VPN traffic.

IPVanish, on the other hand, isn’t implementing new techniques to bypass Netflix blocks. The streaming giant has blocked almost its entire IP address.

Netflix ‘Unblocker or Proxy’ Error while Using IPVanish

In most cases, Netflix shows you this error when it detects you are using a VPN or other tools that bypass Netflix blocks.

I often encountered this error when using IPVanish to unblock various Netflix catalogs.

Although I succeeded in unblocking US Netflix, I still got the same error on some servers. I’ll take you through some fixes I used to solve the error issue.

• Restart IPVanish: Disconnect, close the IPVanish app, relaunch it and connect to a server. Restarting the VPN solves unforeseen issues.
• Connect to a different server: Unblocking Netflix with IPVanish can be an arduous task unless you are watching US Netflix.

Even with the US servers, you may encounter errors. Try using these server locations; Ashburn, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York.

• Check for leaks: VPN leaks reveal your actual IP address, and thus you won’t be able to bypass Netflix blocks. IPVanish offers leak protection but does a leak test to be sure.

To perform a leak test, disconnect IPVanish and go to https://ipleak.net/ and note your IP address. Connect to a VPN server and recheck your IP address.

If you get the same IP address, the VPN is leaking.

• Clear Netflix app cache: Deleting the cache clears temporary data that may make the app show the previous Netflix catalog. You can also close and restart the Netflix app.
• Use a web browser: Most VPNs, including IPVanish, offer a robust desktop VPN experience.

Try watching Netflix using your computer’s browser if you have problems with the Netflix app. Remember to clear cookies or use incognito mode.

• Use a different protocol: Some IPVanish protocols may not work well with Netflix. Try using other available protocols and check whether you can bypass Netflix blocks.
• Contact the IPVanish support team: If the above fixes don’t solve the Netflix proxy issue, the IPVanish customer service may offer a solution or a recommendation on what server to use.

IPVanish Stand on Streaming

IPVanish seems to have conceded the unblocking game. Gaining access to streaming services is not one of their priorities.

From the support articles, I found that IPVanish recommends using the split tunneling feature to watch Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video while protecting your other internet traffic.

When I talked with IPVanish customer support about the Netflix unblocking issue, I got the following response:

This means you can only watch your regional Netflix catalog while using IPVanish. In other words, IPVanish won’t be helpful if you want to unblock other Netflix catalogs.

On the bright side, you can still use IPVanish for other online tasks, such as protecting your online privacy, unblocking websites, and torrenting.

The Best VPN Alternatives that Work with Netflix

The Netflix crackdown on VPNs has affected many VPN providers. Like IPVanish, many VPN services only unblock a few Netflix catalogs.

Others don’t work at all, or it’s a hit-or-miss game that involves testing which servers are working with Netflix.
Nonetheless, you don’t have to worry about looking for VPNs that unblock most Netflix catalogs. I have made things easier for you.

After testing various VPNs that claim to unblock Netflix, I have found that VPNs are still reliable for unblocking.

Here are the top VPN alternatives that you can use to stream various Netflix catalogs without errors. You can also use these VPNs for other online tasks.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our number-one VPN service for unblocking Netflix catalogs worldwide. This VPN has shown consistent efforts regarding unblocking Netflix even with the ongoing Netflix VPN crackdown.

This VPN boasts ample server coverage in 94 countries. The server network is optimized to provide blazing speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and bypass ISP throttling.

Its proprietary Lightway protocol is engineered to offer a reliable VPN experience. You can enjoy high-quality streams without buffering.

Most servers work with Netflix and other streaming services such as Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, Disney, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, iTV, and other regional streaming services.

Feel free to contact ExpressVPN customer service if you get an error while streaming Netflix content.

ExpressVPN offers 24/7 support through live chat, email, and the support center.

ExpressVPN provides seamless access to Netflix on almost every device. It has dedicated VPN apps for every platform, including Fire TV Stick.

There’s also a MediaStreamer – SmartDNS – for devices that don’t support VPN apps.

The apps are easy to use and straightforward. Most of the functionalities are under the hood, and you don’t have to worry about configuring the VPN.

This VPN service offers impeccable security and privacy through AES-256-bit encryption, a network lock, leak protection, private DNS, split tunneling, and TrustedServer technology (RAM-based VPN servers).

ExpressVPN is a no-log VPN service; it doesn’t keep activity or connection logs. Its subscriptions carry a 30-day money-back guarantee and a simultaneous connection of up to 5 devices.

Private Internet Access VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) is among the best alternative VPN service for streaming Netflix catalogs.

Although this VPN is about privacy and security, it is suitable for other online tasks such as streaming and torrenting.

It has next-gen high-speed servers in more than 84 countries. This coverage ensures you can access content from anywhere.

Some servers are dedicated to streaming content from services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and Prime Video, among others.

Find more info on the above in our guides on finding a Disney+ VPN and VPN for Hulu.

PIA VPN supports various Netflix catalogs depending on the availability of a streaming server in a particular region.

These streaming servers are clearly labeled on the VPN apps server list. If you run into issues while streaming using a particular server, take note of the IP address in use and inform the PIA support team.

The support team will advise you on the next course of action. Reporting the IP address ensures that PIA VPN will replace it as soon as possible.

PIA VPN offers excellent security, and you can tweak its encryption settings to either 128-bit or 256-bit AES.

This VPN service offers an advanced kill switch, split tunneling, dedicated IP, open-source software, and the latest WireGuard protocol.

PIA VPN doesn’t collect logs, and although it is based in the US, it is among the few VPNs to prove its no-log policy in a court of law.

Its VPN apps sport an intuitive interface, and they are user-friendly. PIA VPN also offers a Smart DNS for smart TVs and other smart devices.

This VPN service offers 10 simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee on its subscription plans.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for unblocking and streaming content from many online services. This VPN has a massive network of 8900 servers in 90-plus countries.

Unlike many VPN services, CyberGhost offers ultra-fast servers, categorized according to their functionalities in its VPN apps.

You get easy access to all dedicated IP servers, No-Spy servers, torrenting servers, and streaming servers.

The streaming servers are optimized to unblock streaming services associated with the region the servers are located.

Thus, you can unblock various Netflix catalogs and other services such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Youtube, Disney plus, regional services, and sports.

Check out our VPN guide on how to watch the BBC iPlayer in the USA for more info.

The ultra-fast servers offer the highest possible speeds coupled with unlimited bandwidth. You can stream in high quality without buffering issues.

The VPN service offers a simultaneous connection of up to 7 devices and is compatible with popular computing platforms. This VPN also offers a Smart DNS.

Notable features include AES 256-bit encryption, strict no logs policy, automatic kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, smart rules, ad blocker, and protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.

CyberGhost is the only popular VPN service with a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee on its long-term plans. This VPN also has 24/7 customer support.

Selecting the Best VPNs for Netflix

Not all VPNs that claim to unblock Netflix can fulfill their promise. This is why we comprehensively test and evaluate various factors before recommending good VPNs.

Our methodology involves a data-driven approach, and we gauge if the VPN offers the best value for your money.
Here are the core VPN aspects we consider when selecting VPNs for Netflix.

An extensive server network: A Netflix VPN should have a vast server network that covers most areas across the globe.

This ensures access to various Netflix catalogs for various regions. Additionally, larger server networks allow a VPN to have better performance and load balancing.

The servers should also be optimized to offer unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds to avoid lagging and buffering when watching HD or 4K content.

Unmatched unblocking ability: The VPN should be able to unblock various streaming services, including Netflix.

Thus, when Netflix blocks some of its IP addresses, the VPN provider should replace them as soon as possible. The VPN should also offer dedicated streaming servers.

A good VPN should also work in many different countries, such as allowing you to watch American Netflix in Australia or giving you the possibility to watch Japanese Netflix in the USA.

Excellent security and privacy: The VPN should use unbreakable encryptions and keep no logs that might compromise the subscriber’s privacy.

The VPN should offer additional functionalities such as a kill switch, leak protection, fast and secure protocols, private DNS, RAM-based servers, split tunneling, and ad-blocking.

Compatibility: Other than unblocking various Netflix catalogs, a VPN for Netflix should offer cross-platform compatibility with dedicated apps. The service should also provide simultaneous connections.

This ensures you can unblock Netflix from any device. The apps should also be easy to use, user-friendly, and work faultlessly without issues.

Customer support: The VPN should have professional support staff and be able to assist 24/7 through live chat, email, or even via the phone.

They should also have a vast knowledge base with tutorials, setup guides, and FAQs for common VPN issues.

Value for money: Besides all the other features, it eventually comes down to money. A good VPN should have reasonable subscription plans that go hand in hand with their service.

You should also be able to test the VPN service to ascertain their claims without cost. This can be done through the money-back guarantee.

Wrap Up

IPVanish was once the best VPN for unblocking various Netflix catalogs but its glory days are over. The ongoing Netflix crackdown on VPNs has almost blocked its IP addresses.

Currently, you can only unblock US Netflix with IPVanish. Even so, it is unreliable, and you can only use four server locations; Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Ashburn, and New York.

Nonetheless, you can use other premium VPNs that offer unlimited access to various Netflix catalogs. These VPNs include Express, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Surfshark.