While Netflix is available in many countries around the world, the content available on Netflix can vary significantly from one country to another. To bypass these regional restrictions, many users turn to VPNs to access content that may not be available in their country.
However, Netflix has a policy of banning VPN users in an effort to enforce its licensing agreements and prevent users from accessing content that is not licensed for viewing in their region. In this article, we will explore if the platform actually bans VPN users and how Netflix knows that you are using a VPN.
What is the Netflix VPN Ban?
Netflix’s VPN ban has made it difficult to use Netflix with VPN. The ban prevents Netflix subscribers from using VPNs or proxies to access Netflix’s region-restricted content.
If you’re in the United States and want to watch Netflix from another country, you’ll need to use a VPN. But now, you may not be able to do that because Netflix can detect VPN users and stop their streaming until they turn off their VPNs.
Does Netflix Ban Users for Using a VPN?
Netflix does not ban VPN users. Instead, it won’t let you watch anything if it detects that you are using a VPN. Netflix does this through “geo-fencing,“ an automated system that detects when someone’s location appears different than expected based on their IP address.
If Netflix determines that your IP address is coming from somewhere outside the country where you’re paying for Netflix access, you’ll be blocked from watching any content!
Why Does Netflix Ban VPN Users in the USA?
Netflix violates its copyright agreement when a US subscriber uses a VPN to watch shows that are officially unavailable in the States. So, Netflix bans VPN users in the USA to avoid lawsuits and copyright infringement.
Even though the user/subscriber has a VPN, the streaming operator must ensure that media is only viewed in licensed regions. And to do that, Netflix introduced the VPN ban to prevent members from using VPNs with Netflix; even if the VPN is used only for internet security.
How Does Netflix Know You Are Using a VPN?
Netflix has a system to detect when users are using a VPN. The company uses different methods to detect VPNs, but it primarily relies on two factors:
- If the virtual and physical location of a user doesn’t match, it’s a dead giveaway of using a VPN. This can be confirmed by looking at the IP address of the user’s connection and comparing it with their billing address. If they don’t match, then you are likely using a VPN.
- The user’s browser may be configured to use a proxy server. If this is the case, Netflix will not be able to display any content for you, and you will receive an error message stating that your account cannot be verified due to “unauthorized activity.”
What to Look for in a VPN to Use with Netflix?
You will need a VPN service to access the full catalog of Netflix titles. The right VPN can help you unblock Netflix to enjoy all the content available on the service.
Here are some things to look for when selecting a VPN to use with Netflix:
- Privacy
Some VPNs keep logs of your online activity, while others don’t keep any logs at all. If privacy is important to you, make sure to choose a no-logs VPN provider when using it with Netflix or any other service, for that matter.
- Connection Speed
Speed is the most important consideration when choosing a VPN. If you’re trying to watch shows or movies, be sure that the VPN keeps your connection fast enough to avoid any interruptions in streaming.
- Large Server Network
When choosing a VPN for Netflix, it’s important to consider how many servers it has worldwide so that you can choose one close enough to where you live. This will ensure that your connection speed remains high, even if there are problems with your ISP or DNS provider.
Get a VPN To Access All Netflix Libraries
Netflix is good.
Netflix without ads is better.
Netflix without Ads and without Geo-Blocking is best.
It has extensive digital libraries with regional content worth watching. You can unlock all that with a VPN compatible with Netflix.
We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN to watch Netflix. (We stream Netflix using ExpressVPN. Every. Day.) Here’s how to do it –
- Get ExpressVPN Here! Custom Discount + 3 Months Free For our Readers.
- Download the ExpressVPN app on your device.
- Connect to any server from a Netflix-supported region.
- Watch Netflix Ad-free. Access any Geo-blocked content.
- Enjoy best-in-class Security for Streaming or simply Surfing the Web!
How to Bypass the Netflix VPN Ban?
Having read this, you can decide how you wish to access Netflix. Finding a VPN that can bypass Netflix’s VPN ban is essential if you want to watch restricted content.
Using a VPN to watch Netflix after the ban:
- Get a VPN (NordVPN recommended)
- Connect to a VPN server in the country of your choice.
- Open Netflix.
- Now you can watch Netflix without any restrictions.
Even though using a VPN to access Netflix is completely legal, Netflix doesn’t want you to do it. Because Netflix benefits most when its subscribers stay loyal.
So, does Netflix ban VPN users? No, Netflix is at war with VPN users– trying to stop them from accessing restricted Netflix libraries and avoid copyright infringements. By inflicting the VPN ban, Netflix is making it harder for them to watch the Netflix shows and movies they are not supposed to watch.
