How to Use ExpressVPN with Netflix & Fix It Not Working

How to Use ExpressVPN with Netflix & Fix It Not Working

Using ExpressVPN alongside Netflix allows you to modify your IP address and access Netflix libraries from any global region. The VPN service provides a risk-free experience with its no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, allowing you to explore ExpressVPN for up to 30 days without concerns. This guide will walk you through the process of using ExpressVPN with Netflix, offering insights into customizing the VPN for optimal streaming speeds and extensive Netflix access. Additionally, we’ll provide solutions for potential issues if ExpressVPN ceases to work with Netflix and share troubleshooting tips for rectifying Netflix access on specific devices through ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN the VPN that works with Netflix

To stream Netflix with ExpressVPN, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Sign up for ExpressVPN.
  1. Download the app tailored for your device. ExpressVPN offers applications for popular platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. For games consoles, Apple TV, and Smart TVs, utilize ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS solution.
  1. Connect to a server located in the country corresponding to the Netflix library you wish to access. For instance, establish a connection to a Japan ExpressVPN server to stream Netflix Japan.
  1. Open the Netflix app or visit the website. You should now see the local Netflix library.

If you encounter error messages or can only access Netflix originals, it indicates that ExpressVPN is not working with Netflix. Refer to our provided workarounds to address this issue.

To resolve the issue of ExpressVPN not functioning with Netflix, follow these steps:

  1. Connect to a Functional ExpressVPN Server
  • Open the ExpressVPN app and click the ‘Location’ button.
  • Look for a server from the provided list, such as New Jersey.
  • Tap the selected server location to establish a connection to an ExpressVPN server compatible with Netflix.

In many cases, ExpressVPN may cease to work with Netflix due to the streaming platform blocking the IP address of the VPN server. For instance, if ExpressVPN automatically connects you to New York when selecting the United States, and Netflix has blocked that IP address since August 2021.

To overcome these IP address blocks, connect to one of the specified ExpressVPN servers listed below, which undergo regular testing to ensure continued compatibility with Netflix.

After connecting to a functional ExpressVPN server, refresh your browser (if on desktop) or restart the Netflix app on mobile.

2. Utilize MediaStreamer

  1. Ensure that you are not connected to a VPN server and log in to the ExpressVPN website.
  2. Navigate to DNS Settings on the left-hand side. Click on Register my IP address and confirm that Automatically register my IP address is enabled.
  3. Modify your device’s DNS address to the MediaStreamer DNS address. This adjustment will grant you access to US Netflix.

If you are unable to find an ExpressVPN server compatible with US Netflix, resort to using MediaStreamer. MediaStreamer, included with your ExpressVPN subscription at no extra charge, functions as a Smart DNS proxy.

MediaStreamer circumvents Netflix’s geo-blocks by substituting the DNS address from your ISP with an ExpressVPN DNS server located in the US. This method is more challenging for Netflix to detect compared to a standard VPN connection.

Following the recent Netflix VPN ban, our research indicates that MediaStreamer is more dependable at accessing US Netflix than a typical ExpressVPN server.

It’s important to note that unlike a VPN connection, MediaStreamer does not conceal your IP address or encrypt web traffic.

MediaStreamer has demonstrated more consistent success with US Netflix compared to VPN servers.

MediaStreamer operates independently of the ExpressVPN application, allowing its use on every internet-connected device you own, including those without support for VPN apps, such as Apple TV, Smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Regrettably, MediaStreamer exclusively supports US Netflix. Nevertheless, considering the popularity of this library, we do not perceive this limitation as a significant drawback.

3. Clear Cache & Browser Cookies

  1. Open Google Chrome and click the three dots in the top right corner.
  2. Navigate to More Tools > Clear Browsing Data. In the Time Range drop-down menu, select All Time.
  3. Select Browsing History, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files. Click Clear data.
  4. Relaunch Google Chrome and access Netflix.

Netflix retains temporary information about your location in the form of cookies and cache whenever you use its service.

Even if you are connected to a VPN server in a different country, Netflix utilizes this information to determine your actual location. If these locations do not align, Netflix will block your access to its content.

By removing these files, Netflix can only deduce your location based on the IP address of your VPN server. Consequently, you will be able to stream content from your chosen Netflix region.

If you are using a different browser, you can still follow the aforementioned steps. The process for clearing cookies and cache is similar on all popular web browsers.

How to clear cookies and cache files in Google Chrome

Clearing cookies and cache files in Google Chrome.

Note: This approach is applicable solely to desktop computers. If you are using Android, clear Netflix’s cache and cookie files within the Settings app. On iPhone, a device restart is required.

4. Switch to the Lightway Protocol

  1. On desktop computers, click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left. On mobile, tap Options in the bottom right.
  2. On desktop computers, click Protocol and select Lightway – UDP. On mobile tap Settings > VPN Protocol > Lightway – UDP.

If Netflix isn’t working with ExpressVPN, try changing your VPN protocol. Due to the different encryption and obfuscation methods each protocol uses, some are better at bypassing Netflix’s VPN ban than others.

We recommend you connect to the Lightway (UDP) protocol. Our tests have found this protocol to be more reliable at bypassing Netflix’s geo-blocks than other ExpressVPN protocols, like OpenVPN and IKEv2.

Lightway is also ExpressVPN’s fastest protocol. It’ll stream content in HD and 4K without any buffering or lag.

Changing to the Lightway protocol in the ExpressVPN app

Lightway is more successful with Netflix compared to OpenVPN and IKEv2.

Some ExpressVPN servers also accommodate L2TP/IPSec and PPTP, but these protocols lack security. We advise against using them for any activities other than streaming. However, if your sole purpose is to regain access to Netflix, they offer additional alternatives to explore.

5. Contact ExpressVPN Support

  1. Visit the ExpressVPN website and click on “Need help? Chat with us!” located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  2. Enter your question, and you will be prompted to provide the email address associated with your account.
  3. An agent will respond to your query within a few minutes.

If none of the aforementioned troubleshooting methods prove effective, reach out to ExpressVPN’s customer support.

ExpressVPN’s support team can furnish you with an updated list of servers specifically capable of unblocking Netflix.

In the video below, observe our interaction with ExpressVPN’s support team when our server faced restrictions accessing US Netflix. We were advised to connect to the Atlanta server, and the issue was promptly resolved.

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Verdict:

ExpressVPN not working with Netflix problem can be resolved easily and you just have to follow the steps we have provided to resolve the issue.

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