Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix?

ExpressVPN is a powerful online privacy protection tool but it gets even better when coupled with the popular Netflix streaming service. ExpressVPN works exceptionally well with Netflix, unblocking 20+ libraries.

Netflix has vastly different regional content libraries, with US Netflix containing nearly two thousand titles, and Netflix Japan having the biggest anime selection. Unfortunately, you can’t access different libraries outside their designated countries. To bypass these geo-blocks and stream from anywhere, you’ll need an IP address from your target country. The best way to get a new IP and unblock Netflix is to use a VPN such as ExpressVPN.

In this article, we'll explain how to use ExpressVPN for Netflix efficiently, and advise on what to do when Netflix is not working with a VPN.

How to watch Netflix with ExpressVPN: a quick guide

1. Download ExpressVPN and install it on your device.
2. Connect to a server in the country with desired content.
3. Go to the Netflix app or website and start watching!

Unblock Netflix with ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN not working with Netflix: what to do?

Netflix VPN-hunting algorithms are ferocious, and even industry seniors like ExpressVPN sometimes struggle to hold against them. Netflix regularly tracks down VPN IP addresses and blocks them, which is exactly what happened with the popular ExpressVPN New York server

Luckily, there are several ways to fix this issue. Here's what you can do if ExpressVPN is not working with Netflix:

1. Double check your IP

If ExpressVPN is not working on Netflix, there's a slim chance it failed to change your IP address with a new one, and Netflix is still using your real geographical location. The easiest way to check your IP is by using websites like whatismyip.com. If it shows your original IP address, reconnect to one of ExpressVPN's servers and check again – this rare misfortune should not strike twice!

2. Try connecting to different servers

If your IP address is changed and ExpressVPN still doesn't work with Netflix, the server you are using has most likely been identified and banned. If Netflix displays Error M7111-5095, that's their way of telling you they know you are using a VPN.

Luckily, ExpressVPN has more than 3000+ servers, and Netflix can’t block them all. Simply choose another server in the same or nearby location and reload Netflix or restart the app – this should do the trick.

3. Clear your browser's cache

If changing the server does not change the situation, your browser's cache might be the real culprit, resulting in Netflix blocking ExpressVPN.

Netflix stores various files in your browser's cache to run its services smoothly. However, they also store cookies that include the login details and user IP address. Even if your device uses ExpressVPN's IP address, Netflix will deny access based on cached information.

Clearing out the browser cache is simple, but each browser and operating system has a slightly different way. Keep your logins close because Netflix will ask you for them after clearing your cache.

4. Disable the Threat Manager on ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN's Threat Manager is a robust online privacy protection tool. It is turned off by default but if you use it regularly, Netflix might notice it can't communicate with specific DNS servers and mark you for suspicious activities. Turn off the Threat Manager and try accessing Netflix with ExpressVPN again. Don't forget to turn it back on after you have finished watching.

5. Switch to another protocol

VPN traffic differs greatly per protocol, and Netflix detects some easier than others. Most ExpressVPN users utilize its proprietary Lightway protocol, but if Netflix regularly detects it, consider switching to OpenVPN or IKEv2.

To change your ExpressVPN protocol settings on a desktop computer, click the three horizontal lines in the top left or tap Options in the bottom right on mobiles. Click the protocol tab, and choose a different one from what you're using. Then reconnect to Expres VPN's server, and reload the Netflix website or app.

6. Use the MediaStreamer feature

MediaStreamer is ExpressVPN's SmartDNS technology to expand its streaming capabilities to devices without VPN support. A vital warning: this feature does not provide VPN-level online protection. It does not obfuscate your IP address or encrypt your online data flow, so be particularly mindful when using it.

To use MediaStreamer, you must register your IP address on the ExpressVPN DNS settings page (toggle automatic IP registration to avoid this in the future.) Then navigate to the setup page and copy two MediaStreamer DNS server IP addresses found there. Lastly, you must enter your router's settings and substitute its DNS addresses with the MediaStreamer server addresses.

If you succeed, keep in mind that MediaStreamer works only with US content. A much more straightforward solution would be to use a working dedicated IP address, but ExpressVPN does not provide this luxury.

7. Contact support

If you made it all the way here and none of the options worked, it's time to contact ExpressVPN's customer support. You can write them an email or use a 24/7 live chat option, and they will ask you beforehand to provide your ExpressVPN account email for verification.

Sometimes Netflix bans a whole batch of VPN IPs; other times, you might be out of luck connecting to bad servers. Either way, customer support will analyze the issue and provide a list of currently working servers.

Can I watch Netflix free with ExpressVPN free trial?

ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial for mobile users, so you can easily watch Netflix on your smartphone for free. If you're using other devices, you can opt for a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee instead. However, after connecting to a VPN server, you will still have to acquire a Netflix subscription if you want to access its streaming libraries.

But do not rush into despair, as there are ways to purchase Netflix cheaper. You can even use ExpressVPN’s free trial or money-back guarantee period to change your 'virtual location' where Netflix subscriptions are cheaper, for example, it costs ~$2.47 in Turkey compared to ~$12.09 in Switzerland.

Once the free trial period is over, you can continue using Netflix for less. And if you've chosen a money-back guarantee, you can unsubscribe from ExpressVPN afterward to get your money back, but there are no guarantees Netflix will not notice an IP change.

What ExpressVPN server to use for Netflix?

ExpressVPN might not have the deepest server pool, but it compensates by spreading them far and wide. Out of the 94 countries, Express VPN can unblock Netflix in at least 20, including the U.S., Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, and more.

Even though ExpressVPN does not officially reveal its exact server numbers, the last time we checked, it had 47 server locations in Europe, 16 in American countries, 26 in the Asia Pacific, and 5 in Africa and the Middle East.

What's more, ExpressVPN unblocks the most wished-for Netflix libraries. Here are the best ExpressVPN server locations for Netflix and the number of titles each library has:

How to watch US Netflix with ExpressVPN

The US has the most substantial Netflix library and some viral exclusives, like the chilling Surviving R. Kelly movie and series. Most VPN subscribers that want to enhance their streaming options first check the server amount in the US.

ExpressVPN has an excellent North American server spread with 28 locations covering the major states and cities. However, not all of them work equally well, as you might've noticed if you tried to access Netflix from the New York server.

To avoid limited content and that nasty error message, we tested ExpressVPN's performance in North America. Here are the best ExpressVPN server locations for Netflix: New Jersey, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and San Jose.

How to watch Netflix Japan with ExpressVPN

Not only does Japan have extraordinary streaming content (you know I'm talking Anime), but it also possesses an amazing Netflix library. But how well does ExpressVPN perform in this region?

ExpressVPN offers two server locations in Japan: Tokyo and Yokohama. I tested both locations and successfully entered Japanese Netflix. Just as important is that ExpressVPN Netflix Japan servers maintained a stable and speedy connection without noticeable latency issues.

How to use ExpressVPN with Netflix

Using ExpressVPN is straightforward, and you can unblock worldwide Netflix libraries with several easy steps. Here's a concise guide on how to use ExpressVPN on Netflix:

• Download and install ExpressVPN on your device.
• Choose the country with your desired Netflix library.
• Connect to the ExpressVPN server in the chosen location.
• Go to your web browser's settings.
• Navigate to Security and Privacy and select "Clear browsing data."
• Check the "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files" options and click on "Clear data."
• Go to Netflix and start watching.

Why choose ExpressVPN for Netflix?

According to our tests, ExpressVPN does not hold back when it comes to Netflix. But if you're still not convinced, here's why it should be on your consideration list:

• Fully-developed VPN. ExpressVPN has all the necessary features to be on top of Netflix. Next to its rich security setup is a MediaStreamer feature and a proprietary Lightway protocol, which make unblocking and streaming on Netflix a lot easier.
• Fast and stable speeds. The Lightway protocol showed the best results connecting to the servers nearly instantaneously. Even though the results shook a bit on different protocols, that is to be expected, and we had no trouble finding a fast working server.
• Worldwide server locations. ExpressVPN maintains an impressive amount of servers in the US, as well as other worldwide locations. We managed to access over 20 Netflix libraries, including Netflix Japan and a few European countries.
• Robust security. Even if you use ExpressVPN solely for Netflix, it protects your online privacy by disabling trackers, hiding your location, and encrypting your data. The VPN also helps get rid of intrusive ads and avoid malicious websites

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