Amazon Prime Video VPN not working in 2024? 11 easy fixes

As is the case with most streaming services, Amazon Prime Video changes its content library depending on the country. Most people have figured out that using a VPN helps access different libraries from other countries, but a weaker VPN can get easily detected and lead to an HTTP proxy error.

Naturally, all VPNs will claim that they cater to streaming, but not all can bypass complex streaming service trackers. Only reliable and tested VPNs have the technical ability to unblock geo-restricted content.

Here at Cybernews, we have tested 41 VPNs to determine which ones are the best for streaming. We also got to see in practice which streaming services actually work with Prime Video and which ones only claim to do so. Here’s the summary of what we found out:

NordVPN is by far the best VPN for unblocking streaming libraries. It works with pretty much every streaming service and confidently passes our tests. But if you're still encountering proxy errors, our team has prepared possible solutions.

Why Amazon Prime Video might not work with a VPN?

Amazon Prime is notorious for blocking VPN services. For example, if you use a weaker VPN, you may encounter this message on your screen: Your device’s Internet connection is using an HTTP proxy, which prevents playing your video. Please close or disable any proxy programs and try again.

Here are common reasons why Prime Video VPN might not be working:

• Blacklisted VPN server. Amazon Prime Video blacklists VPN servers, which is why you need a VPN with obfuscated servers.
• IP address and DNS leaks. Untrustworthy VPN providers lack IP and DNS leak protection. This may lead to IP address or DNS information leaks and block your access to Prime Video.
• Browser cookies and cache. If you don't clear cookies and cache on your browser, Prime Video may detect your true geolocation and restrict your access to its content.
• Overcrowded VPN server. VPN servers may become overcrowded and cause slower performance.
• Antivirus or firewall blockage. Your antivirus software or firewall can interfere with your VPN connections and cause issues when you’re trying to access Amazon Prime Video.
• VPN incompatible with Amazon Prime Video. Not all VPNs are compatible with Prime Video. That’s why you need a VPN that has strong unblocking capabilities and works with Amazon.

Best VPNs that still work with Amazon Prime Video in 2024

To provide you with unrestricted access to Amazon Prime Video and save you from the hassle of your VPN not working, we’ve created a shortlist of the best VPNs that still work with the platform. To do this, we conducted thorough research of 41 VPNs and followed crucial criteria, such as compatibility with Prime Video, strong unblocking capabilities, huge server fleets, and fast speeds.

• NordVPN – the best VPN for unblocking Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services, with 6000+ servers worldwide.
• Surfshark – an affordable and trustworthy VPN with the ability to unblock Prime Video and other streaming services.
• Norton Secure VPN – a highly secure VPN that can help you access Amazon Prime Video libraries in all of the matching countries.

Fix Prime Video proxy error with NordVPN

How to fix Amazon Prime Video not working with a VPN

Now that you are aware of the best VPNs for Amazon Prime, let’s focus on how you can fix the issue of your VPN not working with Prime Video. Let’s go through our detailed guide of 11 easy fixes.

1. Change your VPN server

The IP address that is associated with your current server might be on Amazon's blacklist. To get around this, you should switch to an alternative server from a different region. Another issue may relate to your current server experiencing high traffic or undergoing maintenance, which may lead to significantly slower speeds.

Even if one server doesn’t work, our top choice, NordVPN, comes with 1,970+ US and 6300 global servers, providing you with many options to choose from.

Mask your IP with NordVPN

2. Delete your browser’s cache and cookies

Browser cookies and cache help the browser to store location-specific information. Unfortunately, this may reveal your actual location and contribute to restricted access to Amazon Prime Video. That’s why we advise you to clear your browser cookies and cache.

Here is a short guide on how to do this; we used Chrome as an example:

1. Launch Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner
2. Click Settings, then Privacy and security, and, finally, Clear browsing data
3. In the Time range drop-down menu, select All time
4. Check the Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files boxes
5. Click Clear data

3. Ensure your VPN client is up to date

An outdated VPN client is a very common reason why your Prime Video VPN is not working. This is because using outdated software may lead to compatibility issues. To avoid this, you need to verify you are using the most recent version of your VPN client.

4. Activate the kill switch and DNS leak protection

Most modern and reliable VPNs have features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Both of these features prevent data leaks and enhance your connection stability. That’s why it is crucial they are both turned on. To check if your data has been leaked, visit ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com for further investigation. If your data has been leaked, make sure DNS leak protection is on.

To activate the kill switch, open your VPN’s settings (we demonstrate how to do it on NordVPN), go to Kill Switch and select Disable internet access when a VPN connection drops unexpectedly and Disable internet access when you disconnect from VPN manually or the connection drops unexpectedly.

Avoid IP and DNS leaks with NordVPN

5. Restart your streaming device

Before you dive into more complex practices, you need to restart the device you’re using for streaming. A simple restart can sometimes resolve the connectivity issues you may encounter, even with the best VPN provider for streaming.

6. Change VPN protocols

VPN protocols ensure fast transmission of data and stable encryption at all times. So, if the default VPN protocol isn’t working with Amazon Prime Video, try to experiment by swapping between various VPN protocols. Certain protocols might deliver better performance when trying to watch Prime Video.

When using our top choice VPN provider – NordVPN – follow these instructions:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Connection
3. In the VPN protocol drop-down tab, choose a VPN protocol manually. You can choose between some of the industry-leading protocols, like NordLynx

7. Deactivate your firewall or antivirus software

Your firewall and antivirus software may disrupt your VPN connection. To check whether that is the reason for your connection problem, temporarily disable them and attempt to access Amazon Prime Video again.

If this resolves your issue, add the VPN to the list of Trusted Apps or Allow list in both your antivirus and firewall.

8. Contact your VPN support

If none of the above fixes work and the problem persists, you can always contact your VPN provider’s customer support team for assistance. They may provide you with specific recommendations for accessing Amazon Prime Video. Trained professionals will help you resolve your issue in no time.

9. Check your internet connection

Occasionally, the complications may arise from internet connectivity problems. In such instances, disconnect from your Wi-Fi network and reconnect. If this doesn’t work, you can even try rebooting your internet router.

10. Flush DNS

A DNS cache stores recently accessed domain name and IP address mappings. This helps speed up web browsing without the need to look up the same information from DNS servers repeatedly, but it also can reveal your actual location to Prime Video. So, let’s have a look at how you can fix this.

On Windows:

1. Run Command Prompt as an administrator
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns in the Terminal
3. Press Enter

On macOS:

1. Open the Terminal
2. Type in sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Then, press Enter (you might need to enter your password)

11. Switch to a more reliable VPN provider

If you are using a free VPN service, you may not be able to access Amazon Prime Video or different content libraries available in specific regions. Free VPNs may not update their server infrastructure and IP pool promptly, making it easier for these IPs to get blacklisted by Amazon.

Due to this, it’s best if you go for a premium VPN provider, such as NordVPN, which has a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Amazon Prime Video without restrictions with NordVPN

Enjoy uninterrupted streaming wherever you go with NordVPN. With 5,900+ servers worldwide, NordVPN can ensure excellent speeds, first-class security features, and 24/7 support in case anything goes wrong.

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4.9 /5

• Servers in 60 countries
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• 7-day free trial

Stream with NordVPN

How Amazon Prime Video detects VPN usage

Most likely, your VPN is not working with Prime Video because the platform blocks it. But how does it detect your VPN usage? Let’s go over the three main indicators that help Amazon reveal you’re using a VPN:

• IP addresses. Most streaming platforms, including Prime Video, maintain a blacklist of IP addresses associated with VPN services. Amazon Prime Video monitors user IP addresses and easily detects unusual traffic patterns, such as numerous different accounts attempting to connect from a single IP. Or vice versa, streaming services can analyze user behavior patterns, such as connection speed, location changes, and the use of multiple IP addresses within a short period. Once Amazon identifies such behavior, it recognizes that VPN technologies may be employed to access its content, and it proceeds to blacklist those IPs.
• Encryption. Streaming providers like Prime Video utilize advanced technologies to identify encrypted traffic and block it. As certain VPN protocols and ports are widely recognized, streaming services take proactive measures to restrict them. So, if a service identifies a connection using a blocked port or protocol, it reveals VPN usage. Some streaming services also employ Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – a technique to inspect the data packets passing through the network. When a connection appears to be linked to VPN traffic, it is marked for further investigation.
• IP, DNS or WebRTC leaks. When you connect to a VPN server, your provider encrypts all information related to your true location, including your IP address and DNS. However, your VPN server connection can experience interruptions, which expose your true IP address, DNS data, or WebRTC information to Amazon Prime Video. As a result, the platform inspects the IP address for VPN usage and blocks it.

Final thoughts

You might get an HTTP proxy error for many reasons, even if you aren’t using a VPN. However, the main reason usually turns out to be that a weak VPN is no match to Amazon Prime Video’s tracking systems. Using a VPN that is reliable and tested is a good way to prevent location errors from happening.

NordVPN is a versatile and reliable VPN service with an excellent track record of bypassing streaming service geo-blocking. Choosing a strong VPN, like NordVPN, can help ensure that you always get an unrestricted and enjoyable streaming experience.

However, if the issue persists, following our guidelines could help. Changing the VPN server, clearing cache and cookies from your browser, and changing VPN protocols are just some of the ways to fix the proxy error and enjoy smooth Prime Video streaming.

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