Surfshark not Working with Netflix? Quick Fixes & Alternatives
There are many reasons for Surfshark not working with Netflix. Some of them are basic and easy to fix. Some are more complicated and may need expert assistance or a switch to a different VPN.
In this quick guide, we’ll explain why Netflix might be blocking your Sufshark account, what you can do to fix it, and the best alternative VPNs to Surfshark for streaming Netflix if nothing works.
How to stream Netflix with Surfshark
Let’s get the basics out of the way and ensure you’ve configured Surfshark correctly to work with Netflix.
Surfshark is available on Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, and other popular devices. But the setup process remains essentially the same on each one. Here’s how you do it:
- Sign up to Surfshark. You’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free if you’re a new user.
- Download the latest version of the app on your preferred Netflix device.
- Sign in to Surfshark and connect to a server in your desired Netflix location.
- Clear the cache and cookies on your browser or Netflix app.
- Open Netflix on its app or your browser and stream as usual.
That’s it!
Clearing your cache and cookies is key. Netflix logs your location from previous sessions, and the information may conflict with the IP address/location displayed by Surfshark.
If you still can’t access Netflix, try connecting to a different server on the Surfshark app.
If your Surfshark app or account is completely blocked, keep reading to find alternative VPNs that work with Netflix.
How well does Surfshark work with Netflix?
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for Netflix. In all our tests, it consistently accessed various international Netflix libraries, producing a fast, buffer-free experience.
Surfshark is one of the most widespread VPNs, with 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, including uncommon locations like Belize and North Macedonia. Surfshark is a gift for cinephiles or those that love exotic content.
It’s also one of the fastest streaming VPNs, with speeds well over the minimum threshold to handle Netflix at 4K HD.
Why does Surfshark not work with Netflix?
Even though Surfshark is excellent at streaming Netflix, the streaming service is constantly trying to block it, sometimes successfully.
Netflix has a legal responsibility to only stream TV shows and movies in regions where it has the rights, and ensure people outside those regions can’t get access.
That’s why you’ll find that Netflix US has a richer library than any other country, with tons of content unavailable anywhere else. US copyright laws and distribution agreements restrict Netflix from showing them anywhere else.
Therefore, Netflix spends a lot of time devising countermeasures for VPN use.
However, Surfshark might not work with Netflix due to unrelated technical reasons. These are the most common ones that you can resolve on your own:
1. Netflix is reading old location data from your browser or device. Your old data may suggest you’re using a VPN and trigger an error on your Netflix app.
Solution: Clear your cache and cookies.
2. Netflix has identified and blocked the Surfshark server you’ve selected. The server’s IP address will be permanently banned from accessing Netflix. The good news: Surfshark has plenty of other servers to connect to.
Solution: Change servers in your desired location.
3. Netflix could use GPS information to establish your location. Many apps on mobile and desktop log your GPS location when you turn it on to use cab-hailing apps and maps. Surfshark can’t wipe this data.
Solution: Use incognito mode to watch Netflix on your browser (with a VPN installed) or install a GPS spoofing app.
4. Surfshark servers aren’t available in your chosen country. The country you’re trying to watch content from may not be among the 100+ in which Surfshark has servers. Or it may have very few servers that have been identified and blocked by Netflix.
Solution: Switch to a VPN with more servers in your chosen country. Try ExpressVPN.
Best alternative VPNs for streaming Netflix
We’ve tested the following VPNs for speed, server reliability, and compatibility with Netflix’s most in-demand libraries. They are the best alternatives to Surfshark for streaming Netflix.
[[post-object type=”summary-section” pros-cons=”true” /]]
Do free VPNs work with Netflix?
You might get lucky and find a free VPN that works with Netflix. However, most don’t – because they have limited servers that Netflix easily identifies and lack advanced features.
Free VPNs have more downsides than just server availability. These are just a few of the issues you’re likely to encounter:
1. Free VPNs limit the number of locations you can access. You’ll be limited to maybe two or three countries at best.
2. Free VPNs are too slow for Netflix – or anything else. They want you to upgrade to the paid plan, so they’ll throttle your speed. The ones that don’t will likely be overcrowded and, therefore, slow.
3. Free VPNs come bundled with ads. They’re annoyingly intrusive and could infect your device with malware.
4. Free VPNs sell your information to data brokers and advertisers. YOU are the product with most free VPNs, and they’ll readily sell your information. They can also install malware to track your online activity.
5. Free VPNs have been caught hosting malware and hackers on their networks. They may compromise all devices on your network.
Many affordable VPNs work with Netflix and won’t compromise your experience, privacy, or security. We urge you to use those instead.
How we tested Surfshark and others with Netflix
We use a long list of strict criteria before recommending any VPN. Here’s a brief sample of what we look at:
- Server network: For a fast, reliable connection with access to the most content, you need a VPN with thousands of servers worldwide.
- Connection speeds: We tested each VPN’s speed and consistency to ensure our recommendations are stable and can stream high-quality Netflix.
- Access to content: Not only how many Netflix libraries the VPN could access, but also how many other streaming sites it could unblock.
- Security: Our top-rated VPNs offer features to protect your device and information, like kill-switches, leak protection, and military-grade encryption.
- Privacy: We look into a VPN provider’s privacy policy, base of operations, server hardware (is it RAM based?), and privacy audit report if they have one.
- Value: We only recommend premium VPNs with low-cost plans and money-back guarantees.
- Ease of use: VPNs are a technical marvel, but using them doesn’t have to be. We only recommend beginner-friendly VPNs.
- Customer support: The best VPNs provide enough online information to DIY most issues and have 24/7 live support with human experts to help with cases.
Use our entire VPN review process when choosing the right VPN for Netflix or other use.
FAQs
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Why does Netflix refuse to connect to VPNs?” answer=”Netflix refuses to connect to VPNs because VPNs can get around its geographical restrictions on content. Netflix is legally only allowed to show certain TV shows in specific countries where it has rights. It’s obligated to prevent people in other regions from viewing that content on their platform. ” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Why can’t I watch Netflix on Surfshark VPN?” answer=”
There are several reasons why you might not be able to watch Netflix on Surfshark VPN:
- Netflix might have blocked the Surfshark server. Just switch to another server.
- You may not have cleared your old cache and cookies. Clear them.
- Your GPS information conflicts with Netflix’s logs. Use incognito mode or install a GPS spoofing app.
- There are no Surfshark servers in your country. You’ll have to switch to another VPN.
” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can Surfshark see my browsing history?” answer=”No, Surfshark cannot see your browsing history. Surfshark abides by rigorous privacy policies and keeps no logs of your online activities when you use it.” /]]
Conclusion
Surfshark is excellent for streaming Netflix. We’ve recommended it many times over other VPNs. However, Netflix is becoming more competent at tracking and blocking VPNs, a problem that all VPN providers face.
If our self-help solutions for streaming Netflix with Surfshark don’t work, switching to either ExpressVPN or NordVPN will likely get you back streaming.
Or check out our other VPN reviews to find a better-suited one for you.
