How to Get Around A Netflix Proxy Error in 2020

If you’ve ever used a VPN and tried to watch Netflix at the same time, you’ve probably come across that annoying error message m7111-5059 and the accompanying text: “you seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.” This article is all about getting around this frustrating Netflix proxy error.

If you’re not in the mood to read too much and just want to get back to watching Archer already, the best way to circumvent the proxy error is by signing up for either of the best VPNs for Netflix, ExpressVPN or NordVPN, and using their servers to access Netflix.

ExpressVPN is currently running a deal where you get three extra months for free when you sign up for a year, while NordVPN has its almost unbeatable three-year plan to check out. Both VPNs come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ve nothing to lose (and it’s easy to cancel ExpressVPN).

If you want a bit more detail, stick around as we talk a little about how the proxy error works and the different ways you can fix it when it comes up.

Why Am I Getting a Proxy Error?

Generally speaking, you’ll only get a proxy error when using a virtual private network or a proxy (duh) while getting into Netflix. There are some isolated cases where people using neither have been hit with everybody’s favorite Netflix site error, but that’s usually because their internet service provider is using one of the same IP addresses that’s also used by a VPN. 

For the full explanation why Netflix won’t let you use a proxy, unblocker or VPN, we’ll refer you to our article on the Netflix VPN ban, but, in short, it’s due to the streaming giant making deals with content distributors to only show certain series and movies in certain places. 

To get around this, many people started using VPNs to appear as if they were in, say, the United States so they could watch shows that were region-locked there. This didn’t sit too well with Netflix’s partners, so Netflix was forced to implement the toughest VPN blocker out there, rivaled only by the one used by Hulu (check out our best VPN for Hulu guide, or find out how to watch Hulu with ExpressVPN).

How Do I Bypass the Proxy Error on Netflix?

Of course, the digital block that can’t be hacked has yet to be invented, and Netflix’s is no different. All you need to do when confronted with the streaming error is to simply switch servers within the VPN that you’re using. So if you’re routing your traffic through Los Angeles, switch to a server in San Francisco. Same goes for Europe: Amsterdam not working? Switch to Paris.

There are, however, two things that make this less simple than it should be. The first is that Netflix is always on the hunt for IP addresses that it thinks belong to VPNs or proxies, so you can’t expect your new favorite server to be working for too long. Every once in a while you’re going to be met with the Netflix proxy error again and have to find a new server.

The second fly in the ointment is that many of the services touting themselves as a great VPN for Netflix are anything but. The fact is, breaking into streaming services is one of the main reasons people sign up for VPNs, so claiming you can do this for customers is an important part of making money.

In our testing for VPNs that can beat Netflix, though, we’ve quickly found there’s only a minority of services that can avoid the Netflix proxy error, and then not even all of the time. ExpressVPN and NordVPN might be the very best VPNs out there, but even with them you’ll have to do the Netflix server dance from time to time. Less often than with others, though.

Other options we really like are CyberGhost, VyprVPN and Windscribe, though please note that the last one’s free plan does not offer Netflix access. We don’t blame the service, either: why offer something for free when people are so very clearly willing to pay for it?

What Proxy Works With Netflix?

On a side note, no proxy out there works with Netflix. Proxies are far behind the curve compared to VPNs, and we’ve yet to find one these past few years that will do the job. If you want to appear to be in a country other than your own to access Netflix, VPNs are the way to go. We have a dedicated article if you’d like to know more about what is a proxy vs a VPN.

Final Thoughts

We hope the above helps you get the Netflix proxy error fix you need. Using a VPN is really the only thing that will work, and even then not every service out there is a silver bullet. We really like ExpressVPN and NordVPN to get the job done, but there are plenty of other services out there, too, that will do the trick.

Check out our guide for how to watch Netflix with ExpressVPN.

What are your experiences with the Netflix proxy error? Insurmountable obstacle or momentary annoyance? Let us know in the comments below and, as always, thank you for reading.

FAQ

• How Do I Fix a Netflix Proxy Error?

  There are a few ways, but you’re best off signing up for a VPN that works with Netflix and then cycling through servers till you find one that lets you access the Netflix of the country you’re interested in. Our recommendations will all work, eventually.

• How Do I Turn Off a Proxy or Unblocker?

  You go into the menu of your VPN or proxy and switch it off. Of course, you will lose your secure browsing that way, so instead we recommend using a good VPN service that will protect you and let you watch Netflix.

• What Does Unblocker or Proxy Mean on Netflix?

  In the case of Netflix, this means basically any service that reroutes your internet traffic to an IP address that Netflix doesn’t like. Think browser proxies like the one HideMyAss offers, or VPNs like CyberGhost and NordVPN.

• What Is the Best Free Netflix VPN?

  None of them. While there are a few decent free VPNs out there, none of them have the capacity to break through the Netflix block. We recommend that you stay away from any free VPN claiming it gets you into Netflix. It probably just wants to hoover up your data.