Published on: May 20, 2022 Updated 7 times since publishing
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Fix the Netflix Proxy Error in 2026:
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it consistently works with Netflix without encountering a proxy error message thanks to its excellent streaming support, and it provides the fastest streaming speeds in the industry.
- Download and install the VPN. It typically only takes a few minutes to complete this process.
- Connect to a server. I recommend choosing one that’s nearby to get faster speeds for Netflix.
- Log into your Netflix account. That’s it! Now, you’re all set to start watching your favorite TV shows and movies.
Netflix shows you a proxy error when it detects a VPN IP address. It then tells you to turn off the proxy or VPN and then try to log in again. As someone who wants to protect their online connections 100% of the time, it’s pretty frustrating getting interrupted by Netflix’s proxy error when I want to watch something on the site.
Netflix shows this error because it has different content available in different countries due to licensing fees. In short, Netflix doesn’t want users to watch content that they’re not licensed to distribute in the users’ region. Not all VPNs can bypass this block, which is why the error message appears.
I found the best VPNs to securely stream on Netflix without having to deal with the proxy error message all the time. All of the VPNs on my list are compatible with the streaming service. but ExpressVPN is the best — it always works with Netflix and is the fastest VPN on the market.
Editor’s Note: The VPNs I recommend follow strict no-logging policies, which means they don’t monitor or log your Netflix activities. Use the VPN responsibly and follow all applicable rules and regulations. Please note that neither I nor anyone at SafetyDetectives condones copyright infringement.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Fix the Netflix Proxy Error on Any Device
1. Get a premium VPN that works reliably with Netflix.
ExpressVPN has blazing-fast speeds for buffer-free streams and is easy to install and use.
2. Download and install the VPN onto your device.
It only takes a few minutes to set up a VPN. Just follow the installation wizard’s instructions.
3. Launch the VPN, select a server, and start streaming on Netflix.
You’re all set! You will no longer encounter the Netflix proxy error warning. Grab a snack and enjoy streaming.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Watching Netflix Without the Proxy Error Message in 2026
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Watching Netflix WIthout the Proxy Error in 2026
Basic 12-Months plan: $3.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for watching Netflix without having to deal with the proxy error — it works with Netflix without any issues, has the fastest streaming speeds on the market, and is very easy to use.
It also comes with intuitive apps for all platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, smart TVs, and even routers. I also like how ExpressVPN has its own smart DNS feature, called MediaStreamer, which allows you to use the VPN on devices without native VPN apps — I was able to watch Netflix on my Xbox.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Streaming Netflix on Android & iOS Devices
6-month plan: $7.50 / month
1-month plan: $11.99 / month
Private Internet Access (PIA) works with Netflix all of the time without the proxy error, has very fast streaming speeds, and comes with highly customizable mobile apps.
If you really like to tinker with your settings, you’re going to love PIA’s Android and iOS apps. Each one allows you to personalize 20+ settings to enhance your streaming experience, including changing your encryption level to 128-bit AES encryption (it may give slightly faster speeds than 256-bit AES encryption) and deciding if you approve connections to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which is good for streaming Netflix at an airport, hotel, or cafe.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Specialized Servers to Watch Netflix
6-month plan: $6.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
CyberGhost VPN consistently works with Netflix without any proxy error messages thanks to dedicated Netflix streaming servers. It has dedicated Netflix servers in 15+ countries, including the US, Canada, Brazil, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and 6 countries in Europe. It also has dedicated servers for Netflix on Fire Stick and Android TV in 5 countries. These servers are optimized to work with the site for uninterrupted streaming.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN Review
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching Netflix Without Proxy Error Messages in 2026
- Choose a VPN that works with Netflix 100% of the time. All of the VPNs on my list work with Netflix and avoid the proxy error message.
- Get a VPN with excellent streaming support. Good VPNs work with many other streaming services. All of the VPNs here work with other popular streaming services, including Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime.
- Pick a VPN with fast streaming speeds. VPNs slow your speeds because they add layers of encryption, but top brands minimize the slowdown and maintain fast speeds across all servers. All of the VPNs on this list provided me with fast streaming speeds, but I had the fastest speeds with ExpressVPN.
- Look for a VPN with user-friendly apps. I only recommend VPNs that come with intuitive apps for all of the most popular platforms (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and smart TVs), are quick and easy to download and install, and make it easy to connect to a server and stream your favorite Netflix shows.
- Get a VPN with strong security and privacy features. All of the VPNs I recommend protect your data using bank-grade encryption, a no-logs policy that ensures the VPN doesn’t log your IP address and traffic, a kill switch (disables your internet access if the VPN connection drops to prevent traffic leaks), and strong leak protection.
- Go for a VPN with affordable plans. All of the VPNs listed here allow multiple connections, have affordable plans, accept multiple payment options, and back each purchase with a generous money-back guarantee.
What to Do if You Keep Seeing the Netflix Proxy Error After Installing a Premium VPN
- Disconnect and reconnect to the VPN — Turning the service off and back on again may fix the issue.
- Choose a different VPN server — Try connecting to a different VPN server in the same location.
- Make sure your VPN software is up-to-date — Download and install any available updates, reconnect to the VPN server, and try visiting Netflix.
- Contact customer support — Speak to a VPN support agent and ask which servers currently work with Netflix. ExpressVPN has excellent 24/7 live chat (as well as other premium VPNs like Private Internet Access and CyberGhost VPN).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix the Netflix proxy error?
You can fix the Netflix proxy error in just 3 steps:
- Step 1: Get a good VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it consistently works with Netflix without proxy error messages and provides blazing-fast streaming speeds.
- Step 2: Connect to a server. Choose a server from your VPN’s server list.
- Step 3: Log into Netflix. After you sign into your account, you can start watching your favorite TV shows and movies on Netflix.
What are the most common Netflix error messages?
The most common Netflix error messages are as follows:
- Netflix Error Code M7111-5059. This is better known as the Netflix proxy error, which happens when Netflix detects you’re using a VPN (which is against Netflix policies because of content licensing agreements).
- Netflix Error Code NW-2-5. This error code happens when you have an issue with your internet connectivity. The problem can either be with your router or your device.
- Netflix Error Code 11800. This error is specific to iOS and Apple TV devices and occurs when there is a problem with the playback of content on your device. The major reason for this is that the app data on your device is either corrupted or not updated.
- Netflix Error Code ui-800-3. This error code is most commonly encountered when the cache memory stored on your device is outdated and needs refreshing.
- Netflix Error Code 0013. This error code is specific to Android devices and simply means that the app data belonging to Netflix is corrupted.
Netflix provides troubleshooting tips for all of these errors. That said, for the M7111-5059 error, it mainly recommends disabling the VPN — but if you want to securely stream content on the site, you can just use one of the VPNs on our list.
What are the benefits of using Netflix with a VPN?
A VPN secures your traffic to Netflix, so that nobody can spy on it — for example, when you have your VPN on, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can’t see what you’re watching on Netflix or whether you’re on the Netflix site or app at all. This also brings another benefit; since your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online, it can’t throttle your speed when you’re streaming on Netflix.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
