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If Netflix says “You seem to be using a VPN or proxy,” first turn off any VPN or proxy and try again. Netflix says these tools can make your connection appear to come from somewhere other than your physical location. A VPN is not a reliable way to switch Netflix catalogs: it may limit what you can watch, and it is unsupported for ad-supported experiences and live events. Here’s how to troubleshoot the error and what to do instead when traveling or looking for a title.
Why Netflix shows the VPN or proxy message
Netflix may show the warning when it detects that your device or network appears to connect from a location different from your physical one. A VPN is one possible cause, including a VPN feature bundled with security or antivirus software. Network configuration or location-reporting problems can also produce a mismatch.
Netflix advises turning off a VPN or proxy if the problem persists. It does not endorse VPNs as a way to access another country’s catalog. Netflix says VPN viewing may show only titles for which it has worldwide rights, and changing the country on an account is intended for members who have moved. VPNs are also unsupported on ad-supported experiences and for live events. See Netflix’s VPN or proxy error guidance and account-country guidance.
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- Check your plan and the error code. If you use an ad-supported experience, turn off the VPN; Netflix does not support VPN use there. Error E121 may indicate this combination. Netflix’s error guidance can help identify the message you see.
- Turn off VPNs and proxies. Check the device’s VPN settings and any security app that might include a VPN. Disable the VPN or proxy, then reopen Netflix and try again.
- Check the location Netflix sees. On a device using the same network, go to fast.com, select “Show more info,” and look at the country listed next to “Client.” If it differs from your actual location, make sure the VPN is off and retry Netflix.
- Reset network settings if the location is still wrong. Reset the affected device’s network settings. If that does not help, restore the modem or router’s network settings, following the device maker’s instructions.
- Contact your internet provider if needed. If the VPN is off but fast.com still reports the wrong country, note the “Client” country and IP address shown there. Ask your ISP to confirm that they match the connection it assigned and that you are using its DNS server. Netflix says the ISP may need to work with Netflix if the information is correct.
Watching Netflix while traveling
Netflix is available in over 190 countries, but its catalog varies by country. When you travel, the available titles, maturity ratings, audio and subtitle options, and download availability may change. Netflix’s travel guidance recommends watching from the location you are visiting rather than using a VPN as a catalog switch. See Using Netflix outside of your home.
#1 Best Overall
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
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For a second home or frequent trips to the same place
Netflix’s travel guidance recommends connecting to Netflix from your main viewing location monthly and streaming briefly, then repeating the process when you arrive at the second location. This is account-use guidance, not a method for changing the catalog.
Prepare downloads before leaving
Netflix supports downloads on Android phones and tablets, iPhone and iPad, Amazon Fire tablets, and Google Chromebooks with the Google Play Store. Use Wi-Fi to download titles where possible. Not every title is downloadable, and downloads can expire; availability also depends on the title, plan, and device. A download lets you watch an eligible title offline—it does not unlock another country’s catalog. Check Netflix’s download guidance for current details applicable to your country and plan.
Rank #2
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- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
If you want a title unavailable in your country
Check which legitimate services are available where you live and whether one currently carries the specific title. Catalogs change by country and over time, so verify both availability and the title before subscribing. Otherwise, choose a title available in your local Netflix catalog. Netflix does not recommend a VPN as a way to change your account country; its guidance says the account country changes only if you move.
When the problem is an incorrectly flagged network
If you are a network operator and Netflix incorrectly flags your IP allocation, Netflix Open Connect’s partner guidance explains that properly registered IP allocations with the relevant Regional Internet Registry can help. Netflix says it may take two weeks or longer to discover an allocation change. This is operator guidance, not a consumer fix or a suggested wait time for an individual viewer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【AXT1800 WiFi 6 Wireless Router】Slate AX offers powerful Wi-Fi 6 network connection with a dual-band combined Wi-Fi speed of 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz). Enhance Wi-Fi performance with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, BSS color and able to connect to up to 120 devices simultaneously.
- 【Fast and Secure Browsing】IPv6 supported; OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers, OpenVPN speed up to 500 Mbps; WireGuard speed up to 550 Mbps. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
- 【Easy File Sharing】Our NAS feature supports SAMBA and WebDav protocol. By plugging an external USB hard disc into the router, you can create a private network to store and share your documents.
- 【Runs on OpenWrt 21.02】Slate AX runs on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system (Kernel version 4.4.60), with mass device connection capabilities, and significantly reduced signal interference. You can customize the router and install applications based on your preferences.
- 【Repeater for Public, Hotel WiFi】Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private network(wired/wireless) for secure surfing. Work with Captive Portal. (Note: Most of the Free Public Wi-Fi hotspot set a time limit for users, which will disconnect your devices once the time is over. To deal with this situation, please reconnect your router to the wifi.)
Rank #4
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- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
Rank #3
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
