Is Surfshark blocked by Netflix? Current Status and Workarounds

Netflix and VPNs have a complicated relationship.

As someone who loves streaming shows from around the world, I’ve tested many VPNs with Netflix.

Surfshark is a popular choice, but does it actually work?

Surfshark can unblock Netflix in most cases, but it’s not 100% reliable. I’ve had success using it to access content from other countries. But like other VPNs, it sometimes gets blocked.

Netflix tries hard to stop VPN use. They regularly update their blocking methods.

This means Surfshark and other VPNs have to keep adapting. It’s an ongoing back-and-forth.

While Surfshark works well now, that could change. I suggest testing it yourself to see if it meets your needs.

Understanding VPNs and Geo-Restrictions

VPNs and geo-restrictions play a big role in how we access content online. Let’s look at how these technologies work and impact our viewing options.

How VPN Services Work

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that hides your real location online.

It does this by sending your internet traffic through a server in another place. When you use a VPN, websites see the VPN’s location instead of yours.

Here’s how it works:

1. You connect to a VPN server
2. Your traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel
3. Websites see the VPN’s IP address, not yours

This process masks your real IP address and location. It’s like putting on a digital disguise!

Geo-Restrictions and Access to Content

Geo-restrictions limit what content you can see based on where you are.

Netflix, for example, shows different movies and shows in different countries. They do this because of licensing deals.

When you try to watch Netflix, it checks your IP address. This tells Netflix where you are. Then it shows you the content for that country.

VPNs can help get around these blocks. By connecting to a server in another country, you can access that country’s Netflix library. It’s like tricking Netflix into thinking you’re somewhere else!

But it’s not always that simple. Netflix tries to block VPNs. They don’t want people getting around their geo-restrictions. That’s why some VPNs work better than others for streaming.

The Battle Against VPNs

Netflix works hard to stop VPNs from accessing its content. They use smart methods to detect VPNs and block them. If caught using a VPN, you might lose access to Netflix.

Netflix’s VPN Detection Methods

Netflix has some tricks up its sleeve to catch VPN users.

They look at IP addresses to spot ones that belong to VPNs. If too many people use the same IP, Netflix gets suspicious. They also check if an IP matches the country you’re supposed to be in.

Netflix keeps a list of known VPN IPs and blocks them. They update this list often to stay ahead of VPNs. Some say Netflix even works with internet providers to find VPN traffic patterns.

Consequences of VPN Use on Netflix

If Netflix catches you using a VPN, you’ll see an error message.

It might say something like “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.” This means you can’t watch anything until you turn off your VPN.

Netflix doesn’t ban accounts for using VPNs. But they do make it hard to watch content.

You might lose access to shows from other countries. In some cases, you might only be able to see Netflix’s own shows.

Some VPNs, like Surfshark, try to stay one step ahead. They change their IPs often to avoid Netflix’s blocks. But it’s a constant back-and-forth game between VPNs and Netflix.

Using Surfshark with Netflix

I’ve found Surfshark to be a great tool for accessing Netflix content from different regions. It’s pretty easy to set up and use, but there are a few things to keep in mind for the best experience.

How to Install and Connect Surfshark

Getting started with Surfshark is simple.

First, I head to their website and sign up for an account. Then I download the app for my device – they have options for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.

Once installed, I open the app and log in.

The interface is user-friendly, with a big connect button right in the middle. I just click that, and Surfshark connects me to a server automatically.

For more control, I can pick a specific country from the server list. This is handy when I want to access Netflix content from a particular region.

Choosing the Right Server for Streaming

Picking the right server can make a big difference in my streaming quality.

I usually start with servers in the country whose Netflix library I want to access.

If I’m after US content, I’ll try cities like New York or Los Angeles. For UK shows, London is my go-to.

Sometimes I need to try a few different servers to find one that works well with Netflix.

Surfshark has special streaming servers in some locations. These are often faster and more reliable for Netflix, so I look out for those when available.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a good VPN like Surfshark, I sometimes run into problems.

If Netflix isn’t working, I first try switching to a different server. Sometimes a particular server gets blocked, but others still work fine.

Clearing my browser cache and cookies can help too. Netflix might remember my real location, so this gives me a fresh start.

If I’m still having trouble, I check if there’s a Surfshark app update available. New versions often include fixes for Netflix access.

As a last resort, I use Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature. It’s a bit trickier to set up, but it can work when the VPN doesn’t.

Performance and Support

I tested Surfshark’s speed and reliability for streaming Netflix. I also looked into their customer support options if users run into any issues.

Speed and Reliability for Streaming

Surfshark delivered solid speeds when I connected to Netflix through their VPN.

I didn’t notice much slowdown compared to my normal connection. Videos loaded quickly and played smoothly without buffering.

Even when streaming in HD, I didn’t experience any lag or quality drops.

The VPN connection stayed stable during my tests. I didn’t get disconnected or have to reconnect at any point. This reliability is key for uninterrupted Netflix binges.

Surfshark’s Customer Support

If streaming issues do pop up, Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support.

I tried it out and got connected to an agent within a minute. They were friendly and knew their stuff about Netflix-related problems.

For simpler questions, there’s also email support and a searchable help center. The articles cover common Netflix errors and how to fix them. Step-by-step guides make troubleshooting easy.

I like that Surfshark gives multiple ways to get help. Quick responses from real people are great when you just want to watch your show.

Legal Considerations and Terms of Service

Using a VPN with Netflix raises some legal and policy questions. Let’s look at the key issues around VPN use and Netflix’s rules.

Understanding the Legalities of VPN Use

VPNs are legal in most countries, but there are some exceptions. China, Russia, and a few other nations restrict or ban VPNs.

In places where VPNs are allowed, using one to access Netflix isn’t illegal. But it may go against Netflix’s rules.

I’ve found that VPNs like Surfshark operate in a legal gray area with streaming services. They don’t break laws, but they do let users get around geo-blocks. This creates a cat-and-mouse game between VPNs and Netflix.

Netflix Terms of Service on VPNs

Netflix doesn’t allow VPNs in its terms of service. The company says users can only watch content in their home country.

Using a VPN to access other regions goes against these rules. I’ve seen Netflix take steps to block VPNs and proxy services.

They can cancel accounts that use VPNs too much. But in practice, Netflix rarely bans users just for VPN use.

They focus more on stopping the VPNs themselves. Surfshark and other VPNs keep finding ways around Netflix’s blocks.

This lets their users keep watching content from other countries. But there’s always a risk Netflix could crack down harder in the future.