Fix Your VPN

Browse Guides by Service

Choose a streaming service below. Each guide walks you through the fixes that work for that service, starting with the ones most likely to sort it quickly.

• NetflixFix Netflix
• BBC iPlayerFix BBC iPlayer
• Disney+Fix Disney+
• Channel 4Fix Channel 4
• ITVXFix ITVX
• Apple TV+Fix Apple TV+

Try These Common VPN Fixes

Most VPN issues with streaming services come down to a handful of common causes. Work through these steps before anything else; they sort out most problems in under five minutes, and you won't need any technical knowledge to follow them.

• 
  01

  Try a Different Server

  The server you're connected to may have been blocked by the streaming service. Open your VPN app and pick a different server in the same country. It usually fixes things straight away.

  Try a Different Server
• 
  02

  Clear Your Cache and Cookies

  Your browser holds on to info from your last visit, including location data. Clearing your cache and cookies wipes that stored info so the service sees you fresh. Do this before reconnecting your VPN.

  Clear Your Cache and Cookies
• 
  03

  Change How Your VPN Connects

  Your VPN has a few different ways of connecting to the internet. Some are more easily blocked than others. Open your VPN app's settings, find the Protocol option, and try switching to a different one.

  Change How Your VPN Connects
• 
  04

  Turn On Your Kill Switch

  If your VPN briefly disconnects, your real location can show through for a split second. That's enough for some services to detect you. A kill switch pauses your internet the moment the VPN drops, so nothing gets out. Look for it in your VPN app's settings.

  Turn On Your Kill Switch
• 
  05

  Use the App, Not a Browser

  Streaming services are better at detecting VPNs in a web browser than in their own apps. If it's not working in Chrome or Safari, try the streaming service's own app instead.

  Use the App, Not a Browser
• 
  06

  Check for Hidden Location Leaks

  Sometimes your device quietly sends your location outside your VPN without you realising. This is called a DNS leak. Most VPN apps have a one-click fix for it under their Privacy or Advanced settings.

  Check for Hidden Location Leaks

If you've tried all of these and your VPN is still being blocked, the problem is most likely the VPN itself. Some providers, particularly free ones, can't disguise that your traffic is coming from a VPN server, and streaming services have got good at spotting them.

Our favourite VPNs, tried and tested

Not all VPNs are equal when it comes to streaming. These are the providers we recommend based on our own testing, ranked by overall performance, reliability, and value.

• Our Top Pick
  
  #1NordVPN (Our Top Pick)

  Excellent for streaming

  starting from £2.29/mo

  The most consistent VPN we've tested across BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+, and the harder UK services. Reliable, fast, and works on up to ten devices at once.

  Try NordVPNRead our NordVPN review
• 
  #2ExpressVPN

  Fastest speeds we've tested

  starting from £1.99/mo

  The fastest VPN in our tests by a consistent margin, and competitively priced. A strong choice if speed, picture quality, or smart TV streaming matters to you.

  Try ExpressVPNRead our ExpressVPN review
• 
  #3PureVPN

  Best value for money

  starting from $2.15/mo (approx. £1.70)

  The most affordable of our three picks. Still unblocks all the major streaming services, and the price makes it a sensible starting point if you're new to VPNs.

  Try PureVPNRead our PureVPN review

Wondering how we choose our recommendations? Read our How We Test VPNs guide

This section may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my VPN not working with Netflix?

Netflix actively blocks known VPN IP addresses. The most common fix is to switch to a different server in the same country; VPN providers rotate servers regularly, so another location may still work. Clearing your browser cache and cookies can also help, as stale session data may be exposing your real location. See our full Netflix fix guide.

Does a VPN slow down my internet speed?

A small amount of speed reduction is normal, as your traffic is being encrypted and routed through an extra server. With a quality VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, the slowdown is usually small enough that streaming still works fine. Connecting to a server closer to your physical location typically gives the best speeds.

What is a DNS leak and how do I fix it?

A DNS leak happens when your device sends location requests outside your VPN tunnel, revealing where you really are even though your IP address looks masked. You can check for one using our free IP address checker. Fixing it usually means enabling DNS leak protection in your VPN app settings. Our DNS leak guide walks you through every step.

Why does BBC iPlayer keep detecting my VPN?

iPlayer uses some of the most aggressive VPN detection of any streaming service. It checks not just your IP address but also DNS requests and WebRTC data. Make sure you're connected to a UK server, disable WebRTC in your browser, and clear your iPlayer cookies before reconnecting. Many providers offer dedicated iPlayer-optimised servers; ask your provider's support team which ones currently work. Full iPlayer troubleshooting guide.

Is it safe to use a VPN?

Yes, using a reputable VPN from a trusted provider is safe and widely used for privacy and security. Look for providers with independently audited no-logs policies. Avoid free VPNs, as many have been found to collect and profit from your browsing data, which is the opposite of what a VPN should do. Read our full guide to VPN safety.

Why does my VPN keep disconnecting?

Intermittent disconnections are usually caused by an unstable server, a firewall blocking VPN traffic, or a power-saving setting putting your network adapter to sleep. Try switching to a different server or changing your VPN protocol (WireGuard tends to be the most stable). Enabling your VPN's kill switch will prevent any traffic from leaking if a drop does occur.

Do I need a VPN on every device?

You only need a VPN on the device you're streaming from. If you want whole-home coverage, some routers support VPN connections directly, which means every device on your network is covered automatically, including smart TVs that don't have their own VPN app. Read more about when and where to use a VPN.