VPNs are quite popular among streamers these days because of geo-restrictions and content blocks. Most popular streaming sites like Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and others are only available in a few countries.
Using a VPN, you can cloak your actual IP address and make it appear as if you’re accessing the streaming service from the location where it is accessible. For example, to access Disney+, you can connect to a server in the United States, United Kingdom, or elsewhere where it is available. It will allow you to access the streaming service and its content easily.
However, VPNs are blocked by a number of streaming platforms for various reasons. That is why chances are when you access a platform, you will get an error message.
Some of the most common errors include Disney Plus Error Code 83, Netflix Proxy Error, and more.
Why is the Streaming Site Showing Error Code With a VPN?
If you are using a VPN service and cannot seem to access your desired content online, chances are your VPN provider is blocked by the site, or your IP address is blacklisted.
Using a VPN is legal with most streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more, but it goes against their terms of service. This is due to licensing agreements. Platforms carry these agreements and streaming rights in some countries only so most shows only exist in a few locations and are restricted elsewhere.
When you use a VPN, you can bypass these geo-restrictions and have unrestricted access to online streaming content. That is why most channels and streaming services online block access to VPNs.
Netflix, Disney+, and other popular sites keep a list of blacklisted IP addresses that contain VPN IPs. So, when you visit a site with one of these, it will block your access, and you will get an error message saying “turn off the proxy to view content,” or “you seem to be using a proxy or an unblocker.”
Whenever a user uses a VPN to access blocked content on streaming services from their location, it violates the terms of service. That is why you are probably getting the error message.
How to Fix Streaming Errors While Using a VPN?
Streaming services detecting and blocking VPN traffic is not uncommon. Fortunately, there are ways to fix the error while streaming. Here are a few things you can try:
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Connect to a different VPN server
The most common reason behind a streaming error while using a VPN is that the platform has detected your use of a virtual private network or a proxy service. What you can do is disconnect from the VPN and reconnect to a different server. It will give you a fresh IP address allowing you to access your desired streaming service.
Most VPN services offer unlimited server switching, so you can try different servers and connect to the one that gives you unrestricted access with fast speeds.
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Clear your browser cache and cookies
Your browser cookies and cache keep information regarding your IP address. If you are accessing the streaming service on your browser, go to settings and clear your cookies and cache.
Don’t worry, as it will not affect the performance of your browser or device.
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Check for possible IP or DNS leaks
Sometimes, your data does not get encrypted via a VPN, and it leads to IP and DNS leaks while you are online. If a streaming service detects your actual IP address during a session, your access will be cut off, and you will get a proxy error.
You can perform tests online for IP and DNS leaks. If the test fails, it means your VPN is not functioning properly.
Benefits of Using a VPN for Streaming?
Bypass geo-restrictions
Due to streaming rights, geo-blocking content is a common feature of most streaming services – such as BBC iPlayer (only available in the UK), Hulu (only available in the US), Disney Plus (only available in 13+ countries), and more.
This means that content on streaming services is limited to a few viewers and some movies, TV shows, live sports events, and channels are not available in your country.
This is where a VPN comes in. VPNs can easily bypass these geo-restrictions by making it seem like you are living in a region where the service is available. For example, to watch BBC iPlayer, you can connect to a server in the UK, and it will reroute your traffic and get you a British IP address to stream the platform.
Also, using a VPN for streaming is totally legal. Using VPNs is legal in most countries, except for a few regions. VPNs are banned in China, Russia, Crimea, and North Korea.
Reduce the chances of buffering
Streaming takes a lot of bandwidth, and your internet service provider (ISP) may slow down your internet connection if you are a heavy streamer. It is done for a lot of reasons, with avoiding network congestion being one of them.
This is called bandwidth throttling, and it is legal. But it might affect your streaming experience, as you will face constant buffering and high loading times.
Using a VPN, you can mask your online activities from your ISP and reduce the chances of buffering and avoid bandwidth throttling.
Conclusion
Overall, it is quite common to get a streaming platform error while using a VPN. It is because most streaming services use anti-VPN technologies to detect traffic from a VPN and block access. However, there are plenty of easy ways to fix the problem and watch your favorite movies and shows from anywhere.
