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Illegal To Use a VPN For Netflix?

netflix vpn

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in the world. However, many people are not aware that it is blocked in certain countries. If you are traveling or living in a country where Netflix is blocked, you may be wondering if it is illegal to use a VPN for Netflix.

Netflix has been known to crack down on VPN users, so is your account at risk? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a little bit complicated. In general, using a VPN for Netflix is not illegal.

However, if you are caught by Netflix using a VPN, your account may be canceled.

In addition, Netflix has been cracking down on VPN users in recent years as the company seeks to enforce its licensing agreements with content providers.

So, if you are planning to use a VPN for Netflix, it is essential to be aware of these restrictions and take steps to avoid being detected. Let's take a look at this question in-depth!

Is Watching Netflix Via VPN Illegal?

If you're using a VPN to watch Netflix, you may be wondering if it's illegal. And if it is, are you putting your account at risk? The short answer is no; watching Netflix with a VPN is not illegal.

However, there are some potential risks associated with doing so. In recent months, Netflix has been cracking down on VPN users and has begun blocking specific VPNs from accessing its service.

So if you're using a VPN that's been blocked by Netflix, you may have trouble streaming shows and movies.

Additionally, while using a VPN to access Netflix isn't technically illegal, it could violate the terms of your subscription agreement. So if Netflix ever suspects that you're using a VPN to stream content illegally, they may cancel your account.

Is It Against Netflix's Terms & Conditions To Use a VPN?

Netflix has been obvious in the past that they don't want their subscribers to use a VPN or proxy service to bypass geo-restrictions.

A few years ago, they started blocking VPN providers and had continued to do so. Their TOS state that users are not allowed to "use any technology to circumvent the restrictions put in place by Netflix."

This directly applies to VPNs and proxy services. If you are caught using a VPN, your account could be at risk of being suspended or even canceled.

If you use a VPN with Netflix, make sure you use one of the best VPNs for Netflix that we recommend. Express VPN is a great option and has been working with Netflix for a long time.

Does Netflix Ban VPN Users?

If you're using a VPN to unblock Netflix from another country, you're not doing anything illegal. That said, Netflix does try to block VPN users.

The company has invested millions of dollars in developing technology that can detect when someone is using a VPN and prevent them from streaming content.

However, not all VPNs are equally effective at circumventing these blocks. Some services, like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, have been able to stay one step ahead of Netflix's blocking efforts.

Others, like VyprVPN and HolaVPN, have not been as successful. If you want to use a VPN with Netflix, your best bet is to choose a service with a proven track record of unblocking the streaming service, such as Express VPN.

What Happens If You Get Caught?

If you get caught using a VPN with Netflix, your account may be banned or suspended. In addition, Netflix could decide to blacklist specific VPN IP addresses, which would prevent users from connecting to the service at all.

While neither of these is an ideal situation, it's worth noting that neither is likely to happen. So, while using a VPN for Netflix isn't technically illegal, it does violate the company's TOS.

Also, be aware that Netflix is cracking down on VPN use more and more each day, so it's possible that this could change in the future.

How Does Netflix Detect VPNs?

Netflix can detect when you are using a VPN by looking at your IP address. Every device that is connected to the internet has a unique IP address.

When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is routed through an intermediary server before reaching Netflix. This server has its own IP address, which is different from yours. Therefore, Netflix can see that you connect from this intermediate IP address and not your actual IP address.

If too many people connect from the same IP address, Netflix will block that IP address. This is why it is essential to use a reputable VPN with servers in multiple countries.

A good VPN will have servers in many different countries so that if one gets blocked, you can simply switch to another server and continue watching Netflix without interruption.

How Do VPNs Manage To Avoid Netflix Detecting Them?

Refreshing IP Pools

Netflix has been known to block VPNs. To get around this, some providers will offer a feature called "refreshing IP pools." This means that the provider will periodically change the IP address assigned to your account.

This can help you get around Netflix's restrictions and keep watching your favorite shows. However, it is essential to note that using a VPN to access Netflix is against its terms of service.

If you are caught using a VPN, your account could be at risk of being suspended or even terminated. So, if you're going to use a VPN for Netflix, make sure you're doing so at your risk.

Dedicated IPs

Dedicated IPs are a great way to ensure that your Netflix account is safe. When you have a dedicated IP, it means that only you will be using that specific IP address to access the site.

This makes it much more difficult for Netflix to track down and block VPN users. While there is no guarantee using a dedicated IP will keep your account safe forever, it is undoubtedly one of the best ways to protect yourself.

And, if you do happen to get blocked, simply switching to a different Dedicated IP should solve the problem. Always make sure to choose a reputable VPN provider that offers high-quality dedicated IPs.

What VPN To Choose For Netflix?

ExpressVPN is consistently one of the fastest performing VPNs. But, unfortunately, it's also one of the most expensive, with a high monthly price tag.

However, the company does offer a lower-priced annual plan. Express VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN is another excellent choice for streaming Netflix.

The company has servers worldwide, making it an excellent choice for unblocking content from other countries.

Finally, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly VPN option, Private Internet Access may be right for you.

The company doesn't offer as many features as some of the other options on this list, but it does have fast speeds and a low price tag.

Conclusion

Now that we've answered the question, "is it illegal to use a VPN for Netflix?" let's talk about what could happen if you use one.

While there are no legal ramifications for using a VPN with Netflix, your account could be at risk. If Netflix detects that you are using a VPN, they may terminate your account.

So, while it's not illegal to use a VPN with Netflix, it is against their terms of service and could result in losing access to your account.

If you want to keep your Netflix account and still use a VPN, we recommend ExpressVPN. They offer fast speeds and reliable connections that allow you to stream your favorite shows and movies without interruptions.

By: Brian Rucker
Brian is a cybersecurity expert and an editor at VPNOnline.com. He has written many articles around the web on topics of technology, cybersecurity, and privacy. He is an avid day-to-day VPN user.