Netflix Proxy Error: Fix “You Seem to Be Using an Unblocker or Proxy”
Netflix says “You seem to be using a VPN or proxy” or “an unblocker or proxy”? A 30-second fast.com check, the free fixes when you never turned on a VPN, Netflix’s VPN rules, and how to keep a VPN on without the error.
Quick Answer
The error means Netflix sees a VPN, proxy or unblocker on your connection. Open fast.com: if “Client” shows the wrong country, turn off the VPN in your VPN app, antivirus app or router, or reset the device’s network settings. If the country is right, ask your ISP to check its DNS. If you want to keep your VPN on, the server you use has been flagged: switch to a provider that lists Netflix as supported. VPNs never work on Netflix’s ad-supported plans or for Live events.
The Netflix proxy error means Netflix thinks your connection comes from somewhere you are not. Netflix now shows it as “You seem to be using a VPN or proxy” (code E106); older versions of the message say “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy”. Either way, playback stops until you fix the connection Netflix sees.
Netflix’s own fix is to turn the VPN off. That works, but you lose what the VPN was doing for you: privacy on public Wi-Fi, or your usual connection while travelling. If you never turned on a VPN, a hidden one or your network is to blame. Below: a 30-second check, the free fixes, and what to do if you want to keep using a VPN.
30-Second Check: VPN or Network?
- Open fast.com (Netflix’s speed test) on the device with the error.
- Look at “Client” under the speed result. It shows the country and IP Netflix sees.
- Country is wrong: a VPN or proxy is on somewhere. Go to the fixes below.
- Country is right: the cause is your ISP or network. Skip to “Your ISP’s routing or DNS”.
Netflix Proxy Error Without a VPN: Causes and Fixes
| Cause | How to spot it | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| An antivirus or security app with a built-in VPN | Open the app and look for a VPN, secure browsing or privacy toggle. | Turn its VPN off, then restart Netflix. |
| A VPN or proxy set on the router | fast.com shows a different country on every device at home. | Turn the VPN off on the router, or restore the router to default settings. |
| Proxy or VPN profile in device settings | Only one phone, laptop or TV gets the error. | Reset that device’s network settings and reconnect. |
| Your ISP’s routing or DNS | fast.com shows your real country, but the error stays. | Ask your ISP to confirm you use their DNS server; if you do, they must work with Netflix. |
These are the steps Netflix lists: check fast.com, look inside antivirus apps, reset network settings, restore the router, then call your ISP. They cost nothing, so try them first.
Keep Your VPN On Without the Proxy Error
If the error only appears with your VPN on, Netflix has flagged that server’s IP address as a VPN. Free VPNs tend to hit this first, because many users share a few addresses. Switching to another server sometimes helps for a day. The lasting fix is a provider that maintains servers for Netflix and says so in its own documentation.
Netflix’s rules for VPNs:
- VPNs are not supported on ad-supported plans. On Standard with ads, no VPN will fix the error; turn it off or change plan.
- VPNs are not supported for Live events on Netflix.
- With a VPN, Netflix may only show titles it licenses worldwide. Your account country only changes if you move.
Proton VPN
- Netflix listed in Proton’s official streaming guide
- US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and many European countries
- Free plan does not include streaming
- 30-day money-back guarantee
2-year plan
PureVPN
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Official Netflix setup guides
- 31-day money-back guarantee
5-year plan·$1.69/mo $12.95/mo
This page contains affiliate links. If you sign up through them, NAT Checker may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Comparing more options? See the best VPN for Netflix. For why sites still spot a VPN, read how to make a VPN undetectable.
Netflix Proxy Error on TV, Browser and Phone
Smart TV or streaming stick (tvq-pb-101)
Browser on a computer
Phone or tablet
Only on hotel or office Wi-Fi
Still stuck with the VPN off and fast.com showing your real country? Netflix says your ISP has to work with Netflix directly. Give them the country and IP from fast.com.
Related Guides
Sources (checked October 31, 2026):
- • Netflix: “You seem to be using a VPN or proxy” (E106, fast.com check, ad-supported plans, Live events, ISP DNS)
- • Netflix: Watching TV shows and movies through a VPN (worldwide-licensed titles)
- • Netflix: Error tvq-pb-101 (1.10.5059)
- • Proton VPN: Streaming guide (Netflix countries, paid plans only)
- • PureVPN: Dedicated streaming servers