Does PrivateInternetAccess VPN work with Netflix?

Written by: Per-Erik Eriksson

Private Internet Access (PIA), which is based in the US, has a large server network and provides a fast and secure VPN. It is a valid product if your primary interest is online security and privacy but it does not offer dedicated servers for streaming. Whilst it may unblock Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Disney, it may not be the ideal solution to use with Netflix as it cannot cope with Netflix’s IP blocking system. It also currently only unblocks 6 Netflix libraries. Moreover, it doesn’t work well on devices that don’t allow VPN Apps: PS4/PS5, Apple TV, and other smart TVs.

In this article, we look at the benefits and limits of using PIA as well as some possible solutions if it doesn’t work with Netflix.

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WHY I LIKE PIA VPN: PrivateInternetAccess is at the top of my streaming tests, which is a great combination with their easy-to-use UI, Open-Source software and built in adblocker. PIA is also perfect for those who want to be able to pay with PayPal which for some reason, many other VPN services do not support. 30-day money-back guarantee, multiple Netflix libraries, and extremely affordable are the three main selling points for this VPN service.

Try this if PIA does not work with Netflix

Check which library you want to access

PIA currently only works with a limited number of Netflix libraries: US, Italy, UK, France, Germany, and Japan.

Change the VPN server location

Connect to a server in the same country as the library you want to access.

NB PIA usually connects automatically to a server closest to your actual location.

Connect to a different server in the same country

If PIA doesn’t unblock Netflix on the server you have chosen, try connecting to another server in the same region. Try different servers as some may already be blocked by Netflix.

Check your IP address

Your IP address may not have automatically changed when you connected to a server. If this is the case, you still won’t be able to access Netflix.

Change your protocol

Recommended protocols to use with Netflix are WireGuard and OpenVPN. You can change the protocol directly from your device settings.

Disable your Firewall or Antivirus

Some firewall settings and antivirus software may stop PIA from accessing Netflix. Try to disable your Firewall or any Antivirus software you have installed.

Use PIA DNS

Don’t use your default ISP as this may show your real country location. Use PIA’s DNS servers. After you have changed the server don’t forget to refresh the app.

Change your browser

Try launching from a different browser. The PIA VPN currently provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

Benefits and Limits of using PIA with Netflix

Benefits

Greater safety. Neither your ISP nor other parties are able to view your browsing history when you use PIA as it uses Perfect Forward Secrecy and encrypts traffic.

No lag. There is no lag or buffering when you stream Netflix in either HD or 4K although download speeds are lower when compared to other VPN services. The average global download speed is approximately 57 Mbps.

More servers. PIA currently has over 29K servers in 84+ countries, which is more servers than any other VPN service currently offers. There are around 19K servers in the US alone. This is good news as the US has the most extensive Netflix library available. More servers also have two main benefits:

  • it means Netflix has to work harder to ban the IP address of more servers;
  • faster speeds as the user bandwidth are spread across a larger number of servers.

Use on 10 devices simultaneously. You can watch Netflix through PIA on up to 10 devices at the same time using your PIA account.

Automatic disconnect. PIA has 3 operation modes (off, automatic, always). If you select “Always” this means you can only browse the internet while using PIA and it will instantly disconnect if the VPN connection suddenly drops. This provides greater security when watching Netflix from public networks.

Limits

Network obfuscation. PIA does not mask the fact that the network traffic is being rerouted through a VPN. As a result, Netflix may be able to identify the VPN connections more easily and block them.

Difficult to unblock Netflix on a Smart TV or PlayStation. The PIA Smart DNS option to change location directly from a Smart TV does not work with Netflix unless you install the VPN directly on the router. This is a complex process and requires advanced VPN expertise to do it.

Conclusion

PIA is one of the oldest VPN providers on the market and has earned an excellent reputation because of its great service and security features. This does not necessarily mean it is the right product for you, especially if your main interest is Netflix. The answer to whether Private Internet Access works with Netflix is “it depends”.

It depends on:

  • Your location
  • Which Netflix libraries you are interested in streaming
  • Which device you are using (mobile phone, PC, TV, game console)

It may be a good option for people living in the US, who want to access US libraries and watch Netflix from their mobile phone or computer. In other cases, however, it probably is not the best product on the market and may well result in difficulty in viewing your favorite Netflix programs. Other VPN products can access a larger number of Netflix regions, at faster speeds and allow access from Smart TVs and consoles.

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