Does Surfshark Work with Netflix
Being able to access the US Netflix library is a huge advantage if you don’t live in the US, since it has the biggest content catalog.
Surfshark Netflix: Does Surfshark Work with Netflix? [2023 Guide]
Surfshark can unblock 10 Netflix geo-restricted libraries without buffering or errors. While costing only $2.30/mo , Surfshark is quite an affordable option for streaming Netflix.
- Updated: September 20, 2023
- 3 User Reviews
- Gerald Hunt
The content library of Netflix changes according to your location. So, for instance, a show that might be available in the US might not be available in the UK.
However, various binge-streamers use a VPN to circumvent these geo-restrictions and make the most of their Netflix subscription. A VPN conceals your actual IP address and routes your internet traffic through a remote server, making it seem like you’re in a different location.
Sadly, since Netflix has started actively blocking VPN users, finding a provider that works reliably with the streaming platform has become difficult. However, using the Surfshark Netflix combination, you can use your existing Netflix subscription to stream various Netflix libraries, such as Netflix Canada, Australia, German, Italy, South Africa, and more easily.
In today’s blog, we’ll put Surfshark to the test and finally answer — “Does Surfshark work with Netflix?” We’ll also inform you how good Surfshark VPN is for Netflix and share a few quick tips to fix the Surfshark not working with Netflix issue.
Surfshark Netflix – Key Features
- 2nd best VPN for unblocking Netflix
- Unblocks 10 Netflix libraries
- Works with US Netflix
- Offers unlimited bandwidth for unrestricted streaming
- Guaranteed privacy from ISPs while streaming
- Best servers for Netflix: USA – Chicago, UK – Edinburgh, CA – Montreal
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark Netflix – Is Surfshark Good for Netflix?
Yes, Surfshark is Best Netflix VPN for streaming. To fully review Surfshark, we put the VPN through an extensive testing process. In our latest Surfshark Netflix streaming tests, the VPN unblocked 10 different Netflix libraries with fast speeds and minimal buffering, by enabling Surfshark’s No border Mode as it is the best way to ensure that you get access to such regionally restricted platforms.
The VPN works spectacularly on various devices as well. These include FireStick, Roku, Kodi, Smart TVs, and more to enjoy geo-blocked Netflix content in your country.
In this section, we’ll see why Surfshark is a good VPN for Netflix. In case you already know and have subscribed to the provider, then you can skip to: how to watch Netflix with Surfshark. Or, you can find quick troubleshooting tips if you’re encountering any Netflix errors.
Surfshark Unblocks 10 Netflix Libraries
Surfshark can unblock 10 regional libraries of Netflix. These include:
| United States | United Kingdom |
| Germany | Netherlands |
| Mexico | Italy |
| Australia | Canada |
| India | Japan |
Since the US Netflix catalog offers the most exclusive titles, it’s pretty amazing that you can access its content with Surfshark while not residing in the country.
While a few VPN services like ExpressVPN can unblock more Netflix libraries, Surfshark offers access to various diversified Netflix catalogs like Netflix IN and JP, which should be enough for various streamers. Apart from that, Surfshark can also unblock Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, Surfshark with Disney Plus, CBS, Crackle, and more.
Access US Netflix with Surfshark from Anywhere
The best thing about Surfshark is that all of its servers are optimized for streaming. While you can access US Netflix using Surfshark’s server locations available in the United States, you can also access the exclusive US TV shows and movies using servers that aren’t optimized for streaming. Just connect to a country that isn’t mentioned above, and you’ll be directed to the US library content.
This feature is amazing as it allows users living far away from the US to enjoy American Netflix content without compromising their speeds. You get fast speeds from a nearby server while accessing the best Netflix library.
Fast Speeds for Bufferless Streaming
Surfshark is pretty fast. It has everything you want in a premium VPN service, including speeds, protocols, and military-standard encryption. It also offers a variety of servers in different locations, which is a plus.
When you connect to a VPN server to change your Netflix region, your internet traffic has a longer route to pass than your regular connection to reach the destination. This means that your speeds will be a bit slower than connecting directly.
If your speed isn’t fast, you’ll be subject to bad video quality and a lot of buffering. Netflix recommends the following minimum speeds according to video quality:
- Standard Definition (480p): 1 Mbps
- High Definition: 3 Mbps (720p) and 5 Mbps (1080p)
- Ultra-HD/4K: 15 Mbps
Thankfully, Surfshark is one of the fastest VPN services, with high speeds on both nearby and long-distance servers, using which you can stream Netflix in Ultra-HD quality without any lag.
When we tested Surfshark for speeds, we received a speed drop of about 12% on our download speeds when connected to the US server using the WireGuard tunneling protocol. The speed we received was 88% – more than enough to enjoy Netflix in Ultra-HD/4K.
If you’re looking to unblock a Netflix library that’s far away from your actual location, then fret not because Surfshark offers speedy international connections as well. When tested, our speeds dropped down by 20% only on its UK server, and we got a download speed of 80 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
Using these speeds, we unblocked UK Netflix within a minute. You can see the entire British library of Netflix unblocked in the screenshot below:
There was no buffering on our connection while streaming UK-exclusive Netflix titles.
The speeds were fast on other long-distance servers as well. You can check them out below:
| Countries | Download Speeds (/100 Mbps) | Speed Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 83 Mbps | 17% |
| Australia | 81 Mbps | 19% |
| Germany | 78 Mbps | 22% |
Surfshark offers an extensive server network, including 3200 + in 100 countries, which helps circumvent congestion on servers and speed issues to get US Netflix in Haiti.
Throughout testing, the speeds were blazing-fast with no buffering or latency issues. Every server we tested unblocked movies and all our favorite titles within a few seconds.
High Level of Security & Encryption
Surfshark offers the industry’s most stringent data encryption technologies to keep user data secure. It uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and offers multiple tunneling protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN, to choose from. Surfshark is also known as the top VPN with CleanWeb Its powerful CleanWeb feature ensures a pristine online environment.
Moreover, the VPN offers a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection stops even for a second. You also get a DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection feature that ensures to not leak your actual IP address to anyone. When tested, both of these features worked pretty well.
For DNS/IP leak testing, we connected to its US server, and you can see that the VPN kept our original IP safe and sound:
Surfshark successfully kept our IP address hidden when tested for IP Leaks.
That’s not everything you get with Surfshark. To efficiently bypass Netflix’s geo-blocks, the VPN uses obfuscation technology that makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, making it difficult for Netflix to detect you as a VPN user.
Compatible with Multiple Devices
Surfshark lets you watch Netflix on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. If you prefer using your internet browser for streaming purposes, then you also get extensions for Firefox and Chrome.
Thanks to its easy-to-use app for FireStick, you can call Surfshark the best VPN for streaming Netflix on bigger screens like Smart TVs. All you need to do is get its dedicated application for the Amazon Store and enjoy the streaming service in just a few clicks.
Smart DNS and Trust DNS
Surfshark can be used on various devices to access Netflix that do not natively support VPN apps, like PS4, American Netflix on Apple TV, Xbox, Kodi, Smart TVs, and more. However, for configuration, you’d require using Surfshark’s Smart DNS/Trust DNS feature that routes your DNS requests instead of masking your IP.
Please note that even though Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your entire internet traffic, it’s a great option for accessing Netflix on media players and gaming consoles.
Affordable VPN with a Free Trial of 7 Days
Surfshark prices are comparatively low which makes it the best cheap VPN on the market. The VPN costs only $2.30/mo if you’re willing to get its 2-year plan. That’s pretty affordable if we compare it to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, which costs $6.67/mo .
However, if you’re hesitant, then you can opt for Surfshark’s free trial for 7 days that you can get on mobile devices. There’s also a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee available, meaning you can test the Surfshark Netflix combo for a whole month!
How to Use Surfshark to Access Netflix
Here’s how to use Surfshark to watch Netflix:
- Subscribe to Surfshark. Select its 2-year subscription for the most affordable plan. You can also get its 7-day free trial on mobile devices.
- Download the VPN app on your device. Choose the dedicated app for your device from Surfshark’s official website.
- Choose the regional Netflix library you desire to access. You can visit uNogs to see which movie or TV show is available in which library.
- Connect to a server of that country. Search for your preferred location, or scroll down until you see it.
- Launch the Netflix app once your connection is successful, and find your desired library of Netflix there.
Surfshark Netflix – Surfshark VPN Not Working with Netflix?
Netflix constantly blocks VPNs to prevent people from viewing content that is outside their geo-location due to licensing agreements and copyrights. That is why only a few VPNs work with Netflix, including Surfshark. If you are using a VPN that does not work with Netflix, you will see a Netflix proxy error.
“Streaming Error – You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.”
However, if you’re using Surfshark and still can’t get it to work, you can check out these quick troubleshooting fixes listed below:
1. Choose a different server:
If you cannot access Netflix libraries with Surfshark, then choose a different server in your selected region and try again. Make sure you log out of the Netflix app or website before changing the servers on Surfshark and then log back in.
2. Use a different streaming protocol:
If you have access to the Netflix library you want, but it won’t stop buffering, then you need to switch to any other VPN protocol. Follow the steps below to change your encryption protocol:
- Open the “ Settings” tab from the Surfshark menu.
- From there, click on “VPN Settings.”
- Scroll down and choose your preferred protocol when you see the tab. We recommend WireGuard or OpenVPN (UDP).
- Log out of Netflix and restart it to enjoy bufferless Netflix streaming.
3. Use a Wired Connection:
Wireless connections tend to perform slower, especially when connected to a VPN. Whereas a wired connection provides lower latency and higher download speeds. So, try accessing Netflix through a wired connection with Surfshark running on it.
4. Change your Smart DNS server:
If none of Surfshark’s servers work, then there is a possibility of a connection problem between Netflix and your device. To resolve this, you must manually change the Smart DNS servers to make Surfshark VPN Netflix work together on your PC.
While every device is different, you might be able to find the DNS settings in the Network settings under Wi-fi/Ethernet. You can use 208.67.220.220 or 208.67.222.222 servers to resolve the Surfshark Netflix not working error with Smart DNS.
5. Restart router:
If your router has been running continuously for a while, try restarting it to clear its cache. This simple trick can improve your speeds and allow you to open apps and websites you couldn’t get past earlier.
6. Activate the kill switch:
You can also enable the kill switch feature to make the Surfshark Netflix problem go away. This will prevent Netflix from discovering your actual location and blocking you. You can easily find Surfshark’s kill switch from its app and be safe.
7. Contact Surfshark’s customer support:
If none of the Surfshark Netflix not working solutions are helpful for you, then the final resolution is to contact the 24/7 live chat support of Surfshark. The good part is that the live chat representatives quickly answer your queries and can also find you an optimized server that will work with Netflix.
After trying all these fixes, if Surfshark still doesn’t work for you and you don’t want to continue using its services, then you can always cancel your Surfshark subscription. After cancellation, you can opt for a different VPN alternative, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Other Benefits of Surfshark
Surfshark is perfect to use with Netflix. As per our extensive Surfshark review, it offers a super-fast connection, fantastic unblocking capabilities, unlimited multi-logins, user-friendly apps, and live chat support, all combining and providing users with the ultimate Surfshark Netflix streaming experience.
The VPN has more tricks up its sleeves than just unblocking streaming services. You can install Surfshark on routers as well as on different devices like Apple TV and FireStick to have a great streaming experience. Let’s look at a few benefits of Surfshark to enjoy it to the fullest:
- Surfshark is good for torrenting
- It equips strong 256-bit encryption for secure P2P filesharing sessions.
- It offers unlimited simultaneous connections and supports various operating systems and devices.
- Offers Surfshark free trial for 7 days on mobile devices before purchasing the full subscription.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of Surfshark VPN Netflix and determine if it really is a great choice for the streaming platform:
- Offers the WireGuard protocol
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries for Netflix Surfshark
- Super-affordable VPN
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Surfshark unblocks Netflix libraries of different countries (10 or above)
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Does Surfshark Work with Netflix?
Simon Migliano is a recognized world expert in VPNs. He’s tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more.
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Our Verdict
Surfshark bypasses geo-restrictions on Netflix. During our testing, it worked to unblock 10 international Netflix regions including the US, France, Germany, India, and Japan. Along with its fast speeds and affordable price, Surfshark also offers a Smart DNS tool for streaming Netflix on your TV.
Latest Update: ExpressVPN works more reliably than Surfshark with 10 Netflix regions including USA, UK, Canada, and Japan. Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days.
The movies and TV shows available on Netflix change according to your location. For instance, subscribers in the US can watch Breaking Bad, but those in Australia can’t.
Many people use a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass these geo-restrictions and get the most of their Netflix subscription.
A VPN changes your IP address to make you appear from a different location. It does this by routing your internet traffic through a remote server based in a country of your choice.
Sadly, since Netflix started blocking access to VPN and proxy users, it has become much harder to find a VPN service that unblocks the streaming service.
In this guide we’ll explain how good Surfshark is for Netflix, and we share troubleshooting tips if Surfshark isn’t working with Netflix.
Surfshark Key Netflix Statistics:
- Netflix VPN ranking: #4 out of 55 VPNs tested
- Netflix regions unblocked: 10
- Works with US Netflix? Yes
- Best Netflix servers: Boston (USA), London (UK) & Melbourne (AUS)
What’s In This Guide
- Is Surfshark Good for Netflix?
- How to Use Surfshark to Unblock Netflix
- Surfshark VPN Not Working with Netflix?
What’s In This Guide
- Is Surfshark Good for Netflix?
- How to Use Surfshark to Unblock Netflix
- Surfshark VPN Not Working with Netflix?
Is Surfshark Good for Netflix?
We put Surfshark through our comprehensive VPN testing process and found the VPN service is one of the best VPNs for streaming Netflix.
Surfshark consistently unblocked 10 Netflix regions including the US, France, Germany, India, and Japan. During our testing, we recorded fast speeds and experienced minimal buffering.
Surfshark is great for streaming Netflix on a range of devices, too. This includes an impressive Firestick app, which makes it easy to watch region-restricted movies on your TV.
Surfshark’s Fire TV Stick app unblocked Netflix in our tests.
In the section below, we take a detailed look at what makes Surfshark a very good option for Netflix.
Alternatively, skip to our section on how to watch Netflix with Surfshark, or try our workarounds if you’re still seeing the Netflix proxy error.
Surfshark Streams 10 Netflix Libraries
Surfshark unblocks Netflix in 10 regions, including:
Being able to access the US Netflix library is a huge advantage if you don’t live in the US, since it has the biggest content catalog.
Other VPN services can stream more Netflix regions (e.g. Windscribe (32) or PrivateVPN (14), but the fact Surfshark works with the US, UK, and Indian libraries should be enough for most users.
In addition, Surfshark unblocks other content platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Sky, and HBO Max.
The VPN’s UK servers also work with BBC iPlayer, one of the hardest streaming services to unblock. This makes Surfshark one of the top-rated VPNs for connecting to the UK.
Watch US Netflix from Anywhere
Not only can you access American Netflix via Surfshark’s US VPN servers, the VPN also lets you stream US movies and TV shows from any server location that isn’t streaming-enabled.
Simply connect to a country that isn’t listed above and you’ll be able to stream US content.
We love this feature because it allows users who don’t live near to the US to enjoy American Netflix content without sacrificing internet speed. You get the speed benefit of a local VPN connection, while accessing the most desirable Netflix region.
Fast Enough Speeds for Buffer-Free Streaming
When you change IP address by connecting to a VPN server, your internet traffic has to make a longer round trip. This means a VPN connection will almost always be slower than connecting directly.
If your service’s speed isn’t fast enough, you’ll be restricted to low-quality video with a lot of buffering.
- >3Mbps for standard-definition (480p) content
- >5Mbps for high-definition (1080p) content
- >25Mbps for ultra-high-definition (2160p / 4K) content
Thankfully, Surfshark offers strong speeds on both local and international connections.
The VPN service isn’t the quickest VPN we’ve tested, but it’s fast enough to stream Netflix videos in high-quality and with no interruptions.
Our speed tests showed just a 5% drop in download speeds connecting to a nearby server using the WireGuard protocol. We measured speeds of 95Mbps – more than enough to stream Netflix in 4K.
Surfshark’s speeds are also good on international connections, which is crucial if you want to unblock movies and TV shows in far away countries.
We recorded an average download speed loss of 12% and an average download speed of 88Mbps when connecting to the UK from the US.
The VPN also performs reasonably well on other global connections:
| Country | Avg. Download Speed | Avg. Speed Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 79Mbps | 21% |
| Canada | 93Mbps | 7% |
| Germany | 88Mbps | 12% |
The above speeds were recorded using our 100Mbps fibre broadband.
Surfshark’s large server network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries helps it to maintain good connection speeds by reducing server congestion and improving the distance between you and your local VPN server.
Elite-Level Encryption & Security
Surfshark protects your data with the safest encryption technologies on the market. It uses the military-grade AES-256 cipher to secure your traffic and lets you choose between a selection of great VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard.
In addition, the VPN comes with effective IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak blocking tools, as well as a VPN kill switch that cuts your internet connection if the VPN ever stops working for a moment. Clearly, these tools are working well as we found no evidence of data leaks when we put Surfshark to the test.
Not only will Surfshark’s security suite keep you private and safe online, it’ll also help you beat Netflix’s geo-blockers. The obfuscation technology used by Surfshark makes VPN traffic look the same as regular HTTPS traffic, which makes it much harder for Netflix to identify you as a VPN user.
Obfuscation is applied automatically whenever you connect to a Surfshark server through the OpenVPN protocol. However, if necessary, you can change the connection protocol in the app’s Settings menu.
Simply open up Settings, select Advanced, and then choose your preferred protocol.
Compatible With a Wide Range of Devices
Surfshark lets you stream Netflix on all major desktop and mobile operating systems including macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.
You can also use its Chrome or Firefox extensions if you prefer streaming video content in a browser.
Surfshark is also one of the best VPNs for streaming on your TV. Its dedicated Fire TV Stick app is very easy-to-use and well-optimized for bigger screens.
Simply download the app from the Fire TV app store and use the VPN to change your geographic region on a number of streaming platforms, including Hulu, HBO and YouTube.
Smart DNS and Trust DNS
Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature.
Unlike many rival VPNs, you can easily use Surfshark on Apple TV, PS4 and other devices that don’t support native VPN applications.
To do this, Surfshark uses a SmartDNS (or Trust DNS) feature that works by rerouting your DNS requests, rather than hiding your IP address.
Smart DNS won’t encrypt your traffic in the way a full VPN does, so be careful when using it. But, it’s a great tool for spoofing your location and unblocking Netflix on Smart TVs and games consoles.
Budget-friendly VPN With a 7-day Free Trial
Surfshark is very affordably and currently our favorite cheap VPN.
The VPN costs as little as $2.30 a month, if you’re willing to pay for two years up front. That’s considerably cheaper than our top-rated VPN, ExpressVPN, which costs $6.67 a month.
Moreover, if you want to try before you buy, Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial via mobile.
There’s also a 30-day refund period, which you can claim twice. This means you can essentially stream with Surfshark entirely risk-free for up to 67 days.
How to Use Surfshark to Unblock Netflix
To use Surfshark VPN to watch Netflix:
- Subscribe to Surfshark. Choose the two-year plan for the best value for your money. You can also trial the VPN for seven days.
- Download the VPN software onto your device. We always recommend choosing the dedicated app from the associated official app store if you have the option.
- Decide which region’s Netflix content library you want to access. Use uNogs to see where movies and TV shows are available.
- Connect to a VPN server in that country. Use the ‘Locations’ tab in the app to find your chosen country.
- Once connected to a VPN server, open the Netflix app or website and your desired Netflix library should appear.
Video: How to Unblock Netflix with Surfshark
You can also watch our video below. You’ll see us using Surfshark to unblock Netflix in the US and Japan.
Surfshark reliably unblocks the US Netflix Library.
One Netflix subscription is enough to unblock movies and TV shows in all 10 regions Surfshark can access.
If you connect to a VPN server that doesn’t support streaming, the service will also automatically redirect you to the US Netflix library.
If you run into any problems, like Netflix error m7111-5059, consult our workarounds below.
Surfshark VPN Not Working with Netflix?
Netflix is constantly finding new ways to block VPNs, in an effort to prevent people from viewing geo-restricted content.
As a result, you may experience your VPN not working with Netflix.
While Netflix does this because of its licensing agreements with production studios, viewers are the ones left suffering the inconvenience.
Surfshark is currently one of only a few VPNs that reliably work with Netflix. But, on occasion, you may come across the painfully familiar Netflix proxy error.
Netflix’s “Streaming Error” message.
“Oops, something went wrong… Streaming Error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”
Here are some easy workarounds to help you bypass the Netflix proxy error (also known by error code m7111-5059).
1. Use a Different VPN Server
Netflix blocks VPN servers by blacklisting the IP addresses that belong to them. While VPN services regularly launch new servers and refresh their old IP addresses, they’re not always able to keep up.
Luckily, Netflix is usually only able to blacklist a handful of servers at a time.
Therefore, the first thing you can try is reconnecting to a different server in the same location. It’ll have a new, unique IP address, that may not be blocked by Netflix.
You may need to try several different servers before you unblock the Netflix location you want to access.
In our tests, we always found a working server among Surfshark’s 3,200+-strong server network.
EXPERT ADVICE: Alternatively, you could use uNoGS to identify another country where Netflix hosts the content you’re after, and connect to a VPN server there.
2. Use a Different Encryption Protocol
If you can access your Netflix library, but the content is stuck on the loading screen, you may need to change the encryption protocol. To switch to a different protocol:
- Go to the Settings page in the Surfshark app
- Click or tap the Advanced tab
- Ensure the protocol is set to OpenVPN/UDP or WireGuard
- Restart Netflix
3. Contact the Customer Support Team
The Surfshark customer support team is on-hand 24/7 to help with any difficulties, including the m7111-5059 error.
We’ve always found the company’s support team very responsive and helpful in our years of testing. You can contact them via email or live chat.
Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
Most websites, including Netflix, collect location data through browser cookies and cache files. This data is used to determine your physical location, even if you’re connected to an overseas VPN server.
If you’re still seeing your local Netflix library while connected to a Surfshark server elsewhere, try clearing your cookies and cache files. Once you refresh the page, Netflix should show the content library of the region you’re connected to.
To clear your browser cookies and cache, follow the instructions below. We’re using Google Chrome in this example:
- Open Google Chrome and select the three-dotted icon at the top right of the screen.
- Click More Tools and select Clear browsing data
- Tick the Cookies and other data and Cached images and files checkboxes
- Click Clear data
- Relaunch Google Chrome
- Stream Netflix