Netflix says I’m using a VPN, but I’m not: How to fix it

How to fix the Netflix “You seem to be using a VPN or a proxy” error

To deal with the M7111-5059 error that says you’re using a VPN on Netflix, you first need to learn the VPN definition. A VPN or virtual private network creates an encrypted tunnel for data, hides IP addresses, and provides enhanced security. 

Netflix blocks VPNs and web proxies to prevent users from accessing copyrighted content from other countries. If you aren’t using a VPN or web proxy, you can troubleshoot this problem in a few ways. 

1. Restart your router

The simplest fix to Netflix thinking you are using a VPN or proxy is to restart your router. This step can often help reset your IP address, especially if you’re using a shared or dynamic IP address. 

1. 1.Save any online-based projects in progress. On top of this Netflix issue, you certainly don’t want to lose any work when you shut off your wireless connection.
2. 2.Unplug the router. If your router has a power button, you can press that instead.
3. 3.Wait for 30 seconds. This step gives the router time to power down and clear its memory.
4. 4.Plug the router back in. Again, don’t forget to wait for at least 30 seconds first.
5. 5.Wait for the router to reboot. 

Once your wireless connection returns, it’s possible that you won’t be running into that pesky M7111-5059 error message anymore.

2. Check your internet connection

If your network connection is unstable or slow, Netflix may misinterpret it as coming from a VPN or proxy. Follow these steps to ensure that your connection is working properly:

1. 1.Check your internet connection status. This process can be different depending on what sort of device you are using. However, you can find helpful instructions on how to check your internet connection, including steps to check your internet connection status on different devices.
2. 2.Test your connection speed. To conduct an internet connection health test, simply visit internethealthtest.org, press “Go,” and wait a few moments to see the results.
3. 3.Use built-in utilities and apps. Windows has troubleshooter tools that can detect and attempt to fix issues with your internet connection. On macOS, you can use the Wireless Diagnostics utility.

3. Check for background software or network settings

This method involves checking for programs or settings that could be routing your traffic through a different network path, which could make Netflix think you are using a VPN or proxy. Before digging into this one, make sure that no VPN or proxy software is running, even if you don’t intend to use it. Check these common places:

• Background programs. Some antivirus or security software may include proxy or VPN-like features that affect your network traffic. As they continuously offer more wide-ranging security solutions, it’s not surprising that VPN and antivirus software overlaps, and one might be mistaken for the other.
• Browser extensions. Check if any browser extensions could be altering your connection or rerouting traffic. View your extensions at chrome://extensions in Chrome and edge://extensions in Edge. Disable them all, then re-enable them one by one, testing each time to see if you still get the M7111-5059 error.
• Network settings. Verify that your device’s network settings aren’t set to use a proxy or alternate routing path that could confuse Netflix. On Windows, go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Proxy,” and on a Mac, go to “System settings” > “Network” > “Advanced” > “Proxies” to ensure no unusual configurations are in place.

4. Switch to a different network

Sometimes Netflix detects shared networks or specific IP addresses as suspicious. If possible, try using a different network.

• If you’re on public Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot, try switching to your mobile data or a different secure public Wi-Fi to see if the issue persists.
• If you’re on a home network with multiple users, try accessing Netflix from another device or ask other users to stop streaming while you check.

5. Clear your browser cache and cookies

Sometimes stored data can cause Netflix to incorrectly flag your connection. Clearing your cache and cookies on the internet can help reset any session data that might be causing issues. Follow these steps to clear your cache:

• For Chrome, go to “Settings” > “Privacy and security” > “Clear browsing data.”
• For Firefox, go to “Options” > “Privacy & security” > “Cookies and site data” > Clear data.”
• For Safari, go to “Preferences” > “Privacy” > “Manage website data” > “Remove all.”

If you’d like to learn more, you can take a look at our guide on how to clear your cache on different browsers.

6. Check your DNS settings

Incorrect or conflicting DNS settings can cause issues with Netflix’s geolocation detection. The domain name system (DNS) is responsible for converting website names into IP addresses. Incorrect settings can affect how Netflix detects your location. You can use an IP lookup tool to see if the geolocation of your IP address is correct. If it isn’t, try using a public DNS server.

• Google DNS: Set your DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
• Cloudflare DNS: Set your DNS to 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

You can change your DNS settings in your device’s network settings or directly in your router’s settings.

7. Update your device and Netflix app

Netflix M7111-5059 errors show the importance of updating the software involved. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with streaming services like Netflix. Follow these steps to check different devices for updates:

• For smartphones and tablets, check your app store for updates for the Netflix app.
• For smart TVs and streaming devices, go to your device’s settings and check for any system updates.
• For computers, ensure your web browser and operating system are updated to the latest version.

8. Try a different device

If the error happens on one device, try opening Netflix on another to see if the issue is specific to that device.

• Switch from a smart TV to a laptop, desktop, or mobile phone to see if Netflix still says you seem to be using a VPN or proxy even though you’re not.
• If Netflix works on other devices, a setting or issue on the original device may be causing the error.
• If you can’t get it to work on other devices, Netflix might be down.

9. Contact your ISP about IP blocklists

Some internet service providers (ISPs) use shared IP pools, which means the IP address you’re using might have been flagged because a previous user of that address caused issues with Netflix. Here’s what to do if that might be the case:

• Ask your ISP if they use CGNAT (carrier-grade NAT) or shared IP pools.
• Request a static IP address if available.
• Provide Netflix error codes to your ISP for better assistance.

10. Contact Netflix support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s time to reach out to Netflix support. To do so, go to the help center on Netflix’s website and start a live chat or phone support session. Provide the person helping you with any error codes or messages you’ve encountered so they can assist more effectively.

How does Netflix detect VPNs and proxies?

Netflix has complex content licensing agreements with studios, so it blocks VPNs and proxies to ensure that users aren’t able to access content that isn’t available in their specific region. Netflix blocks IP addresses, not individual accounts. Data center IPs are easier for it to identify than residential IPs. 

Netflix detects proxy servers and VPNs in a few different ways:

• IP address blocklisting. Netflix maintains a database of known IPs associated with VPNs and proxies. If you are using one of these IPs, that may be why Netflix says you seem to be using a VPN or proxy.
• DNS location mismatches. This is another way Netflix detects proxy servers and VPNs. DNS location mismatches occur when your IP address says you’re in one place, but your DNS requests reveal a different location.
• Traffic pattern analysis. Netflix may conclude that you seem to be using an unblocker or proxy by analyzing your behavior for patterns such as frequent IP switching, which resembles a VPN.

Netflix blocks VPNs and proxies for understandable reasons, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with using a VPN. In fact, it is a great tool to use to boost your privacy and security. 

What are common reasons for a false positive VPN or proxy detection error?

You may still be wondering why you’ve gotten a false Netflix proxy error code M7111-5059. Why would Netflix say you’re using a VPN or proxy when you’re not? Some of the most common reasons why this might happen include:

• A VPN service previously used your IP. If your IP address was previously used by a VPN service, it can get your IP address flagged.
• The school or office network you are using uses a proxy. In this situation, Netflix sees your connection going through a proxy and will block access.
• Antivirus software running in the background may have VPN or proxy features. Many security suites have built-in VPNs that you’ll need to turn off.
• Browser extensions are rerouting traffic. Some extensions (especially those for privacy) can redirect traffic, triggering the Netflix VPN error.
• Your IP address is masked due to old cached location data in cookies. If location data (cookies and cache) is conflicting with your real IP, you need to delete your browser’s cookies and cache, then restart the browser.
• IPv6 leaks show a different location than IPv4. This Netflix proxy error can occur when your ISP uses an unsupported IPv6 tunnel over IPv4, making your connection appear as if you’re using a VPN or proxy. If you’d like to learn more, you can take a look at our guide on IPv4 vs. IPv6.

How can different devices trigger false VPN or proxy detection errors on Netflix?

The type of device you’re using can impact whether you encounter issues with Netflix falsely detecting a VPN or proxy. 

• Smart TVs and streaming devices: Manual DNS settings on a Smart TV or streaming device might conflict with your router’s IP.
• Laptops and desktops: On a laptop or desktop, you could have a proxy running without realizing it, so check your Windows or Mac network settings for any active proxies.
• Mobile devices (phones and tablets): Mobile carriers sometimes use technologies like CGNAT (carrier-grade network address translation), which means many users share the same public IP address. Because of this feature, Netflix may flag that IP as suspicious. Try turning off Wi-Fi and streaming on your phone’s cellular data to bypass your home network’s IP.
• Browser vs. app: Similar problems plague browsers and apps, like ISP issues and DNS leaks. Old cookies or cached files can store location info on a browser that conflicts with your actual IP. You can clear your browser data and restart your router. On an app, you can force quit and reinstall.

How can you avoid the VPN or proxy error on Netflix in the future?

With the help of this guide, you may have resolved Netflix’s M7111-5059 error this time. Follow these steps to avoid getting another one in the future:

• Use a private and secure network. Watching Netflix at home is usually more reliable than using public Wi-Fi, such as that offered in a café or coffee shop.
• Regularly restart your router. Restarting your router may force your ISP to assign you a new IP address that is not flagged as a VPN or proxy IP. If you don’t restart your router on a regular basis, you risk slower internet speeds, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues. 
• Clear your browser cache and cookies. This step will not only help prevent the Netflix proxy error by getting rid of old data that may be causing Netflix to incorrectly flag your connection, but it will also provide other benefits like enhancing privacy and improving performance.
• Check your network settings for proxy configurations. To find out if your device is running a proxy you don’t know about, go to your system’s network settings to see if automatic detection, a script, or manual server details are active. If they are, turn them off.
• Update your Netflix app and device software. It’s always important to keep your software up to date, and the Netflix app and device software are no exceptions.