Does Private Internet Access Unblock Netflix in 2023?

There was a time when Private Internet Access (PIA) didn’t work with Netflix. However, PIA has made improvements, and it now unblocks Netflix in most countries! If you encounter the “PIA not working with Netflix” issue, you can try switching servers and adjusting the settings slightly. In this guide, I’ll demonstrate how to use PIA to unblock Netflix and many other streaming services!

Netflix is a huge platform with more libraries than you can imagine. The most famous Netflix library is the US one, but getting access to that is extremely taskful. That is why we recommend using only the best Netflix VPN to access it or a reliable one that offers a US IP address. 

Of course, not every VPN service is reliable enough to unblock Netflix, which is why you need to be extra selective of the one you choose. We’ve run a couple of tests and shortlisted only a couple of providers that work, and Private Internet Access is one of the best that works!

Why should you use PIA to access Netflix?

As mentioned above, not every VPN is reliable enough to unblock Netflix. There are many providers that claim to allow immediate access, but it’s not that simple. That is why we ran PIA through some tests and reviewed the app before announcing that it can unblock Netflix.

Private Internet Access is quite famous among users worldwide, who mainly require VPN services for streaming access. There is alot that this provider offers in terms of high-end features, a large network coverage, and overall performance.

Because Netflix offers multiple libraries, the VPN you choose needs to be able to offer a wide variety of servers to connect to, which is something PIA offers. Private Internet Access has a network of over 35900+ servers in 78 countries, all of which are optimized for unblocking numerous Netflix libraries and other services. With it’s list of servers, you can watch the best Shark movies on Netflix or the best Marvel movies.

For starters, when we tested the VPN, we got access to BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and a couple of others. Fast speeds are crucial for streaming, which is also something we had to look into. When I tested the PIA app, I was able to get access to services with faster speeds than usual, considering that Private Internet Access bypasses ISP throttling.

Netflix isn’t like every other streaming service, and in fact, uses anti-VPN technology to detect VPN access to its service. It blocks or blacklists VPN IP addresses, which is why a VPN with a wide network coverage is the best. Amidst these issues, PIA possesses great security and unblocking tools that are strong enough to bypass Netflix barriers.

If, however, you’re still experiencing the PIA not working error, you can easily fix it with this guide. If Private Internet Access isn’t unblocking Netflix with the method above, there might be another underlying issue. Fortunately, we’ve collected the most common issues and their solutions below. 

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How To Fix Private Internet Access Not Working With Netflix?

Netflix is a huge platform with more libraries than you can imagine. The most famous Netflix library is the US one, but getting access to that is extremely tedious. It is why we recommend using only the best Netflix VPN to access it or a reliable one that offers a US IP address. 

Besides that, Netflix is constantly taking steps to prevent users from bypassing their geo-blocks. One of those steps could be the reason why PIA isn’t working. Here are some solutions that may help you:

Confirm Server Location

To access the library of a certain country on Netflix, you will have to use the server for that specific country. Usually, most people use the quick connect option, which establishes a connection to the nearest server. It could be one reason why your Netflix refuses to work.

To avoid this issue, confirm your server location. Browse the list of servers and use a US or other Netflix-accessible server. Sometimes a server in your desired country may not unblock Netflix. Fortunately, PIA offers multiple servers in each country. So you can switch from a Dallas server to a New York server to unblock Netflix. 

Utilize Private Internet Access DNS Feature

A DNS leak could be the cause of your issue. Every ISP gives its users a default DNS. Netflix could be picking this DNS to restrict your content. Remember to change your Default DNS to PIA’s unique DNS.

You can do it easily using the steps below:

• Open the Private Internet Access application.
• Click on Settings.
• Find and click Networks.
• Navigate to Name Servers.
• Click on Built-In Resolver.
• Relaunch or Refresh Netflix. 

This should solve the issue for you. If this doesn’t do it, you’ll have to take more drastic measures. Yes, we’re talking about customer support. 

Contact Private Internet Access Customer Support

If none of the above methods worked for you, contact customer support. PIA has a fast and responsive support system that you can contact 24/7, any day of the week. Tell them about your issue, and they’ll resolve it for you. If even they can’t do it, then no one can. That leaves us only one choice.

Switch to Another VPN that Unblocks Netflix

This is the last option that you have. If nothing else works, you’ll have to switch to another VPN that can unblock Netflix. Yes, not every VPN service is reliable enough to unblock Netflix, which is why you need to be extra selective of the one you choose. 

We’ve run a couple of tests and shortlisted only a couple of providers that you can use instead of PIA if it isn’t working with Netflix.

Alternatives to PIA If Netflix Isn’t Working

We’ve tried and tested all of these servers. And we have to say Surfshark and ExpressVPN work a bit better than PIA when it comes to accessing Netflix. Nevertheless, here’s our list of VPNs you can use instead of PIA if Netflix doesn’t work.

Surfshark – Best VPN for Unblocking Netflix

Surfshark is the best for unblocking Netflix and other streaming services. It has 3000+ servers optimized for streaming. Their servers are scattered across the globe, with multiple located in the US. 

It has a great ad blocker in the form of Clean Web. Surfshark also offers split-tunneling, AES 256 encryption, and obfuscated servers. You can use it to access and unblock Netflix even from the most heavily censored countries like China and Russia. 

We reviewed Surfshark for its speed, security, and unblocking capabilities. It passed everything with flying colors. You can test out everything with Surfshark’s free trial. You can also get a Surfshark subscription for $2.30 per month if you get the 2-year plan. 

ExpressVPN – Offers Amazing Streaming Quality on Netflix

ExpressVPN doesn’t need an introduction. It’s one of the best VPNs, second only to Surfshark. It has more than 3000 servers spread evenly across the world. With multiple US, UK, Canada, and Australia servers, you can easily Netflix with it. 

It also offers top-grade security with its own Light Way protocol. You also get to enjoy its built-in ad blocker and split tunneling features for a seamless experience. It even has a unique MediaStreamer technology that allows you to access Netflix if all else fails. 

We covered all of this in detail through our ExpressVPN review. You can also try an ExpressVPN free trial. ExpressVPN is a bit expensive compared to other VPNs. You can get it for $6.67 if you buy the yearly plan.

NordVPN – Wide Network Coverage for Great Access

NordVPN has the widest network coverage out of all the VPNs on this list. It has more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries. The countries they cover are fewer than others, but they make up for it with the sheer number of their servers. 

NordVPN offers a CyberSec feature that blocks unnecessary ads and malware. You can use NordVPN to access Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc, from any country. If you need help with the hows and whys, read our NordVPN review.

You can get NordVPN for $3.49 per month if you buy the 2-year plan. You can also take it for a test drive using NordVPN’s free trial.

What else is Private Internet Access good for other than Netflix?

Other than being one of the best VPNs to unblock Netflix, Private Internet Access comes with many other benefits and features. Here’s what you can expect while using this provider:

• Network coverage

Private Internet Access not only works with Netflix but with other streaming services like Hotstar, DAZN, Sky Sports, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and much more. The thing is, to unblock geo-restricted services, you will need to change your IP address. A VPN is one of the better ways to go about that. However, as mentioned, a VPN that offers a large number of servers is the one to go for. PIA offers a large network of 35900+ servers in 78 countries. Almost all of its servers are optimized for streaming and torrenting with added online privacy.

• Security features

Private Internet Access operates using AES 256-bit encryption, which is strong enough to pass all traffic through a secure tunnel. This is best for making yourself anonymous while trying to unblock Netflix. Other features include a Kill Switch and an Ad-Blocker called MACE for restricting ads, tracking, and malware. Just in case you only wish to use PIA for Netflix, you can use the Split-Tunneling feature to add VPN security only over the Netflix app.

• No-logs policy

It’s very rare that you find a US-based VPN that is secure and doesn’t log user data. However, you’ll hit the jackpot with PIA since the provider does indeed not log user data. This helps in case the government or other platforms ask PIA for user data because it doesn’t exist!

• Device compatibility and multi-device connections

When you choose a VPN, make sure you see all of the specifications. Extra device connection allowance is a plus point! PIA allows multi-connections on up to 10 devices. It means you will be able to connect your Netflix streaming devices, phones, or tablets to the VPN all at one time. Plus, PIA also offers apps for the most popular devices, some of which include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linus, routers, and more!

• Fast speeds

What good is streaming on Netflix without fast speeds? Here’s the situation, it’s not like a VPN will boost fast speeds, but in turn, will help you bypass ISP throttling. This is especially true for all those who’ve paid for fast internet privileges but receive slower than usual outcomes. When we tested PIA speeds, we got 68.83Mbps over the US server, which is difficult to achieve. This means no lagging while binging on Netflix!

• Free trial and refund policy

If you aren’t too sure about using Private Internet Access for Netflix, then maybe you should first try the VPN? PIA offers a 7-day free trial for any supported device. Of course, sometimes 7 days might not be too much for testing, but there is also a refund period. You can hack a 30-day free trial using the PIA refund period.

FAQs

Does Private Internet Access work with Netflix?

Yes, Private Internet Access does unblock Netflix, and it does not just stop there! Private Internet Access can now fully unblock other streaming platforms like Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu from anywhere in the world! Its extensive network coverage is strong enough to allow you access to the most restricted services. Plus, the speeds are pretty great too. Just because PIA sometimes encounters issues where unblocking Netflix is concerned does not label the entire VPN software as a whole. It depends on multiple issues that sometimes have nothing to do with the VPN itself.  

Why is PIA not working with Netflix?

There are always chances that a few users might experience issues accessing Netflix with any VPN, let alone with PIA. Netflix uses VPN-blocking technologies that blacklist VPN IP addresses when detected. It happens not just with Private Internet Access but with any VPN service. It all depends on luck and how good the VPN is. However, there are external factors like your IP address or DNS crumbs exposed. What you can do is clear all cache and cookies and restart the VPN again. Connect to another server and start streaming on Netflix!

Is it illegal to use a VPN for Netflix?

Not exactly. There aren’t really any laws being broken while using a VPN to unblock Netflix. You are legally not breaking any copyright laws. While using a VPN for Netflix isn’t encouraged, it most certainly isn’t illegal either.

To conclude

Coming to the end of this guide, let’s recap what we’ve discussed so far. Private Internet Access does unblock Netflix. It offers a wide variety of servers, fast speeds, great app support, and privacy/security features to protect you online. If, however, PIA  is still not working with unblocking Netflix, then there are other providers that you can use.