DirecTV Not Working With VPN? Try This! [Tested]

Even though DirecTV is available only in the US, people in other parts of the world have been enjoying the platform, thanks to VPNs.

However, the streaming service intensified its efforts to fish out and block this practice.

Hence, many people started complaining that DirecTV is not working with VPN anymore.

That’s unfortunate for those relying on it to access the platform from restricted zones, but the good news is that you can fix it.

Let’s find out how!

Why can’t you access DirecTV with your VPN?

Do you still get that DirecTV Now is not available outside of the United States error even when you connect to VPN? There are a few possible reasons why.

These include:

• Wrong server: Connecting to any other region other than the US will trigger the geo-block.
• Cookies and cache: these files may reveal your real location.
• Weak VPN encryption: Some VPNs may not be stealthy enough to bypass DirecTV restrictions.
• Firewall interference: Your device’s firewall protection is likely to obstruct your VPN.
• Weak protocol: PPTP for example is an old protocol and may not work correctly on the website.

Now, let’s see how to these issues and make it work.

What to do if DirecTV is not working with VPN?

Upon researching the causes of DirecTV not working with VPN, we found corresponding fixes and tested them firsthand to make sure they work.

Check them out below:

1. Change the VPN server

Chances are, you are using a server in a location that’s restricted on DirecTV, in which case the VPN won’t work on the platform. So try connecting to a different server in a different location.

Here is how to go about it:

1. Launch your VPN app.
2. Click the ellipsis button to open the server list.
3. Select the US region and connect to a server.
4. Try using DirecTV again.

Once you switch to a different server, a new IP address is assigned to you. With this IP, DirecTV would assume that you are in the US and will grant you access to its services.

2. Clear your browser cookies 

Cookies and cache help you load web pages faster and store your preferences, login information, and so on.

Although it improves your browsing experience, it can make a website determine your actual location even when you are using a VPN. So, we recommend you clear your cookies and cache frequently.

To do that on Chrome:

1. Open your Chrome browser and click on the three dots icon.
2. Hover your mouse on the More tool and select Clear browsing data.
3. Select the checkboxes for Cached images and files Cookies and other site data.
4. Choose All time for the time range, then click on Clear data.
5. Go back and try to access DirecTV again. It should work now.

This step works regardless of browser and the process is similar even if you use Firefox, Brave, or Edge.

3. Allow VPN through the firewall (PC)

The firewall is built to protect your device.

So, it tries to block any application or software it sees as a threat. Because of this, it may mistakenly mark your VPN as harmful.

By allowing your VPN through the firewall, your device automatically assumes the app is safe and would not try to restrict it anymore.

Don’t worry. This permission will not in any way set off any cybersecurity risk.

1. On the Start menu, search for Windows Security. Click to open it.
2. Click on Firewalls & network protection.
3. Select Allow an app through Firewall.
4. Click the Change settings button.
5. Check the box beside NordVPN if it is empty.
6. If you cannot find NordVPN on the list, click the Allow another app button at the bottom right of the window.
7. Check the box under the type of network: either Private or Public, you want NordVPN to access.
8. Click Ok.

4. Switch to a different protocol

Switching to a different VPN protocol can help improve your overall VPN experience.

A protocol like PPTP is outdated and easily blocked by firewalls, so it may not do so well with DirecTV. Generally, OpenVPN and WireGuard are some of the most reliable protocols in the industry.

Using ExpressVPN as an example, here’s how to switch protocols:

1. Launch the VPN app.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines at the top left corner.
3. Choose Protocol.
4. Pick your preferred protocol from the list.
5. Click Ok.

5. Change your VPN provider

If all fails, it’s probably because your VPN isn’t good enough. Maybe it can’t bypass VPN detection.

In this case, it’s best to try another VPN provider. PIA works excellently for streaming thanks to its geo-unblocking abilities.

The VPN also has servers in all 50 states of the US, making it an excellent choice for DirecTV.

Here’s how to use it to unlock DirecTV:

Does DirecTV block VPNs?

Yes, DirectTV blocks VPNs.

It restricts access from known VPN IP addresses or uses other methods to identify VPN usage, such as analyzing network behavior to check for inconsistencies.

DirecTV does this to protect the licensing and copyright agreements that determine where users can legally access its library.

If this streaming platform breaches these agreements by allowing users in restricted regions to stream content on the platform, it could be slammed with a heavy fine.

Summary

It’s common to encounter issues with restricted streaming platforms like DirecTV when using a VPN. This is because DirecTV employs a lot of VPN detection tactics to detect and block VPN IPs

However, using the solutions above you can easily circumvent the system and keep enjoying your favorite shows.