How to Fix ESPN Plus Not Working With VPN (Tested)

If your VPN stopped working with ESPN+, you may see messages like “not available in your country.”

Don’t worry, this guide walks you through proven solutions to fix ESPN+ streaming issues with a VPN.

ESPN+ not working with VPN: Troubleshooting Guide

1) Switch to another US server

1. Disconnect your VPN.
2. Pick a different US city or state.
3. Reconnect, refresh ESPN+, and try streaming again.
4. Repeat with two or three other servers if needed.

This often clears issues like the “Access Denied on this server” message when an IP range is flagged. See the full guide to fixing Access Denied on ESPN+.

2) Clear cookies, cache, and app data

1. On browser: clear cookies and cached files, then open a private window.
2. On mobile/TV: force stop ESPN+, clear app data, or reinstall.
3. Reconnect the VPN and sign back in to ESPN+.

3) Turn on leak protection and kill switch

1. Open your VPN’s settings.
2. Enable the kill switch and DNS leak protection.
3. Disable IPv6 if the app offers it.
4. Reconnect to a US server and test ESPN+ again.

4) Use obfuscated or stealth servers

1. In the VPN app, select obfuscated/stealth/“NoBorders” servers.
2. Choose a US obfuscated location.
3. Reopen ESPN+ and try playing a video.

If you’re running into stubborn failures on this provider, use this playbook: ExpressVPN not working with ESPN+: how to fix it.

5) Change the VPN protocol

1. Switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) in your VPN settings.
2. Reconnect to a US server.
3. Reload ESPN+ and test playback.

6) Try browser instead of app (or the reverse)

1. If the app fails, try Chrome, Edge, or Firefox in a private window.
2. If the browser fails, try the ESPN+ app instead.
3. Keep the VPN connected the entire time.

7) Log out, restart, and power-cycle

1. Log out of ESPN+ and close the app/browser.
2. Restart the VPN app and your device.
3. Power-cycle the router for 30 seconds if possible.
4. Reconnect VPN and try again.

8) Match or limit device location services

1. On mobile, disable precise location or set region to the United States.
2. Turn off system location while testing the stream.
3. Keep time zone and language consistent with your US server.

Mismatched GPS/region settings commonly trigger region blocks. Here’s how to resolve the “ESPN+ not available in your country” error.

9) Flush DNS and renew IP (desktop)

1. Windows: open Command Prompt (Admin) → run ipconfig /flushdns.
2. macOS: run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
3. Reconnect the VPN and reload ESPN+.

10) Check firewall or antivirus interference

1. Temporarily pause your antivirus or firewall.
2. Whitelist your VPN app and its protocols.
3. Reconnect to a US server and test, then re-enable security tools.

11) Try a dedicated IP (if offered)

1. Check if your VPN plan includes a dedicated US IP add-on.
2. Activate it and connect using that IP.
3. Test ESPN+ again; dedicated IPs are less likely to appear on blocklists.

12) Consider a better streaming-capable VPN

1. Pick a provider with rotating US IPs, strong obfuscation, and fast US servers.
2. Install the app, sign in, and connect to a recommended US location.
3. Retest ESPN+ in a private browser window or the app.

NordVPN is a top option here thanks to frequent IP refreshes, obfuscated servers, and fast stateside speeds that help avoid detection and buffering.

👉 Get NordVPN for ESPN+ streaming

Why ESPN+ blocks VPNs

ESPN+ restricts content by region and blocks IPs known to belong to VPN services. Detection can also happen via DNS/IPv6 leaks or device GPS/locale mismatches. Keeping your traffic leak-free and consistent with a US location reduces blocks.

Need a region-specific setup? Here’s how to unblock ESPN+ in Germany as an example configuration you can adapt elsewhere.

Quick legality and terms note

VPNs are legal in most places, but using one to bypass geo-restrictions can violate streaming terms. The usual consequence is service blocking rather than legal issues. Proceed with awareness of the platform’s policies.

FAQs