Fix Surfshark Not Working With Netflix [Working in 2024]

If you find Surfshark isn’t working with Netflix, don’t worry. There are some steps you can take to get back to your binge-watching session in no time.

Surfshark is known for helping you watch Netflix from anywhere. But even the best tech can have issues. Today, we’ll fix them fast, so you can get back to binge-watching in no time.

Why is Surfshark not working with Netflix?

Surfshark might not work with Netflix due to several factors:

• Geo-blocking: Netflix uses geo-blocking to adhere to regional licensing agreements, restricting content by geographic location.
• VPN Detection: Netflix employs advanced techniques to detect and block VPN usage, identifying shared IP addresses and unusual traffic patterns indicative of VPN use.
• IP Address Overuse: Multiple users accessing Netflix through the same VPN server can lead to shared IP addresses being blacklisted.
• Outdated App/Server Info: An outdated Surfshark app or server list may fail to bypass Netflix’s restrictions.

Understanding these challenges can lead to better troubleshooting and finding solutions to enjoy Netflix with Surfshark without restrictions.

What can I do if Surfshark is not working with Netflix?

1. Switch to another server

Netflix continuously monitors and blocks IP addresses it identifies as coming from VPNs. Switching servers changes your IP address, potentially bypassing Netflix’s restrictions.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Surfshark app.
2. Disconnect from the current server.

3. Browse or search for another server in the desired country.

4. Connect to the new server and try accessing Netflix again

This action gives you a new IP address that may not be on Netflix’s radar, restoring access to its content.

2. Restart your device

Though it may seem obvious, many users forget to restart their smart TVs, computer, modem, and/or router when experiencing network issues.

Rebooting network hardware can often resolve connectivity issues. If the problem persists, continue reading for further solutions.

3. Clear your web browser’s cache

Your browser’s cache stores data from websites you visit to load them faster in the future. However, it can also store location information, conflicting with the VPN’s IP address.

Clearing the cache removes outdated or conflicting data, allowing the browser to recognize your VPN-provided IP address as your current location.

3.1 Google Chrome

1. Hit the Windows key, type Chrome, then open the first result.
2. Use the following keyboard shortcut to open the Clear browsing data window: Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. In the Time range section, drop down the menu, and choose the All time option.
4. Make sure to you checkmark the Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files options.
5. Click on the Clear data button.
6. Restart your browser.
7. Log into SurfShark, then navigate to Netflix.
8. Check if the issue still persists.

3.2 Mozilla Firefox

1. Press on the Windows key, type Firefox, then open the browser.
2. Hit simultaneously the following keys on your keyboard: Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. In the Time range to clear drop down menu, make sure you choose the Everything option.
4. Now, make sure you checkmark the Cookies and Cache boxes.
5. Click on the OK button to save the changes.
6. Restart the browser, then check if the issue persists.

3.3 Microsoft Edge

1. Hit the Windows key, type Edge, then open the first result.
2. Use this keyboard shortcut to open the Clear browsing data window: Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. In the Time range section, choose the All time option.
4. Now, make sure you checkmark the Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files boxes.
5. Click on the Clear now button.
6. Restart the browser and check if the issue persists.

4. Clear Netflix Cache

The Netflix app stores data to improve loading times and performance. Like web browsers, this cached data can contain location information that conflicts with the VPN.

Clearing the Netflix cache ensures the app accepts your VPN’s location, allowing access to geographically restricted content.

On Android:

• Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Netflix > Storage & cache > Clear cache.

iOS Devices:

• Uninstall the Netflix app by holding down the app icon and tapping Delete App.
• Reinstall Netflix from the App Store.

5. Flush your DNS (PC)

1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd, then right-click on the first result, and choose to Run as administrator.
2. Type the commands below, and hit Enter after each one:
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • ipconfig /registerdns
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • netsh winsock reset
3. Restart your PC

DNS entries on your computer can hold onto your actual location details, even when using a VPN, leading to Netflix detecting your real location.

Flushing your DNS cache removes these entries, ensuring that all requests align with the VPN’s IP address, enhancing anonymity and access.

5. Activate Smart DNS (consoles, Smart TVs)

1. Disconnect from Surfshark VPN.
2. Go to the SurfShark’s Smart DNS page.
3. Log into your account.
4. Click the Activate Smart DNS button.
5. Copy the generated DNS addresses someplace safe.

Now you’ll have to configure Smart DNS on your device and input the DNS address:

For Computers:

• Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your active network connection, select Properties, then Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and input the Smart DNS addresses.
• MacOS: Open System Preferences > Network, select your active connection, and click Advanced. Go to the DNS tab, click the + sign, and add the Surfshark Smart DNS addresses.

For Mobile Devices:

• iOS: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the i icon next to your Wi-Fi network, scroll down to Configure DNS, select Manual, and add the Surfshark DNS addresses.
• Android: Settings may vary, but generally, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, tap on your network, select Advanced options, change IP settings to Static, and set the DNS servers to the Surfshark addresses.

Smart TVs

1. Access Network Settings on Your Smart TV:
2. Locate DNS Settings.
3. Select the option to manually specify DNS servers and enter the Smart DNS server addresses provided by Surfshark.
4. Save your changes and restart your Smart TV to apply the settings.
5. After restarting, check if Netflix works now. You should now access content based on your Smart DNS settings

Smart DNS is a feature offered by Surfshark that bypasses geo-restrictions without encrypting data, which can be faster than a traditional VPN connection.

It reroutes the parts of your traffic that reveal geographic location without changing your IP, often avoiding detection by services like Netflix.

7. Change the protocol

1. Open Surfshark’s VPN client
2. Disconnect from the VPN server (if necessary).
3. Go to the Settings section.
4. Navigate to the Advanced tab.
5. Select Protocol.
6. Change to another protocol. For streaming Netflix, we recommend OpenVPN.
7. Connect to an appropriate VPN server.
8. Check if Netflix is working.

VPN protocols determine how data is transmitted over a VPN. Some protocols may be more efficient or stealthier than others, affecting both speed and detectability.

To put it simply, OpenVPN uses TCP and UDP, and UDP is simply better for streaming video content.

Using TCP may see a choke in your connection which could make Surfshark stop working with Netflix, and you can easily fix it by switching to UDP.

8. Reinstall SurfShark

Installation errors, outdated files, or corrupted data within the Surfshark app can hinder its functionality.

Reinstalling ensures you have the latest, uncorrupted version of the software, potentially fixing connectivity issues.

1. Uninstall Surfshark from your device.
2. Visit the Surfshark website, download the latest version of the app.
3. Install Surfshark, log in, and connect to a server.

9. Use obfuscated servers

Obfuscation disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for Netflix to detect and block.

.Surfshark offers two obfuscation modes that can be particularly useful: Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode.

For streaming Netflix with Surfshark, Camouflage Mode is generally the recommended option. This mode is designed to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN without overly complicating the connection process, which is ideal for circumventing Netflix’s VPN detection mechanisms.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Surfshark app on your device.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
3. Select VPN Settings.
4. Enable OpenVPN from the list of features.
5. Camouflage mode will auto-enable.
6. Connect to a server.
7. Try using Netflix again.

10. Use another VPN

Some VPNs are more effective than others at bypassing Netflix’s geo-restrictions due to different technologies, server locations, or obfuscation methods.

If Surfshark is consistently blocked, switching to a VPN like ExpressVPN, known for its streaming capabilities, provides an alternative path to access Netflix content.

1. Visit the ExpressVPN website and sign up for a plan.
2. Download and install the ExpressVPN app.
3. Open ExpressVPN, login, and connect to a server in the desired country.
4. Try accessing Netflix again.

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Conclusion

If you notice Surfshark stopped working with Netflix, it’s usually not a big deal. Simply switching the server you connect to should be enough to fix the issue in no time.

However, if that doesn’t work, you can try plenty of other useful suggestions. We’re confident that you’ll find the one that does the trick in no time.

In case you encounter any additional questions, do not hesitate to use the comment section listed below.