How to fix Netflix streaming issues?

Several common Netflix errors may ruin your watching experience. In this article, you will learn how you can solve any of them.

Don't have a Surfshark subscription yet? Get yours here and start watching Netflix securely!

 

Here’s what we’ll go over:

 

Netflix Site Error (happens when trying to log in)

 

Netflixsiteerror.png


Sometimes Netflix is unable to process login requests over VPN. In this case, disconnect from the server, log in to your Netflix account, then reconnect to the same server.

Refresh your browser, and Netflix should work just fine.

 

Whoops, something went wrong... You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.

 

Netflixproxyerror.png

Netflix proxy error might indicate that Netflix suspects that you use a VPN or a proxy. That might happen if your connection is leaking DNS. The same solutions apply if you're getting the Netflix proxy error code m7111-5059.

Here is what you can try to fix this particular error:

  1.  Clear cache (previously collected information). Browsers and apps typically collect information about your connection, which might prevent you from smoothly watching Netflix.

    If you are using a browser to stream Netflix, clear your browser's cache. Open this page to find out how to do that.

    If you're using the Netflix app for streaming, delete the Netflix app and reinstall it again.

  2. Try other VPN servers. If you have experienced this issue when connecting to a particular server, try a few different ones.

  3. If this issue occurs with Netflix on a gaming console or a smart TV, restart your device. Or even better - unplug it from the power source and allow it to discharge for several minutes.

  4. Do a DNS leak test. Leaking DNS requests means that something is interfering with your VPN connection. Check this guide on how to do that.

  5. If you are using the Netflix app for streaming, try the Netflix website instead.

 

NW-2-5 error

 

This error usually indicates connectivity issues between your device and Netflix servers. If that happens when using Surfshark VPN, here is what you can try to fix:

 

  1. Check if the problem persists without a VPN. If it continues, that's probably a general connectivity issue.

  2. Change the DNS servers on your device. All devices have a slightly different interface, so it is not easy to give instructions. But most of the time, DNS settings can be found in Settings -> Network -> Wi-Fi/Ethernet.
    You can use these DNS servers:
    162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92

  3. Log into your router and check if Parental Controls/Safe browsing or any other feature that controls your connection is turned on. If it is, you can try turning it off.

  4. If you find an option to change DNS servers on your router, that would be a great thing to try. 
    Once again, you can use these DNS servers:
    162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92

  5. Restart your device. Or even better - unplug it from the power source and allow it to discharge for several minutes.

 

Netflix content is loading but does not start.

 

netflix_loading.png

If that happens on your device, here is what you could try to solve it:

  1. If you are using the Surfshark VPN app to connect to the VPN, go to the Settings page of the Surfshark app, open the Advanced tab and change the protocol to OpenVPN/UDP;

  2. Try connecting to other locations.

  3. If you find an option to change DNS servers on your router, try that. 
    You can use these DNS servers:
    162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92

 

You may also be interested in:

  1. How to troubleshoot Smart DNS issues?
  2. How to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working?
  3. How to set up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot using Windows?
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