Does PIA Work with Netflix? Easy Fixes in December 2023

Fortunately, yes! PIA is now working with Netflix in US, however, it still struggles with various Netflix countries. Even the best VPNs can encounter problems because the streaming site often updates its geo-blocking technology. But don’t worry and do try your luck, here’s how to watch Netflix with PIA in December 2023.

“Does PIA work with Netflix?” you may be wondering. Well, it does, but due to a lack of servers, it sometimes doesn’t unblock the libraries of Netflix. Additionally, even if the VPN unblocks Netflix for you, it’s still showing connection and lag issues.

For this purpose, we’ve shared a troubleshooting guide for PIA not working, which you should follow to fix your VPN for gaining uninterrupted Netflix streaming.

However, if you have tried all these fixes and are still experiencing trouble with PIA Netflix, you should try another premium VPN. Therefore, due to the lightning-fast streaming performance with Netflix, we recommend streamers use ExpressVPN. It also offers a free subscription for 3 months on its annual plan with a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.

*Only a few PIA servers can unblock Netflix, and even they are unreliable in doing so every time. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose an alternative like ExpressVPN that can unblock Netflix easily.

Why Should I Use PIA to Watch Netflix?

PIA (Private Internet Access) is one of the most trusted VPN providers among the top VPNs. It offers 35,000+ worldwide servers in 75+ countries.

With this wide server range, different Netflix libraries can be easily accessible in the USA, UK, Canada, and other regions. Does PIA VPN work with Netflix Canada? Yes! Now you can stream the best titles on Canadian Netflix in USA whenever you want.

PIA allows streamers to use up to 10 devices at once; 10 simultaneous device connectivity to watch Netflix and other major streaming services. Also, it is compatible with streaming devices like Windows, Linux, macOS, etc., and has a very user-friendly application interface.

Similar to ExpressVPN, it also offers security features like a kill switch but with a better option. Its kill switch operates with 3 modes; Automatic, always, or off, select your preferred choice. This feature lets your internet browsing or Netflix streaming be safe and your IP address won’t be leaked to the streaming providers whenever your internet disconnects.

We tried unblocking Vikings on Netflix in USA, using PIA’s Canada server, and trust us, it provided the fastest connectivity and a download speed of 52.96 Mbps. This speed is good enough to give you a buffer-less streaming experience.

Our final verdict for PIA to watch Netflix is “trustworthy.” You can trust its servers to let you watch major Netflix libraries. Want to know which PIA servers work with Netflix? PIA works best with Netflix regions with these servers; Germany, Australia, Canada, UK, France, Italy, and Japan from anywhere in the US. If you feel any lags or glitches while streaming, you can directly contact their 24/7 active support team for assistance.

All these features are available only at $20.03/mo. This premium plan is valid for 3 years and 3 months (free). You can also opt for its monthly or 1-year plan if that suits you. All plans come with 1 30-day money-back guarantee only for new customers.

Last but not least, PIA also offers anonymous payment options, i.e., gift cards from Walmart, Starbucks, and others).

Why Doesn’t PIA Work on Netflix?

Netflix’s PIA blocking system blocks the servers from unknown sources. This is the major reason why Netflix does that. Additionally, it is required to protect Netflix’s geo-restriction and content licensing policies.

Does PIA work with Netflix countries? No. PIA is a privacy-centric VPN and is not ideal for streaming Netflix as it does not offer dedicated servers for streaming like ExpressVPN to unblock Netflix. Since PIA does not have dedicated streaming servers, it cannot cope with the PIA Netflix block.

Private Internet Access Netflix not working

Netflix is quite serious about its content distribution, which is why it has implemented an intelligent VPN blocker. This IP-blocking system blocks all the VPN and proxy users from accessing content titles unavailable in other regions.

Private Internet Access initially bypassed Netflix’s geo-restrictions, but its VPN blocker started detecting the IPs and blocked its Silicon Valley servers. Since then, Private Internet Access servers have been unable to provide Netflix access.

Streamers use a VPN to access different Netflix libraries, such as American Netflix, outside the USA, but they cannot rely on PIA as the VPN blocker will detect them, and their IPs will be banned.

Best Alternative of PIA For Netflix

PIA is an unreliable VPN provider for Netflix; thus, an alternative is required to access Netflix. According to our suggestions, ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming Netflix.

ExpressVPN – Best Alternative for PIA that works with Netflix

ExpressVPN is one of the premium VPNs for Netflix, and you can also use it to watch channels like Disney Plus, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, the best movies on Netflix, and much more from around the world. It provided an average download speed of 92.26 Mbps throughout the test.

It has over 3000 servers in 94 countries globally, and all of its servers are optimized for seamless streaming. ExpressVPN can easily unblock Netflix, and its charges are justified for its outstanding service.

We measured the download and upload speeds on a 100 Mbps connection and came up with 89.38 Mbps for download and 84.66 Mbps for upload.

ExpressVPN speed test results.

ExpressVPN costs US$ 6.67/mo. With a 12-month plan, you can save 49% and get three more months for FREE. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Security and Privacy:

ExpressVPN encrypts its traffic with AES-256 encryption and promises no-leakages. It supports Perfect Forward Secrecy, which strengthens security by changing the encryption keys frequently.

Thanks to its kill-switch feature, the VPN prevents essential data from leaking outside the secure VPN tunnel, even if your connection fails while browsing or streaming. ExpressVPN guarantees no IP or DNS leaks, ensuring your security on another level.

Faster Speeds:

ExpressVPN offers the fastest VPN servers among all its competitors. With over 3000 servers in 94 countries (160 different locations), it allows its users to bypass PIA Netflix block anywhere in the world.

Even though a VPN drastically slows down your internet speeds, ExpressVPN gives stable and fast speeds, improving user experience. Due to its fantastic speed, people use ExpressVPN to unblock Harry Potter on Netflix worldwide array Harry Potter on Netflix across the world.

No Data Logging:

ExpressVPN pledges not to record or track its user’s online activity. It has a strict no-logs policy, which requires it not to store any of its users’ logs and information.

The only data that ExpressVPN collects is the Application, its version, choice of server location, date of connection, and the total amount of data transferred daily.

IPVanish — Watch Netflix on All of Your Devices

Isn’t it amazing for large households that IPVanish allows you to connect to as many devices as you like with just one subscription?

We simultaneously connected to a MacBook Pro, an Android tablet, a Windows laptop from the early 2000s, and a smartphone to stream Netflix. No performance drops on our devices or connection delays occurred, which was an enriching journey.

It’s simple to access multiple Netflix libraries with IPVanish, thanks to its 2000+ servers spread across 75+ countries.

We measured the download and upload speeds on a 100 Mbps connection and came up with 75.12 Mbps for download and 39.48 Mbps for upload.

IPVanish speed test.

For the test, we connected to four of its US servers and three of its UK servers and browsed Netflix content from both nations. Every step of the process just took a minute. The real kicker is that you can access the Netflix libraries wherever you are.

Plans starting at $3.19 | 71% Off and a 30-day money-back guarantee are also available with every IPVanish subscription, you can test out its features with no risk. You can quickly cancel the subscription without difficulty and without providing a reason.

Also, you will receive a full purchase price refund after four business days. You won’t even need to speak with a customer service agent.

ExpressVPN vs PIA Comparison

A head-to-head comparison between ExpressVPN and PIA is shown in the table below:

It is evident from the table above that ExpressVPN is a much better option than PIA for accessing Netflix.

How to fix PIA not working with Netflix?

If your query remains, ‘Does PIA VPN work with Netflix?’ Let us tell you again, yes! it does. However, you may encounter some interruptions if your PIA not connecting with a server.

You may try some fixes if PIA is not working with Netflix. As it is a high-speed VPN service that sometimes fails to unblock Netflix, you always have the option to try other VPN alternatives. But, if you want to continue using PIA for watching Netflix, then you may try the following fixes for PIA not working with Netflix.

• Check IP Address

You should check your IP address if PIA gives you a proxy error while accessing Netflix. Netflix can easily detect your IP address, and if it finds out that you are accessing it from a blocked IP, it will give you a proxy error as below:

Private Internet Access VPN Netflix shows error while connecting

Follow the steps below to avoid this issue:

1. Check your IP address at What is My IP Address before connecting to VPN.
2. Connect to PIA’s server and recheck your IP.
3. Ensure that your original IP is not leaking.
4. In the case of IP leakage, change your Netflix region or select another server in the same region.

• Flush your DNS

Even when connected to PIA, Netflix will block you from streaming if it detects your default DNS. Follow the steps below to flush your DNS in case of a DNS leak:

1. Open the run box by pressing the Windows key + R together.
2. Type “cmd” in the Run box and click Ok.
3. Type “ipconfig/flushdns” in the command prompt, then press Enter.
4. You will get the message, “Windows IP Configuration Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

• Change Protocol

You can change PIA’s protocol if it blocks you from accessing Netflix. Follow the steps below to change your VPN protocol:

1. Open the Private Internet Access application.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select a Protocol by clicking on Protocol under the Connection tab.
4. Try accessing Netflix now.

Can I use a free VPN for Netflix instead of PIA?

No, you cannot use a free VPN to access Netflix instead of PIA. Free VPNs may claim to unblock Netflix, but they are very risky to use, and you put your security at risk with their usage.

Other than the security drawbacks, they have very few servers that are flooded with users and make the internet super slow. A slow streaming experience leads to buffering and low-resolution video streaming.

Also, Netflix can easily detect free VPNs, and it has already blocked most of them, so it won’t let you pass through the block. Even though free VPNs don’t charge you, they make money by selling your information to third parties, and you end up getting into awful situations.

Is Private Internet Access Good for Netflix?

Yes, Private Internet Access is suitable for Netflix VPN as it provides a highly rated service overall.

The VPN service reliably works with Netflix in Italy and the US. Unfortunately, Private Internet Access cannot access Netflix libraries in other countries like Canada, Australia, or Japan.

We unblocked the Netflix library via PIA VPN Netflix

If hassle-free Netflix watching is your top priority, there are better VPNs than Private Internet Access. The most fantastic alternatives to PIA are ExpressVPN and Surfshark, which unlock more regions more efficiently and include a Smart DNS tool for broader device compatibility.

Fast Global Speeds

A speed drop occurs when using a VPN. Fast long-distance connections are essential when logging on to PIA servers in various nations.

During our tests using Private Internet Access to stream Netflix, we recorded an average global download speed of 57Mbps; during our Netflix streaming tests.

We discovered that the service provided quick speeds, with an average worldwide download speed of 57Mbps.
Hence, you can stream Netflix content in HD and 4K without buffering or lag issues.

Download speeds that Netflix required:

• 25Mbps for 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) quality
• 2Mbps for Standard Definition (SD) quality
• 5Mbps for High Definition (HD) quality

Speeds we recorded with PIA on our 100Mbps connection in London, UK:

• US: 72Mbps
• Germany: 94Mbps
• UK: 93.38Mbps
• Japan: 59Mbps

Despite having a satisfactory speed performance, as earlier mentioned, PIA’s performance still needs to catch up to that of other best streaming VPNs. Nevertheless, PIA is the sixth fastest VPN, trailing ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark in our speed tests.

The Largest VPN Server Network

When choosing a VPN for Netflix watching, the size of the VPN server network and the locations of the servers are crucial factors. For example, PIA has 17087 servers across 84 countries, more than any other VPN provider.

The advantage of a more extensive server network is that it makes it more challenging for Netflix to block the IP address of each server. Additionally, a wider variety of servers are used to distribute the user’s bandwidth, and PIA even recently introduced servers that are designed for streaming.

The possibility of getting around Netflix’s VPN restrictions increases because these servers frequently update their IP address.

These servers are listed in the main list rather than in a separate app section. To locate them, search for “streaming.” Japan, Finland, the US, Italy, the UK, and Sweden are where you can find them. Sadly, our PIA VPN tests showed that Netflix is incompatible with US, UK, Japan, Sweden, and Finland servers.

Streaming servers are specifically designed for Private Internet Access Netflix

Strong Privacy & Security

Top-notch privacy and security features are offered by Private Internet Access.

The VPN uses AES-128 cipher and Perfect Forward Secrecy to encrypt all traffic. To prevent your ISP and other third parties from being able to see what you have been surfing, it additionally runs first-party DNS servers with leak prevention.

Using PIA with Netflix might give you privacy hitches. PIA’s lack of native functionality for network camouflage is its massive drawback if you want to stream Netflix.

Thus, it cannot wholly conceal that network traffic is being redirected through the VPN. Netflix may therefore be able to recognize VPN connections and restrict them, just as it does for libraries in Canada, Australia, and other locations.

Apps for Most Devices, but Smart DNS Doesn’t Work

Netflix is accessible via Private Internet Access on a computer, smartphone, tablet, or television. For Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and Android TV, the VPN includes native apps.

Up to 10 of these devices can be used simultaneously with PIA, which is twice as much as some other well-known VPN providers allow.
Additionally, the VPN offers Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browser plugins, which provide a quick and easy way to switch your Netflix location.

If you wish to use PIA to unblock Netflix on your TV, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of. These are as follows:

• You won’t be able to readily access geo-blocked Netflix libraries on your PS4 or Apple TV because the VPN’s Smart DNS capability does not unblock Netflix.
• You’ll need to install the VPN on your internet router for PIA to function with these devices. However, this configuration is complex. Therefore, we only suggest it for experienced VPN users.
• Second, the VPN’s Fire TV software is much less trustworthy than its desktop and mobile versions since we could only unblock Netflix on 25% of US servers.

Does Private Internet Access slow down Netflix?

Yes, while streaming Netflix with Private Internet Access, you will experience a reduction in your internet speed while streaming via PIA with Netflix. Your internet speed is greatly affected by the server location (it will reduce a lot if the server’s location is far from your location), the type of encryption, and the current server.

Private Internet Access as a VPN provider is not as fast as ExpressVPN but still gives decent internet speeds.

Netflix recommends at least 3 Mbps speed for smooth streaming, and you should remember that using a VPN service like PIA will reduce your internet speed by one-third. You might have some problems streaming UHD and 4K content.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Now you know the answer to ‘Does PIA work with Netflix?‘ However, you’re now also aware of all the drawbacks of using it for Netflix.

We have concluded that PIA Netflix is not a good option for streaming. Therefore, it would be best to use a better alternative like ExpressVPN for streaming Netflix as it works the best. We have tried to clear the picture with a head-to-head comparison of different factors to help you choose the alternative that suits you best.

Chris Mack

Chris is a technology and entertainment writer whose main interests revolve around the art of writing and expression. He loves writing research-based articles in different niches and translating his thoughts into words that inspire others.