Does Private Internet Access Work with Netflix in USA? Tested in 2023

in-USA

Considering Netflix’s robust VPN detection technology, one might wonder: Does Netflix in–USA work with Private Internet Access? Well, PIA and Netflix didn’t work well together for a very long time. But now, it’s not such a bad option to access geo-restricted Netflix libraries. Use our guide and learn all about watching Netflix with PIA.

There are various simple fixes if your Private Internet Access Netflix combination is having problems. Typically, all that is needed are a few minor changes to your VPN settings. Sometimes the solution is as easy as switching to a different web browser.

But, if the issues persist, then it’s time you get a different VPN service. We highly recommend ExpressVPN, which offers access to more than 10 major Netflix libraries. Moreover, it offers blazing-fast speeds and allows you to enjoy all Netflix shows without any buffering and load times.

In this guide, you can learn what to do if you’re facing Private Internet Access not working for you issue. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

How to Watch Netflix in USA with Private Internet Access [Quick Guide]

Here’s how to use the Private Internet Access Netflix combination:

  1. Subscribe to PIA and install its app.
  2. Within the app, connect to any server in your selected Netflix location. For example, to stream US Netflix, you must connect to a US server.
  3. Launch Netflix.
  4. You can now access previously unavailable content. Start streaming!

Let’s take a look at the video representation of how to use Private Internet Access with Netflix:

Note: Only a small number of PIA servers can unblock Netflix, and even those are not always dependable. Therefore, it is advised that you select an alternative that can efficiently unblock Netflix, such as ExpressVPN.


Why does Private Internet Access Not Work with Netflix in USA?

PIA does not work consistently with Netflix. Like it may work with Netflix at night, and on the very next day, it won’t work for you, and the following Netflix proxy error will hit your screen:

“Whoops, something went wrong…..

Streaming Error

You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again. For more help, visit netflix.com/proxy.” 

Netflix-streaming-error-in-USA

Netflix blocks your access as soon as it detects you are using a VPN!

Netflix has put in place a clever VPN blocker because it takes the distribution of its content very seriously. This IP filtering mechanism prohibits all VPN and proxy users from viewing titles that are only accessible in certain locations.

Initially, Private Internet Access could get around Netflix’s geo-restrictions, but Netflix disabled its Silicon Valley servers after noticing the IP addresses. Since then, Netflix has not been accessible through Private Internet Access servers.

PIA’s speed and performance are average compared to other VPN providers, and not all servers can unblock Netflix.

Because of all these facts that we discovered after extensive PIA Netflix testing, we would not recommend you choose Private Internet Access to unblock other regions of Netflix, as it does not work consistently and is pretty slow.

The good thing is you can easily switch to one of the best VPNs for Netflix since PIA offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. Right now, ExpressVPN is the best VPN that unblocks all regions of Netflix consistently, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and American Netflix from anywhere!

Additionally, this best VPN for Netflix offers a 30-day straightforward money-back guarantee. So you can try it without any risk.


Best Alternative of Private Internet Access for Netflix in USA

Tons of VPNs claim to unblock Netflix from anywhere around the world. But during testing, only a few of them could actually unblock Netflix.

The following are the three best VPNs in 2023, which unblocks any content library of Netflix, including US, UK, France, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, Canada, and Australia:

1. ExpressVPN: Best Alternative for PIA that Works with Netflix

ExpressVPN is the best alternative to PIA for American Netflix, owing to its unrivaled unblocking ability and ultra-fast servers. It offers high-speed servers that can optimize your streaming speed, and you will get an impressive downloading speed of 89.42 Mbps.

This premium VPN hosts a mega network of over 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, among which tons of servers are located in 25+ US locations.

US-Netflix-unblocked-by-ExpressVPN-in-USA

We could easily access American Netflix exclusives with ExpressVPN on our first attempt.

Recommended servers: New York, Las Vegas, Seattle.

While testing, we got the fastest speeds from the New York server!

On a 100 Mbps base connection, ExpressVPN offered us an average download speed of 89.42 Mbps which was more than enough for 4K streaming without buffering.

expressvpn-speed-test-result-in-USA

ExpressVPN offered fast speed on a base connection of 100 Mbps.

Using ExpressVPN’s extensive server reach, you can watch the best movies on Netflix hosted in different libraries worldwide. Moreover, this VPN can also unblock Hulu, Funimation, and Peacock outside the US.

ExpressVPN offers cross-platform compatibility, but its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature makes things easier by letting you stream American Netflix on devices that don’t offer native VPN support.

A single ExpressVPN subscription allows 5 simultaneous connections that you can use on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. The provider also offers dedicated apps for Roku, Fire TVs, Chromecast, Apple TV, Routers, Smart TVs, and Game Consoles.

AES-256-Bit Encryption safeguards your privacy, and features like Trusted Server Technology, Zero-Logging, DNS Leak Protection, and Automated Kill Switch further enhance your online security.

ExpressVPN is available for US$6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, including a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. With all of the above features, ExpressVPN is undoubtedly the best VPN for streaming! You can always conduct the PIA vs ExpressVPN comparison if you’re confused.

ExpressVPN vs. PIA Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison between Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN:

Features ExpressVPN PIA
No. of Servers 3000+ 3500
Price US$12.95/month US$9.95/month
Streaming services Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Sling TV, HBO Max, etc. Hulu, Sling TV, HBO Max, etc.
Device Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, FireOS, Linux, Browser Extensions Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Money-back Guarantee 30-day 7-day

2. Surfshark: Affordable Alternative for PIA that works with Netflix.

Surfshark is a budget-friendly alternative to PIA for American Netflix. This cost-effective VPN is available for just US$2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, including a 30-day refund offer. It’s definitely worth trying if you have budget constraints.

netflix-uk-unblocked-with-surfshark-in-USA

Connect to the London server if you want to unblock Netflix UK instantly!

Recommended servers: London, Manchester, Glasgow

It offers an extensive network of 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, including 4 servers available in UK cities. We highly recommend the London server!

During our speed tests, Surfshark performed outstandingly and offered an impressive downloading speed of 88.14 Mbps and an uploading speed of 83.72 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

surfshark-speed-test-result-in-USA

The Surfshark servers worked great!

With Surfshark, you can watch your favorite best shows on Netflix and other geo-restricted Netflix libraries, including Netflix Canada and Netflix France.

There’s no limit on the number of devices connected simultaneously, as Surfshark allows unlimited multi-logins per account. It’s compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.

You can also download its apps on your streaming devices, including Firestick, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Apple TVs, Chromecast, and Routers.

Surfshark guarantees unimpeachable online security and personal privacy. You get AES-256-Bit encryption, IPSec, and IKEv4 protocols.

Furthermore, features like Automated Kill Switch, Multi-Hop, No-Logging, and Camouflage Mode further strengthen your security. However, you can conduct a PIA vs Surfshark comparison and select the best option.

3. NordVPN: Alternative with the Largest Number of Servers for Netflix

NordVPN is the PIA alternative with the largest server network. It offers an extensive network of more than 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries, including 1970+ servers in the US.

japanese-netflix-unblocked-with-NordVPN-in-USA

Connect to NordVPN’s Japan server and unblock Japanese Netflix instantly!

Recommended servers: Japan.

According to the results of our speed tests, this VPN can offer an excellent downloading speed of 86.49 Mbps and an uploading speed of 79.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

nordvpn-speed-test-in-USA

NordVPN Speed test results!

NordVPN is also ideal for unblocking other popular streaming services like Hulu, Starz, and Peacock.

NordVPN offers cross-platform compatibility and can be used easily on Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux. The provider also offers user-friendly smart apps for popular streaming devices like Roku, Firesticks, Apple TVs, Gaming Consoles, Routers, and Smart TVs.

You can use a single subscription on 6 devices simultaneously.

NordVPN offers several top-notch, futuristic features, such as AES 256-Bit protocol, Automated Kill Switch, DNS & IP Leak Prevention, Zero-Logging, Obfuscated Servers, and many other features.

You can subscribe to NordVPN for just US$3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, including a 30-day money-back guarantee.


How to Fix PIA Not Working with Netflix in USA?

Does PIA work with Netflix? Yes, Private Internet Access Netflix pair does work most of the time! But if PIA is not working with Netflix, you can fix the issue in several straightforward ways. These methods can assist you even if you’re having trouble with another streaming platform because they don’t require any technical skills.

If none of the following options work for you, your best bet is to use a VPN like ExpressVPN that consistently unblocks Netflix! Let’s take a look at these easy PIA VPN Netflix workarounds:

Check IP Address

You must check your IP address if you get a proxy error while accessing Netflix via PIA. Netflix can easily detect a blacklisted IP address. You may follow the steps given if your Private Internet access won’t connect:

  • Before connecting to the VPN, check your IP address at What is My IP Address.
  • Recheck your IP by connecting to a PIA server.
  • Check to see if your original IP is leaking.
  • Change your area or choose a different server in the same country if there is IP leakage.

Flush your DNS

Netflix will prevent you from streaming if it discovers your default DNS, even though you are connected to PIA. If there is a DNS leak, follow these instructions to flush your DNS:

  • Press the Windows key + R together to launch the run box.
  • In the Run box, type “cmd,” and then click OK.
  • In the command prompt, key in “ipconfig/flushdns” and press Enter.
  • “Windows IP Configuration Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache” will appear as a notification.

Change Protocol

If you think that PIA won’t connect, you can alter its protocol. To alter the VPN protocol on Private Internet Access Netflix combo, follow these steps:

  • Activate the Private Internet Access app.
  • Access Settings.
  • Click on Protocol under the Connection tab to choose a protocol.
  • Try accessing Netflix.

Contact PIA’s Customer Support

The above-mentioned steps should fix your PIA VPN not working with Netflix issue. If the problem is still there, then you must be having a bad internet connection.

In this case, you can contact the customer support representatives of PIA. The VPN’s customer service options are pretty reliable and include email, 24/7 live chat, and online guides.


Choose a VPN that Unblocks Netflix

PIA is a good option for Netflix, but not the best one out there. So, instead of trying to enjoy Private Internet Access streaming with Netflix, you can choose the best VPN service.

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for accessing Netflix since it offers excellent unblocking abilities, fast speeds, and overall amazing service.


Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch Netflix in USA instead of PIA?

That’s not what we recommend! You can always use a free VPN to access Netflix, but opting for a paid VPN like the Private Internet Access VPN is better.

Free VPNs may advertise that they can unblock Netflix, but using them risks your security and is incredibly unsafe. They have very few servers, which are overrun with users and cause the internet to run extremely slowly, in addition to the security issues.

Buffering and low-resolution video streaming are the results of slow streaming. Additionally, Netflix won’t allow you to get around the barrier because it can readily identify free VPNs and has already disabled the majority of them.

Although free VPNs don’t charge you, they still make money by selling your information to outside parties, which can put you in dangerous situations.


Does Private Internet Access Slow Down Netflix in USA?

You will notice a deceleration in your internet speed while using PIA with Netflix. Your internet speed is significantly impacted by the server location (a remote server would slow down your connection significantly), the type of encryption, and the current server.

Although not as quick as ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access nevertheless offers good internet speeds. But, if you find Private Internet Access not loading, then you should stick to using ExpressVPN.

For smooth streaming, Netflix recommends a speed of at least 3 Mbps. Remember that utilizing a VPN service like PIA and Netflix can limit your internet speed by 30%. You could experience some difficulties streaming 4K and UHD content.


How Does the PIA Netflix Blocking Take Place in USA?

It’s simple. The PIA Netflix blocking takes place by identifying when someone is connected to a VPN server and blocking their IP address. This is done by viewing the user’s IP address and checking if it matches any of the popular VPN IP addresses.

There are multiple reasons why Netflix may do this. To start, it prevents users from accessing content that’s not licensed in their country. Another one is to prevent users from using a VPN and accessing geo-restricted content from other countries.

So, the question remains: Does Netflix block Private Internet Access? Pia works with a few regional Netflix libraries. Yet, it isn’t the most reliable VPN to access Netflix. PIA’s representatives have admitted publicly that Netflix blacklists PIA’s servers and IP addresses.

Considering these reasons, it’s pretty easy to avoid Netflix blocking PIA. All you need to do is opt for a VPN like ExpressVPN that updates its IP address list from time to time, so you never get caught by the streaming platform.


Which Netflix Shows Can I Watch Anywhere With PIA in USA?

Even though PIA is unable to access various Netflix libraries, it does unblock a few popular ones. Below, we have a list of some popular TV shows that you can watch on Netflix while using PIA:

  • The Haunting of Hill House
  • Alice in Borderland
  • Wednesday
  • Stranger Things
  • The Crown
  • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
  • Squid Game
  • Community
  • Better Call Saul
  • Riverdale

FAQs – Private Internet Access Netflix

PIA has access to Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Germany, Italy, France, and Japan. Simply connect to a server in one of these countries and begin streaming Netflix. You’ll be better off switching to another VPN provider since PIA can’t access Netflix libraries in other regions of the world. This also answers your query on “Does PIA work with Netflix?”

Like all VPNs, PIA will slightly reduce the speed of your internet connection. That’s because your data must travel to the VPN server. Additionally, data encryption takes time, which adds to the overall delay.

On PIA’s US servers, we got an average download speed of 42.8 Mbps during speed testing, a 27% decrease from our initial readings. Even though this might sound like a lot, the download speed was still more than sufficient to stream Netflix in HD, which only needs 5 Mbps.

Yes, it is legal to watch Netflix via PIA. It might be a violation of Netflix’s terms of service. However, this does not make it illegal. If you’re detected using  PIA VPN, the worst that may happen is that Netflix will temporarily suspend your account.

Yes, PIA offers a built-in kill switch even on its iOS app (various VPNs don’t offer a kill switch on iOS). Plus, there’s an Advanced kill switch option on Mac and Windows that disables internet access when you’re connected to the VPN server. We tested this by trying to access a website on the internet using PIA’s servers.

Every PIA subscription lets you connect unlimited devices and use 10 devices simultaneously. Moreover, PIA works with all major streaming platforms and offers secure access to all your favorite content while traveling abroad.

No, PIA works on multiple store-bought routers, but not the ones that your ISP offers. A FlashRouter is the simplest option since it comes with the pre-installed PIA service, so you’re not required to configure it yourself.

PIA emphasizes on the fact that it doesn’t log any browsing data. This means that the company won’t have any idea when you’re using a VPN, for how long, what’s your IP address, and the websites you’ve been visiting.

You can turn off PIA by clicking on the off button and disconnecting from the VPN server.

No, your ISP will only be able to view that a certain amount of data is being transferred from you to the VPN and from the VPN to you. But, you need to ensure that you’re accessing the internet by using the VPN. So, make sure that the VPN is turned on.

No, you won’t be banned from Netflix for using a VPN but will end up getting the shows, movies, and cartoons that are only available in your region. However, you might face an error while using Netflix like “Whoops, something went wrong. Streaming error.” To avoid this, you can use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

PIA masks your original IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, so your browsing activities are hidden from the government, ISP, and network admin. PIA also protects your data from hackers and malicious actors, keeping you secure and anonymous online.

The DNS server you use prevents PIA from working with Netflix. This usually happens when Netflix identifies your default DNS.

So, you’re required to flush your DNS. The instructions to do this differ between Mac and Windows. This can work if you find Private Internet Access not connecting or Netflix not working with PIA.


Final Thoughts

Now that we’re at the end of our guide, the question is: “Does Private Internet Access work with Netflix?” Yes, PIA works with Netflix. But, it unblocks only 6 Netflix libraries, including the US, Japan, UK, and France.

If you want to access more Netflix content, you should opt for another VPN. Moreover, as Netflix is always blocking VPNs, you can face the Netflix proxy error from time to time. In short, you may encounter the PIA Netflix not working issue.

Therefore, if you are looking for a VPN that consistently works with Netflix, you must switch to VPN services like ExpressVPN. If you still have any queries, you can ask us by hitting us in the comment section below. Happy Binging!

Ellison Shirley

Dive into the world of TV, sports, and cinema with Ellison Shirley, your guide to the latest in entertainment. From gripping sports matches to blockbuster movies, Ellison's insights illuminate the screen, making your favorite shows and events come alive. Discover the thrill of the small screen and the big game through her expert eyes.

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