Hotspot Shield Works With Netflix US - Here's How | 2023 Update

Are there any two words a VPN user dreads more than ‘proxy detected’?

If you’ve been trying to access your Netflix account while abroad or log in to a different regional Netflix, you may have come up against the streaming system’s strict geo-restrictions.

And if you’ve been trying to bypass Netflix geoblocking with the wrong VPN, you’ll have experienced its anti-VPN software too.

Since content licenses have to be purchased by country, not all Netflix content is available in every region. Netflix has to geoblock this content so it doesn’t void any copyright laws. Netflix is also blocked in some regions because of censorship.

One consequence is that users in one region might get early access to a new show or movie while users in another region have to wait. Netflix customers who are traveling might also find themselves blocked from viewing their usual content while they are not in their home country.

To prevent VPNs bypassing these geoblocks, Netflix employs advanced VPN blocking techniques. Thankfully, there are some VPNs available that still work with Netflix.

At the time of writing, you can currently use Hotspot Shield to access Netflix US and UK.

However, you cannot access Netflix with the free version of Hotspot Shield. You will need to purchase the VPN’s Elite plan to stream successfully. You will also not be able to access Netflix from other regions.

How Hotspot Shield Unblocks Netflix

To get around Netflix’s sophisticated geoblocking and anti-VPN software, a VPN needs to be incredibly powerful. It should have numerous servers to avoid being caught and blacklisted by Netflix.

Hotspot Shield has a very decent 1,800+ servers in 80 countries. A network of this size not only guarantees excellent streaming speeds, it also allows the service to defeat Netflix’s geo-restrictions and VPN blocks.

Netflix has a number of ways of detecting VPN servers. It can identify encrypted traffic that acts as a giveaway and it can flag suspicious IP addresses that are being used by multiple customers.

Once these IP addresses and servers have been identified, they are automatically blacklisted by the streaming service. A VPN with a limited number of servers will soon find that its network is totally blocked.

A large VPN such as Hotspot Shield, however, has the resources to continually update and add to its server list. If one server gets blacklisted, it’s not a problem as users can simply switch to a different server.

It is worth noting that not all users have encountered effortless unblocking of Netflix while using Hotspot Shield. Some users have reported difficulties in establishing connections or experiencing issues with specific servers.

At the moment it looks like these issues can be fixed fairly easily. All you have to do is follow Hotspot Shield’s quick guide.

What Else Makes Hotspot Shield Great for Netflix?

• Unique Catapult Hydra protocol compresses data, allowing for faster transmission and enhanced connection speeds — ideal for streaming.
• Unlimited bandwidth means no throttling or delays.
• Ad blocking software prevents any annoying interruptions.
• Connect up to 5 devices under one license, so you can watch Netflix however you like.

Other Benefits of Hotspot Shield

• One of the most affordable VPNs to work with Netflix.
• Military-grade encryption and malware protection so you can stream in privacy and safety.
• Easy-to-use from download to set up.
• 24/7 live support should you encounter any problems.
• A generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Conclusion and Further Reading

When it comes to unblocking Netflix, reports are that Hotspot Shield offers great value and what seems to be a fairly reliable service.

If you’re not convinced and want to check out some other options, here are some more of the best VPNs for Netflix.

Want to use your VPN for a lot more than just streaming? Browse our list of the best VPNs overall.

Watch Netflix with Hotspot Shield