# Which Streaming Services Block VPNs?

*Live tool: in a browser this page shows the connection of whoever opens it. Below: what it checks and the answers it gives.*

**All 7 of the big streaming services we checked block addresses they believe are VPNs or proxies**: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max. Each shows its own error, listed below, from the service's help center and the messages people report, as of November 6, 2026.

## VPN Blocks by Service (November 2026)

| Service | **What it shows** | **Error code** | **Where it works** | **Help site** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Netflix](https://whoseesmyip.com/netflix-says-im-using-a-vpn) | "You seem to be using a VPN or proxy." Netflix stops the title. Older apps say "unblocker or proxy". | M7111-5059 (the code people most often report) | Worldwide, different catalog in each country | help.netflix.com |
| [Hulu](https://whoseesmyip.com/hulu-says-im-using-a-vpn) | Hulu says you're trying to watch through an anonymous proxy tool, or that Hulu is only available in the United States. | Error 16 (invalid region) | US only | help.hulu.com |
| [BBC iPlayer](https://whoseesmyip.com/bbc-iplayer-thinks-im-outside-the-uk) | "BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it's due to rights issues." Or a message that you seem to be using a VPN or proxy. | none shown | UK only | bbc.co.uk |
| [YouTube TV](https://whoseesmyip.com/youtube-tv-says-im-using-a-vpn) | YouTube TV won't play while it detects a VPN or proxy, or says some channels aren't available in your area. | none shown | US only, local channels by area | support.google.com |
| [Disney+](https://whoseesmyip.com/disney-plus-error-code-73) | "This content isn't available to watch in your current location." Or: Disney+ is only available in certain regions. | Error Code 73 | Worldwide, different catalog in each country | help.disneyplus.com |
| [Prime Video](https://whoseesmyip.com/prime-video-says-im-using-a-vpn) | "Your device is connected to the Internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again." | none shown | Worldwide, different catalog in each country | primevideo.com |
| [HBO Max](https://whoseesmyip.com/hbo-max-says-im-using-a-vpn) | "Are you using a VPN?" HBO Max stops playback, or says it isn't available in your region. | none shown | Selected countries, different catalog in each | help.hbomax.com |

Each name links to a page that checks your own connection the way that service sees it.

## Would They Block You Right Now?

### Which streaming services block VPNs?

All 7 of the big ones we checked block addresses they believe belong to VPNs, proxies or datacenters: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max.

### Why do streaming services block VPNs?

They license shows and films country by country. A VPN lets you appear in another country, so services block addresses they know belong to VPNs to keep each country's catalog to that country.

### Can a streaming service block me if I'm not using a VPN?

Yes. They judge the address, not your apps, so iCloud Private Relay, a browser with a built-in VPN, a shared mobile address or a recycled address can trigger the same error.

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Source: https://whoseesmyip.com/streaming-services-that-block-vpns · Which Streaming Services Block VPNs? (November 2026) · What to find where: https://whoseesmyip.com/llms.txt
