If you’ve been watching Amazon Prime with a VPN and it’s stopped working, and if you’re coming across errors like “Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again,” then Amazon has managed to block the IP address that you’re using with your VPN.
This can be frustrating, but fortunately, there’s some fixes you can try to resolve this issue.
This article will explain how you can fix Amazon Prime not working with VPN and how you can prevent these problems from happening again.
Which VPNs work with Amazon Prime?
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PIA | Ivacy | CyberGhost | |
| Amazon Prime | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Download Speed | 79 Mbps | 71 Mbps | 27 Mbps | 31 Mbps | 41 Mbps |
| Throttling | 79% | 71% | 27% | 31% | 41% |
| Stream quality | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Price per month | $6.66 | $3.79 | $2.03 | $1.00 | $2.19 |
We regularly check which VPNs are working with Amazon Prime. Our last test was on 16th October 2023.
Amazon Prime not working with VPN: Checklist
- Check if Amazon Prime works with your VPN on another device
- Connect to a server with a low user count (if possible)
- Clear Cookies and Cache: Remove old location data from your browser/device
- Verify VPN IP Address: Use whatismyip.com to check you have an IP address provided by your VPN
- Disable GPS and/or location services on mobile devices
- VPN Software Update: Make sure your VPN software is the latest version. Try uninstalling and reinstalling
- Switch VPN protocols
- Reach out to your VPN’s customer service for Amazon Prime-specific recommendations
- Upgrade VPN: If all else fails, consider switching to a known Amazon Prime-friendly VPN
- I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Amazon Prime
Tip: Sometimes, simply restarting your VPN or changing the server can resolve access issues. If consistent problems arise, it may be time to consider a more reliable VPN service.
Remember, this checklist will only work if Amazon Prime hasn’t blacklisted your VPN’s IP addresses. And if you’re not using ExpressVPN or NordVPN, there’s a good chance that Amazon Prime is not working with your VPN because its IP addresses have been blacklisted.
Amazon Prime not working with VPN: Quick Fixes
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Check if your VPN works on another device
This is the easiest thing you can do to figure out what you need to do next. If you VPN works with Amazon Prime on your smartphone, but not your computer, then you know your VPN isn’t the problem. If your VPN does work on one device, jump to Step 3 below.
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Contact your VPNs live chat service
This is another easy one. Cycle through your VPN’s available servers. If you only have a few options available to you, go to your VPN’s website and find the Live Chat feature (if they have one) and ask for a specific server number that works with Amazon Prime. This is the single most effective way to diagnose if your VPN is the problem or not. If they can’t point you towards a server that works with Amazon Prime then you know, without doubt, that the VPN is the problem.
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Delete your cookies
Deleting your cookies can potentially fix VPN issues. Accumulated or corrupted cookies in a browser might interfere with the way websites and online services function, especially when using a VPN. Clearing these cookies removes any old or problematic data, thereby ensuring a cleaner slate for your VPN connection to operate. This can help in establishing a more stable connection and resolving conflicts between the VPN and certain web services like Amazon Prime
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Connect to a different server
If your VPN has suddenly stopped working with Amazon Prime, it might be because the IP address your VPN has given you has been identified and blocked by the streaming service. Changing to a different server will give you a different IP address, and if that one hasn’t been blocked, your VPN will work with Amazon Prime again.
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Reinstall or update your VPN
Think of this as the classic “turn it on and off again” tactic. Removing your VPN, and its settings, from your device and starting again is a good way to get the most up-to-date settings configured on your devices without much effort. If you don’t want to reinstall the software, you can always check to see if there’s an update available to download any fixes your service may have introduced.
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Switch VPN protocols
VPN protocols are the beating heart of a VPN. They determine how the VPN works. When you use a VPN the protocol is responsible for hiding your data and rerouting it via VPN servers. If Amazon Prime isn’t working with your VPN, it might be because the protocol you’re using is no longer working with the service. If your VPN allows it, try changing to a different protocol to see if that fixes the issue. Take a look at our VPN protocols article to discover more about which technology might be best for you.
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Upgrade your VPN
If all of the above fails, you should consider upgrading to a high-end VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Amazon Prime. For more information, check out our VPN list below to see which VPN suits your needs and budget.
The best VPNs for Amazon Prime: Quicklist
ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) is the gold standard of VPNs. With servers in 94 countries and top-tier encryption protocols, it provides users the fastest and most reliable way to unblock streaming services from anywhere in the world.
NordVPN ($3.19/month) has an expansive network of 5,800+ high-speed servers in 60 countries – making it a great option for anyone looking to unblock popular streaming services, at a more mid-range prince point. An excellent choice.
Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) is the “best of the rest” VPN. It stands out as a solid streaming VPN with a budget price tag. It’s not as reliable, or fast, as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Making it a more suitable choice for a casual VPN user.
Ivacy ($1.00/month) the price is the selling point here. If you want a VPN that works with major streaming services “most of the time” and don’t mind a bit of buffering during peak periods, Ivacy is fine. But it’s a nowhere near as good as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
CyberGhost ($2.19/month) is a decent VPN option that offers user-friendly apps and a range of servers worldwide. While it may not lead the pack in all features, it provides a satisfactory balance of privacy, speed, and ease of use.
Why is Amazon Prime not working with VPN?
Your VPN isn’t working with Amazon Prime because the streaming service has blocked the IP address your VPN has given you.
Although Amazon Prime is available in a number of countries around the world, it’s library changes depending on geographic location. For example, Amazon Prime in the US has different content to Amazon Prime in the UK or Australia.
This has happened because content creators determine where their content can be broadcast and streaming services like Amazon Prime need to purchase the rights to broadcast said content in each location. If Amazon Prime has purchased the rights to broadcast a film or TV show in the US, it doesn’t necessarily mean it owns the rights to broadcast the same show in other locations. That might belong to a different streaming service.
Because a VPN can potentially allow you to get around these geographic restrictions, Amazon Prime tries to block VPNs from accessing its service.
If it didn’t do this it could face severe fines for copyright and licensing breaches.
Why am I getting the “Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again” error?
You’re getting the “Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again,” because Amazon has managed to identify that you’re using its service with a VPN, and subsequently has blocked the IP address your VPN has given you.
The reason Amazon does this is all to do with broadcast rights. Amazon doesn’t have the rights to broadcast all its content anywhere in the world. It has strict copyright and licensing agreements with its content partners that disclose where certain content can be broadcast in the world. This is why you’ll find some content on the US version of Prime, but it won’t be available in the UK. It’s cause Amazon doesn’t have the rights to broadcast that content in the UK.
If Amazon was to breach these broadcast agreements, it could face severe financial repercussions. Because VPNs are a well-known way of watching Prime outside of its zones, VPNs could be the reason Amazon faces these punishments. To prevent that from happening, Amazon tries to block VPNs from accessing its service.
Amazon Prime not working with VPN: FAQs
Q: Why isn’t my Amazon Prime Video working when I use a VPN?
Answer: It’s often because Amazon Prime Video actively detects and blocks VPN servers to enforce geographic content restrictions. If your VPN’s IP address is on their blacklist, the service will not work.
Q: Can I get around Amazon Prime Video’s VPN block?
Answer: You may bypass the block by using a VPN that consistently refreshes its server IPs and employs advanced obfuscation techniques to avoid detection. Some premium VPNs are adept at this and maintain access to Amazon Prime Video.
Q: What should I do if my Amazon Prime Video stops working with my current VPN?
Answer: You should switch to another server or IP address that your VPN provides. If issues persist, reaching out to your VPN’s customer support can be helpful, or consider switching to a VPN provider known for working with Amazon Prime Video.
Q: Is it legal to use a VPN with Amazon Prime Video?
Answer: Using a VPN is legal in many countries, but it might violate Amazon’s terms of service. While not typically a legal issue, this could lead to restricted access to their service.
Q: Will using a VPN affect the streaming quality on Amazon Prime Video?
Answer: A VPN can potentially slow down your internet connection due to encryption overhead and routing distances, which might affect streaming quality. Choosing a high-speed VPN service with servers close to your actual location can help minimise this impact.
How does Amazon Prime block VPNs?
Amazon Prime blocks VPNs using three main techniques:
- The most common technique is to do with the IP addresses that your VPN can provide. VPN providers have more customers than the number of IP addresses they can provide; this means that customers can use the same IP addresses. Usually, only a household with a few devices uses the same IP address. When Amazon Prime sees hundreds or even thousands of connections coming through on the same IP address, it knows that it is a VPN, and it blocks it.
- Amazon Prime monitors for IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks that can tip the service off you are using a VPN.
- Amazon Prime teams up with GeoIP databases like Maxmind to identify IP addresses. If the IP address your VPN provides is on one of these databases, Amazon Prime will be able to find out where in the world you are connecting to the internet from, and it will block you.
Lesser VPNs, especially free VPNs, find it very hard to get around these blocking methods. If you’re coming across the “Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again” error, then your VPN isn’t good enough to stay ahead of Amazon’s blocks.
Does Amazon Prime still work with VPNs?
Amazon Prime still works with VPNs. However, you need to use a VPN that can stay ahead of Amazon’s VPN blocks.
You need a VPN like ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month).
Inevitably Amazon Prime will sometimes identify an IP address provided by ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month) however, the way these VPNs react to that is what sets them apart from lesser VPNs. When IP addresses provided by ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month) are blocked, these VPNs will close them and open a new one.
This means there will always be an IP address for you to connect to, allowing you to stream Amazon Prime from anywhere in the world reliably. It will also prevent you from running into the “Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again” error.
The VPN services we recommend for Amazon Prime (2023)
1. ExpressVPN 🥇 $6.66/month
The fastest and most reliable streaming VPN of 2023
- ✔160+ IP addresses in 94+ countries
- ✔5 simultaneous devices
- ✔Live chat support
- ✔Over 3,000 servers
- ✔>80% connection speed
- ✔Unlimited bandwidth
ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN for Amazon Prime due to its high-speed servers that minimise buffering and its strong track record of bypassing geo-restrictions.
Its encryption protocols are advanced, providing users with secure and private streaming experiences. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers a wide range of server locations worldwide, which is ideal for accessing various Amazon Prime libraries.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
2. NordVPN $3.19/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Over 5,000 servers worldwide
- ✔6 simultaneous devices
- ✔Reliable customer service
- ✔Fast NordLynx protocol
- ✔Cybersec ad and tracker blocker
- ✔Easy to use interface
NordVPN is renowned for its robust security features and a vast array of servers across the globe, making it an excellent choice for Amazon Prime users.
It consistently overcomes VPN blocks with its SmartPlay technology, ensuring a smooth streaming experience. Moreover, NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy ensures your viewing habits remain private.
Read our full NordVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔35,000 servers worldwide
- ✔Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 chat support
- ✔Servers in over 80 countries
- ✔MACE ad blocker included
- ✔Supports multiple protocols
4. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔5700+ servers worldwide
- ✔10 simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 customer support
- ✔Dedicated IP address option
- ✔Available on all major platforms
- ✔Great price
5. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Deloitte verified no logs policy
- ✔Servers in 91 countries
- ✔7 simulatenous devices
- ✔Proprietary NoSpy servers
- ✔Multiple protocol options
- ✔Split tunneling support
Is using a VPN to watch Amazon Prime illegal?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal. There are only a handful of countries (spot the authoritarianism link) where using a VPN is illegal; these are: China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua and Tajikistan.
If you’re outside these countries and are using a VPN, you’re legally allowed to do so. However, it’s important to know that using a VPN with some streaming services may breach that service’s terms of use.
If you subscribe to a streaming service, you automatically accept its terms of use. If we look at Amazon Prime’s terms of use, it states, “Due to technical and other restrictions imposed by content providers, the Service is available only in certain locations. The Digital Content (including subtitled and dubbed audio versions of Digital Content) and how we offer Digital Content to you will vary over time and by location. Amazon will use technologies to verify your geographic location. You may not use any technology or technique to obscure or disguise your location.”
This means, Amazon Prime can stop your subscription and ban you from the streaming service if you try to access its content with a VPN turned on.
However, given the wide-spread use of VPNs, plus the many legitimate and legal use cases for VPNs, it’s fair to suggest that banning customers for using a VPN would be a heavy-handed and financially costly policy for Amazon Prime (and other streaming services) to enforce.
In theory, if you’re trying to watch a streaming service (that you pay for) in a region where it does not traditionally operate, you risk having your account banned. However, as VPNs use military-grade encryption, it’s impossible for streaming services to trace where you’re physically accessing its content from.
There’s one final thing to note on the subject: Amazon Prime has never banned anyone for using a VPN to access its service.
