Sky Go not working with VPN

Have you come across issues with Sky Go not working with your VPN? If the answer is “yes”, then I have some bad news for you. The VPN you’re using has been detected and blacklisted by Sky. But don’t worry, there are a couple of easy things you can still do to fix the issue.

This is obviously frustrating if Sky Go was working with your VPN and now it’s not. However, it’s not the time to panic, there’s several fixes you can try, to fix Sky Go not working with VPN.

Below is a list of fixes. Try these in order, moving through them until you’re able to watch Sky Go with a VPN again. Also, if you want to ensure the problems, you’re coming across don’t happen again, read on to the end of the article.

Which VPNs work with Sky Go?

ExpressVPNNordVPNPIAIvacyCyberGhost
Sky Go
Download Speed78.79 Mbps71.32 Mbps27.34 Mbps30.65 Mbps40.7 Mbps
Throttling78.85%71.37%27.36%30.67%40.73%
Stream quality⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price per month$6.66$3.79$2.03$1.00$2.19

We regularly check which VPNs are working with Sky Go. Our last test was on 16th October 2023.

Sky Go not working with VPN: Checklist

  1. Check if Sky Go works with your VPN on another device
  2. Connect to a UK Server with a low user count (if possible)
  3. Clear Cookies and Cache: Remove old location data from your browser/device
  4. Verify VPN IP Address: Use whatismyip.com to check you have a UK IP
  5. Disable GPS and/or location services on mobile devices
  6. VPN Software Update: Make sure your VPN software is the latest version. Try uninstalling and reinstalling
  7. Switch VPN protocols
  8. Reach out to your VPN’s customer service for iPlayer-specific recommendations
  9. Upgrade VPN: If all else fails, consider switching to a known Sky Go-friendly VPN
  10. I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Sky Go

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 Sky Go hasn’t blacklisted your VPN’s IP addresses. And if you’re not using ExpressVPN or NordVPN, there’s a good chance that Sky Go is not working with your VPN because its IP addresses have been blacklisted.

How to fix Sky Go not working with VPN

Total Time: 5 minutes

  1. Check if your VPN works on another device

    How to Change To a Different Device

    This is the easiest thing you can do to figure out what you need to do next. If you VPN works with Sky Go 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.

  2. Contact your VPNs live chat service

    How To Contact 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 Sky Go. 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 MLB.tv then you know, without doubt, that the VPN is the problem.

  3. Delete your cookies

    How To Delete 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 Sky Go

  4. Connect to a different server

    How To Change Server

    A browser’s old location and/or IP data can prevent a stable connection working with Sky Go. Before you do this, I suggest opening a new incognito/private tab and try connecting to Sky Go first – if it works in this mode but not your standard browser, you know that your cookies and/or cache is the problem. If it doesn’t work, you know there is something else wrong and you don’t need to waste your time deleting cookies.

  5. Reinstall or update your VPN

    How To Reinstall

    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.

  6. Switch VPN protocols

    How To Change Protocol

    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 Sky Go 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.

  7. Upgrade your VPN

    ExpressVPN rank

    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 Sky Go. For more information, check out our VPN list below to see which VPN suits your needs and budget.

The best VPNs for Sky Go: 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.

Does Sky Go work with a VPN?

Yes, Sky Go still works with a VPN. I’ve been using a VPN to access Sky Go outside the UK for years.

The key is selecting a VPN that can consistently bypass Sky Go’s VPN detection systems.

You need a VPN that is fast, secure, boasts a vast array of dedicated servers, and, crucially, can circumvent Sky Go’s restrictions.

From our evaluations, the top VPNs for Sky Go are ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month). These are high-quality VPN services that function exceptionally well with Sky Go.

Both possess numerous servers in their native regions, offer speedy connections, ensure security, and have tactics in place to prevent Sky Go from blocking their IP addresses.

Why does Sky Go block my VPN?

Sky Go is a digital app that lets customers stream live and catch-up Sky TV from their smartphone tablet and laptops. However, like Sky’s satellite TV product, customers have to be accessing the app from within the UK for it to work.

The reason for this is pretty logical. Sky TV is only permitted to broadcast in the UK and it pays big money for this privilege.

Let’s use Sky Sports’ jewel in the crown (the EPL) as an example. The most recent Premier League rights package cost Sky Sports £199 million per annum. This enables them to broadcast 128 games per season.

Now, when you consider that US TV network NBC Sports were able to buy the rights to every game for six seasons for $1bn – you start to understand why viewing territories are protected.

Because VPNs allow you to watch streaming services from anywhere in the world, it means Sky could potentially lose revenue. To stop this, Sky not only makes Sky Go unavailable outside the UK, it also stops VPNs from accessing its service.

Sky Go not working with VPN

How is Sky Go detecting my VPN?

VPNs (virtual private networks) work by encrypting data at the user’s end and then resurfacing that data through an IP address in a location of the user’s choice. The unencrypted is then relayed to a local ISP (internet service provider) allowing users to spoof their location to anywhere in the world.

This is how, in theory, a subscriber to Sky Go can watch live and catch-up TV on their mobile device or laptop from literally anywhere in the world.

But times are changing. Sky Go (and pretty much every other major broadcaster) is clamping down on location spoofing via VPNs.

The way this is policed is pretty simple. Broadcasters have correctly recognised that VPN funnels a large number of customers through a small number of servers/IP addresses. The creates the potential for tens, or even hundreds, of Sky Go users connecting via the same IP address – and unrealistic scenario in the real world.

Which is why Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Netflix (et al) are now blacklisting any IP address that has an abnormal level of activity.

This is why your VPN is not working with Sky Go anymore.

Sky Go not working with VPN: FAQ

Q: Why isn’t Sky Go working with my VPN?

Answer: Sky Go frequently updates its mechanisms to detect and block VPN services. If many users are accessing Sky Go from the same VPN IP addresses, it flags this activity and can block access.

Q: Can I do anything about my current VPN not working with Sky Go?

Answer: Absolutely! First, ensure your VPN is connected to a UK-based server. If that’s already the case, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Occasionally, switching the VPN connection protocol can also help. If all else fails, consider contacting your VPN provider or switching to a more reliable one known for bypassing geo-restrictions effectively.

Q: Are there specific VPNs known to work best with Sky Go?

Answer: Yes, some VPNs have been consistently successful with Sky Go, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. They often have dedicated servers or features designed to bypass geo-blocks.

Q: What should I do if only one of my devices can’t access Sky Go using the VPN?

Answer: If Sky Go works on one device but not another, it likely means there’s a device configuration issue. Check VPN settings on the problematic device, clear its cache, and ensure location services are off (for mobile devices).

Q: Why does Sky Go block VPN services in the first place?

Answer: Sky Go is available only for UK residents due to licensing agreements. To ensure compliance with these agreements and to restrict viewership to the UK, Sky Go actively tries to detect and block VPN services that are used to bypass these geographic restrictions.

Sky Go not working with VPN

The VPN services we recommend for Sky Go (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 review

ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) is still the best VPN. And importantly, it ALWAYS has servers that are open with major streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, etc.

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 Best VPN image

NordVPN is the most widely-used VPN in the world. And it’s easy to see why. It’s a polished app that delivers fast connections (more on this later) to a massive network of VPN servers.

It’s the most reliable at unblocking popular streaming services too – US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, etc. This is because NordVPN hired a full-time technical team (that’s responsible for monitoring its servers’ connections with popular TV streaming services) and has been aggressively investing in its network of IP addresses in key locations.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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(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
Best VPN list - PIA

Private Internet Access is one of the leading no-log VPN services with over 1-million paying customers.

This VPN is one of the best in the industry at beating streaming sites’ VPN bans. It provides reliable connections with US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, MAX, Disney+ Amazon Prime, and many more.

Even better, it allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous devices to be connected to its servers at the same time. So you can share the account with all of your friends.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Special Offer for you!

(30-day money-back guarantee)

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
Ivacy Best VPN image

If you’re looking for an excellent VPN, with an even better price tag, Ivacy ($1.00/month) is a great option.

While it doesn’t do much more than the other VPNs on this list, the main attraction is the price. This is an affordable VPN that will allow you to stream BBC iPlayer, in HD, from any country in the world on Mac, PC, Android, iOS and FireStick. You’ll also be able to unlock other services like US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, MAX, Amazon Prime, etc. with ease.

Read our full Ivacy review.

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(30-day money-back guarantee)

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
CyberGhost Best VPN image

CyberGhost is one of the more established VPNs on the market. It has a well-established, and well-tested global network of servers that perform well.

It also offers NoSpy servers which are specially designed to provide an extra layer of security and privacy for users.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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(30-day money-back guarantee)

What does Sky Go offer?

Sky Go UK is a popular online streaming service provided by Sky TV, one of the United Kingdom’s most significant television broadcasters. It offers Sky TV subscribers the flexibility to watch a wide array of content on the move, ensuring they never miss out on their favourite shows, movies, or sporting events, no matter where they are.

One of Sky Go’s standout features is its extensive library of live and on-demand content. This includes premium channels from Sky’s own roster, such as Sky Atlantic, Sky Cinema, and Sky Sports. Whether subscribers are looking for the latest blockbuster movies, binge-worthy TV series, or live Premier League matches, Sky Go UK has it covered. Additionally, for those who have specific niche interests, Sky Go provides a variety of channels ranging from documentaries to kids’ shows.

Moreover, Sky Go UK is designed with user convenience in mind. It is compatible with a range of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even some game consoles. The platform also allows users to download shows and movies for offline viewing, which is particularly beneficial for those travelling or facing patchy internet connections. All in all, Sky Go UK enhances the Sky TV experience, giving subscribers more flexibility and control over how they consume their content.

Will a free VPN work with Sky Go?

Free VPNs can be an appealing option for many users, primarily because of the zero cost associated with their use. At a glance, the idea of being able to bypass geo-restrictions and access services like Sky Go without having to pay for a VPN sounds tempting. Moreover, for those who only occasionally need a VPN, or are hesitant to commit to a paid subscription, free VPNs might seem like a good starting point.

However, there are significant drawbacks when it comes to using free VPNs for streaming platforms like Sky Go. Firstly, these free services often have limited server options, which means that the servers they do offer can become congested due to high user volume. This leads to slower connection speeds, making streaming a buffer-laden and frustrating experience.

Another critical point to consider is that streaming platforms, Sky Go included, have become adept at detecting and blocking the IP addresses associated with VPNs. Paid VPN services typically have the resources to continuously refresh their IP address pools and implement strategies to stay ahead of these detection methods. In contrast, free VPNs often lack these resources, meaning that their IP addresses are more likely to be recognised and blocked by Sky Go.

Furthermore, the safety and privacy aspect cannot be overlooked. Free VPNs need to generate revenue somehow, and this is occasionally done by tracking users’ online activities or serving ads. This negates one of the primary purposes of a VPN: ensuring user privacy and security online.

Is watching Sky Go with a VPN legal?

Yes, watching Sky Go with a VPN is legal. So long as you’re not accessing it in a country where VPNs are prohibited or restricted, these are China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua and Tajikistan.

Although, watching Sky Go with a VPN is legal, it may go against the streaming services’ terms of use. In these conditions it says “To access and use the Service you must be a resident of United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland” and “only access and use the Service via your Devices in the Territory.”

Basically, what this means is if you use a VPN to access Sky Go outside the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland, you’re going against the streaming services terms of use and Sky Go has the right to block or ban your account.

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 an extremely costly policy for Sky to enforce.

In theory, if you’re trying to watch Sky Go in a region where it does not traditionally operate, you risk having your account banned. However, as the best VPNs use military-grade encryption, it’s impossible for streaming services like Sky Go to trace where you’re physically accessing its content from.

There’s one final thing to note on the subject: Sky Go has never banned anyone for using a VPN to access its service.

Patch Bowen is a VPN expert who has trialed, tested and used different VPNs all over the world. He loves the latest technology especially when it comes to gaming. Patch Bowen is also an experienced Tech Reviewer. Whether it's laptops, smartphones, earbuds or keyboards he's seen it all.

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