Sky Go not working with VPN? Here’s how to FIX that! (2023)

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?

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.

The best VPNs for Sky Go: Quicklist

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.

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.

The VPN services we recommend for Sky Go (2023)

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.