If you’re watching, or are trying to watch, Paramount+ with a VPN and it isn’t working, don’t panic. There’s a number of fixes you can try to resolve this issue.
The reason your VPN isn’t working is because Paramount+ has managed to block all of its IP addresses and your VPN probably doesn’t have measures in place to ensure it can get around Paramount+’s VPN blocking techniques.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can fix this.
All you have to do is follow our expert guide and you’ll be able to watch Paramount+ with a VPN again in no time.
Which VPNs work with Paramount+
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PIA | Ivacy | CyberGhost | |
| Paramount+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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 Paramount+. Our last test was on 16th October 2023.
Paramount+ not working with VPN: Checklist
- Check if Paramount+ works with your VPN on another device
- Connect to a US 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 a US IP
- 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 Paramount+-specific recommendations
- Upgrade VPN: If all else fails, consider switching to a known Paramount+-friendly VPN
- I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Paramount+
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 Paramount+ hasn’t blacklisted your VPN’s IP addresses. And if you’re not using ExpressVPN or NordVPN, there’s a good chance that Paramount+ is not working with your VPN because its IP addresses have been blacklisted.
How to fix Paramount+ not working with VPN
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 Paramount+ 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 Paramount+. 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.
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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 Paramount+.
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Connect to a different server
If your VPN has suddenly stopped working with Paramount+, 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 Paramount+ 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 Paramount+ 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 Paramount+. For more information, check out our VPN list below to see which VPN suits your needs and budget.
The best VPNs for Paramount+: 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 Paramount+ not working with VPN?
Your VPN has stopped working because it has failed to get past Paramount+’s VPN blocking methods. This means all of its IP addresses have been identified and blacklisted by the streaming service.
Paramount+, just like other streaming services, tries to block VPNs from connecting to its service. It does this to protect itself from potential copyright and licensing issues.
Paramount+ only has the rights to broadcast its content in a select few countries, these being the US, Canada, Australia, the UK and Latin America. If it broadcasts its content outside of these locations, then it could run into some serious repercussions. VPNs are a well-known way to watch Paramount+ outside of the US, and if Paramount did nothing about this, it could mean Paramount is breaching its licensing agreements.
To prevent this from happening, Paramount tries to block all VPNs from accessing its service. And with your VPN, it has been successful in doing so.
How does Paramount+ block VPNs?
All VPNs have more IP addresses than customers. This is the only way they can work as a business.
The problem with this model is it means customers are forced to share IP addresses. Paramount knows this and monitors for an abnormal number of connections coming from the same IP address.
A normal number of connections sharing the same IP address, is usually the number of devices in a single household, so around 8-10. When Paramount sees hundreds or thousands of connections coming from the same IP, it deems it as an abnormal amount. It knows that it’s a VPN IP address, and it blocks it.
For lesser VPNs, this can be hard to get around. Generally, lesser VPNs don’t have as many IP addresses as the best VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. This means there’s more of a chance you’ll be sharing an IP with hundreds of other customers.
You can wait for your VPN to get more IPs; however this is expensive and can take some time, meaning you won’t be able to watch Paramount+ outside of the US for who knows how long.
To fix the issue quickly, you need to use a better VPN to get around Paramount+ VPN blocking techniques.
Paramount+ not working with VPN: FAQs
Q: Why isn’t Paramount+ working with my VPN?
Answer: Paramount+ frequently updates its mechanisms to detect and block VPN services. If many users are accessing Paramount+ 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 Paramount+?
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 Paramount+?
Answer: Yes, some VPNs have been consistently successful with Paramount+, 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 Paramount+ using the VPN?
Answer: If Paramount+ 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 Paramount+ block VPN services in the first place?
Answer: Paramount+ is available only for US residents due to licensing agreements. To ensure compliance with these agreements and to restrict viewership to the US, Paramount+ actively tries to detect and block VPN services that are used to bypass these geographic restrictions.
Do VPNs still work with Paramount+?
Yes, VPNs still work with Paramount+. There’s even a possibility your VPN will work with Paramount+ again. It just needs to purchase more IP addresses that Paramount hasn’t blocked.
This isn’t a resolution to the problem, though. Even if your VPN purchases more IP addresses, inevitably, they will be blocked again because your VPN doesn’t have measures to stay one step ahead of Paramount’s blocks in the first place.
The VPNs that work best with Paramount+ are the ones that stay one step ahead of its blocks. ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or NordVPN ($3.19/month) are the best at this. When Paramount+ blocks an IP address, these VPNs will close it and open a new one. It sounds simple, but it works.
This simple measure means you can avoid running into your VPN not working with Paramount+ problems in the future.
The VPN services we recommend for Paramount+ (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 ($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.
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(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 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
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
What is Paramount+?
Paramount+ is a streaming service launched by ViacomCBS, aiming to be a significant player in the competitive world of digital entertainment. It serves as a successor to CBS All Access, broadening its scope and bringing together various content libraries from across the vast ViacomCBS portfolio.
One of the platform’s main selling points is its expansive content library, which includes a mix of classic shows, current broadcasts, and original programming. Subscribers have access to a trove of beloved TV series from networks such as CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Smithsonian Channel. This means that from iconic series like “Star Trek” to children’s favorites like “SpongeBob SquarePants”, there’s something for every demographic.
Beyond television series, Paramount+ boasts an impressive lineup of films, especially with the inclusion of movies from Paramount Pictures. Blockbusters, classic films, and new releases find their home here, giving movie enthusiasts a varied selection to choose from. Additionally, Paramount+ has ventured into producing original content, much like its competitors. This includes new series, movies, and continuations or reboots of existing beloved franchises.
Live sports and news are another draw for the platform. Paramount+ offers live streams of various sports events, including football, golf, and basketball, through partnerships with leagues and associations. CBSN, CBS News’ 24/7 digital streaming news service, is also available, providing real-time news updates to subscribers.
Which countries is Paramount+ in?
- United States
- Canada
- Latin American countries (including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela)
- Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)
- Australia
Can I use a free VPN with Paramount+?
Paramount+ is a renowned streaming service offering a plethora of popular shows and movies. However, for those outside of its designated broadcast regions or those wishing to bypass potential georestrictions, a VPN becomes a sought-after tool. A free VPN seems like an ideal solution, especially for those not willing to invest in a premium service.
Yet, the reality is that using a free VPN with Paramount+ often proves ineffective. Firstly, Paramount+, like many other streaming platforms, constantly updates its measures to detect and block VPNs. Free VPN services usually have a limited number of servers, which means that once these IP addresses are identified and blacklisted by Paramount+, users can no longer access the platform through them. Premium VPNs, on the other hand, regularly update and expand their server list, making it harder for streaming services to keep up.
In addition, free VPNs often have bandwidth limitations and slower speeds due to overcrowded servers. This can result in buffering, lower video quality, and an overall diminished streaming experience. There’s also a concern regarding privacy and security. While the primary purpose might be to bypass geo-restrictions, VPNs are also expected to provide a secure and private connection. Free VPNs might lack robust encryption, and some have even been known to track user activities or display intrusive advertisements.
Is using a VPN to stream Paramount+ legal?
Using a VPN to stream Paramount+ is legal. The only time it’s considered illegal is if you’re based 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.
If you aren’t in one of these countries, using a VPN to stream Paramount+ is legal and you won’t face any legal action for doing so. However, there is a possibility that Paramount+ will block and maybe even ban your account for using a VPN to access its service.
When you sign up to Paramount+ you automatically agree to its terms of use. These are a set of legally binding rule and conditions that outline what you are allowed and not allowed to do in regard to how you use Paramount+.
In Paramount’s terms of use it states “Paramount operates the Site in the United States. Information contained on the Site may not be appropriate or available for use in other locations, and access to this Site from territories where the content of the Site may be illegal is prohibited. If you access the Site from other locations, you do so on your own initiative, and you are solely responsible for compliance with applicable local laws. You may not use the Site or export the Content in violation of U.S. export laws and regulations.”
What this means is using a VPN to stream Paramount+ goes against its terms of use and Paramount+ has the right to ban your account if you do so.
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 Paramount+ to enforce.
If you’re trying to watch Paramount+ with a VPN, you risk having your account banned. In theory. However, the best VPNs for Paramount+ military-grade encryption it is impossible for the streaming service to trace where you’re physically accessing its content from.
There’s one final thing to note on the subject: Paramount+ has never banned anyone for using a VPN to access its service.
