Amazon Prime Video not working with a VPN? Here is how to fix it
Amazon Prime Video is the go-to platform for many TV shows and movie enthusiasts to see old and new releases. Nevertheless, if you’re using a VPN, you might encounter an HTTP proxy error when accessing the platform. It means that Amazon Prime Video is blocking VPN. Sadly, this issue is quite common, and many VPNs fail to bypass Amazon Prime video VPN error and reliably unblock content.
Even though many VPNs claim to work perfectly with Prime Video, that isn’t the case. After running extensive tests, I discovered that most VPNs work inconsistently and can’t bypass Amazon's geo-blocks. Only a few services can actually lend you a hand and unblock Amazon Prime anywhere.
Therefore, if you’re unsure about your VPN’s capabilities, you might want to get a reliable Amazon Video VPN. My top suggestion that worked during every test is NordVPN, currently with a 74% discount.
Below, you’ll also find a short list of popular VPNs that can easily solve the HTTP proxy error and those who fail miserably:
VPNs that work with Amazon Prime Video | VPNs that do not work with Amazon Prime Video |
✅ NordVPN | ❌ IPVanish |
✅ Surfshark VPN | ❌ PIA |
✅ Proton VPN | ❌ TunnelBear |
If you’re still having issues accessing Amazon Prime Video with a reliable VPN, don’t worry. Below I cover the possible problems and suitable solutions for each case. Read on to finally fix the Amazon Prime HTTP proxy error and other unblocking mishaps.
How to fix Amazon Prime Video VPN error
- Subscribe to a robust VPN service. My top choice is NordVPN, now 74% off
- Download and install the VPN app on your device
- Clear your web browser’s cookies and cache
- Connect to a VPN server in another country
- Stream content on Amazon Prime Video without errors!
Why Amazon Prime Video VPN is not working?
Amazon Prime Video VPN not working issue might occur for several reasons. Amazon invests heavily in VPN detecting technology to enforce content licensing agreements. The moment it spots suspicious activity from your IP address it will block you. For example, if your IP address doesn’t match your Amazon account country, it might be enough for the Amazon Prime detecting system to suspect VPN usage and block you.
Here are some other things that might reveal to Amazon Prime that you’re using a VPN:
- The VPN server is overcrowded or blocked by Amazon Prime
- Your browser cookies are revealing your actual whereabouts
- DNS entries stored in your device are disrupting the VPN connection
- Your firewall or antivirus is flagging the encrypted connection as suspicious
- Your Amazon Prime VPN just isn’t up for the task
Naturally, they hinder your efforts to stream the regional content you want. Still, it’s nothing that you can’t resolve yourself in a few minutes. Let’s see what to do to fix the Amazon Prime HTTP proxy error.
Best Amazon Prime Video VPNs that still work
Your current Amazon Prime Video VPN is not working? Maybe it’s time to switch to another premium service that can circumvent the platform’s restrictions without causing a headache. My top picks include broad server networks, superb performance throughout, and powerful security measures that mask your location and identity. I tested them with Amazon and they unblocked the service every time.
- NordVPN ★ ★ ★ ★ ★. The best VPN for Amazon Prime Video that works. Easily bypasses various streaming platform geo-blocks, facilitates excellent connectivity, and has a massive server fleet. Its proprietary SmartPlay feature lets you change your IP address on devices that don’t natively support this software.
- Surfshark ★ ★ ★ ★ ★. An Amazon Prime VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. The provider offers the largest country coverage (over 100), plenty of extra perks useful for more than streaming, and blazing-fast speeds.
- Proton VPN ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆. An excellent VPN for Amazon Prime Video with substantial server fleet. Compatible with most streaming peripherals, Proton VPN delivers an optimal performance, which you can manipulate with hefty extras like Smart Protocol or VPN Accelerator.
Since 2018, VPNpro has delivered unbiased, expert-backed insights through in-house research and thorough VPN testing. Our team ensures every review is fact-checked and reliable. Learn how we maintain these high standards in our testing methods.
How to unblock Amazon Prime Video with a VPN
If you can't access Amazon Prime Video or want to explore its other libraries, here's what you have to do:
- Use a reliable streaming VPN. My #1 choice is NordVPN, now 74% off.
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Connect to a server in a country where Amazon Prime is available.
- Start watching your favorite movies and shows!
Unblock Amazon Prime with NordVPN
Fix the Amazon Prime VPN proxy error
VPNs are the quickest and easiest way to circumvent those pesky geographical restrictions on Amazon Prime. But since this streaming service blocks them religiously whenever it detects suspicious activity, many users have run into VPN proxy errors.
Not all hope is lost, though, and you can still make your VPN work with Prime Video. Here are our tested and working solutions.
Upgrade your VPN
As we mentioned previously, the service you’re using might not be up to par. The fastest way to find out whether this is true is by contacting customer support and asking if the provider works with Amazon Prime Video. If it doesn’t, well, time to switch.
I recommend utilizing the best streaming VPNs since they let users access the most popular content platforms. You’ll also be enjoying crisp 4K videos with the latest tunneling protocols and vast server networks.
Change the server
Amazon has several ways to detect VPN usage, and most of it is related to IP addresses in one way or another. You might’ve picked one that is blacklisted by this platform. Another possibility is that the connection point is overcrowded, which usually hinders any bypassing efforts.
Simply disconnect from the server and choose another one in the same country. Alternatively, you can try a different region where Amazon Prime is available. Depending on how many VPN IP addresses are blocked, you might have to do this several times.
Delete the browser cache
This is where web cookies are stored, and these are known to log general location data. If Amazon Prime Video is reading them, then no wonder your VPN isn’t able to do much. The only way to delete them is by clearing the cache.
You can do so from the browser’s Settings menu. Users can find the cookie cache under Privacy & Security on Chrome and Firefox, under Clear Browsing Data on Edge, and under Manage Website Data on Safari.
Flush the DNS
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) stores DNS entries on your device in an appropriate cache. The problem is that they might be disrupting your VPN connection or making it impossible to establish it in the first place. So, the quickest way to solve this is by flushing your DNS.
For Windows:
- Press the Windows button + R to open the Run terminal. Type in cmd.
- Once the Command Prompt is open, type in ipconfig/flushdns and press Enter
- This message should appear Successfully flushed the DNS resolver cache
For macOS:
- Open Spotlight, type Terminal, and double-click on the application to open it
- Enter the command sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
- Type in your password and press Enter. Your DNS cache will be flushed.
Once the cache is flushed, reconnect your VPN, and everything should be working now.
Disable the firewall & antivirus
These programs might be doing too great of a job and interfering with the VPN connection. One, the other, or both could be flagging encrypted traffic as suspicious, thus blocking it altogether. You’ll have to turn off your firewall and antivirus.
Once disabled, try accessing Amazon Prime Video while connected to the VPN. If you’re not getting the proxy error anymore, then it means these programs were at fault. Enable them again and whitelist your VPN in the settings.
Contact customer support
It could be that your VPN isn't configured to effectively bypass Amazon Prime Video's firewall. Or you might not be connected to the right server, or the servers themselves might be down because of outside factors. You'll quickly get an answer about any of this by getting in touch with your VPN provider's customer agents.
However, you may also be informed that the VPN you're currently using simply doesn't work with Amazon Prime. Then, the next step is to switch to a service that actually unblocks Amazon without causing a fuss.
How does Amazon Prime detect VPNs?
More often than not, a VPN is not working with Amazon Prime because it is simply blocked. This streaming service has ways to detect whether one is using such technology or not. The three that I know of are:
- Checking the IP address. When a couple of devices are sharing the same one, it’s okay. But if several hundred are coming from a single IP, then it’s highly suspicious. Of course, Amazon notices this and blacklists those addresses.
- Scanning for leaks. Some providers don’t have the best IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection. If the platform notices that something doesn’t match between them, access to it will be blocked.
- Using GeoIP databases. These list thousands of IP addresses and their general locations. Amazon uses them to check whether your address matches any and if it does, good luck getting in.
Do I recommend using free VPN to fix Amazon Prime proxy error?
While tempting, I recommend avoiding free VPNs whenever possible. Most don’t include leak protection or utilize outdated encryption methods (if there are any). Throw minimal country coverage and throttled speeds into the mix, and what you’ll get is an abysmal experience. Good luck accessing Amazon Prime Video with that.
Another crucial aspect of free VPNs is not all providers can be trusted. It’s an open secret that some collect user data to sell it later. And a few have been busted for injecting malware and trackers into their apps. That’s why opting for VPN free trials instead is a much better choice. At least you’ll be getting guaranteed access to Amazon Prime, full features, and proper protection, even if for a limited duration.
VPNs that don't work with Amazon Prime
Some VPNs are less equal than others. This is a reality because many services prioritize security, while others are perfect for streaming. Also, not all providers can afford to expand their server fleets and capabilities enough to work with Amazon Prime Video. And, ultimately, researching the best VPNs for this job can be time-consuming.
To speed up the whole research journey for you, I also determined providers that fail to work with the platform, not just the best Amazon Prime VPNs. The reasons could be many. A VPN may have poor IP & DNS leak protection, too small a server fleet, abysmal streaming performance, and lack of modern protocols. Those are the VPNs I didn't like:
- PIA. This VPN for Amazon Prime Video is slower than average and tends to be inconsistent. During my tests, PIA managed to unblock the streaming hub only a few times out of several dozen, and even then the video quality suffered buffers and a drop in resolution.
- TunnelBear. A good VPN but not for streaming, especially on a harsh platform like Amazon Prime. Streaming quality is nothing to write home about in case you even manage to unblock the hub. I noted a tendency for Amazon to block IP addresses after several uses.
- IPVanish. Overall, this provider isn't too shabby at all, though doesn't feature among the best streaming VPNs. As such, my tests show inconsistency in IPVanish's ability to unblock the platform, especially struggling with remaining undetected.
- VyprVPN. The service has a smaller server fleet, which is why I saw many failed attempts to unblock Amazon Prime. It doesn't work well with the platform and the absence of dedicated IPs narrow the chance of success. Besides, the performance is typically too laggy.
Conclusion
If Amazon Prime Video VPN is not working, it’s likely that the streaming platform has detected your VPN and blocked access. Amazon is doing it to enforce content licensing agreements. You’re not the first or last person this is happening to. And when no solution seems to work, the fault likely lies with the VPN provider. Some are simply not equipped for the job.
Based on my extensive tests, NordVPN is the top VPN to unblock Prime and stay undetected by Prime Video VPN blocks. It consistently provides fast long-distance speeds for full HD streaming thanks to its advanced NordLynx protocol. Finally, it supports up to XX simultaneous connections and has apps for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Fire TV, and Android TV. So you can watch Prime at home on a big screen or on the go.
Maybe you know other ways to fix this issue? Share them below and help out your fellow streaming enthusiasts!
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FAQ
Does NordVPN work on Amazon Prime?
Yes, you can safely access Amazon Prime US, CA, and UK using NordVPN. If you’re seeking access to Prime UK content, just connect to any of the NordVPN servers in the UK (eg., London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh). Similarly, to unblock Prime CA, connect to servers in Canada (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver). To watch Amazon Prime US with NordVPN, connect to any of its 2200+ servers in the US.
Is Amazon Prime blocking the VPN?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video will block your VPN traffic if it detects you are using this technology. The platform detects VPNs by utilizing several different methods.
How do I get around the Amazon VPN block?
By utilizing the best Amazon Prime VPNs. They offer robust security toolkits and are able to circumvent geographical restrictions easily, meaning you’ll enter the platform instantly. And because most facilitate optimal performance, your streaming experience will be smooth as butter.
Can you use a VPN on Amazon Prime?
Yes, a robust VPNs allow you to watch Amazon Prime and Instant Video from outside the US on Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Not only can a service like NordVPN bypass geo-blocks, it can also offer unlimited bandwidth as it conceals your activities from ISP and other third parties.
How do I use NordVPN with Amazon Prime Video?
First, pick a premium NordVPN plan. Then, download and install the VPN app on your device. Launch NordVPN client and enter your login credentials. Now you're free to connect to any US server of the many available and access the Amazon Prime Video platform without any issues
Is it legal to use a VPN for Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime Video reserves the right to close your account if you’re found to be using a VPN. The platform has stated in its policy that the usage of VPNs goes against its Terms of Service. However, if you rely on a high-end service like NordVPN and use it accordingly, all should be well.
Does Amazon Prime work through VPN?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video works fine through VPN. That is, if you opt for a VPN that's suited for streaming, has standard encryption, and offers a plethora of US servers. The best option is NordVPN, which reportedly works seamlessly with the Amazon Prime Video platform and streams in UHD.
Will Amazon Prime ban me for using VPN?
Amazon Prime Video could ban and close your account for using a VPN only if they detect its usage. If you rely on a trustworthy VPN service and use it cautiously, clean your browser cache to prevent any IP or DNS leaks, then you should experience no problems whatsoever.
- How to fix Amazon Prime Video VPN error
- Why Amazon Prime Video VPN is not working?
- Best Amazon Prime Video VPNs that still work
- How to unblock Amazon Prime Video with a VPN
- Fix the Amazon Prime VPN proxy error
- How does Amazon Prime detect VPNs?
- Do I recommend using free VPN to fix Amazon Prime proxy error?
- VPNs that don't work with Amazon Prime
- Conclusion
- FAQ