MLB TV VPN not working in 2024: 9 ways to fix it
MLB.TV is a streaming platform with a package to make every MLB games enthusiast sway with joy. Avid fans like yourself rely on VPNs to bypass MLB blackouts or geographical restrictions. Sadly, many services fail to unlock MLB.TV. The platform actively blocks VPN usage, so only a few providers can work with it.
You may sometimes get error codes as your IP address gets discovered, other times, it’s DNS leaks at fault. There are many factors at play, sure. But my diagnostics reveal it’s the wrong VPN service that’s usually to blame.
I did the heavy lifting and compiled a brief list of VPNs that do work. I’ll also share tips and tricks on tapping into their potential as a steadfast MLB TV blackout workaround. Out of 33 tested providers, only 7 work with the MLB hub, and you’re sure to find the right solution with my Top 3 recommendations.
Below, you’ll find a quick look at VPN services that reliably trick MLB.TV VPN detection and those that don’t:
VPNs that work with MLB.TV | VPNs that do not work with MLB.TV |
✅NordVPN | ❌IPVanish |
✅Surfshark VPN | ❌Mullvad |
✅Proton VPN | ❌Private Internet Access |
You can see from the get-go that relying on a VPN is bound to fail with the platform. With some VPNs serving as mere band-aid solutions, NordVPN came out on top for unblocking MLB.TV, as I experienced no issues. If you’re still running into some troubles with a good VPN, tune in for fixes that anyone can do.
Why is MLB TV VPN not working?
Finding a VPN that works with MLB TV is quite a feat. The streaming hub is adamant about upholding control regarding who can watch what. Mainly, it’s about the user’s whereabouts, which is why a VPN is an everyday companion of desperate fans. But if the platform identifies VPN traffic, the IP address gets blocked right away, locking you out and throwing you back to square one.
Since the platform is a big player in the sports-related streaming climate, it employs advanced technologies for sniffing out VPN usage. These factors contribute to its detection:
- Your MLB VPN isn’t the right match for the platform
- Enabled GPS location on your device
- Actual IP address, WebRTC, or DNS requests are leaking
- Uncleared browser cookie cache
- The IP address of the VPN server is blacklisted
- DNS entries of your device are meddling with the VPN connection
- Device firewall or antivirus is blocking the VPN
- Either MLB.TV app or the VPN isn’t up to date
The good news is that it’s nothing you may be unable to handle yourself. Without further ado, let’s dive into the fixing part.
Best VPNs that still work with MLB.tv
Is MLB.TV not working with the VPN you typically rely on? Chances are, it’s just not cut out for unblocking this particular streaming service. At times, switching to a reliable VPN capable of unblocking the MLB app is all the fix you need. The providers didn’t make it to the top of my list willy-nilly.
I’ve tested each service’s ability to unblock MLB.TV, stream on different peripherals and maintain HD video quality. Also, a potent security package for keeping your digital profile low is appreciated. All were tested, all passed the trials with flying colors.
- NordVPN. It’s the #1 VPN that works with MLB TV. This absolute unit boasts 2200+ US servers, so the chances of landing a blacklisted IP address are slim. Couple that with the fastest speeds in the industry, streaming-friendly compatibility, and obfuscation – you get the best MLB VPN. Plus, you can opt for US dedicated IPs to go the extra mile in unblocking the streaming hub. Note, however, that the PC app works better with MLB.TV than mobile counterparts.
- Surfshark VPN. This well-rounded MLB VPN is a champion at outmaneuvering platform detection, thanks to Camouflage mode. Over 600+ servers in the huge fleet are in the US, narrowing the list of blocked IP addresses. Meanwhile, SmartDNS lets you stream the games on practically any device without compromising performance. You can fetch a private US server with a dedicated IP for an additional fee.
- Proton VPN. This solid VPN is a splendid choice in unlocking MLB.TV. The Stealth VPN protocol lets the service fool the streaming platform with ease most of the time. Besides, its VPN Accelerator boosts connection speeds up to 400%, while unlimited bandwidth ensures streaming in HD and without buffering. With one subscription, Proton VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections and it’s compatible with all major platforms.
MLB VPN not working: 9 methods to solve it
A VPN is a highway to bypass MLB.TV blackouts and watch the games from anywhere. It could be rash to throw the service away just because it ran into an obstacle or two. Instead, I advise running through the fixes below with a sturdy VPN. I present tested and verified solutions.
Switch VPN server
VPN stopped working with MLB.TV most likely because of the failure of the VPN server. If you’re using a high-end VPN, it likely has millions of users that hog or put servers at risk daily. Irresponsible use or neglecting security measures like kill-switch could result in IP address detection and blacklisting. Chances are, you landed on a server with a blocked IP.
Ditch the auto-connect feature and try connecting to several other servers manually. Also, it’s best to connect to US servers for MLB. Don’t get discouraged if you stumble upon more blocked servers. Remember that the MLB TV platform is fierce and blacklists servers in hoards, so you might need to play around them for a bit until you find one that works.
Other users report that Germany and Vietnam servers were the best, while Dallas took the crown in the US zone. I decided to try these servers and saw an improvement.
Clear out cache and cookies
The information residues dwell within web cookies, including your actual location and IP address. MLB.TV could be detecting this data, thus nullifying the VPN attempts to cover your tracks. If you’re streaming via a browser on a PC, clearing up the cache is a necessary step.
It’s super quick. Head to the Settings section on your browser. On Chrome and Firefox, you can find cookies under Privacy & Security, on Edge under Clear Browsing Data, and on Safari – under Manage Website Data.
Flush DNS
The DNS (Domain Name System) cache is where all previous IP addresses and DNS inquiries rest. DNS is a necessary part of browsing, but the data within the cache can void any VPN attempts to unblock MLB games in case of leaks. You can start with running a diagnostic test on websites like dnsleaktest.com.
If the leaks are confirmed, the best course of action is to flush DNS to clear all the cache. Here’s a quick breakdown on multiple devices.
On Windows
- Press the Windows button + R to open the Run terminal
- In the terminal window type cmd
- Once the Command Prompt is open, type in ipconfig/flushdns and hit Enter
- You should see the message Successfully flushed the DNS resolver cache
On macOS
- Head to Spotlight, type in Terminal, then run the application
- Enter the command sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
- Type in your device password and press Enter
On iOS or Android
Note that toggling on and off Airplane mode or resetting your mobile device is enough to clear out DNS cache. Another way is to reset network settings:
- Open Settings
- Click General // System
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone // Advanced
- When the Transfer or Reset iPhone page opens, tap Reset // Tap Reset and confirm
Check for IP leaks
IP leaks are another potential reason behind VPN hiccups. If your IP address leaks, your VPN is useless against MLB TV. You can run a test on sites like ipleak.net to confirm whether your IP is leaking or not.
If the bad news comes out positive, you can fix it with several precautionary steps for the next VPN sessions. First, check if the kill switch and other preventative measures are on in the VPN client settings. Then, recheck the IP leaks on a different server before connecting to the MLB platform.
Get a dedicated IP address in a MLB-friendly location
Rock-solid MLB VPNs offer dedicated IPs for a small extra fee. In a nutshell, you get a unique IP address that only you can use. Thanks to restricted access, you have less chance of getting detected and blocked by the platform. It’s usually irresponsible VPN use that gets servers blacklisted in the case of reputable services.
Plus, relying on a sole IP address without anyone else facilitates better streaming speeds and consistency in connection. Just be sure to pair it with a kill switch and check for IP and DNS leaks before heading straight to the sports platform. A dedicated IP is one of the most reliable and effective solutions when the MLB TV VPN not working problem persists.
Disable the firewall & antivirus
The job of the firewall or an antivirus software is to protect you from suspicious apps. It’s quite faulty as they tend to block good apps, like a VPN. It’s because such software finds encrypted traffic suspicious, thus flagging it as malicious. This interferes with VPN processes severely.
The solution is fairly simple – disable your antivirus or firewall before connecting to a VPN. If your VPN for MLB TV works better after that, then you have found the culprit. Then, I suggest whitelisting the VPN app in the settings of the protective software to avoid such scenarios in the future.
Use virtual router for smart devices
This method is great if you want to watch MLB games on peripheral devices natively unsupported by a VPN. It functions in a similar way as a mobile hotspot. You set up a VPN connection on your computer or smartphone, then share it with other streaming devices, like a console or a smart TV.
You can establish the connection via PC. Here’s a speedrun over the process:
- Have a VPN installed on your computer but not connected to any server
- Open Settings and click Mobile hotspot on the left side menu
- Toggle on the Share my internet switch
- Type in the necessary information, like the network name and choose a strong password
- Lower on the menu hit Related settings, then select Change adapter options
- Right-click on the ‘NordVPN TAP adapter’ or anything similar
- Click on Properties
- In the Sharing tab, select Allow other network users to connect if it isn’t switched on
- Now connect to a desired server via VPN and you should be good to connect to the virtual router
Contact VPN customer support
There’s always a chance that the VPN needs a more technically-inclined hand. That’s what customer support is for in the case of MLB TV VPN not working. As seasoned experts, they can help with general and advanced inquiries. Besides, support agents know all the right questions to ask to quicken the whole troubleshooting process.
My recommended providers have a live chat in case you need help right here and now. And if the VPN still doesn’t work with MLB.TV, then it’s an indication for switching to another service.
Upgrade your VPN
You tried some fixes and even collaborated with customer support to work things out. But all failed. This calls for a VPN upgrade since the current service isn’t up to par. I recommend opting for one of the best streaming VPNs, level with MLB TV platform detection fences
How does MLB.tv detect VPNs?
The commonplace reason for MLB.TV not working with VPN is good old blocking. Like other popular platforms, this MLB hub employs advanced detection algorithms to catch VPNs. The ones I'm aware of are:
- IP address monitoring. Moderate VPN IP addresses have characteristic patterns. Unfortunately, they allow the MLB.TV platform to detect VPN traffic and flag the IP address right away.
- Blacklist rotation. Developers behind the site are well aware of IP ranges. Hence, they rotate their blacklist of IP addresses, finding new ones to block through vigilant monitoring.
- VPN provider database. Like other high-tier streaming hubs, MLB.TV has a list of known VPN providers and associated IP addresses. It helps them identify any suspicious traffic and take action immediately.
VPNs that can't avoid MLB blackouts
Not all VPNs are created equally, meaning not every provider is up to the task. Some services prioritize security, while others are better at going around geographical fences. It’s only natural. It doesn’t make a VPN worse; it’s just not a good pick for MLB enthusiasts. Hence, you must make the right call, which I will help with.
Here’s the list of MLB VPN not working with the streaming platform:
- TunnelBear. This service won’t work as an MLB TV blackout workaround. My attempts to unblock the MLB platform were successful only three times out of several dozen. That’s because I confirmed the IP addresses and DNS requests leaking. Plus, the video quality was far from satisfying all three times, buffering too often.
- Mullvad. I love Mullvad but can’t recommend the provider as it primarily focuses on protection. I managed to find only several IP addresses that haven’t been blocked yet. This MLB TV VPN not working is more likely than not, so I can’t recommend it.
- IPVanish. It’s a good VPN but not suited for MLB.TV. While I managed to unblock the platform more times than others on this list, I’d get identified and blocked after a few tries. Basically, the performance is inconsistent. However, IPVanish is a solid pick for other streaming hubs that don’t have such harsh protection.
- PIA. Attempts to unblock MLB TV with Private Internet Access are futile. Apart from a long list of already blocked IP addresses, the DNS mostly leaked. Plus, the performance hiccups made the games nearly unwatchable during successful infiltrations.
- VyprVPN. This VPN doesn’t work with MLB.TV, plain and simple. I slipped past the platform’s detection only a few times and got caught red-handed fairly quickly anyway. Also, the stream quality was lackluster.
Final thoughts
MLB.TV is a dark forest for getting off on the games outside the US. That’s why thousands of folks rely on VPNs, but even they experience hiccups occasionally. I offer a list of quick and effective fixes that work for me. But perhaps shifting to a robust VPN that works with MLB.TV is all the troubleshooting you need.
The VPNs I recommended work swimmingly with MLB.TV. But I want to single out NordVPN, which unblocked the platform hassle-free for every test and performed with no issues. With approximately 2000 US servers in tow and equipped with NordLynx, this provider always comes out on top. And all for a pocket-friendly price, too.
You may also like to read:
ESPN+ not working with a VPN fixes
Amazon Prime not working with a VPN fixes
BBC iPlayer not working with a VPN fixes
Hulu not working with a VPN fixes
Disney+ not working with a VPN fixes
Max not working with a VPN fixes
FAQ
Why does my VPN not work with MLB.TV?
MLB.TV is blocking your VPN. The platform employs advanced detection models and algorithms to identify and flag VPN traffic. Thus, only the best providers can bypass MLB blackouts. For example, NordVPN unblocked the service during all my tests and maintained stellar streaming quality.
What VPN still works with MLB.TV?
NordVPN is the best VPN that works with MLB.TV. During my tests, the service slipped through the platform’s detection every single time. Watching MLB games with this VPN was a pleasure, besides. The proprietary NordLynx can keep up UHD video quality and obfuscation helps with extra low profile.
How does MLB TV know my location?
MLB TV knows your location based on your IP address. But other factors play a role too, like enabled GPS or uncleared web cookies. A VPN is the best pathway to changing your location as an MLB TV blackout workaround. I consider NordVPN the prime service for the job due advanced software.
Will a VPN allow me to watch blackout MLB games?
Yes, a VPN will allow you to watch MLB games. But the catch is that few services actually work with the streaming platform. A robust VPN must have hundreds of US servers, stealth features, and modern protocols for optimal performance. For one, NordVPN ticks all the checkboxes as per my testing.
- Why is MLB TV VPN not working?
- Best VPNs that still work with MLB.tv
- MLB VPN not working: 9 methods to solve it
- Switch VPN server
- Clear out cache and cookies
- Flush DNS
- Check for IP leaks
- Get a dedicated IP address in a MLB-friendly location
- Disable the firewall & antivirus
- Use virtual router for smart devices
- Contact VPN customer support
- Upgrade your VPN
- How does MLB.tv detect VPNs?
- VPNs that can't avoid MLB blackouts
- Final thoughts
- FAQ