YouTube TV VPN not working in 2024: YouTube TV error fix
If your YouTube TV VPN isn’t working, you’re not alone – this is a common problem for people around the world because YouTube TV blocks VPN connections. In this case, you’ll see an error message saying the platform is only accessible in the United States.
While a YouTube TV error fix exists, not all VPNs can unblock the platform – if your VPN can’t bypass YouTube’s restrictions, you’ll be blocked. Additionally, since the platform blocks known VPN connections, the blacklist grows constantly.
I’ve tested 20 VPNs by focusing on premium providers with powerful obfuscation technology and IP encryption. Here are some of the best VPNs to unblock YouTube TV, as well as those you should avoid:
| VPNs that work with YouTube TV | VPNs that do not work with YouTube TV |
| ✅ NordVPN | ❌ Hotspot Shield |
| ✅ Surfshark VPN | ❌ TunnelBear |
| ✅ TotalVPN | ❌ Hola VPN |
Of course, it might not just be your choice of provider. Below, I’ll share 8 easy solutions for some of the most common causes of YouTube TV VPNs not working. If you’re still blocked after working through them, I’ve also recommended the best YouTube TV VPNs to try instead – for free.
🏷️ HOLIDAY OFFER: Get 74% discount + 3 months FREE!! 🏷️
Why is my YouTube TV not working with a VPN?
YouTube TV may not work with a VPN because that platform detects and blocks VPN connections to protect its broadcasting agreements. To prevent unauthorized viewers, YouTube TV routinely checks your IP address. You can be blocked quickly if your VPN leaks your IP or DNS requests. Alternatively, the particular VPN server you’re using might be on one of the platform’s blacklists as a known VPN connection.
That’s why choosing a YouTube TV VPN that has been tested and verified as working is crucial. Since I watch the US Open and numerous NFL Regular-Season games via YouTube TV each year, I’m already well-practiced at unblocking this platform with a VPN. NordVPN is the most reliable YouTube TV VPN, while Surfshark and Proton VPN—the premium tier—make solid alternatives.
Best VPNs that still work with YouTube TV
If your YouTube TV VPN isn’t working, one option is to upgrade to a premium VPN that is guaranteed to unblock the platform. My recommended VPNs could all unblock YouTube TV in my tests. They also feature broad server networks, high performance, and powerful security measures that conceal your location and identity. Whenever I tested them with YouTube TV, they unblocked the service.
- NordVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – The overall best YouTube TV VPN to fix the YouTube TV error. Powerful obfuscation technology makes sure that your VPN traffic won’t be detected. Rotating IP addresses helps to unblock servers that have been blocked in the past. It’s also the fastest and most secure VPN for streaming YouTube TV.
- Surfshark VPN ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – A VPN that can unblock YouTube TV and stream on unlimited devices. With no limit to connections, you can share one account with unlimited friends and family. Streaming speeds are almost on par with NordVPN.
- Proton VPN ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – A fast freemium VPN for YouTube TV with 400+ US servers. Paid accounts can unblock YouTube TV and offer 90%+ speed retention, giving you stable HD and 4K YouTube TV streams.
YouTube TV VPN not working: 7 easy fixes
There are a number of reasons why your YouTube TV VPN might not work. The advice below focuses on the most common causes of YouTube TV errors and how to fix them.
1. Switch VPN servers
YouTube TV blocks known VPN connections, so your current server might be blacklisted. To resolve this, open your VPN app, access the server browser, and switch to a new server.
I tested this with NordVPN, as it has over 1,970 US servers optimized for unblocking US websites. Here’s how it works – the process is very similar between VPNs:
- Scroll through the server list until you see US servers.
- Click on the three-dot menu beside “United States.”
- Choose a state – any will do for YouTube TV.
- Click on your chosen server and wait until you see “connected” in green text.
- Now, try to unblock YouTube TV with your VPN.
Get the best YouTube TV VPN – NordVPN
2. Clear your browser cache
If a website has stored a cookie on your device, your browser could give away your true location, resulting in your YouTube TV VPN not working. Clearing your browser cache can help by removing cookies tied to your true location.
Make sure that you aren’t logged into any services tied to your location, either. For example, your Google account could reveal your true location if you’re logged in within the same browser session. Using private browsing can help avoid this issue.
3. Enable leak protection
If your VPN supports leak protection, all connections are often enabled by default. If not, I recommend enabling leak protection in your VPN’s settings. Also, IP and DNS leaks can expose your true location. If this happens, YouTube TV will almost certainly detect your VPN connection and block you.
4. Switch VPN protocols
VPN software supports several VPN protocols, some better suited to unblocking websites. WireGuard is generally the fastest and most secure protocol; thus, it is best for unblocking and streaming. Some providers have created their own proprietary protocols based on WireGuard, too, like NordVPN, which has the powerful NordLynx protocol.
5. Disable GPS/location services
YouTube TV can also use your GPS and location services data, particularly if you connect to the platform through its mobile app. To avoid leaking your true location, make sure that you disable GPS and/or location services on your mobile device.
YouTube uses other methods to determine your location, too, including the location of the internet access points to which you connect your device. Using a reliable VPN will solve this problem by replacing the access point’s IP address with your VPN server’s IP address in the United States.
6. Contact VPN support
If you’ve exhausted the options above and your YouTube TV still doesn’t work, it’s time to contact your VPN customer support. Most premium VPNs offer live chat, though the service varies. For example, NordVPN offers round-the-clock chat facilities, but smaller providers like Hola VPN lack a live chat feature or offer scaled-back support outside of business hours.
7. Upgrade to a premium VPN
If you’re using a free VPN or a lesser-known provider, there’s a chance you won’t be able to fix the YouTube TV error. Instead, I recommend upgrading to a premium VPN. NordVPN is the best YouTube TV VPN due to its 1,970+ US servers and obfuscation technology. This cloaks your VPN traffic to look like normal traffic and evade YouTube’s blocks.
How YouTube TV detects a VPN
Since using a VPN is against the YouTube TV terms of service, the website has several ways of detecting VPN use:
- Blocking known IPs: YouTube TV blacklists any IP address known to be a VPN connection. Features like rotating IP addresses and dedicated IPs can help you avoid this problem.
- Detecting DNS and IP Leaks: Your device requests DNS whenever you connect to a webpage. If set up incorrectly, a VPN can leak your real IP address or DNS requests. YouTube TV’s detection software can pick up on any leaks and block you.
- Accessing GPS and location services: If you visit YouTube TV from a mobile device, YouTube TV can use your device’s location service or GPS triangulation to detect your true location – even if you’re connected to a VPN. Features like GPS Spoofing can help.
- Analyzing website traffic: YouTube TV can study patterns in its website traffic, identifying small discrepancies between true IP addresses and those being masked by a VPN. For example, these indicators could be increased latency or high pings.
- Adding VPNs to its blacklist: Since VPNs are such a big pain point for YouTube TV, the platform has banned some providers. Even if you connect to a US VPN server, you won’t be able to access the site if your provider has been blacklisted.
YouTube TV blocks VPN connections to comply with licensing agreements. The platform can only show content in specific regions. Fortunately, a low-cost, reliable VPN is all you need to bypass those restrictions and stream from anywhere.
Final thoughts
While YouTube TV works with a VPN, the platform blocks known VPN connections because it’s against their terms of service. If your VPN isn’t letting you unblock YouTube TV, there are solutions you can try: changing your VPN server, VPN protocol, or server location. I also recommend checking that you’ve enabled leak protection and disabled GPS/location services.
If you’re still facing a roadblock, contact customer support. Just bear in mind that some VPNs don’t work with YouTube TV. After testing 20 VPNs, I recommend NordVPN if your YouTube TV VPN isn’t working. With robust IP cloaking, obfuscation tech, and support for dedicated IPs, you can stream YouTube TV from anywhere without being blocked.
You may also like to read:
Adblock not working on YouTube fix
How to watch YouTube without ads
How to get a YouTube Premium cheaper
Best VPN for YouTube
Best ExpressVPN YouTuber codes
FAQ
Why won’t my VPN work with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV detects and blocks VPN connections, so your VPN might be unable to bypass its geographical restrictions. The situation can change regularly, and switching VPN servers or protocols may help. Otherwise, you might need to change VPN providers. NordVPN uses rotating IPs to avoid permanent blocks; I’ve tested it with YouTube TV, and it unblocks the platform.
Do VPNs work with YouTube TV?
With a reliable VPN, you can access YouTube TV from anywhere in the world. Not every VPN will work—YouTube TV blocks known VPN connections. However, NordVPN rotating IP addresses and obfuscation technology make it the best YouTube TV VPN.
Why is ExpressVPN not working with YouTube TV?
If ExpressVPN isn't working with YouTube TV, try switching your VPN protocol, server, and server location. ExpressVPN is configured to unblock YouTube TV, so if changing these settings doesn't work, get in touch with customer support.
Does Youtube TV detect VPN?
YouTube TV detects VPN connections and is particularly strict compared to other streaming platforms. If it detects your VPN, you'll be blocked. That's why choosing a VPN with obfuscation, dedicated IPs, and zero leaks is important. In my tests, NordVPN proved to be the best VPN for unblocking YouTube TV.
How do I fix YouTube TV not working with a VPN?
If YouTube TV isn't working with a VPN, I recommend trying a different server or VPN protocol. You can also try using your VPN's browser extension, if it has one, as well as clearing your cookies and cache. If everything fails, the best YouTube TV VPNs have responsive customer support and should connect you.
