NordVPN usually works well with Amazon Prime Video. However, as with other VPNs, it can experience connectivity issues.
The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed with some straightforward steps.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 11 simple solutions to get around VPN blocks on Amazon Prime Video and restore your connection to keep unblocking preferred content streams in no time.
Let’s dive in.
Why Is Amazon Prime Video Not Working With NordVPN?
There are several reasons why Amazon Prime Video may not be working with NordVPN.
Specifically, due to licensing policies and copyright laws, Amazon doesn’t offer the same Prime titles everywhere.
Thus, a VPN is the best way to go if you’re traveling abroad and want to access the US catalog or other exclusive libraries.
But there’s a catch!
Amazon Prime Video uses sophisticated technology to detect and block VPNs. Interestingly, no VPN is immune to this. Even the reliable ones like NordVPN can hit a snag, and you may see the error message:
“Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again. For more help, go to primevideo.com/vpn.”
If you’re unable to connect to Amazon Prime Video through NordVPN, it boils down to these three things:
- Amazon has detected and blocked NordVPN due to a cookie stored on your device.
- Amazon has blacklisted NordVPN’s IP address, preventing it from connecting to the service.
- The server you’re connected to is unsuitable for unblocking the Amazon Prime Video content you’re trying to watch.
How to Fix Amazon Prime Video Not Working With NordVPN?
Regardless of why you can’t connect to Prime Video through NordVPN, you can restore your connection in minutes using any of the relevant quick and easy fixes I’ve given below.
1. Clear Your Browser Cookies
Amazon asks you to accept cookies when you visit its website, which isn’t harmful but may store information about your location.
Thus, if Amazon scans your cookies and detects that you’re trying to access Prime Video outside its broadcast zone, it’ll block your connection, even over NordVPN.
To fix this, clear your browser’s cookies before reconnecting to Prime Video.
This helps Amazon forget your actual IP/location and acknowledge the VPN’s.
Here’s how to clear cookies and cache on Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the browser’s upper-right corner.
- In the dropdown menu, select “More tools.”
- Select “Clear browsing data” from the menu on the side.
- On the Clear data screen, check the box next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
- Set the time range to “All time” and click “Clear data.”
2. Switch to a Different Server
If Amazon Prime Video isn’t working with NordVPN, the VPN IP address you’re using may have been blocked by Amazon. In this case, switching to a different server can often resolve the issue by providing you with a new IP address.
NordVPN has a large network of servers, with over 5,300 servers, including more than 1,900 servers in the United States, where you can access some of the best content available on Amazon Prime Video.
This makes it easy to find a server that can unblock Amazon Prime Video and allow you to stream your favorite shows and movies.
3. Switch to a Specialty Server
If you’re experiencing difficulty accessing Amazon Prime Video, try using one of NordVPN’s specialty servers.
NordVPN’s extensive specialty server network covers dedicated IP, double VPN, obfuscated servers, Onion Over VPN, and P2P servers. Each (besides the Onion over VPN servers) can potentially unblock Amazon Prime Video if regular servers fall short.
If you’re unsure which specialty server to try, start with the P2P servers, which offer fast speeds.
Alternatively, you can try the obfuscated servers, which can help to conceal the fact that you’re using a VPN on Amazon Prime Video. However, it’s worth noting that these servers can sometimes have slower connection speeds.
4. Turn Off Windows Firewall
Another potential fix is temporarily turning off Windows Defender firewalls since firewalls interfere with the working of VPNs.
To disable the Windows Defender firewall, follow these steps:
- Click on the Windows Start button and type “windows security” in the search box.
- The Windows Security app will appear in the search result. Select Open.
- Select “Firewall & network protection.”
- You’ll see three network profiles: Domain, Private, and Public. Turn off the firewall for each.
- To turn off the firewall, select the network you want and toggle off the Windows Defender Firewall.
5. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software
Third-party antivirus programs can also block NordVPN connections.
The role of these tools is to fend off potential computer threats.
However, they can interact with and block the VPN. Your best bet is to disable any antivirus software you have running.
6. Flush DNS Resolver Cache
The DNS entries your ISP stores on your device can become outdated or corrupted, preventing NordVPN from establishing a connection.
The best way to solve this is to flush your DNS Resolver cache.
This helps fix any outdated or incorrect DNS records disrupting your VPN connection.
You can clear the DNS cache on Windows as shown below:
- Press the Windows key + R and type “cmd” in the Run dialog. Then click “OK” to open the Command Prompt.
- Type “ipconfig/flushdns” in the Command Prompt and hit Enter.
- If successful, you’ll see this message on Command Prompt: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.” Reconnect the VPN and see if you can watch Amazon Prime again.
7. Turn NordVPN Off/On
If the connectivity issue persists, try turning the VPN off and back on again.
Sometimes the software needs to be refreshed to solve some fundamental connectivity issues.
To do that, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. Then type “services.msc” in the Run dialog box and click “OK.”
- On the Services window, find the NordVPN service and double-click to open the Start and Restart options. Click on “Restart the service” to refresh the program.
8. Update Your NordVPN Service Client
NordVPN might not work with Prime Video if you run an outdated VPN service client.
To check if your app is up-to-date, navigate to Settings in the NordVPN application, then click on the General tab. You’ll see feature updates at the top-right corner of the screen.
You can also check your official app store (for mobile users) to see if there’s a pending app update.
9. Uninstall/Reinstall the NordVPN App
Suppose you’re still having trouble connecting to Amazon Prime Video.
In that case, it may be a fundamental NordVPN app configuration issue, some bugs in the specific app software, or something else wrong with your installation.
The only way to get around this is to uninstall and reinstall the application.
PC users will need to delete the entire folder containing the NordVPN application files too.
Once that’s done, visit NordVPN’s downloads page, re-download the NordVPN app, and install it afresh. Then try connecting to Amazon Prime again and see if the problem is solved.
10. Change NordVPN Protocol
Still can’t stream content on Amazon Prime Video?
Then there’s a possibility that the NordVPN protocol you’ve chosen is standing in your way.
Notably, the best NordVPN protocol for streaming is NordLynx, thanks to its balance of speed and security. In the rare case that NordLynx doesn’t work, you can try OpenVPN(UDP) on some networks.
However, you may have less luck streaming if you use the OpenVPN(TCP) protocol, which is an obfuscation protocol. In other words, it’ll slow your speeds so much that Amazon may only be able to give you stuttering videos.
11. Contact Customer Support
If you still can’t connect to Amazon Prime Video after all this, I suggest double-checking with customer support.
A NordVPN support agent can help troubleshoot and fix the issue to get your VPN working again. I recommend using the live chat feature to get speedier responses so you can get streaming in no time.
In the meantime, consider using an alternative VPN for safe and reliable Amazon Prime Video unblocking.
NordVPN Alternatives to Unblock Amazon Prime Video
Though NordVPN is a decent provider, you may have to look for another option if it doesn’t work well with Amazon Prime Video. Based on reliability, security, and speed, I recommend these possible alternatives:
Surfshark
Surfshark is the most cost-effective option to watch Amazon Prime Video.
Its unlimited simultaneous connections make it an obvious choice for families to unblock and stream videos on different devices.
Plus, Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol is one of the fastest and most effective tunneling protocols I’ve tested, allowing for a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers high-speed servers in a third more countries than NordVPN to unblock more Amazon Prime locations.
Best of all, ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature works across various devices that don’t directly support VPNs. This lets you unblock/watch Amazon Prime Video on LG TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, game consoles, and more.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost has an extensive network of 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries, one of the biggest around, allowing you to stream movies and watch shows securely wherever you go.
On top of that, it boasts robust anti-detection features to ensure you stay under the radar while watching Prime Video.
For all that goodness, CyberGhost offers specialty streaming servers optimized directly for Amazon Prime Video. So, what’s there not to like?
FAQs
Is Using NordVPN for Amazon Prime Video Legal?
Yes, using NordVPN to unblock and stream Amazon Prime Video is legal. Although Amazon Prime Video prohibits using any technology to disguise your location, this doesn’t make it illegal.
In fact, there’s no track record of users being banned for streaming Prime Video with a VPN. If Amazon realizes you’re using a VPN, the worst it can do is blocking your connection.
Can Amazon Prime Video Detect NordVPN?
Amazon Prime Video can detect NordVPN and block the IP address of the server you’re connected to.
If your VPN was working but suddenly stopped, there’s a good chance you’ve been caught. In that case, try changing to a different server and see if it works.
Bottom Line
Overall, experiencing connectivity issues on Amazon Prime Video, even with a reliable VPN service like NordVPN, is expected.
Usually, this shouldn’t be cause for concern, and as you’ve just seen, most issues are easy to fix.
Moreover, if push comes to shove, you can defer to reliable NordVPN alternatives (Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost) for unblocking Amazon Prime Video.
