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Troubleshooting steps for streaming

Streaming issues like buffering, poor video quality, or interruptions while connected to NordVPN can disrupt your viewing experience. Whether the issue lies with your internet or device, multiple potential causes exist. This guide will walk you through common troubleshooting steps to quickly resolve these issues and restore a smooth streaming experience.

Table of contents:

 

Connection leakage troubleshooting

One possible challenge users encounter when troubleshooting streaming issues is a leaking connection. This sometimes occurs when part of their internet traffic bypasses the VPN, leaving sensitive data exposed or causing interruptions in their streaming experience.

If you're having issues with certain streaming services while using NordVPN, first check if your connection is protected by following these steps:

  1. Ensure that your connection is set up correctly by checking whether your status says protected on our website:

    View of NordVPN website, status is highlighted.png

  2. If you are connected to one of our servers but your status says unprotected, proceed to the following steps to ensure your connection is secure. Stop any leaks from your connection by following these tutorials:

 

Troubleshooting steps for various devices

Technical issues can sometimes arise when streaming content due to various device-related factors. If your connection is secure and the issues persist, find your device in the tutorials below and follow the instructions. After each step, check if the issue is resolved. If not, proceed to the next step.

For Windows, macOS, Linux devices

  1. Try connecting to a different server of the region you would like to access the streaming service.
  2. Clear the cache of your browser.
  3. Try to use a different browser/incognito mode.
  4. Set up NordVPN DNS addresses to 103.86.99.100 and 103.86.96.100 on your device.
  5. Test the streaming accessibility changes without using Threat Protection or Threat Protection Pro™ if the features are enabled.
  6. Check whether your NordVPN application is updated to the latest version.
  7. As a last resort - try using the NordVPN extension instead and access the streaming through your browser. Download the extension by clicking here.

 

For Android/iOS devices

  1. Try connecting to a different server of the region you would like to access the streaming service.
  2. If you are using a specific streaming service app, force stop it, clear the app cache, and restart it.
  3. If you are accessing the streaming platform on a browser, clear your browser's cache.
  4. Set up NordVPN DNS addresses to 103.86.99.100 and 103.86.96.100 on your device.
  5. Test the streaming accessibility changes without using Threat Protection or Threat Protection Pro™ if the features are enabled.

 

For Android TV boxes

  1. Try connecting to a different server in the region where you would like to access the streaming service.
  2. If you are using a specific streaming service app, force stop it, clear the app cache, and restart it, here are the steps:
    1. Go to Settings > Preferences section > More settings > Apps.
    2. Find the streaming service app and press on it.
    3. Click the Force Stop button.
    4. Click the Clear Cache button.
    5. Restart the application.
  3. Set up NordVPN DNS addresses to 103.86.99.100 and 103.86.96.100 on your device.

 

For Amazon Fire TV devices

  1. Try connecting to a different server of the region you would like to access the streaming service.
  2. If you are using a specific streaming service app, force stop it, clear the app cache, and restart it:
    1. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications.
    2. Find the streaming service app and press on it.
    3. Click the Force Stop button.
    4. Click the Clear Cache button. 
    5. Restart the application.
  3. Set up NordVPN DNS addresses to 103.86.99.100 and 103.86.96.100 on your device.

 

The NordVPN service should never be used to bypass copyright regulations. NordVPN does not promote, condone, or endorse the use of the service for such purposes. For more details, please read the NordVPN Terms of Service.

If you experience other issues or have additional questions, do not hesitate to submit a request to our customer success team.

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