Frequently Asked Questions

Not all servers perform equally for streaming. Here’s how to pick smartly:

• Streaming-optimized servers – NordVPN: look for 'Play' icons. CyberGhost: use the 'For Streaming' section listing servers by platform (Netflix US, Disney+ UK, etc.).

• Check server load – In your VPN, check the percentage next to the server name. Under 30% = excellent, 30–60% = good, over 60% = avoid (too many users, slower speeds).

• Try multiple cities – If 'Belgium – Brussels #1' is blocked, try 'Belgium – Antwerp #3'. Same country, different IP = new chance to slip through.

• Create a favorites list – When a server works, add it to favorites. You can also note: 'Netflix US → NordVPN New York #156' to remember it.

• Connection time – Connect during off-peak hours in the target country. For the US, try between 3–8 a.m. French time (9 p.m.–2 a.m. there).

Streaming services use several detection methods:

• Databases of known VPN and datacenter IP addresses

• Detection of multiple users sharing the same IP

• DNS or WebRTC leaks revealing your real location

• Mismatched system language, timezone, and IP location

• Preventive blocking of all datacenter IP ranges

Even with a VPN, your real location can leak. Here’s how to secure it in five minutes:

• Leak test (MANDATORY) – With your VPN connected (e.g., to Belgium), visit ipleak.net. Ensure ALL IP addresses shown are Belgian. If you see a French IP, there’s a leak → continue below.

• Enable DNS protection – VPN → Settings → 'DNS Leak Protection' or 'Use VPN DNS' → Turn ON. This forces use of your VPN’s DNS servers instead of your ISP’s.

• Block WebRTC in your browser – Chrome: install 'WebRTC Leak Prevent' extension. Firefox: type 'about:config' → search 'media.peerconnection.enabled' → set to 'false'. WebRTC can reveal your IP even through VPN.

• Don’t change DNS manually – Never set Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) manually while using a VPN. Leave DNS on 'Automatic' to avoid leaks.

• Enable Kill Switch (maximum safety) – VPN → Settings → 'Kill Switch' or 'Network Lock' → Turn ON. If your VPN disconnects, Internet access is blocked instantly.

• Final check – Visit ipleak.net again: all IPs should match your VPN country, DNS addresses should be from your VPN, and no local IPs under 'WebRTC Leak Test'.

If videos buffer or lag, these tweaks can double or triple your speed:

• Switch to WireGuard protocol – VPN → Settings → Protocol → Choose 'WireGuard' or 'NordLynx'. It’s 2–3x faster than OpenVPN. If unavailable, 'IKEv2' is a good alternative.

• Choose the NEAREST server – For Belgian content, pick Brussels if you’re in Paris (closer = faster). Keep distance under 500 km for best results. Test on fast.com.

• Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi loses 30–50% speed. A simple Ethernet cable can dramatically improve 4K streaming.

• Close background apps – Before streaming, close Steam, Dropbox, OneDrive, updates, or Chrome tabs. They eat bandwidth. Check Task Manager → 'Network' tab.

• Enable Split Tunneling – VPN → Settings → 'Split Tunneling' → Enable → Add only your browser or Netflix app. Streaming uses VPN; everything else uses normal Internet for more speed.

• Test your actual speed – Visit fast.com (Netflix’s tool). You need 5 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K. If lower, change server or protocol.

No — quality varies greatly between providers:

• NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are the most reliable in 2025

• Free VPNs are heavily blacklisted and too slow for streaming

• ProtonVPN and CyberGhost offer solid value for money

• Avoid unknown VPNs with overloaded servers

• All top VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees — try them safely

Your Samsung TV, PlayStation, or Xbox can’t install VPN apps? No worries — here are four solutions from easiest to most advanced:

• Method 1: Native apps (EASIEST) – If you have a Fire TV Stick, Apple TV 4K, or Android TV: open the app store → search 'NordVPN' or 'Surfshark' → install → sign in → select your country → done!

• Method 2: SmartDNS (EASY, no app) – ExpressVPN: go to expressvpn.com → My Account → DNS Settings → Copy the DNS address. On your TV: Settings → Network → DNS Settings → Manual → Enter the ExpressVPN DNS → Restart. NordVPN offers a similar SmartDNS feature.

• Method 3: Share connection from your PC (FREE) – Windows: turn on VPN → connect your PC to your TV via Ethernet → Control Panel → Network Center → right-click VPN connection → Properties → Sharing → Allow others to connect → Your TV now uses your VPN.

• Method 4: VPN on router (BEST) – If compatible, install your VPN directly on the router. ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer easy router apps. Benefit: ALL your devices (TV, console, phone, etc.) are protected automatically.

• Which to choose? – Native apps > SmartDNS > Router > PC sharing. Start with the simplest that works for your setup.

The legal situation depends on your country:

• VPNs are legal in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and most Western countries

• Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max forbid VPNs in their Terms of Service

• The worst possible penalty is a temporary account suspension (extremely rare)

• Accessing your existing subscriptions while abroad is generally tolerated

• This information is for educational purposes — you’re responsible for your use