Hotspot Shield is a VPN service provider launched in 2008 by AnchorFree. It comes with a limited free version, which is excellent for beginners and casual VPN users. Once you test it, you can always switch to Hotspot Shield Elite and unlock all the additional features.
It’s interesting that Hotspot Shield used to be completely free when it first appeared, including all the features the premium version currently has. This might’ve helped secure those half a million users they constantly brag about. Keep reading our new post to learn whether Hotspot Shield can allow you full access to US Netflix.
Connection Requirements
In order to potentially stream Netflix content, you’ll have to subscribe to one of Hotspot Shield’s premium plans. Here’s how to do that:
- Click on the “Upgrade to Premium
” menu icon - Select your subscription plan
- Follow prompts and you’ll complete your purchase in no time
Note that you don’t have to provide any personal information as a free user. Paid subscribers will, on the other hand, have to provide personal identification data and payment info.
In order to stream Netflix, you’ll have to meet the following conditions:
- Make sure you’re signed into your premium account
- Check your Internet connection
- Check if you’re connected to the server of your choice
- Verify your acquired IP address
- Clear your cache and app/browser cookies
- Connect to Hotspot Shield
- Start browsing
These are also your troubleshooting instances in case you can’t connect to Netflix. This short guide was relayed as seen on the official Hotspot Shield Support Center page.
Hotspot Shield Netflix Check
We tested Hotspot Shield and were unable to connect to US Netflix outside of the US. All we got was the dreaded “Netflix proxy error” time and time again. In other words, Netflix “caught” our attempt to use a VPN to unblock their geo-restricted website and instructed us to turn off the service and try again. We also experienced proxy errors on Netflix Japan. On the other hand, we were able to access Netflix Canada, UK, and Germany without any problems.
On top of the fact that we were unable to access Netflix using Hotspot Shield, we also have other security concerns when it comes to this service, including the fact that its Terms of Service allows it to keep user logs and share them with third parties. Knowing all this, we can’t recommend Hotspot Shield as your go-to Netflix unblocker.