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Netflix proxy error E106 or tvq-pb-101: what it means and how to fix it

Netflix shows error E106 when it thinks your connection goes through a VPN or proxy, whether or not one is on. Find out which case you are in and what fixes each one.

By Dated research, checked against sourcesUpdated Facts checked 13 min read
A TV with a dimmed streaming screen and a small warning triangle

Official code

E106

Listed in Netflix's help center

On some TVs

tvq-pb-101

Full code tvq-pb-101 (1.10.5059)

Older code

M7111-5059

Not in Netflix's current English help. A third-party guide calls it an older name.

VPNs with Netflix

64% to 83%

The seven VPNs we cover, our research, October 2026

First fix with a VPN

Another server

ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark advise it

Netflix's own check

fast.com Client country

Run it on a device on the same network

The short answer

What does the Netflix proxy error E106 or tvq-pb-101 mean, and how do I fix it?

Netflix proxy error E106 (tvq-pb-101 on some TVs) means Netflix thinks your connection uses a VPN or proxy and will not play the title. With a VPN on purpose, switch to another server and restart the Netflix app, as ExpressVPN and NordVPN advise. E106 does not mean VPNs stopped working: the seven we cover score 64% to 83% with Netflix in our research (October 2026). With no VPN, turn off any antivirus or router VPN and check fast.com's Client country.

Facts checked · See sources

Key takeaways

  • E106 and tvq-pb-101 on some TVs show the same VPN-or-proxy message, and M7111-5059 is reported as an older code for it.
  • With a VPN on purpose, switch to another server and restart the Netflix app, as ExpressVPN and NordVPN advise.
  • E106 does not mean VPNs stopped working with Netflix: the seven VPNs we cover score 64% to 83% in our research (October 2026).
  • With no VPN on, check fast.com's Client country, because Netflix says a mismatch usually means a VPN is on somewhere.
  • If nothing works, Netflix says to call your internet provider, which may need to contact Netflix's customer service.

Netflix proxy error E106, "You seem to be using a VPN or proxy", means Netflix believes you connect through a service that sends traffic via another computer. As of 6 October 2026, Netflix's help center lists E106; its M7111-5059 article still said "You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy" in March 2023. With a VPN on purpose, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark suggest another server. Otherwise, find and turn off the VPN or proxy.

Netflix proxy error message and codes: E106, tvq-pb-101 and M7111-5059

E106 comes with this message: "You seem to be using a VPN or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again." Netflix lists the same message under a TV code. A third-party guide links an older browser code to the same warning.

Code or wordingWhere you see itStatus
E106Any deviceOfficial, in Netflix's help center
tvq-pb-101 (1.10.5059)TV devicesOfficial, with the same message
M7111-5059Web browsers, on netflix.comNot in Netflix's current English help articles. A July 2026 guide from another site calls it an older name for the same warning.
"You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy"Netflix's help center, in archived copies from 2022 to March 2023Netflix's earlier wording of the same message. The article that now lists E106 used it on 10 October 2022 and said "VPN or proxy" by 4 February 2023. The M7111-5059 article used it on 25 March 2023 and said "VPN or proxy" by 4 October 2023.

Source: Netflix help center, including copies archived by the Wayback Machine; third-party guide for M7111-5059. Checked October 2026.

Whatever the code, the cause is the same. Netflix says VPN apps or services can make your device or network look as if it connects from somewhere else. It adds that with a VPN on, it may show only titles it licenses worldwide.

Why Netflix shows error E106

With a VPN on, E106 means Netflix has recognized the VPN, which IP-data companies and VPN providers tie to the server's address. With no VPN on, the usual cause is a VPN or proxy you did not know about, or an address placed in the wrong country. Netflix does not say how it decides.

  • A VPN or proxy is on, including a VPN built into an antivirus app or set up on your router. Netflix names antivirus VPNs in its own fix.
  • The VPN server's IP address, the number that identifies a connection online, can give it away. MaxMind, which sells IP data, says a VPN's addresses are likely flagged as hosting addresses, which belong to data centers, when they are not registered in the VPN's name. NordVPN says a dedicated address lets you avoid blocklists of addresses tainted by misuse. The streaming hub explains how streaming services detect VPNs in more detail.
  • Your DNS server, the service that looks up the sites you visit, is part of Netflix's own check: it asks internet providers to confirm you use theirs. With a VPN on, NordVPN starts its streaming checks with a DNS leak test, a check for lookups that skip the VPN.
  • Your own IP address is placed in the wrong country. This can happen with no VPN at all, as a later section explains.

How to fix Netflix error E106, quickest first

The fix for Netflix error E106 depends on whether you turned on a VPN yourself. If you did, start with the first list. If you did not, use the second list and stop when Netflix plays.

Decision chart for E106: did you turn on a VPN yourself; if yes, switch server; if not, check fast.com's Client countryNetflix showserror E106Did you turn ona VPN yourself?Switch serverSame country,restart NetflixStill E106?Check you are noton the ads planTurn off hiddenVPNs: antivirus,routerfast.comShow more info:Client country right?Reset networkDevice, then routerCall your providerWith Client countryand IP addressYesNo
Diagram of the fixes below. The no-VPN branch follows Netflix's help page; the VPN branch follows the VPN companies' Netflix help pages and our research, October 2026. Not measured data.

If you use a VPN on purpose, switch server first

E106 with a VPN on does not mean VPNs no longer work with Netflix: in our research (October 2026), the seven VPNs we cover score 64% to 83% with Netflix. Netflix says VPNs are not supported on its ad-supported plan, and your account page shows which plan you have. The VPN companies' own help pages give these steps, quickest first:

  1. Connect to a different server. NordVPN says to pick one in the same country, ExpressVPN lists six US servers to try in order for US users, and Surfshark says to try other servers. Check: the title plays.
  2. Force-close the Netflix app and reopen it after each change. On Fire TV: Settings › Applications › Manage Installed Applications, then Netflix and Force Stop. Check: the title plays.
  3. If your VPN app has streaming servers, use one. Private Internet Access has streaming-optimized locations, and CyberGhost's Fire TV app has a Streaming tab. Check: the title plays.
  4. Clear the Netflix app's cache, or delete and reinstall the app. On iPhone and iPad, NordVPN says to reinstall instead of clearing the cache. Check: the title plays.
  5. Run a DNS leak test at dnsleaktest.com with the VPN connected. Check: every server listed belongs to the VPN.
  6. In your browser, turn off Secure DNS (also called DNS over HTTPS), a setting that sends lookups to a separate DNS service. Check: the title plays.
  7. Optional: if only one Netflix profile shows E106, switch to another. Surfshark says a flagged profile should clear within 24 to 48 hours. Check: the other profile plays.
  8. Try the Netflix website in a browser instead of the app. Check: the title plays.
  9. If several servers in that country show E106, switch to a VPN with a higher score for that library in our Netflix research scores. Check: the title plays.
  10. Contact your VPN's support team. Check: the title plays after their fix.

If you keep a VPN on for privacy or work and want your own country's Netflix, route Netflix outside the VPN with split tunneling, as IPVanish suggests. Split tunneling on a TV depends on the app: the Fire TV picks list which providers document it on a Fire OS stick.

On server choice, the providers' help pages give their own positions, compared on what Netflix and the VPN companies say. Netflix's Terms of Use (the version of 10 April 2026 shown in Italy) do not name VPNs, but they bar getting around its content protections. The legality section of our streaming hub explains how the law and the services' terms differ.

If you did not turn on a VPN

Netflix's own help page gives these steps, and its fast.com check tells you which case you are in.

  1. Turn off any VPN or proxy, including the VPN inside an antivirus app and any VPN set up on your router. Check: play the title again.
  2. On a phone or computer on the same network as the device with the error, open fast.com and select Show more info. Check: the Client country matches the country you are in.
  3. If the Client country is wrong, Netflix says a VPN is likely on. Look again on your router and in your antivirus app, and ask the VPN or antivirus provider for help if you cannot find it. Check: fast.com shows your country.
  4. Reset the network settings on the device that shows the error. Check: play the title again.
  5. Restore your modem or router to its default settings, as Netflix suggests. Netflix says the device maker, your internet provider or your VPN provider may need to help with either reset. Ask them first if you are not sure how. Check: play the title again.
  6. Call your internet provider with the Client country and IP address from fast.com, as the last section explains. Check: play the title again after the provider's fix.
fast.com with Show more info open and the Client location highlighted next to the Server linefast.comShow more infoClientCity, country · IP addressServerCompare the Clientcountry with whereyou areNetflix says a mismatchusually means a VPNis on somewhere.
Illustration of the fast.com check Netflix suggests, not a screenshot. Netflix says to compare the Client country with where you are.

Netflix can show E106 even when no VPN is on

Netflix error E106 can appear with no VPN app open, when your connection's IP address looks as if it is somewhere else. One sign is a fast.com Client country that does not match where you are. Netflix says a mismatch usually means a VPN is on. If no hidden VPN turns up, the reasons below are the usual ones, and the no-VPN steps above, ending with your internet provider, are the fix.

Notes for TVs, consoles, Fire TV and iPhone

The E106 fixes above apply to every device. Smart TVs, the PS5, Fire TV sticks on Vega OS and iPhones each add one check or known issue.

DeviceWhat is differentWhat to do
Smart TVs and streaming boxesThe error can show as tvq-pb-101. Router makers say a VPN on the router covers every connected device, TVs included.If you did not mean the TV to use the VPN, take it off the router's VPN list. Supported ASUS and TP-Link routers let you choose which devices use the VPN.
PlayStation 5Settings › Network › Settings › Set Up Internet Connection, then your network, then Advanced Settings, holds the console's DNS and proxy entriesCheck that neither was set by hand, since Netflix's message names proxies and Netflix asks about your DNS server
Fire TV sticks on Vega OS (Amazon's newer system)ExpressVPN reports that some lookups Netflix makes when it starts skip every VPN appExpressVPN said in August 2026 that Amazon plans to fix these lookups. It is not documented whether they cause E106.
iPhone and iPadProton says Location Services on iPhone and iPad can get in the way of streaming, as can a device time zone that differs from the VPN's locationIf the steps above work on other devices but not on iPhone or iPad, check Location Services and the time zone, the two settings Proton names

Source: Netflix help center, router makers' help pages, PlayStation support, ExpressVPN and Proton help pages. Checked October 2026.

The router section of our devices hub shows where those device lists are, and the Fire TV page covers the Vega OS issue in detail.

If error E106 still will not go away

Netflix's last suggestion is to contact your internet provider. Before you call, run fast.com on a device on the same network and note the Client country and IP address. Our IP address check shows the same two details for the device you open it on. Ask the provider to confirm that both match the location and IP address assigned to your home.

If they match, Netflix says the provider has to work with Netflix directly, so ask them to contact Netflix's customer service team. If they do not match, ask whether your connection uses the provider's own DNS server. If it does, the provider again has to contact Netflix's customer service team. If it does not, ask them to switch you to it, then restart the Netflix app and try again.

VPNs ranked for Netflix, best score first
RankVPNNetflix scoreRefundProfile
1IPVanish8.7/10Netflix score30-day money-backSee profile of IPVanish
2ExpressVPN8.2/10Netflix score30-day money-backSee profile of ExpressVPN
3Proton VPN8.1/10Netflix score30-day money-backSee profile of Proton VPN
4Private Internet Access7.8/10Netflix score30-day money-backSee profile of Private Internet Access
5Surfshark7.5/10Netflix score30-day money-backSee profile of Surfshark
6NordVPN7.4/10Netflix score30-day money-backSee profile of NordVPN
7CyberGhost6.6/10Netflix score45-day money-backSee profile of CyberGhost

Source: whatworks.tech scores, 19 October 2026. The score combines how well each VPN works in practice in our research, device compatibility, features, and price and refunds. How we rank.

Quick questions

Why did my VPN stop working with Netflix?
Netflix does not say, but IP-data companies and VPN providers point to the server's address: data-center addresses get flagged more easily, and NordVPN says a dedicated address avoids blocklists of addresses tainted by misuse. That does not mean the VPN never works with Netflix. The seven VPNs we cover score 64% to 83% in our research (October 2026), and ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark all suggest switching to another server.
Why is NordVPN not working with Netflix?
In our research (October 2026), NordVPN scores 69% with Netflix, so E106 means Netflix has recognized the server you are on, not that NordVPN stopped working. NordVPN's Netflix help says to connect to a different server in the same country, clear the Netflix app's cache and run a DNS leak test. If the Netflix region does not change, it suggests creating a new Netflix profile.
Why is ExpressVPN not working with Netflix?
In our research (October 2026), ExpressVPN scores 78% with Netflix, so E106 means Netflix has recognized the server you are on, not that ExpressVPN stopped working. Its Netflix help says to change server location and to force-close and reopen the Netflix app after each change. After that, it suggests signing out of the app, restarting the device, signing back in and trying the browser.
Why is Surfshark not working with Netflix?
Surfshark scores lower with Netflix than most of the VPNs we cover: 64% in our research (October 2026), so you may need to try several servers. Surfshark's help says to try other servers, clear your browser cache or reinstall the Netflix app, and run a DNS leak test. Surfshark adds that a flagged Netflix profile should clear within 24 to 48 hours.
Why is Proton VPN not working with Netflix?
In our research (October 2026), Proton VPN scores 77% with Netflix, so E106 means Netflix has recognized the server you are on, not that Proton stopped working. Proton says streaming needs a paid plan with Plus servers. It also says Location Services on iPhone and iPad, or a device time zone that differs from the VPN's location, can get in the way.
Why does Netflix still say I'm using a VPN after I turned it off?
A VPN may still be on somewhere else, such as inside an antivirus app or on the router. Netflix names antivirus VPNs in its fix and says a fast.com Client country that does not match usually means a VPN is on. Surfshark says a proxy error can also stay on the Netflix profile you used and should clear within 24 to 48 hours. If the Client country is still wrong, call your internet provider.
Sources54 official pages and data sets behind this page

Numbered in order of first use. Research scores are our own aggregate: how we gather sources.

  1. 1Netflix says, 'You seem to be using a VPN or proxy.'Netflix Help Center · Checked 6 October 2026
  2. 2Netflix Error tvq-pb-101 (1.10.5059)Netflix Help Center · Checked 6 October 2026
  3. 3Netflix proxy error M7111-5059: How to fix E106 (2026)VPN Vertex · Page dated 28 July 2026
  4. 4whatworks.tech researchOur aggregate of recent published results · October 2026
  5. 5Troubleshooting Steps for Streaming NetflixExpressVPN · Page dated 21 July 2026
  6. 6Netflix doesn't work with NordVPNNordVPN (Nord Security) · Page dated 10 September 2026
  7. 7How to fix Netflix streaming issuesSurfshark · Page dated 22 April 2026
  8. 8Watching TV shows and movies through a VPNNetflix · Checked 6 October 2026
  9. 9Netflix thinks I'm in a different countryNetflix · Checked 6 October 2026
  10. 10Netflix Error M7111-5059 (Wayback Machine capture 2022-12-06)Netflix Help Center (archived) · Page dated 6 December 2022
  11. 11Netflix Error M7111-5059 (Wayback Machine capture 2023-03-25)Netflix Help Center (archived) · Page dated 25 March 2023
  12. 12Netflix Error M7111-5059 (Wayback Machine capture 2023-10-04)Netflix Help Center (archived) · Page dated 4 October 2023
  13. 13Netflix says 'You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.' (Wayback Machine capture 2022-10-10)Netflix Help Center (archived) · Page dated 10 October 2022
  14. 14Netflix says 'You seem to be using a VPN or proxy.' (Wayback Machine capture 2023-02-04)Netflix Help Center (archived) · Page dated 4 February 2023
  15. 15Evolving Proxy Detection as a Global ServiceNetflix (About Netflix newsroom), David Fullagar · Page dated 14 January 2016
  16. 16Why does BBC iPlayer think I'm outside the UK?BBC iPlayer Help · Checked 6 October 2026
  17. 17Manage your home area or current location for YouTube TV (Android)Google (YouTube TV Help) · Checked 6 October 2026
  18. 18Understanding DAZN's VPN Policy (DAZN Help Center, en-gb)DAZN · Page dated 8 September 2025
  19. 19Amazon Prime Video Terms of Use - GlobalAmazon (Prime Video) · Page dated 26 August 2026
  20. 20GeoIP Anonymous IP database documentationMaxMind (developer portal) · Checked 6 October 2026
  21. 21Dedicated NordVPN IP addressesNordVPN Help Center · Page dated 21 September 2026
  22. 22IP/DNS Detect (ipleak.net)ipleak.net (AirVPN) · Checked 6 October 2026
  23. 23Other streaming services don't work when using NordVPNNordVPN Help Center · Page dated 10 September 2026
  24. 24Geolocation accuracyMaxMind · Checked 6 October 2026
  25. 25Netflix VPN: How to stream securely anywhereProton AG · Checked 6 October 2026
  26. 26Streaming with Private Internet AccessPrivate Internet Access (Kape) · Page dated 16 July 2026
  27. 27What Server Locations Are Available in the PIA App?Private Internet Access (Kape) · Page dated 1 October 2026
  28. 28How to Select a Country or a City with CyberGhost VPN for Amazon Fire TV / Fire StickCyberGhost · Page dated 25 August 2026
  29. 29How to Stream with CyberGhost for Amazon Fire TV / Fire StickCyberGhost (Kape) · Page dated 25 August 2026
  30. 30Is my VPN working?Proton VPN blog (Douglas Crawford) · Page dated 16 February 2024
  31. 31GeoIP Anonymous IP Database (product page)MaxMind · Checked 6 October 2026
  32. 32How to use IPVanish Split Tunneling to view Amazon Prime VideoIPVanish (Ziff Davis) · Page dated 25 June 2026
  33. 33What is the Split Tunneling feature in IPVanish for Fire Stick/Fire TVIPVanish (Ziff Davis) · Page dated 2 August 2023
  34. 34What is Split Tunneling and how to use it with NordVPN?NordVPN (Nord Security) · Page dated 17 September 2026
  35. 35Installing NordVPN on Amazon Fire devicesNordVPN (Nord Security) · Page dated 8 July 2026
  36. 36Troubleshooting for Streaming Prime VideoExpressVPN · Page dated 21 July 2026
  37. 37Set Up ExpressVPN on Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TVExpressVPN · Page dated 22 September 2026
  38. 38How to stream content with ExpressVPNExpressVPN · Page dated 24 July 2026
  39. 39Troubleshooting Steps for Streaming Prime VideoCyberGhost (Kape) · Page dated 18 June 2026
  40. 40How to use Proton VPN on an Amazon Fire OS deviceProton AG · Checked 6 October 2026
  41. 41How to securely watch Netflix with SurfsharkSurfshark · Page dated 19 November 2025
  42. 42How to set up VPN on my Smart TV or consoleSurfshark · Page dated 17 March 2026
  43. 43Netflix Terms of UseNetflix · Page dated 10 April 2026
  44. 44Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) product pageGL.iNet · Checked 6 October 2026
  45. 45TP-Link Travel Router: Set Up a VPN Server and VPN ClientTP-Link Support · Page dated 24 June 2026
  46. 46[Wireless Router] How to set up WireGuard VPN Client in VPN Fusion?ASUS Support · Page dated 30 September 2025
  47. 47Set Up a VPN Client on Your TP-Link Wireless Router and 4G/5G RouterTP-Link Support · Page dated 17 April 2026
  48. 48How to set up an internet connection on PlayStation consolesPlayStation Support · Checked 6 October 2026
  49. 49Set up MediaStreamer on PlayStation 5ExpressVPN Support · Page dated 24 August 2026
  50. 50DNS behavior on Amazon Vega OS devicesExpressVPN · Page dated 26 August 2026
  51. 51Streaming troubleshooting guideProton VPN Support · Checked 6 October 2026
  52. 52What is a Netflix Household?Netflix Help Center · Checked 6 October 2026
  53. 53Netflix says, 'Your TV/device isn't part of the Netflix Household'Netflix Help Center · Checked 6 October 2026
  54. 54How to use Proton VPN on an Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV StickProton AG · Checked 6 October 2026

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