The most frustrating things in the world happen when you’re off the clock. Imagine you’ve home from a typical rough day at work and curled up on the couch for a relaxing movie night. Then your streaming service gives you and error message.
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services around, but it also has infuriatingly archaic error messages.
What the heck does Error M7111-1331-5059 or M7111-5059 mean?
What Exactly is M7111-1331-5059?
Even if you’re fortunate enough to get a description along with that error code, it’s typically a one-liner like “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy”. While this error code may sound deadly, it simply means Netflix has found out about you trying to worm around it’s geo-blocking.
When Netflix detects the use of a VPN or proxy service being used, it tends to throw a tantrum. Unfortunately, it’s a worldwide service, so rather than having to deal with a possibly complex web of legislation, it tries to muddy the water.
Error M7111-1331-5059 is Netflix’s way of handling wannabe VPN users from using their service. Don’t worry though, there are a number of ways to work around this issue.
How to Fix Netflix Error Code M7111-1331-5059?
For various reasons, Netflix restricts its content by region. This means that movies available in some countries, aren’t available in others. We’ll go into the details of why later, but that’s the situation.
The service tries to enforce this using geo-blocks and if you try to worm your way around those, you will possibly start having problems – such as M7111-1331-5059.
1. Confirm if Your VPN or Proxy is Causing the Error
Since you’re encountering this error code, I’m assuming you are already using a VPN or proxy – which is what typically causes it. There are a number of ways to resolve the issue but before that, try confirming if your VPN is actually causing the problem.
To do this, try to access Netflix without a VPN. If there are no connection issues, then it’s likely that your VPN or proxy was caught by Netflix. If that’s the case then you can try some of the solutions below:
2. Swap to a Different VPN Server
You can try changing to using another VPN server as this might change your IP. That in turn may result in working around the error message. Most decent VPNs will offer a choice of servers in each country, so just keep server hopping until it works.
3. Clear Browsing Data and Cookies
If you’re still facing problems, shut down your VPN application (not simply disconnect). Then clear all the browsing data and cookies in your web browser. Then re-launch your VPN service, connect to a server and try Netflix again.
4. Don’t Use a Proxy
If you’re using a proxy instead of a VPN and encountering Error M7111-1331-5059, chances are it’s due to your proxy. Most proxies simply don’t play well with streaming services. Opt for a reputable VPN service instead.
5. Change VPN Service Provider
This is typically the last resort, but when all else fails, it’s time to swap VPN services. There are literally hundreds of VPN service providers in the market and honestly, not many of them work reliably with Netflix.
Other Common Netflix Error Codes
Netflix error codes that start with M7111 typically indicate a browser or network issue that hinders the Netflix video from loading.
Here are some other common M7111 error codes you may come across:
Error M7111-1101
This means that there is a network connectivity issue that is preventing your computer from reaching the Netflix service. You can try resolving this by clearing your browser cache and cookies.
Error M7111-1331
This points to information stored on your browser that needs to be refreshed. This typically occurs if you try to access using bookmarks. You can try resolving this by typing the URL in manually.
Error M7111-1309
This points to a network connectivity issue that is preventing your computer from reaching the Netflix service and usually occurs when using Chrome. You can try resolving this by disabling the Chrome extensions and then access Netflix again.
Why Netflix Hates VPN Users?
Netflix is a highly popular subscription-based streaming service that allows subscribers to watch on-demand TV shows and movies without commercials. It’s a global service and as of Q1 2021 has more than 207 million paying subscribers around the world. More than half of that number is from outside of the US.
The problem is that being a US-based service, Netflix seems to find it easier to deal with licensing issues in the country. Every single label of movie has to be negotiated with individually. This covers fees payable by Netflix, duration of contract, and more.
Because of this complexity, Netflix is obligated to restrict certain titles to specific geographic areas. That means if the license of a movie is for US or EU region only, it cannot be streamed to Netflix subscribers outside of those jurisdictions.
Failure to adhere to these terms will mean a breach of contract for which Netflix of course, will be liable. Since VPNs help users break the geo-blocks pot in place by Netflix, it naturally tries its best to circumvent their use. Really, it isn’t anything personal.
How Netflix Detects and Blocks VPN Users
Whenever you use a VPN, you connect to a VPN server. It then replaces your IP with one of theirs. If you connect to a US VPN server for example, you’ll have access to US-region Netflix content.
The problem is that individual VPN servers have a limited number of IP addresses per server. If Netflix detects too many of the same IP connecting to it, the assumption will be that the IP is being used by a VPN service provider. It then blacklists that IP – or even an entire range of similar IPs.
Another method Netflix uses is to check for conflicts between IP addresses and DNS (Domain Name Server) settings. On some devices (often those running iOS or Android), the Netflix App may override your DNS setup, exposing your real IP address. Since there is a mismatch, they will know that you are using a VPN.
Why Good VPN Services Work With Netflix
Before we continue, let me first say that it’s fine if you’re trying to use a free VPN service. Money is hard to earn after all. However, in turn you often sacrifice quality and in some cases, even run the risk of having your data sold.
Part of the sacrifice in quality is that most free VPNs typically will not work with streaming services like Netflix. This is an entire story by itself, but most will not.
Even if you manage to bypass this Netflix Error Code by some chance with a free VPN, you will likely encounter other issues such as slow line speed hampering the streaming process, or even a very limited chocie of servers to connect to.
Most reputable VPN services are highly incentivized to make sure their services work well for you. They know you’re paying good money for specific reasons, and if they promise you Netflix access – you’ll get Netflix access.
Aside from having a wide server base, they also try hard to ensure their IP addresses aren’t blocked, or that they are removed from blacklists quickly if that happens.
VPNs That 100% Work With Netflix
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is able to unblock Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer. This Panama-based VPN guarantees 99.9% uptime and has been tested and proven to offer consistent connections for Netflix at fast speeds for minimal buffering.
Part of its appeal is in it’s extremely progressive attitude towards development of its own product. At the same time, it is growing into a real giant and today has more than 5,000 servers in 62 countries. That is quite simply one of the largest VPN server networks available.
Fast servers for Netflix streaming and torreting
Aside from a platform native apps for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS, you can also make use of its browser extensions. The service comes with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, Kill Switch, and even server obfuscation.
NordVPN is one of our top choices in VPN, not just for Netflix, but practically everything else. The Panama-based company also enforces a strict no logs policy.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark has been my personal VPN service for more than a year now and works fine with Netflix and a few other streaming services. It has servers in around 63 countries and is able to currently unblock several regional Netflix libraries.
It is known for its good speed performance and so far has maintained those speeds despite a boom in growth. Its excellent unblocking potential makes it a strong choice for anyone looking to stream seamlessly.
Connect to unlimited devices
Of course, a big part of the appeal that Surfshark brings to the table is that it offers one of the best value-for-money propositions around. That doesn’t mean simply great pricing, but an excellent price for what it offers. For example, unlike most other VPN services, there is no device connection limit with Surfshark.
This VPN protects your data using 256-bit encryption and has protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. On top of this, there is also a Kill Switch ensuring you never browse unprotected. Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surshark claims not to keep any activity or connection logs.
Get SurfShark at $2.49/month (81% Off)
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix content easily and it has a massive stable of fast servers across the world. These can support 4k streaming without a sweat and have consistent performance not only on Netflix, but also other services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
The app interface is easy to use, making this a great VPN even for beginners. Based in the British Virgin Islands where there are relatively lax data retention laws, ExpressVPN guarantees it doesn’t keep any user activity or connection logs.
Most trusted VPN provider
For ultimate security it also supports 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, Kill Switch and split tunneling features. It has for a long time been one of our favorite choices.
You can use it on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS as well as Amazon Fire TV and Linux. Interestingly, the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer can be used to unblock Netflix on Apple TV, PlayStation and Xbox.
Conclusion
As you can see, Netflix has a good reason why it wants to keep users away from restricted content. Quite simply put – if it fails to do so, it gets sued. Thankfully for us, the way that it handles VPNs at the moment is still pretty rudimentary. After all, its focus is on media.
The important takeaway from this though isn’t really the Netflix service itself, but the focus on the use of a reputable VPN service provider. Always choose a VPN service that has a strong profile.207
