PBS not working with VPN: Fix it in 5 steps (2024)

PBS is region-locked, so you can’t always access it outside the US. If you have a VPN and it’s not working with the streaming site, what’s the problem? Our troubleshooting guide explains what to do if your VPN isn’t working with PBS.

If your current VPN fails, there’s a high chance PBS has blacklisted the VPN server you’re trying to connect with. Below, I’ve rounded up a selection of fixes for you to try.

Which VPNs work with PBS?

Why you can trust GadgetMouse: Our content is written by a team of humans and we refuse to use AI. Plus, we own (and use) every VPN that we write about. For more details, see our editorial policy.

Why is PBS not working with my VPN?

In the event that the PBS website works out that you’re trying to access it from a restricted region, your connection will be blocked every time. A message on PBS’ own website explains: “We’re sorry, but this video is not available.”

Some (or all) of the VPN servers you have available to you through that service may be blacklisted. Swapping to a more reliable VPN will save you some trouble, leaving you to enjoy PBS shows in peace.

How does PBS detect my VPN?

The worst VPNs don’t do a very good job of hiding your true location, which means PBS prevents you from streaming content. When the PBS website identifies VPN use, it’ll blacklist the temporary IP address provided by your VPN so you can’t use it again. US-exclusive websites such as Paramount Plus, Discovery Plus and ESPN+ do the same.

Rubbish VPNs do a lousy job of replacing their blacklisted servers, which means you’re left in the dark.

• Your VPN servers might have been blacklisted by PBS
• Cookies in your browser are telling the service about your real location and not your disguised location
• A VPN is leaking your IP address to PBS, which causes it to block traffic

Try these PBS fixes

1. Update your VPN

Make sure you’re running the latest version as recent issues will have been patched. You need to take a trip to your VPN settings before you can use the streaming site again.

From your PC, open the VPN and then the Settings or Options menu. Some VPNs that I’ve tested in our office will display a message telling you about updates. See an example here:

Clicking Update will take you to the VPN provider’s website, where you can learn more about what’s new in the latest build.

If you’re using an Android smartphone or tablet, you need to open the Google Play store, tap your user profile in the top-right corner of the screen and then Manage apps and device. Finally, choose Update or Update all.

On an iPhone or iPad, open the Apple App Store and tap your user profile in the top-right corner of the screen.

2. Use a different VPN server to connect to PBS

VPN servers can sometimes become unavailable or slower than usual. That’s no good if you’re trying to enjoy your favourite shows through PBS.

The best VPNs for PBS offer multiple servers for each country. ExpressVPN has a UK Docklands server as well as alternatives in East London. I suggest you go between them and see which one works best.

Try disconnecting from the current server that you’re using. ExpressVPN users can select the three dots icon to see a list of alternative servers in the same country. You can also favourite the server (use the Star icon) that works best for you.

3. Contact a VPN support team

Our recommended VPN providers all manage support teams. For times when the PBS site isn’t working with your VPN, reach out to an expert for step-by-step guidance.

From a computer, head to your VPN provider’s website and find the Support or Contact us pages. Some VPNs offer a live chat service for members.

4. Reset your VPN

The classic ‘off and on again’ trick often works with computer issues and we’ve found that the same goes with VPNs, including Ivacy and NordVPN. Whether you’re on a PC, smartphone or tablet, restart your device and open your VPN again.

If that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall your VPN. Load up your VPN and PBS and see if performance has improved.

5. Check if your internet connection is strong enough

The problem might be with your own internet connection rather than your VPN.

Disconnect from your wi-fi network and then reconnect, before running your VPN again. You can also go a step further and restart your internet router if you need to. Note that speeds of up to 10Mbps should be enough, but you might prefer over 20Mbps if you’re streaming or gaming.

Run a free download speed tool and compare the results alongside your ISP’s ‘minimum guaranteed speed’ promise. Contact your ISP if your connection is unstable outside of VPN use.

More PBS fixes to try:

Have you cleared cache and cookies from your internet browser? On Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. On Safari, go to Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data.

Have you entered your VPN username and password correctly? Double-check your login credentials. If you can’t remember your details, choose the ‘Forgot’ option on your VPN provider’s website so you get a reset link sent to your inbox.

Are the VPN servers active? The best providers are transparent about this and actively update their server status online.

Make sure you aren’t impacted by a DNS leak. If you’re using a faulty VPN, it’ll fail to disguise your real IP address and location when you visit PBS. To check your VPN is working correctly, turn it off and head to the IP Address Lookup tool. Make a note of your IP address, activate your VPN, run the test again and see if your details change. If they don’t, your VPN isn’t working correctly.

Is your firewall blocking your VPN or PBS?

If you’re experiencing issues on desktop, make sure your VPN is mentioned in the ‘Allow’ list. On Windows, head to open Windows Security > Allow an app through the firewall. On Mac, try System Settings > Network > Firewall.

Does your web browser need updating?

Your current web browser version might be incompatible with your browser-based VPN. Assuming you’ve updated your VPN, make sure you update your browser as well. On Chrome, for example, you would go to Settings > About Chrome.

Are you overworking your VPN?

If you’re streaming, gaming and using social media at the same time, your VPN might struggle to keep up. I suggest you close a couple of apps to test if doing so has a noticeable impact.

See our free VPN troubleshooting tips poster.

Best VPNs for PBS

ExpressVPN

• 1-month subscription:£10.53 per month
• 6-month subscription:£8.12 per month
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free:£5.42 per month(49% off)

If the VPN you’re using at the moment refuses to work, switch over to ExpressVPN. We’ll happily recommend this newbie-friendly VPN over and over again – it’s easy to use, quick and works brilliantly if you’re looking to access PBS from abroad. You won’t have to stare at annoying error messages on the PBS website if you’re protected by this valuable VPN.

Crucially, ExpressVPN does a fantastic job of replacing blacklisted servers. That means that, even if PBS disables incoming connections from ExpressVPN, the VPN will have a replacement server up and running soon. To access your account, all you need to do is open up ExpressVPN, connect to a US-based server and go from there.

Pros: Smartphone app lets you connect in seconds, 'favourite' most-used VPN servers for quick access, performed remarkably well in our chat support speed test
Cons: Rival VPNs are cheaper, can't use many devices at once
Try ExpressVPN today

Ivacy

• 1-month subscription: £8.62 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3 per month (65% off)
• 5-year subscription + FREE password manager: 80p per month (90% off)

Ivacy is a great pick if you want to enjoy PBS while you’re travelling abroad. This is one of the most popular, affordable VPNs around, thanks in part to its battle against blacklisted servers. The cheapest Ivacy subscription will only set you back $2.45 per month, which is pretty good value!

This trusted VPN will hide your real location so you can use all of PBS’ features, even if you’ve roamed outside the US. Use our exclusive link below and you get instant access to over 1,000 VPNs servers across the world. A single membership to Ivacy also means you can protect up to 10 gadgets at a time.

Pros: Connection is steady when using multiple devices, notifications mention if Ivacy is disabled, server locations split by country and city
Cons: We think the ExpressVPN mobile app is faster, below-average results in our chat support speed test
Try Ivacy today

NordVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.49 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3.99 per month (40% off)
• 2-year subscription: £2.79 per month (58% off)

Here’s another VPN for your shortlist if you want to use PBS while you’re travelling.

NordVPN has servers all over the world and every one of them is protected by military-grade encryption. They’re extremely secure and you can connect without handing over your personal data to companies that shouldn’t own it.

Pros: Built-in internet kill switch works well, profile page on app includes 'Security score' with privacy tips, takes less than a minute to reach a live chat agent (based on our tests)
Cons: Other VPNs tested are cheaper, some streaming services require multiple resets to work
Try NordVPN today

PureVPN

• 1-month subscription: $10.95 per month (12% off)
• 1-year subscription: $3.74 per month (70% off)
• 2-year subscription + 4 extra months: $1.96 per month (84% off)

If your current VPN doesn’t work with PBS, partner up with a better alternative. PureVPN is a great example, being powerful enough to unlock geo-locked websites so you can enjoy them without a hassle. You’ll be able to log in to your PBS account even if you’re in a country where it doesn’t usually work.

PBS aside, PureVPN also works with ITV Hub, Hulu and Amazon Prime. There are around 2,000 secure PureVPN servers based in over 130 different countries.

Pros: Surprisingly affordable considering features, lots of UK and US-based servers, generous with simultaneous devices
Cons: Takes a couple of minutes to reach live chat agents (based on our tests), performs better on iOS compared to Android (in our experience)
Try PureVPN today

How to watch PBS using a VPN

1. Pick one of our suggested VPNs– we’ll useExpressVPNfor this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account,sign in.
3. From your device,download and open the ExpressVPN appandselect a server based in the United States.
4. Once you’re connected, load up PBS.
5. Log into your PBS account and enjoy.

FAQs: Using PBS from outside the US

Can I use a free VPN with PBS?

If your VPN isn’t letting you stream TV shows through PBS, you might think about a free VPN. However, we recommend that you stay away for the following reasons:

Some free VPNs aren’t safe. Because you don’t pay a monthly fee, free VPNs will often sell your personal data just to make a profit.

Free VPNs can be slow. They might take a long time to connect to a server that works with your bookie, and your connection could drop without warning.

You might not get many servers. The best VPNs have servers all over the world, which means you can instantly unlock TV streams and movies. However, free VPNs only cover a small number of countries.

How can I watch PBS?

There are a couple of ways you can tune in. You can watch PBS through your local PBS station, cable/satellite providers, the PBS website, and the PBS Video app. Many PBS programs are also available on streaming platforms like PBS Passport and PBS Kids.

PBS Passport is an exclusive club that’s only available to worthy members. Essentially, it gives you access to an on-demand library of content. However, note that it’s only available to donors who contribute a certain amount to their local PBS station. You can find out more on the PBS website.

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