9Now is a popular free-to-air, ad-supported streaming service provided by the Nine Network in Australia. While anyone can access the 9Now website, only Australian users can actually stream its content. This limitation can be frustrating for those who want to catch their favorite shows from abroad. Fortunately, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you bypass these geo-restrictions by masking your real IP address. However, there are times when users find that 9Now Not Working with a VPN. This guide will cover the common causes of this problem and provide you with effective solutions to ensure you can enjoy 9Now without any hiccups.
Why is 9Now not Available in my Country?
Before delving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why 9Now restricts access to users outside Australia. The platform licenses content on a regional basis, meaning they have rights to show specific shows and movies only within certain geographical areas. To protect these licensing agreements, 9Now employs geo-blocking technology, which restricts users from accessing its content based on their IP addresses. This is where a VPN comes into play, allowing users to connect to servers in Australia to obtain a local IP address and access 9Now’s offerings.
Why won’t 9Now work with my VPN?
VPNs are generally effective for accessing geo-restricted content, there can be several reasons why 9Now may not work as intended:
- Outdated VPN Software: Your VPN service may not be able to circumvent geo-blocking measures if it is not up to date.
- IP Address Leak: If your real IP address is exposed (due to a DNS leak or WebRTC leak), 9Now may detect your true location.
- Blocked VPN Servers: 9Now frequently blocks known IP addresses of VPN servers; if you are connected to one of these, access may be denied.
- Unsuitable VPN Protocols: Using ineffective VPN protocols can negatively affect your ability to connect to streaming services.
- Inadequate VPN Provider: Not all VPN services are built equally; some may struggle to bypass 9Now’s restrictions.
How to Fix 9Now Not Working with a VPN
If you find that 9Now isn’t working when connected to a VPN, consider the following solutions to get back on track:
1. Check for VPN Software Updates
The first and most straightforward step is to ensure your VPN software is current. Many VPN providers issue updates to enhance their services, fix bugs, and improve their ability to bypass geo-blocks like those employed by 9Now. Open your VPN application and look for any notifications indicating that an update is available. If prompted, follow the instructions to update your software.
2. Change Your VPN Protocol
VPNs offer various protocols that dictate how data is routed and encrypted between your device and the VPN server. Some protocols prioritize speed, while others focus on security. If you’re having issues accessing 9Now, consider switching protocols. Steps to change your protocol usually involve going to the VPN settings within the app. Test different protocols (like OpenVPN, IKEv2, etc.) to see which one successfully connects you to 9Now.
3. Connect to Different Australian Servers
If 9Now has blocked the server you’re currently using, connecting to a different Australian server can often resolve the issue. Most reputable VPN providers offer multiple servers in Australia, so disconnect from your current server and explore other locations. If your VPN provides a large selection, try connecting to several until you find one that works with 9Now.
4. Clear Browser Cookies and Cache
Sometimes, the problem lies not with your VPN but with the stored data on your browser. Browsers store cookies and cached data to improve user experience; however, these files can also retain information about your actual location. If cookies indicate you’re outside Australia, 9Now will block you. Here’s how to clear cookies and cache in Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome on your device.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select “More Tools,” then click “Clear browsing data.”
- Under the “Advanced” tab, set the time range to “All time.”
- Check boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
- Click “Clear data.”
After clearing the cookies and cache, try accessing 9Now again.
5. Consider Switching Your VPN Provider
If you’ve tried the above solutions and still cannot access 9Now, it may be time to reevaluate your VPN choice. Not all VPNs possess the capability to consistently unblock streaming services, especially as these platforms regularly enhance their geo-blocking measures. Consider opting for a trusted and proven VPN service that specializes in unblocking content. In our tests, NordVPN has proven to be an effective option to access 9Now without complications.
How to Set Up a Reliable VPN for 9Now
If you decide to switch to a more capable VPN, follow these steps to set it up:
- Visit the VPN provider’s official website and purchase a suitable plan.
- Download the app compatible with your device (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.).
- Install the app and log in with your account credentials.
- Select a server located in Australia and connect to it.
- Once the connection is active, visit the 9Now website or app and start streaming!
Conclusion
Accessing 9Now from outside Australia is entirely feasible using a suitable VPN, but encountering issues is not uncommon. By staying on top of software updates, changing protocols, using different servers, clearing browser cookies, and possibly switching your VPN provider, you can enjoy the wealth of content available on 9Now. Remember that a reliable and known VPN service will significantly reduce the chances of encountering geo-blocking issues, allowing you to enjoy seamless streaming capabilities.
