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How to Turn Off Proxy on Netflix: Fix Streaming Errors [2026]

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How to Turn Off Proxy on Netflix: A Technical Guide to Bypassing the M7111-5059 Error

If you are staring at the screen with the code M7111-5059 or the message "Whoops, something went wrong... You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy," you have hit Netflix's formidable firewall. As a senior proxy expert, I encounter this issue constantly when testing datacenter proxies and VPNs for geo-spoofing.

In 2025, Netflix's detection algorithms have evolved beyond simple IP blocking. They utilize deep packet inspection (DPI) and browser fingerprinting to identify traffic originating from data centers rather than residential ISPs. To fix this, you need to strip away the middleware—the proxy or VPN—and present a clean, residential IP address to the Netflix server.

This guide details exactly how to disable proxy configurations across various operating systems and network environments.

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Understanding the Netflix Proxy Error

Before "turning it off," it is crucial to understand what Netflix is detecting. While users often interchange the terms VPNs and Proxies, Netflix treats them similarly if the IP address belongs to a hosting provider (Datacenter IP) rather than an Internet Service Provider (Residential IP).

Why Netflix Blocks Proxies: Netflix licenses content by region. A show available on Netflix USA may not be licensed for Netflix UK. When you use a proxy to mask your location, you violate these licensing terms.

Detection Mechanisms: 1. IP Blacklisting: Netflix maintains a database of known IP ranges belonging to VPN and proxy providers. 2. DNS Leakage: If your DNS requests go through a different server than your traffic (e.g., your ISP's DNS while the traffic goes through a VPN), Netflix flags the mismatch. 3. Timezone Mismatches: If your device's timezone (e.g., set to New York) does not match the GPS/ISP location of your IP (e.g., a server in Frankfurt), access is denied.

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Method 1: Disabling System-Level Proxies (Windows & macOS)

Most users inadvertently enable a proxy or install "free" browser extensions that route traffic through a proxy. Here is how to ensure your OS is clean.

For Windows 10/11

1. Open the Start Menu and type "Proxy settings". 2. Under the Manual proxy setup section, look for the "Use a proxy server" toggle. 3. Toggle this switch to OFF. 4. *Crucial Step:* Scroll down to "Automatically detect settings." Ensure this is ON. This allows Windows to automatically find the correct network settings provided by your ISP, which prevents manual misconfigurations that trigger Netflix. 5. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns to clear any old DNS resolution data that might point to the proxy.

For macOS (Sonoma and newer)

1. Click the Apple Menu > System Settings. 2. Click Network in the sidebar. 3. Select your active network service (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) on the right. 4. Click Details. 5. Click the Proxies tab. 6. Uncheck every box on this list (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SOCKS). 7. Ensure "Bypass proxy settings for these Hosts & Domains" remains empty unless you have a specific corporate requirement.

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Method 2: Handling VPN Applications

If you are using a commercial VPN, simply closing the window often leaves the "TUN/TAP" adapter active in the background. To truly "turn off" the proxy effect:

1. Locate the App: Look in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS) for the VPN client (e.g., NordLayer, OpenVPN Connect). 2. Disconnect: Click the disconnect button. 3. Quit the App: Right-click the icon and select "Quit" or "Exit." (Important: Leaving the app running can sometimes cause "IP leak," where the app briefly reconnects when triggered). 4. Browser Extensions: If you are using a browser-based proxy (like a Chrome extension), go to chrome://extensions/ and remove or disable the extension. Even if toggled "off," some extensions modify browser headers in ways Netflix detects.

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Method 3: Router-Level Configurations (Smart TVs & Consoles)

This is the most common issue for users streaming on Roku, Fire Stick, PS5, or Smart TVs. You cannot easily change proxy settings on the device itself; you must modify the router.

Scenario A: You installed a "Smart DNS" or "VPN Router" firmware

If you previously installed DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or a Smart DNS service to watch US Netflix:

1. Identify your Router Gateway IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). 2. Log in to the Admin Panel. 3. For Smart DNS: Look for the DNS Settings under "WAN" or "Setup." Change the Static DNS back to "Automatic" or enter a public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). 4. For Router VPNs: If you flashed your router with VPN firmware (e.g., ExpressVPN firmware), navigate to the WAN settings and disable the "OpenVPN Client." Reboot the router immediately.

Scenario B: DNS Hijacking

Sometimes, no proxy is "on," but your DNS settings are pointing to a Unlocator or similar service.

Check on LG/Samsung Smart TV:

  • Go to Settings > Network > Network Status.
  • Go to IP Settings.
  • Change DNS Setting from "Manual" to "Automatic".

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    Method 4: Browser Specifics (Web Player)

    If you only face the error on a specific browser (Chrome/Edge) but not the app:

    1. Disable WebRTC

    Netflix sometimes uses WebRTC to detect your real IP location even if you are behind a proxy. To disable WebRTC:

  • Chrome: Enter chrome://flags/#webrtc-hide-local-ips-with-mdns and set to Enabled (though this is a mitigation, the best fix is turning off the proxy).
  • Firefox: Go to about:config, set media.peerconnection.enabled to false.

    • 2. Clear Cookies and Cache

    Netflix stores location data in local storage.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
  • Select "Cookies" and "Cached images and files."
  • Change the time range to All Time.
  • Clear data.

3. Incognito Mode

Test the stream in an Incognito/Private window. If it works there, a third-party extension (not necessarily a VPN, perhaps an ad blocker) is interfering. Disable extensions one by one.

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Advanced Troubleshooting: Why It Won't Turn Off

If you have followed the steps above and still see the error, the issue is likely Residue or IP Pool Issues.

1. The "Dirty IP" Problem

If you disconnect a VPN but your internet cuts out, your ISP might have leased you a new IP. If that IP was previously used by a spambot or VPN user, it might already be on Netflix's blacklist.

Solution: Reboot your modem (unplug for 30 seconds). This forces your ISP to release your current IP and request a new one from the DHCP pool.

2. IPv6 Leaks

Netflix prefers IPv6. If you disable an IPv4 VPN but your IPv6 tunnel is active, Netflix may see the IPv6 address (your real location) conflicting with the IPv4 address (your proxy).

Solution: In your network adapter settings, untick "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" temporarily to force IPv4 only, or ensure your VPN supports IPv6 leak protection (kill switch).

3. Google DNS / Public DNS

If you manually set your computer to use Google DNS or OpenDNS to bypass censorship, turn it back to Automatic. Netflix sometimes flags static public DNS usage as suspicious when combined with varying traffic patterns.

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Code Verification: Checking Your External IP

As an engineer, I like to verify the endpoint directly. You can use Python to check what IP Netflix sees.

import requests

Netflix uses specific fastly endpoints to check IP


You can check your 'Public IP' which is what Netflix matches against its GeoIP database.


try: response = requests.get('https://api.ipify.org?format=json') print(f"Your Current Public IP: {response.json()['ip']}")


# Optional: Check if the IP is a known datacenter IP # (Requires a local database or API call to an IP intelligence service) except Exception as e: print(f"Error determining IP: {e}")

If the IP returned by this script does not match your physical location, you have not successfully turned off your proxy.

Summary Checklist

1. Kill the App: Fully exit VPN/Proxy software. 2. OS Settings: Toggle "Use a Proxy" to OFF in Windows/Mac Network Settings. 3. Router: Reset DNS to Automatic and disable any VPN Client configs. 4. Flush: Run ipconfig /flushdns and clear browser cache. 5. Reboot: Restart your modem to get a fresh ISP IP address.

By following these technical steps, you strip away the tunneling protocols that Netflix identifies as "unblockers," restoring your access to the streaming library.

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