How to Fix the Amazon Prime VPN Error Easily in 2024
If you’ve tried using your Amazon Prime Video account with a VPN but received the HTTP proxy error on your screen instead — you’re not alone. Many subscribers have come across this issue since there are lots of VPNs that don’t work with Amazon Prime Video.
Most likely, the streaming platform detected you were using a VPN or Smart DNS proxy (which is especially common for Smart TVs). Amazon Prime blocks all VPNs and proxies it detects, even if you use a local IP address, to fight against users who bypass geoblocks with VPNs.
VPNs make it possible to stream Amazon Prime Video in HD from anywhere. On top of that, using a VPN keeps your online activities and data secure and prevents your ISP from throttling your speeds.
The funny thing is, an error might pop up even if you’re NOT using a VPN, and the solution is… to use a VPN. My personal favorite is ExpressVPN — it keeps my connection secure while streaming my local Amazon Prime Video library. Besides, the VPN comes with excellent speeds for 4K streaming. Better yet, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Fix the Amazon Prime VPN Error Now
Quick Guide: How to Fix the Amazon Prime VPN Error in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a premium VPN. Choose a reliable service that can easily fix the Amazon Prime proxy error. I recommend ExpressVPN with its military-grade encryption and obfuscated servers.
- Connect to a server. Closeby servers will offer you the best speeds for streaming Amazon Prime Video.
- Start watching Amazon Prime Video. You can stream your favorite shows without seeing the proxy error on your screen. If it reappears, simply disconnect, clear your browser’s cookies, and connect to another local VPN server.
7 Ways to Fix the Amazon Prime VPN Proxy Error
Amazon Prime blocks VPNs using 3 main techniques: blacklisting the IP addresses that belong to VPNs, scanning for IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks, and using GeoIP databases (like Maxmind) to identify IP addresses.
There are several ways to fix the Amazon Prime VPN error. Some of them are as easy as “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” — just restart your devices and router. You can also try to change VPN protocols and switch encryption settings. If these simple solutions don’t work, check the other troubleshooting methods listed below.
Before you do anything, make sure your internet connection is stable and disable your antivirus or firewall software (they can affect connectivity). Alternatively, you can add a VPN to your Trusted Apps. Also, make sure there aren't other VPN apps running on your device.
1. Switch to a Quality VPN Provider
Amazon Prime Video is constantly increasing its efforts to block VPNs. It has trackers to identify blocked IP addresses, which can’t be used to access the platform. That’s why it’s so important to choose a provider that is consistently able to connect without generating an error message. The best VPN to watch Amazon Prime Video in high quality from anywhere is ExpressVPN. It uses advanced obfuscation techniques to avoid detection from streaming platforms. Plus, it consistently offers fast speeds to let you stream in Ultra HD and has robust security features to keep your data safe while you stream.
2. Connect to Another VPN Server
The most common reason for the Amazon Prime Video VPN error message is that Amazon has blacklisted the IP address of the particular server you’re using. Sometimes, disconnecting your VPN, selecting a new local server, and refreshing the page can solve the issue.
Connecting to a server closer to your actual location will likely give you the steadiest connections and faster speeds. Videos might not load if the server is overcrowded — try another server if necessary.
3. Clear Cookies and Cache
You can clear your browser cookies in Google Chrome by pressing Control/Command + Shift + Delete on your keyboard, selecting all 3 checkboxes from the window that pops up, and clicking the Clear Data button. If you’re using your mobile or a tablet, it’s possible to accomplish this from the settings menu of the web browser.
Alternatively, you can find the cookie cache settings under Privacy & Security (Chrome and Firefox), Clear Browsing Data (Edge), or Manage Website Data (Safari).
4. Update Your VPN App
Mobile VPN apps usually update automatically, however, that’s not the case for desktop clients. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store to see whether you’re using the newest version, and download the update if necessary. You can also check your VPN app — sometimes, they have notifications saying “Update available.”
5. Flush Your DNS
Another thing that might affect your VPN connection is DNS entries stored by your ISP. They’re stored on your device in an appropriate cache. Flushing your DNS might solve the issue — let’s do it by following the steps below.
On Windows:
- Press the Windows key + R and type cmd in the window that comes up.
- Type ipconfig/flushdns in the command prompt and hit Enter.
- You should get this notification: “Successfully flushed the DNS resolver cache.”
- Reconnect your VPN server and refresh Amazon Prime Video.
On Mac:
- Press Command + Space on your keyboard, type Terminal, and open the app.
- Enter this command
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder - Insert your Mac’s password and press Enter to clear the DNS cache.
6. Check Your Smart TV Configuration
If you’re using a Smart TV and getting an error, it’s likely that the TV is configured to use the Smart DNS proxy service. Proxy servers can make Amazon Prime Video and other streaming platforms behave oddly, so configuring your Smart TV to use a quality VPN is an easy fix for that as well.
7. Update System Date and Time
Incorrect system date and time can create an issue in accessing Amazon Prime Video. Ensure it’s accurate; if not, follow the steps below to fix it.
On Windows:
- Go to Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
- Turn off Set time Automatically and click Change.
- Select your current time zone from the drop-down menu.
- Restart your VPN.
On Mac:
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences > Date & Time.
- Turn off the Set time and date automatically.
- Manually enter the time or change your time zone.
- Restart your VPN.
Best VPNs to Fix the Amazon Prime Video Proxy Error in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Strong Encryption and Obfuscation to Avoid Amazon Prime VPN Error
Tested December 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Security & Privacy | Military-grade encryption and obfuscation technology to secure your traffic |
Speeds | The fastest VPN I tested to stream Amazon Prime in UHD with no buffering |
Server Network | 3,000 servers across 105 countries |
Compatible with | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
Each server is obfuscated to hide your VPN traffic and prevent Amazon Prime HTTP proxy error. Robust security features include military-grade encryption that scrambles your traffic, making your data unreadable by anyone. Plus, Perfect Forward Secrecy constantly changes your encryption key, so hackers can’t intercept your private information.
This service is headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — intelligence-sharing countries. It follows a strict no-logs policy, so your browsing activity can’t be collected and stored. Besides, RAM-only servers (TrustedServer tech) wipe your data with every reboot. There’s also a Network Lock/kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection fails, but it didn't happen to me.
ExpressVPN has a reliable server network of 3,000 servers across 105 countries, offering reliable HD access to Amazon Prime Video from anywhere. While in the US, I tested many US servers, and most of them worked well with my Amazon Prime US subscription. An error message popped up twice, but I regained access immediately after switching to another server.
My average download speed on the US servers was 118.2Mbps — just a 6% drop compared to my base connection. This is quite impressive, as you only need 25Mbps for UHD streaming. I watched Homecoming on my Amazon Prime Video US account with no buffering. The VPN provides unlimited bandwidth, which means you can stream and torrent without limits.
Since I like to watch Amazon Prime’s content on different devices, I was pleased to see that ExpressVPN offered an app for my Android Smart TV. You can also use MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like PlayStation and Xbox. ExpressVPN is compatible with every major streaming device, such as Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, and Apple TV, and provides 8 simultaneous connections.
All apps are user-friendly and come with 24/7 live chat and email support. There’s also a split tunneling feature that allows you to stream Amazon Prime with a VPN while other apps use regular internet traffic.
One downside is that the subscriptions are pricey, starting at $4.99/month. Luckily, ExpressVPN regularly offers generous discounts that save you money. I got 82% off and 3 extra months for free when I signed up for the 12-month plan. This longer subscription seems to be the most wallet-friendly. Besides major payment methods, it’s possible to use cryptocurrency.
You can conveniently get a refund if your experience doesn’t match mine since all subscriptions are backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee. To test this policy, I contacted customer support via live chat. I was asked to answer a few quick questions about my experience with the VPN, and the money was back in my bank account within 2 days.
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Watch Amazon Prime Video Easily
Security & Privacy | An automatic kill switch and strict no-logs policy to keep your online data safe |
Speeds | Excellent speeds for watching movies and shows on Amazon Prime Video interruption-free |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including streaming-optimized servers for Amazon Prime |
Compatible with | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
CyberGhost offers specialty servers optimized for streaming several Prime Video libraries in HD from anywhere. These include the US, UK, Japan, Italy, France, and Germany content catalogs. I tested CyberGhost’s US servers and watched The Handmaiden on my Amazon Prime Video US account trouble-free. Rhe servers rarely ever generated the VPN error.
My speed test results were impressive. The download speed didn’t drop below 108Mbps on every US server I tested, and the ping wasn’t higher than 50ms. My Amazon Prime US stream was totally uninterrupted.
Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is based outside the 15 Eyes Alliances (in Romania). Among the security and privacy features are DNS/ IPv6 leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. So you don’t have to worry about your online safety while web browsing. Plus, a dedicated US IP can help you avoid VPN blocks on Amazon Prime US. But using these servers requires an extra fee.
The VPN apps for Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick are available. Just go to the Amazon Store on your device, search for CyberGhost, and download an app onto your Fire TV/Stick. If you run into any issues, it’s possible to contact customer support via 24/7 live chat. I asked how to manually set up the VPN on my router and received a prompt and helpful reply. You can also connect up to 7 devices at the same time.
It’s disappointing to see that the short-term plans are expensive and come with a smaller money-back guarantee window (just 14 days). However, long-term subscriptions are more affordable — only $2.03/month. They also have an extended refund period.
You can test CyberGhost for free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is super simple if you’re not fully satisfied. All it takes is an email to customer service.
3. Private Internet Access — High-Speed Connections to Stream Prime Video From Anywhere Without Buffering
Security & Privacy | Shadowsocks obfuscation protocol to fix Amazon Prime HTTP proxy error with ease |
Speeds | Fast connection speeds for watching Amazon Prime in UHD |
Server Network | 29,650 servers in 91 countries |
Compatible with | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers fast speeds for watching Amazon Prime Video in good quality from anywhere. Unlimited bandwidth also lets you stream as much as you want. My speeds didn’t drop below 98.5Mbps on the US servers. While testing PIA’s US servers from New York, I played online games without lag. The VPN is suitable for fast and reliable P2P file-sharing too.
The MACE ad/malware/tracker blocker allows you to browse the web without annoying pop-ups. It’s useful on sites covered with ads like Forbes. There’s also AES 256-bit encryption and Shadowsocks obfuscation to help overcome the Amazon Prime VPN error. Similar to CyberGhost, PIA offers a dedicated IP (extra charged). Plus, I ran several leak tests on the US servers from New York, and my actual IP wasn’t exposed.
A slight drawback is that the apps aren’t the most user-friendly. However, PIA comes pre-configured with the best settings, so you don’t have to tweak anything yourself if you’re not tech-savvy. In case you ever get stuck, contacting customer support through 24/7 live chat is easy. Besides, a subscription allows Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Plans are reasonably priced — you can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month. I recommend choosing long-term subscription (like the 3-year option) as it offers the best value for money.
Thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee, getting a refund isn’t rocket science. I applied for it from the Client Control Panel on the official website, and my PayPal wallet was reimbursed quickly.
4. NordVPN — Reliable Server Network to Avoid Proxy Errors
Security & Privacy | AES 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection to secure your connection while streaming Amazon Prime |
Speeds | Good speeds for high-bandwidth activities like torrenting and gaming |
Server Network | 6,800 servers across 111 countries |
Compatible with | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and more |
NordVPN has a global server network spanning 111 countries. It boasts 17 locations in the US alone. This means you can safely watch Amazon Prime Video US in HD from anywhere without annoying proxy errors.
The connections provided by NordVPN servers were fast. I recorded an average of 95.4Mbps; however, the proprietary NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) gave me the fastest speeds. Plus, the VPN has unlimited bandwidth for streaming, browsing, and video calling without restrictions.
It took me less than 5 minutes to install the VPN on my MacBook. The apps and browser extensions are easy-to-use. NordVPN is also compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Roku, and Smart TVs. 10 simultaneous connections allow you to watch Amazon Prime on many devices. Besides, split tunneling lets you choose which apps use a VPN connection. This feature is available on Windows, Android, and Android TV.
One downside is that some servers take a long time to reply. But there’s a Quick connect option to choose the fastest server for your location. If you connect to an obfuscated server, it helps avoid the Amazon Prime VPN error.
Choosing the long-term plan brings the price down to $2.99/month. For example, a 2-year subscription is highly economical in the long run.
You can try NordVPN for free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee. I requested a refund via 24/7 live chat, and the total amount was transferred back to my bank account 5 days later.
Where Can I Watch Amazon Prime Video Online?
Amazon Prime Video is available worldwide, but much of its content is subject to region-specific broadcast restrictions and licensing agreements. That’s why Amazon often sets up blocks that stop you from viewing your usual content while traveling. Part of this strategy often includes blacklisting IP addresses that are known to belong to VPNs. This results in the Amazon Prime HTTP proxy error on your screen.
The two most commonly displayed errors are:
“Your device’s Internet connection is using an HTTP proxy which prevents playing your video. Please close or disable any proxy programs and try again.”
and
“Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again. For more help, go to primevideo.com/vpn.”
FAQs on Fixing the Amazon Prime VPN Error
Is using a VPN with Amazon Prime Video legal?
Yes, using a VPN with Amazon Prime to secure your connection is legal. After all, VPNs are tools to protect your sensitive data, especially on unsecured WiFi hotspots. They also prevent sites like Amazon from tracking your online activity.
However, circumventing geoblocked content might be in violation of Amazon Prime's terms of service. There exists a possibility of account termination, although it's quite rare. Some nations, such as China and Russia, also impose bans or restrictions on VPN usage. It's important to stay updated with the latest policies and rules pertaining to VPN use to avoid unintentionally infringing any regulations.
Why am I being redirected to primevideo.com/vpn?
Most likely, your VPN has been detected. Amazon Prime Video blocks your connection and displays an error message when it identifies the IP address you’re connecting from as one that belongs to a VPN provider. Only a tried-and-tested VPN can easily fix the Amazon Prime Video error.
Does Amazon Prime Video block all VPNs?
Amazon Prime Video blocks many VPNs (and proxy servers), but not all of them. A reliable VPN that regularly rotates its IP addresses can safely access Prime Video from anywhere.
What is the Amazon Prime Video Error 1044?
This error says that your connection type is invalid. It usually occurs because you’re using a VPN or proxy service with an IP address Amazon has blacklisted. Premium VPNs invest in their services to ensure they can safely access Prime Video and other platforms from anywhere.
Another error code you might encounter is 1042 — HTTP proxy not supported. Similarly, error 4601 shows the message that a video isn’t available due to geographical licensing restrictions.
Why does Amazon Prime think I’m using a VPN when I’m not?
Sometimes Amazon blacklists legitimate IP addresses by mistake. This has happened to many EE mobile service users in the UK. A surprising solution to this problem is downloading a VPN. Try a provider with local servers and obfuscation tech. Connect to your home country server to regain access to your Amazon Prime and protect your traffic.
Will I get the Amazon proxy error while traveling abroad?
You can get the Amazon proxy error abroad, the same as in your home country. If you want to safely stream your favorite Amazon Prime content from anywhere by protecting your connection on an unsecured WiFi hotspot (for example, in hotels, cafes, or airports), just use a premium VPN. Just note that some content from your home library might not be accessible abroad. Also, most quality VPNs come with obfuscation to hide the fact you’re using a VPN and prevent proxy errors.
When traveling abroad as an Amazon Prime member, you can explore the Watch While Abroad section to view the titles that are accessible. Nevertheless, it's important to note that the range of TV shows and movies you can access in this category is significantly limited.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming Amazon Prime Video?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Free services often lack proper security features like robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy. So it’s unlikely they can fix the Amazon Prime VPN error. It’s best to choose a low-cost premium VPN with AES 256-bit encryption and high-speed connections.
What’s more, free VPNs usually have limited server networks and force you to upgrade to their paid plans. They also limit bandwidth resulting in slow speeds and buffering. Even worse, they can be bundled with unwanted programs, trackers, and malware.
Fix the Amazon Prime VPN Error Now
If you’re a Prime member, you shouldn’t have to deal with error messages while trying to watch videos. A quality VPN can safely access Prime Video from anywhere by regularly updating its IP addresses to make sure they work.
ExpressVPN is my top choice to fix the Amazon Prime VPN error. It comes with military-grade encryption, excellent speeds, and ample reliable servers to get rid of the HTTP proxy error easily. You can test ExpressVPN without risk since it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, the best VPNs for fixing the Amazon Prime Video error are…
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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