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gettyjoe's avatar
gettyjoe
Aspirant
Aug 09, 2017
Solved

Orbi not compatible with Netflix?

Netflix just won't work with the new Orbi.  We're getting an error message stating that it looks like we're using an unblocker or VPN...we're not.  The guy at Netflix told my wife that, in effect, Netflix doesn't work with Orbi because of the way devices switch between one unit and the other to get the best signal, or something like that.  I switched back to our older Netgear router and everything's perfect.

 

All software is up to date.  I'm semi-computer-literate but I can follow directions!

Has anyone run into this?  Is there a fix?

19 Replies

  • Are all streaming services problematic or just Netflix? I suspect your problem has more to do with the device you're using to stream (Roku, Amazon Stick, etc.) than the service.
    • gettyjoe's avatar
      gettyjoe
      Aspirant

      Thanks for the reply.  We were attempting to stream Netflix through a smart TV, two different PC laptops and a chromebook.  Same error message for all. 

  • Orbi works fine with Netflix for me.  Do you maybe you have an old router still in use? Can you describe what equipment you have and how it's wired up?

     

    • gettyjoe's avatar
      gettyjoe
      Aspirant

      We had the Orbi hard wired into an Arris cable modem from our ISP.  All the devices (Sony smart TV, 2 PC laptops, Chromebook, 3iPhones on wifi.  Great signal and functionality with everything but Netflix.  Took the Orbi off and put our Netgear Nighthawk (R7000) back in and Netflix was immeditely great.

      FWIW, we could see Netflix on our devices, browse shows, etc. and it recognized us fine. But when we attempted to watch...error message.

  • the question is are you in the country allow to view the data or are you trying to break some sort of geoblock

     

    if trying to jump a geo block you may need to have the r7000 running as the router and turn of its wifi and have the orbi system running in AP mode behind it just doing the wifi

     

    i suspect its a dns issue

    • rhester72's avatar
      rhester72
      Virtuoso

      Could also be that the switch to Orbi prompted a DHCP address change from the ISP, and the one the OP got just so happened to previously be assigned to someone who was known to run a relay like Tor.  If that's the case, it'll expire on its own...eventually.

       

      Netflix in particular is also VERY intolerant of IPv6 gateways like Hurricane Electric.

       

      Rodney

      • cyberprashant's avatar
        cyberprashant
        Luminary

        no problems here w charter cable for > 1 yr with orbi + netflix. (RBR50)

    • gettyjoe's avatar
      gettyjoe
      Aspirant

      Thanks!  We're just an average family in Northern CA,USA trying to watch Netflix!

    • cyberprashant's avatar
      cyberprashant
      Luminary

      i watch netflix all the time on Chromecast and sometimes on the dish network tuner netflix app - no issues.  Make sure your router or satellite isn't too far from the device. 

       

      I have : everything default I didn't change the WMM.  OpenDNS parental control (if you're using circle try disabling that?).   Also turn OFF fast roaming but leave these checked

       

      Enable Implicit BEAMFORMING - Boosts WiFi speed, reliability, & range for all mobile devices
      Enable MU-MIMO

       

      Try a chromecast they work great

  • Just set up my Orbi systems 3 weeks ago.  No problem with Netflix both from wired devices ad wireless.  Good luck!

    • cyberprashant's avatar
      cyberprashant
      Luminary

      Occasionally on my TV's built in app netflix hiccups - I think this is more a netflix issue.  Try signing out of the app and back in.  No problems on iPads, chromecasts, and netflix all sorts of different places and locations.   Perhaps try a different wifi channel if you're in a congested wifi neighborhood.   Try channel 1 or 11.   


  • gettyjoe wrote:

    ...

    The guy at Netflix told my wife that, in effect, Netflix doesn't work with Orbi because of the way devices switch between one unit and the other to get the best signal, or something like that.

    ... 

    I think they're going to have to come up with a better excuse than this. If Orbi had this problem, then all the other distributed/mesh systems out there should also be "incompatable" with Netflix. This is not the case, though. Whether or not you are jumping from satellite to satellite would be completely transparent to Netflix.

    As a test, I just started a Netflix stream on my laptop and then started moving around the house. I verifiably saw my laptop jump from one Orbi satellite to another, and Netflix never missed a beat. So, gotta call b.s. on their claim that "Netflix doesn't work with Orbi".

  • Did you manage to solve this. I’m having trouble with Netflix thinking I’m using a vpn, proxy etc.

    I just need a very simple explanation of what to do as it’s annoying as hell
    • FURRYe38's avatar
      FURRYe38
      Guru - Experienced User

      What model Orbi do you have?

      What Firmware version is currently loaded?
      What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

       

      What device are you using with Netflix? 

      Connected wirelessly or wired to the Orbi system? 

       

      Netflix is compatible. Probably a configuration issue is all. 

       


      Dacs wrote:
      Did you manage to solve this. I’m having trouble with Netflix thinking I’m using a vpn, proxy etc.

      I just need a very simple explanation of what to do as it’s annoying as hell

       

      • Dacs's avatar
        Dacs
        Aspirant

        Hey! Thanks for replying.

         

        My current set up is;

         

        Model ORBI RBR50

         

        Firmware V2.7.3.22

         

        Virgin hub 3.0

         

        its a Samsung brand TV connected wirelssly.

         

        signal tests is about 180mbps

         

        the connections are fine and I can use Netflix normally. It's happened twice where I get a Netflix error that I'm using a vpn etc and suddenly I can only see global content.

         

        it's happened to me once before and that was with a different router. A BT one.