Pluto TV doesn’t work with VPN: FIX it instantly (guide)

Pluto TV (backed by Paramount) is a region-locked streaming service – you might have trouble using it outside the US. A VPN should disguise your location and unlock content, but you need to know what to do if it stops working. Discover what to do if Pluto TV doesn’t work with your VPN.

Assuming your current go-to VPN isn’t letting you watch Pluto TV shows, the website has probably blocked the VPN server you’re using to spoof your location. On this page, we run through troubleshooting tips.

Which VPNs work with Pluto TV?

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 Pluto TV not working with my VPN?

We suspect Pluto TV isn’t unlocking because you’re trying to use the app from a blocked territory (outside the US) and Pluto TV knows what you’re up to.

Lots of other streaming services function in a similar way. For example, both ESPN+ and Crackle are limited to viewers in the United States. They’re accessible with a trusted VPN, though.

How does my VPN get detected?

If your VPN isn’t secure, Pluto TV will ban the server (and assigned IP address) you’re using, which means your VPN won’t unlock content. The best VPNs for Pluto TV will simply replace the servers that stop working.

Common Pluto TV issues:

• Pluto TV is blocking the temporary IP address assigned by your VPN server.
• Your internet connection is weak, which means your VPN can’t function.
• Cookies are revealing your true location outside the US.
• Your VPN is broken and sharing your real IP address with Pluto TV.

Pluto TV fixes

1. Check for VPN updates

From a computer, start by launching your VPN and go to the Settings page. Look for the Update option.

From Android, update your VPN through the Play Store app. Tap your profile picture and select Manage apps.

On an iPhone, open the App Store. In the corner, tap your user profile and check for available updates.

2. Use a different VPN server and IP address

VPNs servers will go down every so often. If you think this could be affecting your experience, switch to a different VPN server based in the US. Check if performance improves after making that change.

The steps you take to carry this out can differ depending on the VPN you’re using. For instance, if you’re using ExpressVPN, you can usually select the three dots icon to access a list of alternative servers within the same country.

3. Message VPN support

Top VPN providers including ExpressVPN and Ivacy manage teams that deal with problems you’re having. If you can’t watch Pluto TV outside the US, message them and discuss the issue.

4. Check your internet connection

Disconnect from your wi-fi network, then reconnect and try the VPN once more. You can also try a full network reset by restarting your router, which is usually done using a button on the back.

Note your download speed using a free speed tool, like this one from Ookla.

5. Restart your VPN

If switching VPN servers doesn’t unlock Pluto TV, uninstall and reinstall your VPN. Then, open your VPN and the streamer to see if the issue has been dealt with.

More Pluto TV fixes:

Try clearing cache and cookies. From Google Chrome, choose Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. From Safari, choose Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data.

Re-enter your username and password. Check you’ve typed your VPN login details correctly.

Investigate a potential DNS leak. A DNS leak shares your real IP address (and therefore your location) even if you have a VPN. Load up our IP Address Lookup tool to see if your IP changes when you activate your VPN. If not, your VPN is broken.

Check the servers. If you can’t connect to a server that works with Pluto TV, your provider might be at fault.

Check your firewall. On Windows, open Windows Security > Allow an app through the firewall. On Mac, try System Settings > Network > Firewall.

Check your browser Ensure that your web browser is compatible with your VPN by visiting your provider’s Help pages.

Best VPNs for Pluto TV

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)

🌎 Number of servers	160
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	5
⏱️ Our speed test results	-8.7% download, -5.5% upload (London)

If your VPN won’t unlock Pluto TV, give ExpressVPN a try – it’s easy to use, fast and works well if you’re aiming to stream TV shows and movies from outside the US.

We’ve noticed that ExpressVPN does a top job of replacing blacklisted servers. Even if Pluto TV temporarily disables an American server, it’ll have a replacement up in no time. To access your account, all you need to do is open up ExpressVPN and connect to a server in the US.

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

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)

🌎 Number of servers	5,200+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	6
⏱️ Our speed test results	-14% download, -7% upload (London)

Another VPN to look at if you can’t stream from Pluto TV. NordVPN has servers across the globe and they’re encrypted – that means you can stay safe on public wi-fi networks.

NordVPN doesn’t monitor how you use the service, so privacy is guaranteed. We like the CyberSec feature, which blocks suspicious-looking websites and reduces the risk of your device being infected with data-grabbing malware.

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

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)

🌎 Number of servers	5,700
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Ivacy can unlock Pluto TV and we like the affordable subscription options. It uses encryption technology to remain secure and offers public wi-fi security that protects against malware.

You can use Ivacy to unlock Pluto TV without anybody (including your own ISP) knowing about it. That’s thanks to Ivacy’s strict no-logs policy, which prevents your valuable personal data from being sold to sinister third parties.

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

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)

🌎 Number of servers	6,500+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

If your current VPN doesn’t work with Pluto TV, you need to swap to a better service. PureVPN is a impressive example as it’s powerful enough to bypass geo-locked websites. You’ll be able to log in to your Pluto TV account even if you’ve roamed outside the US.

There are over 6,000 super-secure PureVPN servers based in over 70 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 Pluto TV abroad

At a glance: To use Pluto TV outside the US, download a VPN, sign in to your account and connect to a server in America. Finally, reload the website or app.

Step 1. Install a VPN

To stream content that’s geo-locked, you need a trusted VPN. Pick from one of our recommended providers based on your budget.

Step 2. Sign in

Once you’ve created your VPN account, sign in with your email/username and password.

Step 3. Connect to a server for Pluto TV

As Pluto TV is designed for use in America, you need to connect to a VPN server based in the US to use it.

Using ExpressVPN, open the app, tap the three dots icon and use the search box to enter a US location. We’ve used New Jersey in our example below. Then, click the power icon to connect and wait for the green light.

Common questions

Are free VPNs any good?

If you’re trying to save money, free VPNs for Pluto TV can be tempting. Our advice is to avoid them entirely, however – they might sell your data as they don’t charge a monthly fee. Connecting to a VPN server might take a long time as well.

Is Pluto TV free?

Pluto TV is a free service as it’s supported by ads.

A message on the brand’s website says: ‘Pluto TV, a Paramount company, is the leading free streaming television service in America, [with] 200+ live and original channels and thousands of on-demand movies.’

Does Pluto TV IP addresses?

Your IP address is noted by Pluto TV when you load a TV show or movie. This is done to prevent users from watching content from outside the US. If you have a reliable VPN, you can tune in from anywhere you like.

Why does Pluto TV stop loading?

If you have a bad internet connection, Pluto TV will keep pausing to buffer the next couple of seconds of video. We suggest you try turning your router off and on again. If that doesn’t get results, connect to a different VPN server in the US.

How to watch Pluto TV on Windows

1. Pick one of our recommended VPNs and sign up – let’s use ExpressVPN for this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account, sign in using your username and password.
3. From your Windows device, open ExpressVPN and select a server located in the US.
4. Once you’re connected to that server, head to the Pluto TV website.

Watch Pluto TV on Mac

1. Pick one of our recommended VPNs and create your account – we’ll use ExpressVPN for this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account, sign in using your username and password.
3. From your Mac, open ExpressVPN and select a server located in the US.
4. Once connected, head to the Pluto TV website.

How to watch Pluto TV on iPhone

1. Head to the Apple App Store from your iPhone.
2. Download the ExpressVPN app to your device.
3. Download the Pluto TV app to your device – it’s on the Apple App Store.
4. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account, and then connect to a server based in the US.
5. Now that you’re connected to a VPN, open the Pluto TV app and log in to your account.

Watch Pluto TV on Android

1. Head to the Google Play Store from your Android tablet or smartphone.
2. Download the ExpressVPN app to your device.
3. Download the Pluto TV app to your device – it’s on the Google Play Store.
4. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account, and then connect to a server based in America.
5. Now that you’re connected to a VPN, open the Pluto TV app and log in to your account.

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