Star+ not working with VPN: try these EASY fixes (walkthrough)

Star+ is a streaming app for live sports, TV and films, but it’s geo-restricted – so you might have trouble using it in some countries. A VPN is meant to hide your location and unlock the service, but what if Star+ isn’t working with your VPN?

If your current VPN isn’t working with Star+, the service (which is only available officially in Latin America) might have blocked the VPN server you’re using. Run through our list of fixes below to troubleshoot the issue.

Which VPNs work with Star+?

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 Star+ not working with my VPN?

Star+ isn’t unlocking because you’re trying to use it from a restricted territory. A superior VPN can help you solve that problem, or you can try troubleshooting your current one.

When we try to load the website from the UK, we get a message that says: ‘Star+ is not available in your region.’ But a VPN can fix this – we just need to connect to a server based in Argentina or Brazil.

Why does my VPN get detected?

If your VPN isn’t secure, Star+ will blacklist the server you’re using, which means your VPN fails. The worst ones we’ve tried in-house take ages to replace blacklisted servers.

The best VPNs for Star+ do a brilliant job of replacing servers that have stopped working. That means that even if the streamer disables a server, a replacement will be up in no time.

In summary, common Star+ problems:

• The website is blocking the IP address assigned to your device by your VPN.
• Your internet connection is poor and so your VPN can’t do its job effectively.
• Cookies on your device reveal your true location while you’re in an area that doesn’t support Star+.
• Your VPN is broken and sharing your real IP address with Star+.

Try these Star+ fixes

1. Make sure you update your VPN

If you’re using a computer, load up your VPN and go to Settings. Look for the Update button.

From an Android, update your VPN via the Play Store app. Start by tapping on your profile picture and select Manage apps.

From an iPhone, open the App Store and, in the corner, tap your user profile. Now, you can easily check for and install any available updates.

2. Swap to a different server

VPNs deal with server outages every so often, so we suggest switching to a different VPN server based in Argentina or Brazil. 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. Reach out to VPN support

Our recommended providers manage teams that deal with problems you’re having. If you can’t watch Star+ shows while abroad, message them.

4. Test your internet

Let’s see if your internet is to blame for Star+ issues. Disconnect from your wi-fi, reconnect and try the VPN again. You can also run a full network reset by resetting your router.

Note your download speed using an internet speed tool, like this one from Ookla. The test lets you compare download speeds with your ISP’s ‘minimum guaranteed speed.’

5. Restart your VPN

If switching VPN servers doesn’t unlock Star+, uninstall and then reinstall your VPN. Then, open your VPN and the streaming app or website to see if the issue has been resolved.

More Star+ solutions:

Clear cache and cookies. From a Chrome browser, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. And on Safari (the browser that Apple gadgets use), head to Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data.

Type your VPN username and password once again. You might have made an error, so check you’ve entered your VPN login details correctly.

Find out if you’re impacted by a DNS leak. A DNS (domain name system) leak shares your true IP address and location to services even if you have a VPN. Use our IP Address Lookup tool to see if your IP address adjusts when you activate your VPN and visit Star+. If not, that’s a sure sign your VPN is broken.

Check your servers. If you can’t connect to a server that successfully unlocks Star+, your provider might be at fault. Top-rated VPNs (we like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Ivacy and PureVPN) are quick to fix broken servers.

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

Are you using the right browser? Ensure that your web browser is compatible with your VPN. If you’ve updated your VPN, don’t forget to update your browser as well. On Chrome, access Settings > About Chrome.

Best VPNs for Star+

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 the VPN you’re using right now can’t unlock Star+, switch to ExpressVPN – it’s easy to use, fast and works well if you’re aiming to stream TV shows and movies from outside Latin America.

Even if Star+ temporarily disables an IP address you’re using, it’ll have a replacement server (with a new IP) up and running in no time. To access your account, all you need to do is open up ExpressVPN and connect to a server in Argentina or Brazil.

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 for your shortlist if you can’t stream from Star+. NordVPN has servers across the globe and they’re encrypted – that means you’ll be safe when using public wi-fi networks.

The servers here are super secure and you can connect without handing over personal data. NordVPN never keeps track of how you’re using the service, so privacy is guaranteed. We also really 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 Star+ and we appreciate the budget-priced subscriptions on offer. This software uses encryption technology to remain secure and offers public wi-fi security that protects against malware.

You can use Ivacy to unlock Star+ without third parties (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 Star+, you need to swap to a better service. PureVPN is a nice example as it’s effective enough to bypass geo-locked websites and services. You’ll be able to log in to your Star+ streaming account even if you’ve roamed abroad.

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 Star+ abroad

At a glance: To use Star+ while travelling, download a VPN, sign in to your account and connect to a server in Argentina or Brazil.

Step 1. Install a VPN on your device

To stream content that’s geo-locked, you need a trusted VPN. By choosing wisely, you’ll get instant access to a tool that’s both easy to use and secure.

Step 2. Sign in to your VPN

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

Step 3. Connect to a server for Star+

As Star+ is designed to serve countries making up Latin America, you should connect to a VPN server based in Argentina or Brazil.

Using ExpressVPN, open the app, tap the three dots icon and use the search box to enter a location. Then, click the power icon to connect and wait for the green light.

Common questions

Can I use a free VPN for Star+?

We don’t recommend it. Free VPNs for Star+ could sell your information for money since they do not charge a fee. Connecting to a VPN server might take a long time and your connection could drop at any time, locking you out of Star+ and its streams.

Does Star+ monitor my IP address?

Your IP address is recorded by the website and mobile app every time you load them up. This system is in place to prevent viewers from watching outside an officially-supported country. But an effective VPN lets you watch from anywhere.

Why does Star+ freeze?

If you have rubbish internet, Star+ will keep pausing to buffer the next couple of seconds of video. You can try turning your router off and on again. And if that fails, connect to a different VPN server.

What shows are on Star+?

The service continues to grow, with some of the most popular picks including The Boss, Impuros, Not My Fault, Planners and Repatriated.

How to watch Star+ 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 Argentina or Brazil.
4. Once you’re connected to that server, head to the Star+ website.

Watch Star+ 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 Argentina or Brazil.
4. Once connected, head to the Star+ website.

How to watch Star+ on iPhone

1. Head to the Apple App Store from your iPhone.
2. Download the ExpressVPN app to your device.
3. Download the Star+ 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 Argentina or Brazil
5. Now that you’re connected to a VPN, open the Star+ app and log in to your account.

Watch Star+ 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 Star+ 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 Argentina or Brazil.
5. Now that you’re connected to a VPN, open the Star+ app and log in to your account.

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