Struggling to get Disney Plus to play nice with your Surfshark VPN? You’re not alone, and it’s super frustrating when you just want to kick back and enjoy your favorite Marvel or Star Wars flick, only to be hit with an error message like “Service unavailable” or Error Code 73. But don’t worry, there are usually some straightforward steps you can take to get things working again. To quickly fix Disney Plus not working with Surfshark VPN, start by switching to a different Surfshark server in the same country. This often resolves the issue right away because Disney Plus frequently blocks specific VPN IP addresses. If that doesn’t work, clear your browser’s cache and cookies to remove any stored location data that might be giving away your real position.

It’s a common scenario: you’ve got your Surfshark VPN all fired up, connected to a server in a region where Disney Plus is available, only to find yourself blocked. This constant cat-and-mouse game between streaming services and VPN providers is real. Disney Plus, like many other streaming platforms, is constantly working to detect and block VPN connections to enforce its licensing agreements. So, if you’re experiencing issues, it’s not always a problem with Surfshark itself, but rather a temporary block that Disney Plus has put in place. The good news is that Surfshark is generally considered one of the reliable VPNs for accessing Disney Plus, even with its strong anti-VPN measures. In fact, our tests and research indicate that Surfshark consistently provides access to Disney Plus.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why Disney Plus sometimes throws a wrench in your VPN plans and give you a comprehensive, step-by-step troubleshooting checklist. We’ll also cover some common Disney Plus error codes you might encounter and how to deal with them. By the time we’re done, you should be back to enjoying Disney’s vast library of content, from Pixar to National Geographic, no matter where you are.

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Table of Contents

Why Disney Plus Blocks VPNs and Why it’s a Cat-and-Mouse Game

Ever wonder why streaming services like Disney Plus are so keen on blocking VPNs? It mostly boils down to licensing agreements and geo-restrictions. These massive media companies sign contracts with film and TV producers that often specify exactly where certain content can be shown. For example, a movie might be available on Disney Plus in the US, but due to a different licensing deal, it might be on another service in the UK, or not available there at all. To stick to these legal agreements and protect their revenue, Disney Plus has to make sure people are only watching content from their approved regions.

This creates a continuous “cat-and-mouse game” where Disney Plus develops advanced technology to detect VPN usage, and VPN providers like Surfshark work to bypass those blocks. It’s an ongoing battle, and sometimes Disney Plus gets the upper hand by identifying and blacklisting IP addresses associated with VPN servers. Statistics show that a significant portion of VPN users, about 50%, are using VPNs specifically to access “restricted entertainment content,” so this issue is widespread. In fact, during one period, Disney+ VPN usage reportedly shot up by 154%!

How Disney+ Detects VPNs

Disney Plus uses several methods to try and figure out if you’re using a VPN:

IP Blacklists: This is the most common method. Disney Plus maintains a list of IP addresses known to belong to VPN servers. When you connect through a VPN, you’re sharing an IP address with many other users. If too many connections come from the same IP address, or if that IP is known to be from a VPN provider, Disney Plus flags it and blocks access.
DNS/IP Leaks: Even with a VPN on, sometimes your real IP address or DNS requests can “leak” outside the encrypted tunnel. If this happens, Disney Plus can see your true location and block you, often resulting in error codes like 22 or 73. Reliable VPNs like Surfshark usually have built-in leak protection and a kill switch to prevent this.
GPS Detection: Especially on mobile devices, streaming services can compare your device’s GPS location with the IP address provided by your VPN. If they don’t match, that’s a red flag. This is why it’s often recommended to disable GPS on your mobile device when trying to stream with a VPN.
Deep Packet Inspection DPI: This is a more advanced technique where streaming platforms analyze the data packets sent from your device to determine if the traffic looks like typical VPN traffic. If it does, they can block it.

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Is Surfshark a Good VPN for Disney Plus?

With all these detection methods, you might be wondering, “Does Surfshark even work with Disney Plus?” The good news is, yes, Surfshark is generally considered a strong contender for streaming Disney Plus. It’s known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions on many streaming platforms, including Disney Plus, and offers excellent speeds for a smooth, buffer-free viewing experience in Full HD. Our tests have shown that Surfshark reliably unblocks Disney Plus.

However, even the best VPNs can hit a snag sometimes. The constant “cat and mouse” game means that an IP address that worked yesterday might be blacklisted today. If your Surfshark VPN isn’t working with Disney Plus right now, it’s likely due to one of these temporary blocks or a small configuration issue on your end. The key is knowing how to troubleshoot it, which we’ll get into next!

Common Error Codes You Might See

When Disney Plus detects a VPN, you often don’t just get a blank screen. Instead, you’re usually greeted with an error code. Knowing what these mean can give you a hint about the problem: Surfshark vpn down

Error Code 22 or 73: These are the most common ones you’ll see when Disney Plus detects you’re using a VPN or if the service isn’t available in your region. It essentially means “Service unavailable” or “Disney+ is not available at your location.”
Error Code 14: This sometimes indicates an incorrect password, but Disney Plus might return this if it notices VPN usage.
Error Code 42 or 142: These typically signal connection issues with the service. It could be a VPN server issue, slow speeds, or an issue on Disney’s side.
Error Code 83: This usually points to a device compatibility error.
Error Code 91 or 92: These might suggest Disney+ is throttling traffic from your IP address, possibly due to suspected VPN use.
Error Code 401 or 86: These could be related to cache problems, data corruption in the app, or account issues.

When you see any of these, especially 22 or 73, it’s a good sign that your VPN connection is being detected. Time to troubleshoot!

Your Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Checklist for Surfshark

let’s get down to business. If you’re encountering the “Disney Plus not working with Surfshark VPN” issue, here’s a comprehensive checklist of things you can try. Work your way through these steps, and chances are you’ll be streaming in no time.

1. Switch VPN Servers

This is usually the quickest and easiest fix. When Disney Plus blocks a VPN, it often targets specific IP addresses. Surfshark has thousands of servers across many countries, so simply disconnecting from your current server and connecting to a different one in the same country can often bypass the block. Unlocking Your Steam Deck’s Full Potential with Surfshark VPN

How to do it: Open your Surfshark app, disconnect from the current server, and then pick another server location within the country you want to access Disney Plus from e.g., if you’re trying to watch US Disney Plus, try a different US server.
Pro Tip: Look for servers that are less congested Surfshark sometimes shows server load or those labeled as “Fastest Streaming” if available, as these might offer better performance. Choosing a server physically closer to your actual location can also help reduce lag and improve speed.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

This step is super important. Even if your VPN is working perfectly, your browser might have old cookies and cached data stored from previous sessions that reveal your real location. Disney Plus can use this information to detect your true whereabouts, even if your IP address is hidden.

How to do it:
- For Desktop Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari: Go into your browser’s settings, look for “Privacy and security” or “History,” and find the option to clear “Browsing data” or “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files.” Make sure to clear data “All time” for the most thorough cleanse.
- For Mobile Disney+ app: If you’re using the Disney+ app, try logging out of the app completely, then clearing the app’s cache usually found in your device’s app settings under “Storage”. After clearing, restart your device, then log back into the Disney+ app while connected to your VPN.
Quick Bypass: For a quick test, try accessing Disney Plus in your browser’s Incognito or Private Browsing mode. This mode doesn’t use stored cookies or cache, giving you a “fresh” session.

3. Check for IP and DNS Leaks

An IP or DNS leak can expose your true location, making your VPN ineffective against Disney Plus’s geo-restrictions.

How to check: Connect to a Surfshark server, then visit a website like www.ipleak.net or similar online leak test tools. This tool will show you your detected IP address and DNS servers. If you see your real IP address or DNS servers associated with your actual location, you have a leak.
How to fix:
- Enable Surfshark’s Kill Switch: This feature automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP from being exposed. Make sure it’s activated in your Surfshark app settings.
- Enable DNS Leak Protection: Surfshark usually has this on by default, but it’s worth checking in the settings.
- Try Different Protocols: Sometimes changing your VPN protocol can help. More on this in the next step!

4. Change VPN Protocol

VPN protocols are the rules that determine how your data travels through the VPN tunnel. Some protocols are better at bypassing detection than others. Surfshark offers several.

How to do it: In your Surfshark app settings, look for “VPN settings” or “Protocol.” Experiment with different options.
- WireGuard: This is often Surfshark’s fastest and most recommended protocol for streaming due to its balance of speed and security.
- OpenVPN UDP/TCP: This is a very secure and widely used protocol. Try both UDP and TCP variations.
- IKEv2: Another solid choice, often good for mobile connections.
Obfuscation/Camouflage Mode: Surfshark has a “Camouflage mode” which is essentially obfuscation that makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, making it harder for Disney Plus to detect. If you find it, definitely enable it!

5. Disable GPS/Location Services

If you’re trying to watch Disney Plus on a mobile device phone, tablet or even a laptop, your device’s built-in GPS or location services can betray your real location.

*   On your phone/tablet: Go into your device's system settings e.g., "Settings" > "Location" on Android, or "Privacy & Security" > "Location Services" on iOS and disable location services entirely or at least for your browser and the Disney+ app.
*   In your browser: Some browsers might ask for location permissions. Make sure to deny them or disable them in your browser settings. You might also want to disable WebRTC in your browser settings, as it can sometimes leak your IP.

6. Try a Different Browser or Device

Sometimes the issue isn’t with the VPN itself, but with the browser or device you’re using. Surfshark dd-wrt

Different Browser: If you’re using Chrome, try Firefox, Edge, or Safari. This helps rule out browser-specific issues like stubborn cookies or extensions.
Different Device: If you’re having trouble on your smart TV app, try streaming Disney Plus through a web browser on your laptop or desktop first. This helps isolate whether the problem is with the app, the device, or the VPN connection itself.

7. Update Your Surfshark App and Device Software

Outdated VPN apps can have bugs or lack the latest methods to bypass geo-restrictions.

Surfshark App: Make sure your Surfshark app is always updated to the latest version. VPN providers constantly release updates to tackle new detection methods from streaming services. Reinstalling the app might also help.
Device Software: Ensure your operating system Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and the Disney Plus app itself are up to date. Sometimes compatibility issues can arise with older software versions.

8. Restart Your Device and Router

The classic IT solution! A simple restart can often clear temporary glitches and refresh your network connection.

How to do it: Turn off your computer, phone, or streaming device, and unplug your internet router for about 30 seconds. Plug the router back in, wait for it to fully connect, then restart your device and reconnect to Surfshark before trying Disney Plus again.

9. Contact Surfshark Customer Support

If you’ve tried all the above and still no luck, it’s time to reach out to the experts. Surfshark has 24/7 live chat support, which is super helpful.

What to tell them: Explain that Disney Plus isn’t working with your Surfshark VPN, mention which country’s library you’re trying to access, and list the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken. They can often tell you if a specific server is currently optimized for Disney Plus or if there are any known issues. They might even recommend specific server numbers or locations that are currently working well.

10. Consider Surfshark’s Smart DNS

For devices that don’t natively support VPN apps like some smart TVs or gaming consoles, Surfshark offers a Smart DNS feature. This isn’t a full VPN it doesn’t encrypt your traffic, but it can sometimes bypass geo-restrictions by changing your DNS settings to trick streaming services into thinking you’re in a different location.

How to do it: You’ll typically configure Smart DNS directly in your device’s network settings or on your router. Surfshark’s support team can guide you through this setup.

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Beyond Troubleshooting: Optimizing Your Streaming Experience

Once you’ve got Surfshark and Disney Plus playing nicely, here are a few extra tips to ensure the best streaming experience:

Choose “Fastest Streaming” Servers: As mentioned, if Surfshark tags certain servers as “Fastest Streaming,” prioritize those for Disney Plus. They’re usually optimized for this kind of traffic.
Connect to Closer Servers: While a VPN helps you appear in a different country, connecting to a server that is geographically closer to your actual location even if it’s still in the target country can reduce latency and improve speeds.
Consider a Dedicated IP if offered/needed: Some VPNs, including Surfshark, offer dedicated IP addresses for an additional fee. A dedicated IP is an IP address used only by you, making it much less likely to be blacklisted by streaming services because it doesn’t show the tell-tale signs of shared VPN usage. If you find yourself constantly battling blocks, this could be a worthwhile investment.

By following these steps and keeping these optimization tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy Disney Plus with Surfshark VPN from virtually anywhere in the world. Remember, it’s a dynamic environment, so sometimes a little patience and experimentation go a long way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Disney Plus block VPNs in the first place?

Disney Plus blocks VPNs primarily due to content licensing agreements and geo-restrictions. These agreements dictate which movies and shows can be broadcast in specific geographic regions. To comply with these contracts and protect their revenue, Disney Plus has to prevent users from accessing content outside their designated territories, which VPNs allow people to do by masking their real location. Does Surfshark Work with DraftKings? Here’s the Real Deal

Is using a VPN with Disney Plus legal?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but using it to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services like Disney Plus often violates their terms of service. While you’re unlikely to face legal repercussions, Disney Plus has the right to terminate your account if they detect consistent VPN usage that breaks their terms. However, they typically focus on blocking the VPN IP addresses rather than actively pursuing individual users.

What are the most common error codes I’ll see if Disney Plus detects my VPN?

The most common error codes you’ll encounter are Error Code 22 and Error Code 73. Error Code 73 specifically states that Disney+ is not available in your location, which is a clear indicator of VPN detection. Other codes like Error 14, 42, 142, 83, 91, and 92 can also sometimes be related to VPN issues, though they can have other causes too.

Why is Surfshark specifically having trouble with Disney Plus sometimes, even though it’s a good VPN?

Surfshark is generally a great VPN for Disney Plus, but it can still encounter issues because of the constant battle between VPNs and streaming services. Disney Plus is always improving its VPN detection methods, such as blacklisting known VPN IP addresses. If you’re having trouble, it usually means the specific server you’re connected to has been temporarily identified and blocked, or there’s a cached data issue on your device.

Should I use a free VPN to watch Disney Plus?

You should avoid using free VPNs to watch Disney Plus. Free VPNs often have very limited server networks, slower speeds, and are much easier for streaming services like Disney Plus to detect and block. More importantly, many free VPNs have questionable privacy practices, like logging and selling your data, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN for security. Premium VPNs like Surfshark, while paid, offer far better reliability, speed, and privacy protections. Surfshark VPN Device Limit: Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting *All* Your Gadgets

What if I’ve tried everything and it’s still not working?

If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps—switching servers, clearing cache, checking for leaks, trying different protocols, and disabling GPS—and Disney Plus still isn’t working with Surfshark, your best bet is to contact Surfshark’s customer support directly. They have 24/7 live chat and can often recommend a specific server that’s currently working well with Disney Plus or provide more in-depth technical assistance tailored to your situation.

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Disney Plus Not Working with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Fix Guide