VPN error when I’m not on VPN

Hi, I need some help please. I’ve been having issues with some websites and streaming apps all of a sudden. I’ve been troubleshooting with tech support with my internet provider and two streaming app providers and no resolution. For some reason they think I’m out of the USA or on a VPN Proxy. I’ve checked with my kids and no one has downloaded any vpn apps. The issue is also happening in all our devices and the TV. So ipad, iPhone, pc’s and TV’s. But it’s only on wifi. When I switch to cellular on my phone the streaming apps work.
We are not using VPN!!! The only thing I made a change was with Norton. But it’s only on my pc. Why would they affect other devices and my TV’s. I don’t know what else it could be.
This is one of the errors I get, it’s from Hulu. The other error messages are similar.

“Hulu is not available in your region, or you may be using a VPN
Hulu is only available in certain regions.
Depending on where you are located, you may not be able to access Hulu.
Turn off any proxies or VPN connections and check your IP address.
For more information please visit help.hulu.com/proxy-01
Hulu Error Code: P-EDU101”

So, let’s first ( for “fun”) isolate your PC. Turn it OFF and see if those messages are still pop up on TV, etc. If they are still persist - then, most likely, your PC is not involved in this issue at all and this is strictly within your network. Have you checked at any point what is your IP address (as it is seen by the outside world)? You can do it from any device connected to your wireless network, by opening browser and going to www.whatismyip.com . What location does it show? If it is not where you live - proceed to the next step. Do you have your own router or it is ISP provided router? If it is ISP provided router and IP address tells you that it is not your location - work with ISP. If it is your router but ISP modem - connect computer directly to the modem via ethernet cable and run check for IP address again. Is it now your location or not? If it is still wrong location - work with ISP. If it shows correct location when connected to the modem - deal with your own router. If problem goes away when you turned OFF your PC - work on your PC. maybe Norton that you installed (or else) somehow affects home network traffic…those are steps I would do to troubleshoot this issue…

Thank you for your response. I turned off my pc and my tv still gives me the same issue.

Yes, both my internet provider support and Hulu support asked me to check my ip address while troubleshooting. It matches the same ip address I’ve had prior to any issues and shows the correct info. I was on the phone with my internet provider for an hour troubleshooting and resetting the system on my end and their end. And with Hulu chat support also did troubleshooting. They did a reset on their end with my account. This is what they said “Upon checking your IP address and the connection here from my end, it seems that the problem was from the Internet provider itself as we are getting Bad Buffering and connection status from our system.” But when I said this to my internet provider they said everything is fine. Even after doing all the troubleshooting.
I’m gonna also try to change the modem and router with my provider. I wonder if that would work.

This is also happening to a couple of websites too. But once I leave wifi and use cellular the websites and the apps work. So there is definitely an issue with my internet. But why can’t my internet provider see it and my ip address comes up fine. Could someone be hacking my internet?

No, I don’t think there is any “hacking” involved. Streaming provider gave quite clear explanation - “buffering” due to poor signal. This, most likely, points if not exactly to the ISP fault, but to an issue with a quality of the connection - and that could be bad wiring (either inside of your house - between the modem/router and entrance point from the ISP wiring or outside of your house) as well as bad modem /router power supply or even flaky electrical outlet where equipment is plugged in (which would be your responsibility).
As you can see - a number of “failure points” to deal with… Some of them easy to check (move power plugs for the modem /router to a different outlet) and some requires ISP technician on site with proper test equipment…

I spoke to the my internet provider and they’re to switch out my modem and router for new ones. I hope changing all this will help.

I would be interested to know if it addressed this issue

Ok. I’ll let you know :+1:t4:

Did this work for you because I’m having the same issue out of no where

Great thank you it’s about time for an update for us anyways!