Netflix says I'm using a VPN or proxy, but I'm not

[#1]

This means we can only see a limited set of titles on Netflix and not the full range of content that I'm paying them for.

The problem just started happening yesterday, and it affects all devices connected to my home router, but if I switch to mobile data on my phone I can see the missing titles (e.g. The Office (U.S.)).

I've checked various IP lookup services (and Netflix's own speed checker!) and they all think my external IP address corresponds to my real geographical location. I have Checkpoint VPN software (used for working from home) on one laptop on this network but only traffic to my office LAN is routed through it, I've never used it to access Netflix.

This previously happened to me 2 years ago with a different ISP and I was never able to get a resolution. I was occasionally able to fix it by turning off the router for an hour or so (boo!) but even when this did fix the problem temporarily, it would usually recur within a couple of days. Netflix blamed me or my ISP and my ISP blamed Netflix. I cancelled my Netflix subscription at the time, but then resumed it (due to popular demand from my wife and kids!) after switching to Plusnet a year ago.

It's been fine since then, until yesterday. Is there anything I can do about it besides the aforementioned router reset roulette?

[#2]

Just from reading other posts/forums (fora) :

I assume you have an dynamic IP address (not a static one.)  I guess Netflix have the IP address black/grey listed as a VPN connection.   Disconnecting the router from the internet for 15 minutes or so should give you a new IP address and that might work.

The other possibility is to request a static IP address (at a £5 one off cost) which should get you a new IP address which will hopefully work properly with Netflix.  Once that has been allocated to you you would need to reboot the router for it to pick up the new address.

Others who know more will surely comment soon!

[#3]

I guess Netflix have the IP address black/grey listed as a VPN connection.

That's a possibility.

Disconnecting the router from the internet for 15 minutes or so should give you a new IP address and that might work.

Unfortunately that doesnt work too well these days, IP addresses are allocated locally by the DSLAM's from small pools and so disconnecting/reconnecting for short periods doesn't tend to allocate a new address. Disconnecting for 90mins or so can sometimes work.

As @Ian06 says, changing to a static IP will give a different one (they are allocated from different ranges) and of course it won't subsequently change.