It can be frustrating when RTE Player suddenly stops working with your VPN. This could happen due to multiple reasons. Maybe RTE Player is getting conflicting location information from some old cookies or worst-case scenario: the streaming platform has successfully identified and blocked the IP address that your VPN has provided you.
Whatever the issue may be, this article will go through each issue and how to fix them so that RTE Player starts working with a VPN.
To get RTE Player to start working with a VPN again, follow these steps in order. However, I recommend you read through the rest of the article to understand why the streaming platform stopped working in the first place.
-
Delete Cookies
Whenever you go online, you might have noticed websites ask you to save cookies. These temporary files are stored in your browser and make your browsing experience much more streamlined.
But, they can also store information about your location. These files can be accessible to RTE Player and can be an indicator that you are located outside Ireland.
Deleting cookies is a good place to start so that RTE Player cannot identify your location.
-
Connect to a different Irish server
Because using a VPN to watch RTE Player outside Ireland is common knowledge, the platform constantly tries to block VPN connections. RTE Player does this by blacklisting the IP address that the VPN provides you.
If more than 8-10 (an average household) connections are connected to RTE Player using the same IP address, it knows this is a VPN and blocks it.
Just because your current IP address is blocked doesn’t mean that the entire VPN is blocked.
Changing servers will provide you with a new IP address which is, hopefully, not blocked by RTE Player. And that will allow you to watch RTE Player with your VPN again.
-
Upgrade to a better VPN
If the first two steps don’t work, unfortunately, all the IP addresses your VPN can provide have been blocked by RTE Player.
To get around this you need to upgrade to a more reliable VPN – I recommend NordVPN ($3.19/month).
These VPNs have multiple servers in Ireland with a large number of IP addresses at their disposal. So, when inevitably a specific IP is blacklisted by RTE Player, the VPN just closes that IP and replaces it with a new one that is not blocked. They are always a step ahead of the streaming platform and thus work reliably anywhere in the world.
Why does RTE Player block VPNs?
RTE Player is an Irish streaming platform that is only available to customers in Ireland. Simply put, it only has rights to broadcast its content in Ireland.
You can still watch shows on RTE Player’s ‘Home’ tab as these shows have international broadcasting rights. The issue arises when you try to watch ‘Live’ or ‘Box Set’ tabs. These tabs have content that only has exclusive broadcasting rights to Ireland.
RTE Player will still be subject to copyright claims and licensing issues if a customer outside Ireland accesses their exclusive broadcasting rights content. Be it with a VPN or otherwise.
To prevent these issues, RTE Player tries to prevent VPNs from accessing their services.
How does RTE Player block VPNs?
Like other major platforms, RTE Player uses three main techniques to first identify and then block IP addresses that belong to VPNs.
- It scans your connection for DNS and WebRTC leaks.
- It uses GeoIP database services that provide location data for IP addresses. If the IP provided to you matches the one in the database, RTE Player will block your connection.
- VPNs have more customers than IP addresses. This results in multiple customers using the same IP address to use RTE Player. This is flagged as abnormal behaviour by the streaming platform. RTE Player scans for abnormal behaviour and when it finds it, it will block the IP address.
Do VPNs still work with RTE Player?
VPNs that work with RTE Player are the ones that have the means to get around RTE Player’s blocking techniques.
VPNs with limited servers in Ireland and just a handful of IP addresses are at a disadvantage because eventually, all the available IP addresses will be identified and blocked by RTE Player. This is probably what happened to your VPN.
You can wait for your VPN to release fresh IP addresses which are yet to be identified by RTE Player but, the fact that you’re running into this issue means it doesn’t have the means to get around RTE Player’s blocks. The new IP addresses will inevitably get blocked too.
As mentioned earlier, high-end streaming VPNs like NordVPN ($3.19/month) and ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) have a reliable way to circumvent this problem due to the availability of multiple Irish servers and a large number of undetected IP addresses.
Using a reliable VPN will ensure that you can watch your favourite content on RTE Player from anywhere in the world.
Best VPNs to watch RTE Player
1. NordVPN 🥇
An excellent, affordable, and fast VPN option for 2024
- ✔Affordable pricing
- ✔Effective streaming access
- ✔Diverse server types
- ✔Solid speeds
- ✔Useful add-ons
- ✔Strong security
- ❌Limited server locations
- ❌No virtual servers
Streaming: NordVPN is highly effective for bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. It has shown consistent success in connecting to various streaming services without noticeable issues.
Servers: NordVPN’s server network spans 60 countries. While this is below the average of 71 countries for the top 20 VPNs, its commitment to physical servers ensures faster and more reliable connections.
Privacy: NordVPN’s secure connection and no-logs policy have been verified via three independent audits, including one by Deloitte. The audits have confirmed NordVPN’s adherence to its no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy.
Price: NordVPN offers three pricing plans: Complete, Plus, and Standard. The 2-year plan for the Standard package is priced at $3.19/month, the 1-year plan at $4.99/month, and the monthly plan at $12.99/month. It accepts major credit cards and various payment systems.
Speeds: Below is a table showing the speeds tested for NordVPN. From our tests in New Zealand, NordVPN displayed very good speeds, although slightly behind ExpressVPN, but significantly faster than many other VPNs on the market.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 937.07 | 520.93 |
| NordVPN US server | 710.90 | 6.98 |
| NordVPN UK server | 531.12 | 3.73 |
Read our full NordVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
2. ExpressVPN 🥈
The fastest and most reliable VPN of 2024
- ✔Physical servers in 104 countries
- ✔Brilliant for unblocking streaming services
- ✔Very high-speed Lightway protocol
- ✔Available on almost any device
- ✔Very secure
- ❌Pricey
- ❌Only 8 simultaneous devices
- ❌No addons
Streaming: ExpressVPN excels in unblocking geo-restricted content and works seamlessly with streaming services, even in countries where VPNs are banned. It consistently performed well in tests with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max.
Servers: ExpressVPN has a robust network with servers in 104 countries, significantly above the 71-country average. Less than 3% of these servers are virtual, ensuring a reliable and fast physical network.
Privacy: ExpressVPN’s privacy measures include passing independent audits by cybersecurity firms like Cure53 and F-Secure, ensuring a strong level of security and no significant weaknesses in its macOS, Linux, and Windows apps. More details can be found in the audit reports available online.
Price: ExpressVPN offers three payment plans: a 1-month option at $12.95/month, a 6-month option at $9.99/month, and a 12-month option at $6.67/month. Payment methods include major credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and other systems, accommodating a wide range of users.
Speeds: ExpressVPN maintains high download speeds with minimal drop-off, ensuring efficient performance. Tests showed a slight decrease in upload speeds, but download speeds remained fast across various server locations, including the US, UK, and Vietnam.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| VPN off | 937.07 | 520.93 |
| ExpressVPN US server | 824.62 | 6.96 |
| ExpressVPN UK server | 794.95 | 3.70 |
| ExpressVPN Vietnam server | 761.90 | 3.81 |
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
3. PureVPN 🥉
A mid-range VPN that balances performance and price
- ✔Affordable
- ✔Unblocks major streaming services
- ✔Use on up to 10 devices simultaneously
- ✔Streamlined user interface
- ✔No log audit verified by KPMG
- ✔Several free add-ons
- ❌Buffering on BBC iPlayer at peak times
- ❌Past concerns with “no log” policy
Streaming: PureVPN has shown improvement in its ability to unblock streaming services. While it initially struggled with BBC iPlayer, its performance improved during less busy times. PureVPN can unblock major streaming services, but it may encounter buffering issues during peak streaming periods.
Servers: PureVPN offers a wide range of servers around the world. Although specific numbers are not provided, PureVPN’s server offerings are robust, allowing users to access various international content.
Privacy: PureVPN has faced criticism in the past for its privacy policies. However, it has recently undergone a no-log audit verified by KPMG in the past 12 months, aiming to reassure users about its commitment to privacy.
Price: PureVPN offers three payment options: a 1-month plan at $10.95/month, a 1-year plan at $3.74/month, and a 2-year plan at $1.96/month. PureVPN accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and a variety of other digital payment options.
Speeds: Below is a table that gives you an idea of the speed performance you can expect when using PureVPN. The VPN has shown variable download speeds across different streaming servers, with some experiencing significant drop-offs during peak times.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN | 189.44 | 139.82 |
| PureVPN UK Server | 24.31 | 98.99 |
| PureVPN US Server | 49.83 | 106.52 |
Read our full PureVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
4. Private Internet Access
Affordable and secure VPN with wide device compatibility
- ✔Affordable pricing plans
- ✔Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✔Extra features like ad blocker and email protection
- ✔Verified no-log policy
- ✔Compatible with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu
- ❌High use of virtual servers
- ❌Not as fast as top-tier VPNs
- ❌Lacks proprietary protocol options
Streaming: Private Internet Access works well with streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, although it initially faced some difficulties with BBC iPlayer, which were resolved after some fixes.
Servers: PIA has over 35,000 servers in 84 countries, which is above the average of 71 countries. However, 50% of these servers are virtual, impacting reliability compared to VPNs with more physical servers.
Privacy: PIA’s app is open-source, inviting third-party scrutiny and verification. It has also passed an independent no-log policy audit conducted by Deloitte, affirming its commitment to privacy.
Price: PIA offers three subscription options: 1-month at $11.95/month, 1-year at $3.33/month (upfront cost $39.95), and 3-year at $2.03/month (upfront fee $79). Payment methods include credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and Amazon payments.
Speeds: Speed tests for PIA showed significant drops in download speeds across various servers. While using WireGuard protocol, speeds were faster than OpenVPN but still slower compared to top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN.
| OpenVPN Download Speeds (Mbps) | OpenVPN Upload Speeds (Mbps) | WireGuard Download Speeds (Mbps) | WireGuard Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| VPN off (New Zealand) | 930 | 516 | ||
| PIA US server | 238.52 | 7.17 | 300.65 | 8.65 |
| PIA UK server | 245 | 3.77 | 315.78 | 7.23 |
| PIA Vietnam server | 445 | 6.55 | 489 | 8.24 |
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
5. Surfshark
Affordable and secure VPN with unlimited device policy of 2024
- ✔Attractive pricing for long-term subscriptions
- ✔Supports unlimited simultaneous connections
- ✔Robust security and privacy
- ✔24/7 responsive chat support
- ✔Extensive server network in 100 countries
- ❌Has trouble with services like Hulu
- ❌Lacks a unique proprietary protocol
- ❌App can be overwhelming
- ❌Not the fastest among competitors
Streaming: Surfshark performs well with most streaming services but faces challenges with some, like Hulu. This could be a drawback for users who heavily rely on VPNs for streaming content from various regions.
Servers: Surfshark boasts a server network in 100 countries, which is well above the average and includes both physical and virtual servers, providing extensive geographic coverage.
Privacy: Surfshark emphasizes its commitment to privacy with successful DNS leak tests and independent security audits by Cure53, ensuring robust online security and privacy. You can find more about their security audits here.
Price: Surfshark offers a 1-month option costing $12.95/month, a 12-month option at $3.99/month, and a 24-month option at $2.49/month. It accepts major credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and various cryptocurrencies.
Speeds: Below is a table that gives you an idea of the speed performance when using Surfshark. From our tests, we observed decent speeds, suitable for general use, but not the fastest compared to some rivals.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 940.55 | 520.24 |
| Surfshark US server | 775.9 | 6.15 |
| Surfshark UK server | 587.79 | 3.79 |
Read our full Surfshark review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
6. CyberGhost
Affordable and secure VPN with extensive server coverage
- ✔Features NoSpy servers, a Killswitch, and split tunnelling
- ✔Attractive pricing for long-term subscriptions
- ✔Over 9,000 servers in 91 countries
- ✔Independent audit confirms no-logs policy
- ✔7-device coverage
- ❌Not optimal for streaming due to speed issues
- ❌Majority of servers are virtual
- ❌Lacks a proprietary protocol
Streaming: CyberGhost allows access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, users may face slow speeds, leading to buffering and resolution issues, which can be a significant downside for streaming.
Servers: CyberGhost boasts over 9,000 servers in 91 countries, offering a robust server network. However, it’s notable that 54% of these servers are virtual, a factor that can affect performance and reliability.
Privacy: CyberGhost has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte, ensuring user privacy and security. This audit confirms that CyberGhost does not keep records of users’ online activities while using the VPN.
Price: CyberGhost offers three payment options: a 1-month subscription at $12.99/month, a 6-month subscription at $6.99/month, and a 2-year subscription at $2.19/month, which includes an extra two months for free.
Speeds: Speed tests conducted in New Zealand showed significant drops in both download and upload speeds across various servers when using CyberGhost, indicating a performance issue in terms of speed.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 930 | 516 |
| CyberGhost US server | 192.29 | 2.63 |
| CyberGhost UK server | 139.19 | 1.90 |
| CyberGhost Vietnam server | 232.24 | 4.32 |
Read our full CyberGhost review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
Ivacy VPN
A straightforward and affordable VPN, ideal for beginners
- ✔Great price
- ✔$1/month 5-year deal
- ✔Subscription includes password manager
- ✔Streaming service specific IP addresses
- ✔Secure VPN service
- ❌Slower speeds
- ❌No 3rd Party audits
- ❌Low number of country server locations
- ❌Not many addons
Streaming: Ivacy VPN offers reliable access to major streaming services like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and MAX. However, it’s slower than competitors such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, which might be a drawback for users seeking the fastest streaming experience.
Servers: Ivacy has a global network of 6,500 servers, but it only covers 62 countries. This is below the average of 73 countries for top VPNs. Additionally, it wasn’t very open about the distribution between its physical and virtual servers.
Privacy: Ivacy maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities are not recorded or monitored. However, unlike ExpressVPN, Ivacy’s audits are not readily available to the public, making it less transparent in comparison.
Price: Ivacy has three payment options: a 1-month plan costing $9.95/month, a 12-month plan at $3.99/month, and a 5-year plan at $1.00/month. It accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, Coingate, BitPay, and various other payment systems.
Speeds: Ivacy’s speed performance showed a noticeable reduction in download and upload speeds when connected to its servers. From the tests, there was a significant speed drop when using Ivacy’s virtual server for India, impacting streaming and web browsing.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 939.78 | 519.86 |
| Ivacy US server | 445.20 | 5.65 |
| Ivacy UK server | 693.29 | 3.53 |
Read our full Ivacy VPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
Is watching RTE Player with a VPN legal?
Yes, watching RTE Player with a VPN is perfectly legal, so long as you’re in a country where VPNs are legal. If you’re in China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua or Tajikistan, VPNs are heavily restricted or in some cases outright banned and we do not advise using a VPN to watch RTE Player in these locations.
Fortunately, if you aren’t in one of these countries then using RTE Player with a VPN is legal. If we look at the streaming services’ terms of use, we can see that there isn’t any restrictions on using a VPN with RTE Player.
The only entry we can see is “Please note that the use of VPN or any software that intercepts or blocks network traffic may restrict your ability to watch content.”
What this means is using a VPN to watch RTE Player is perfectly legal however the streaming service may try and block VPNs from accessing the platform.