There’s something deeply annoying about being locked out of something that’s totally free — just because of your location. That’s 9Now for you. It’s packed with killer Aussie content: Married at First Sight Australia, Love Island AU, The Block, massive live sports like the State of Origin or Wimbledon, and even live news. It’s all free — but only if you’re physically in Australia.
And if you’re not? You get smacked with the dreaded message:
“This video is restricted from playing in your current geographic region.”
Welcome to the world of geo-blocking. But don’t worry — getting around it is easier than you think. Let’s break it down.
What Is 9Now, Exactly?
9Now is Australia’s official free streaming service run by the Nine Network. Unlike Netflix or Disney+, you don’t have to pay a dime. All you need is a free account — and an Australian IP address.
Here’s what makes 9Now worth the effort:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
💰 Price | 100% Free (ad-supported) |
📺 Channels | Channel 9, 9Gem, 9Go!, 9Life, 9Rush (all live) |
🎾 Sports | All 4 Grand Slams, NRL, Wallabies, Wimbledon |
📺 Reality TV | Love Island AU, MAFS Australia, The Block |
🎭 Drama | Supernatural, The West Wing, McLeod’s Daughters |
📰 News | 9News, A Current Affair, 60 Minutes |
Basically, it’s everything Aussies watch — and if you use a VPN, you can watch it too.
The Geo-Blocking Problem (And Why It Exists)
So, why can’t you just go to 9now.com.au and hit play? Because 9Now checks your IP address to figure out where you’re connecting from. And if that IP isn’t in Australia, the door slams shut.
They’re not doing it to be mean — it’s all about licensing. TV networks pay a ton of money to show certain content in specific countries. If 9Now let everyone in the world watch without paying, they’d be in legal hot water fast.
But that’s where the VPN trick comes in.
How a VPN Makes You Look Like You’re in Australia
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) basically hides your real location and gives you a new one — in this case, an Australian IP address.
Here’s how it works:
- You fire up your VPN app.
- You choose a server in Sydney or Melbourne.
- Boom — now the internet thinks you’re in Australia.
- 9Now says “Welcome in, mate!” and everything streams like you’re on Bondi Beach.
Plus, the VPN encrypts your internet connection, which keeps your browsing private — whether you’re watching Love Island or banking online from a sketchy airport Wi-Fi.
Step-by-Step: How to Watch 9Now From Anywhere
This is super easy. You’ll be streaming Aussie content in under 5 minutes.
- Pick a reliable VPN – Don’t mess around with free ones. They won’t work.
- Install the VPN app – On your phone, computer, Firestick, whatever.
- Connect to a server in Australia – Preferably Sydney or Melbourne.
- Go to 9now.com.au – And sign up for a free account.
- Enter an Australian postcode – Try 2000 (Sydney) or 3001 (Melbourne).
- Start watching – That’s it. No more error messages.
Best VPNs for 9Now (Tested and Working!)
Here’s a breakdown of the top VPNs that consistently unblock 9Now — and won’t leave you buffering or blocked.
VPN | Works with 9Now? | Australian Servers | Devices | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN | ✅ Flawless streaming | 190+ in 5 cities | 10 devices | Try NordVPN – 77% off + 3 mo free |
Surfshark | ✅ Budget-friendly | 5 cities | Unlimited | Get Surfshark – 87% off + 3 mo free |
ExpressVPN | ✅ Great for streaming | 4 cities | 8 devices | Try ExpressVPN – 73% off + 4 mo free |
CyberGhost | ✅ Easy setup | Multiple cities | 7 devices | CyberGhost – 82% off + 2 mo free |
PIA VPN | ✅ Affordable | Great server coverage | 10 devices | Private Internet Access – 85% off + 2 mo free |
ProtonVPN | ✅ Speed & security | Strong privacy | 10 devices | ProtonVPN – 64% off |
IPVanish | ✅ Reliable for 9Now | Unlimited devices | Great value | IPVanish – 83% off |
Watch 9Now on Any Device — Here’s How
Not all devices work the same when it comes to streaming 9Now with a VPN. Some are plug-and-play. Others need a little finesse. Let’s go through the most common setups — and how to get 9Now running smoothly on each.
1. On a Computer (Windows or Mac)
This is the easiest option by far.
- Open your VPN app.
- Connect to a server in Australia.
- Open your browser (I use Chrome or Firefox).
- Go to 9now.com.au and log in.
- That’s it. Stream away.
✅ Tip: If you still get the error message, clear cookies and cache — 9Now might have saved your old (non-Australian) IP.
2. On Smartphones and Tablets (iOS & Android)
Here’s what I do on my phone:
- Download your VPN app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Install the 9Now app — this might require switching to the Australian app store region.
- Open the VPN app and connect to Australia before launching 9Now.
- Open the 9Now app and start watching.
🛠️ If the 9Now app doesn’t show up in your app store:
- You may need to make a new Apple ID or Google account with Australia as the region.
- Or just use your mobile browser (like Safari or Chrome) and go to the 9Now site directly.
3. On Streaming Devices (Firestick, Apple TV, Android TV)
These devices are getting better with VPN support.
✅ Firestick / Fire TV:
- Search for your VPN app (NordVPN, Surfshark, etc.) in the Amazon Appstore.
- Install it and log in.
- Connect to a server in Australia.
- Launch the 9Now app or browser and stream.
✅ Apple TV:
- Apple TV doesn’t support VPN apps directly.
- Use Smart DNS (like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer) or install VPN on your router.
✅ Android TV:
- Download your VPN app from Google Play.
- Connect to Australia.
- Open 9Now and stream like a local.
Devices Without VPN Support (Roku, Chromecast, Old Smart TVs)
If you’re using something that doesn’t support VPN apps, don’t worry — there are workarounds:
🛜 1. Set up VPN on your router
- Most premium VPNs let you configure your home router.
- Once set up, every device on your Wi-Fi uses the VPN — including your TV, console, Roku, etc.
- It’s a one-time setup that works on everything.
🌐 2. Use Smart DNS
Some VPNs offer a Smart DNS feature:
- It doesn’t encrypt traffic but makes your device appear to be in Australia.
- Works well for streaming, especially on Apple TV and consoles.
- No need to install anything, just update DNS settings.
Recommended Smart DNS VPNs:
📲 3. Chromecast Workaround
- Connect your phone or laptop to an Aussie VPN server.
- Open 9Now in the app or browser.
- Tap “Cast” and stream to your Chromecast device.
Easy, quick, and no need to touch your TV’s settings.
When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting Tips
Even with a great VPN, sometimes 9Now throws a tantrum. Here’s how I fix it when it happens:
Try a Different Server
If 9Now blocks one server (say, Sydney), try switching to Melbourne or Perth. VPN providers rotate IPs often — switching usually works.
Clear Cookies and Cache
9Now might remember your old IP. Clear cookies in your browser or app settings to reset everything.
Check for IP or DNS Leaks
Use dnsleaktest.com to check if your real location is leaking. If yes, enable “leak protection” in your VPN settings.
Change VPN Protocol
Switch from one protocol (e.g. IKEv2) to another (e.g. OpenVPN or WireGuard). This helps bypass detection.
Turn Off Location Services
9Now’s mobile app might use your phone’s GPS. Turn it off in your privacy settings to stop that.
Still stuck? Use VPN support
That’s what they’re there for. Good VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN have 24/7 live chat. I’ve used them dozens of times — they always get it sorted.
VPN vs Smart DNS vs Proxy — Which One Wins?
Here’s a quick comparison table if you’re still weighing your options:
Feature | VPN | Smart DNS | Proxy |
---|---|---|---|
Encryption | ✅ Yes (AES-256) | ❌ No | ❌ Usually No |
Speed | 🔄 Fast | 🟢 Fastest | 🟢 Fast |
Works on 9Now? | ✅ Consistently | ⚠️ Sometimes | ❌ Rarely |
Privacy Protection | ✅ High | ❌ None | ⚠️ Low |
Device Compatibility | ✅ Great | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ Limited |
Cost | 💵 Paid | 💵 Paid | ⚠️ Free (but risky) |
Final Thoughts: Why a VPN is the Only Tool You Need
Look — 9Now is one of the best free streaming platforms out there. Whether you’re a sports nut, reality show junkie, or just missing Aussie TV, it’s an incredible service to have access to. But it’s geo-blocked harder than a kangaroo at customs.
A VPN isn’t just a workaround — it’s the master key.
Here’s why I always use one:
- Unlocks 9Now and other geo-blocked platforms
- Keeps my browsing private
- Protects me on public Wi-Fi
- Lets me watch Aussie shows while traveling or living abroad
So if you’re serious about streaming 9Now, do yourself a favor: grab a proper VPN, set it up once, and you’re good to go.
🛠️ Need help choosing? These are the VPNs I personally trust:
- 🔐 NordVPN – 77% off + 3 months free
- 🦈 Surfshark – 87% off + 3 months free
- 🚀 ExpressVPN – 73% off + 4 months free
- 👻 CyberGhost – 82% off + 2 months free
- 🛡️ PIA VPN – 85% off + 2 months free
- 🧪 ProtonVPN – 64% off
- ⚡ IPVanish – 83% off
Final Tip
Once you’ve got your VPN set up, bookmark 9Now, save your login, and you’re good to go. Grab a beer, throw on The Block, and enjoy Aussie TV — wherever you are.
9Now VPN FAQ – What You Should Know Before You Start
Is using a VPN with 9Now legal?
Yes — in most countries, using a VPN is completely legal. While it might go against 9Now’s terms of service, you’re not breaking the law. You’re just pretending to be in Australia. Nobody has ever been fined or arrested for watching MAFS from Canada. Relax.
Will 9Now ban my account?
Highly unlikely. If anything, they’ll just block the VPN server you’re using. That’s why having a VPN with multiple Australian servers is key — you just switch and keep watching.
Can I use a free VPN?
Honestly? Don’t. Free VPNs are: And they often sell your data: Slow, Easily blocked, Full of trackers
What speed do I need for smooth 9Now streaming?
HD (720p/1080p): 5–10 Mbps
Ultra HD (4K): 20–25 Mbps
With a good VPN, speed drops are minimal — usually under 10%. I stream on NordVPN with barely any lag.
What postcode should I use for 9Now sign-up?
You’ll need an Aussie postal code. No big deal — they’re public.
Here are two that always work:
- Sydney: 2000
- Melbourne: 3001
Just enter that during sign-up. Done.