Why Is Mullvad VPN Blocked? Real Aussie Solutions in 2025

💡 Mullvad VPN Blocked in Australia? Here’s the Real Story

Ever tried firing up Mullvad VPN in Australia only to have your streaming drop out or your favourite news site tell you “Access Denied”? Mate, you’re not alone. In 2025, more Aussies than ever are running into “Mullvad VPN blocked” walls — whether it’s Netflix, BBC iPlayer, their work network, or even public Wi-Fi at their local coffee shop.

It’s a bit of a privacy lover’s heartbreak, honestly. Mullvad has the rep as one of the world’s most hardcore private VPNs: open source, no logs, even lets you pay with cash or crypto, and never jacks up the price. But these very features that make privacy nerds go “heck yes!” are the same ones that get Mullvad blacklisted by big streaming and tech companies, especially here in Australia where copyright and data laws get more full-on each year.

So what’s really going on? Why’s Mullvad VPN getting blocked more often, and is there any trick left for Aussies who want both privacy and access? This article breaks down the main reasons, the latest trends, and — most importantly — what you can actually do about it in 2025. Whether you’re a privacy die-hard, a streaming addict, or just want to dodge ISP throttling, you’ll find straight answers and a few cheeky workarounds below.

📊 VPN Blocking Trends in Australia vs. Other Regions (2022–2025)

What’s the takeaway? Australia leads the pack in VPN blocking rates — especially when it comes to streaming and workplace networks. 75% streaming block rate means three out of four times, if you’re using something like Mullvad, you’re likely to get the cold shoulder from your favourite content provider. Workplaces are also cracking down, with 60% of Aussie office networks actively detecting and blocking VPN traffic. Even public Wi-Fi (think airports, shopping centres) is getting wise, blocking VPNs about a third of the time.

By comparison, the US and Europe aren’t far behind, but Aussies are definitely feeling the squeeze harder. It’s not just Mullvad — even mainstream players like NordVPN and ProtonVPN are reporting more blocks, but Mullvad cops it the hardest because their privacy-first, anti-logging structure makes them an easy target for blanket blacklists. This trend is only tipped to grow as copyright groups, ISPs, and big tech double down on user tracking and geo-locking.

💡 Why Mullvad Is Targeted — And What Aussies Are Doing

The big question I hear is, “Why Mullvad? Why not the others?” Well, Mullvad’s open-source code and strict privacy stance mean they don’t bend the knee to streaming giants or hand over user logs. This is awesome for privacy, but it also means they don’t “optimise” servers for Netflix or hide their traffic as cleverly as some more commercial VPNs. It’s like showing up to a fancy dress party in hi-vis gear — you stand out, and you’ll get noticed!

User chatter on Reddit and Aussie tech forums is full of stories: some say they get blocked on Netflix in seconds; others can’t even check their bank balance if Mullvad is on. The vibe is frustration, but also respect — most Mullvad fans know what they’re signing up for. They want privacy first, streaming second, and are willing to cop the odd block to avoid data-hungry corporations.

Still, there’s a growing trend of Aussies using multiple VPNs. For daily browsing and torrenting, they stick with Mullvad. But when it’s time to binge-watch MAFS or catch the Ashes on BBC iPlayer, they swap to NordVPN or even ProtonVPN, which both invest heavily in bypassing streaming blocks and constantly rotating their IPs. Some even run VPN routers at home — a trick that can make switching between providers easier and keeps the whole household covered (see ZDNet’s guide on VPN routers).

Looking ahead, I reckon we’ll see more Aussie ISPs and workplaces jump on the bandwagon, tightening the net on privacy-first VPNs. But as long as there’s demand, VPNs will keep finding sneaky workarounds — and users will keep swapping, stacking, or blending providers to get the privacy and access they crave. The cat-and-mouse game isn’t ending anytime soon.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Why does Mullvad VPN get blocked more than other VPNs?

💬 Honestly, it comes down to Mullvad’s strict privacy methods. Since Mullvad doesn’t play ball with streaming platforms or hand over logs, big services like Netflix or even some Aussie ISPs are extra quick to blacklist its servers. Plus, Mullvad’s open-source nature makes its IP addresses easier to scan & block compared to more commercial VPNs like NordVPN that rotate and disguise their IPs more aggressively.

🛠️ Can Aussies still use Mullvad VPN for streaming in 2025?

💬 You can try, but the odds aren’t great for Netflix or BBC iPlayer. Mullvad is a privacy-first tool — streaming isn’t its main game. For reliable streaming access, NordVPN or ProtonVPN have better luck in Australia, according to our tests and recent Reddit threads. But if privacy is your #1, Mullvad is still gold for browsing, torrenting, and dodging snoopy ISPs.

🧠 Is it risky to use a VPN that’s been blocked in Australia?

💬 Not illegal for most stuff — but if you’re using a VPN to dodge geo-blocks, just know services can restrict your account or throttle your speeds. The real risk is losing access to what you want, not getting fined. Always check your local laws though, and use a reputable provider with a no-logs policy. Mullvad is still among the safest when it comes to true anonymity.

🧩 Final Thoughts…

At the end of the day, Mullvad VPN getting blocked is more about the world changing than Mullvad dropping the ball. Aussie users are caught in the middle of a privacy arms race — streaming giants and ISPs want control, while privacy lovers just want a bloody break from being watched. If streaming is your main gig, you might need to keep Mullvad in your privacy toolbox and grab a backup like NordVPN for the fun stuff. Stay sharp, stay legal, and always check the latest on what works best for your needs. And hey — don’t be shy about swapping providers if one stops working. We all do it.

📚 Further Reading

Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇

🔸 Proton se joint à une plainte contre Apple pour pratiques anticoncurrentielles
🗞️ Source: MacGeneration – 📅 2025-07-01
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Opera VPN Pro mit neuen Funktionen
🗞️ Source: Stadt Bremerhaven – 📅 2025-07-01
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🔸 Gutscheine für NordVPN: Das sind die besten Rabattcodes im Juli 2025
🗞️ Source: Business Insider DE – 📅 2025-07-01
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📌 Disclaimer

This post blends publicly available information with a touch of AI assistance. It’s meant for sharing and discussion purposes only — not all details are officially verified. Please take it with a grain of salt and double-check when needed.