Consider this: Game day has arrived. You have MLB, your jersey on, and some munchies ready. The television came on. With anticipation growing, you click on your team’s game, only to be greeted by the dreaded blackout notification. Do you mean me? Why are you unable to see the game while you paid for this service?
You understand the agony of blackout limitations if you have been a baseball fan for any length of time. Fans who merely want to cheer for their team find them confusing, out of date, and obnoxious. To get around these limitations, a lot of people turn to virtual private networks, or VPNs. Here’s the crucial query, though: Is it true that MLB.TV is compatible with VPNs? If that is true, how can you avoid getting blocked?
To ensure you never miss a game again, let us dissect everything.
MLB.TV and a VPN.
Simple question: Does MLB.TV Work with a VPN?
Short answer: Yes, but not always easily.
MLB.TV knows fans try to use VPNs to bypass blackouts, so they’ve stepped up their game in blocking VPN traffic. That means not all VPNs will work, and even the good ones can sometimes get detected.
A virtual private network (VPN) creates the illusion that you are somewhere else. MLB.TV will assume you are watching from Colorado and will not block your Cubs or White Sox game if you are in Chicago and connect to a server in Denver. Sounds easy, does it not? The issue is that MLB.TV has become more adept at identifying VPNs, therefore, maintaining proper operation requires the correct configuration.
How to Watch MLB.TV Without Blackouts Using a VPN
The following actions are necessary if you are serious about preventing blackouts:
1. Pick a VPN That Actually Works with MLB.TV
Not all VPNs are created equal. Some work great for MLB.TV, while others get blocked instantly. A good VPN should have:
- Lots of U.S. servers (so you have plenty of options if one gets blocked)
- Fast speeds (because buffering during a crucial inning is the worst)
- Stealth mode or obfuscation (this makes VPN traffic look “normal” so it’s harder for MLB.TV to detect)
As of 2025, some of the best VPNs for MLB.TV include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These services regularly update their servers to stay ahead of MLB’s blocks.
2. Connect to a Server Outside the Blackout Zone
Connecting to a New York VPN server will not help if you are in New York and want to watch the Yankees; you will still be blocked. Choose a server in a different state, such as Washington or Texas, instead. Even better, some VPNs offer servers in Canada, where there are no MLB.TV blackouts at all.
3. Empty the cache and cookies in your browser.
Even if you are using a VPN, cookies on your device can still allow MLB.TV to determine your precise location. Before reloading the page, clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
Here’s how to accomplish it:
- Clear Browsing Data in Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security
- Safari: Preferences > Data Management for Websites > Privacy
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
If you are using the MLB.TV app, you might need to log out, restart your device, and then log back in.
4. Turn Off Location Services on Your Device
If you’re watching on a mobile device, MLB.TV can still track your GPS location—and a VPN won’t hide that. To fix this:
- On iPhone: Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Find MLB.TV and set it to “Never”
- On Android: Settings > Location > App Permissions > Turn off MLB.TV access
Once you do this, restart the app and try again.
5. Use Incognito Mode
Sometimes, your browser remembers past locations even after you clear your cookies. A quick fix? Open an incognito or private browsing window and try again.
6. Try a Different VPN Server
If your game is still blacked out, MLB.TV might have detected and blocked the server you’re using. No worries—just switch to a different server in another location and try again. Some VPN apps even tell you which servers are best for streaming.
7. Consider a Dedicated IP Address
MLB.TV tends to block VPNs because lots of people share the same IP address when using a VPN server. One workaround is to use a dedicated IP address, which is unique to you and much harder for MLB.TV to detect. Some VPNs offer this feature for an extra fee.
8. Check for VPN Leaks
There is a potential that DNS or WebRTC leaks could still reveal your actual location even if you are using a VPN. To determine whether your VPN is leaking:
- Go to ipleak.net
- Make sure the location shown matches the VPN server you’re using
If your real location is still visible, switch servers or check your VPN’s settings for leak protection.
Final Thoughts: Is Using a VPN for MLB.TV Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re a die-hard baseball fan, using a VPN to bypass blackouts is one of the best ways to actually get what you paid for. But, like anything in tech, it’s not always foolproof.
Some VPNs get blocked more than others, and you might have to switch servers occasionally. But once you get the right setup, you’ll be able to watch every game without blackouts ruining your day.
Have you used a VPN for MLB.TV? Did it work, or did you run into problems? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s worked (or not worked) for you!
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