Total VPN not working with Sling TV? Try this

Total VPN not working with Sling TV? Experiencing a Sling TV location or proxy error? Our tips work to fix every Total VPN Sling TV issue. We’ll show you how to connect to a US server, bypass region blocks for smooth streaming abroad, choose the best US IP address to avoid VPN detection, and which VPN protocol works best to unblock Sling TV.

Sling TV is region-locked to the US, so you’ll need a VPN to access it from outside the country. Total VPN comes free with the TotalAV antivirus suite, making it a superb budget-friendly VPN for streaming. It’s fast, secure, and works to stream US TV platforms like Sling TV, Hulu, and Peacock from anywhere. But you may still run into issues from time to time. Our troubleshooting tips should get you back up and running in no time.

Keep reading to get Total VPN working perfectly with Sling TV.

Why isn’t Total VPN working with Sling TV?

Sling TV is restricted to the US because of licensing rights. As a result, it blocks anyone trying to stream from outside the country. To protect those contractual obligations, Sling looks for VPN and proxy connections and stops them from working. It’s Sling TV’s way of keeping content locked to the region it paid for.

Sling uses advanced tools to detect VPN traffic. If it spots a VPN’s IP address, it will blacklist it as quickly as possible. That takes the VPN server offline until it’s replaced by the VPN provider. This creates a game of cat and mouse between VPNs and streaming platforms.

The good news? Total VPN is quite effective at keeping its network up to date. It refreshes its US IPs regularly and monitors which ones still work for streaming on Sling TV, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, and other services. Sling’s detection system is automatic, fast, and efficient, but Total VPN still manages to stay ahead most of the time. It’s one of the best VPNs for Sling TV, which we’ve tested to successfully watch Sling abroad – when most others can’t.

So, if Sling TV isn’t loading with Total VPN, it doesn’t mean you’re blocked forever. Most times, it’s just that you’re on a slow or overcrowded server, or the wrong server for streaming. We recommend switching to another US location, clearing your cookies, and various other tricks – which we’ll list in full below to get you back working again.

How to use Total VPN to watch Sling TV abroad

New to VPNs and just want to know how to get started? Don’t worry. Setting up Total VPN only takes a few minutes. Just follow the steps below to start streaming Sling TV abroad, at work, in school, or on any blocked public wifi service.

1. Choose a VPN that works with Sling TV. Total VPN works reliably for Sling TV, but if you want something with faster speeds or more features, NordVPN and Surfshark are our absolute top picks.
2. Sign up for Total VPN. Use our link to get the best deal. It will implement a discount code that brings the price down automatically during checkout.
3. Download the VPN app on your device (Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android).
4. Install and sign in using your account details.
5. Connect to a server in the United States. This gives you a valid US IP address, which makes Sling TV load properly.

Once connected, head over to Sling TV as usual and start watching your favorite channels. It should work as usual even if you’re traveling for work, on vacation, or on a restricted network. If you’re having trouble, scroll down for our troubleshooting tips.

Common Sling TV streaming problems with Total VPN

Most streaming problems are easy to fix once you know what’s causing them. Below we’ve listed the most common issues:

• You see an error message or code (like 11-6 or 11-XXX) when connected to Total VPN.
• You’re not connected to a VPN server in the United States. SlingTV is only available within the US, so you need to be connected to a US server.
• Certain channels or live sports events are unavailable or missing.
• Video playback is choppy, pixelated, or keeps pausing because the Total VPN server is congested.
• SlingTV has placed a cookie in your app or browser, revealing your previous IP address and location, leading to a denial of service.
• The VPN server you’re connected to has been blocked by SlingTV because it was identified as belonging to a VPN server.
• You’re experiencing a DNS leak that reveals your “real” DNS servers. These are likely your ISP’s DNS servers that are outside the US.

Each of these problems can be fixed with the troubleshooting steps we have included below. Best of all? It’s nothing too complicated or technical – just a few quick tweaks to get Sling working again with Total VPN.

How to fix Total VPN not working with Sling TV

Here are our top troubleshooting tips for Total VPN not working with Sling TV:

• Make sure you’re connected to a US server. Sling TV is not available outside the UK, so you will need a US IP address to access it.
• Switch to another US server. Total VPN has multiple US server options, and some may have been blocked by Sling TV. We recommend testing a few to find one that works.
• Clear cookies and cache. Sling may have stored location data in your browser during previous browsing sessions. Deleting these files can prevent interference with your new VPN and usually fixes the problem.
• Restart your device. It sounds simple, but is often very effective. This reloads drivers and resets your connection to ensure all of the VPN’s components are running correctly.
• Restart the Total VPN app. Again, it sounds too easy, but restarting your device and the app can help to solve a lot of connection issues.
• Update the Total VPN app. Outdated versions sometimes cause location errors or streaming issues. Make sure you’re running the most current version.
• Try watching Sling TV in your browser instead of the app. Apps can sometimes store geographical data that gives you your location away. You can often have better luck in browsers like Chrome or Firefox. Also try using an incognito or private browsing window.
• Test Sling TV on another device. This helps rule out compatibility issues or conflicts caused by cached data. Additionally, you might have more luck on a laptop or desktop since mobile devices can give away location data.
• Turn on DNS leak protection in the Total VPN settings to help keep your true location hidden from Sling TV.
• Try a different VPN protocol. WireGuard or Hydra are designed to give you better streaming performance. You can find them in the settings menu.
• Disable location sharing on your device and in your browser.
• Add a WebRTC-blocking extension if you’re streaming via browser. While Total VPN didn’t leak in our tests, it’s still a good idea to use a free WebRTC blocking extension.
• If all else fails, contact TotalVPN’s support team. They can point you to a server that is currently working with Sling and give you specialised advice.

Note: These troubleshooting tips are designed to fix Total VPN with SlingTV. You are free to try these tips with other VPNs, but they may not work since some VPNs are simply not capable of accessing Sling TV.

How to fix buffering when watching Sling TV with a VPN

If you can sign in and watch Sling TV while connected to Total VPN, you’re already halfway there. That said, you may still experience excessive buffering, making it difficult to enjoy shows and movies. If your stream keeps stopping or is pixelated, follow the steps below:

• Connect to a US server that’s closer to you. A shorter distance to the server can help provide faster speeds. Total VPN has servers on both US coasts, so you can test one closer to you depending on your location.
• Try different US servers. Some servers get overcrowded or may just be slower in the first place. Switching to another usually solves the problem.
• Ask Total VPN support for help. Their live chat can tell you which US servers are currently working best for Sling TV.
• Change VPN protocol. In the Total VPN app, you should switch to WireGuard or Hydra. These VPN tunneling protocols are designed with speed in mind.
• Close any apps or downloads that might be eating up bandwidth in the background. Even opening too many browser tabs can drag your speed down.
• Try another device. Sometimes the issue isn’t the VPN at all but an older device struggling to handle HD streaming and encryption at the same time.
• Use a laptop or desktop if mobile performance is poor. Some phones struggle to provide VPN encryption and HD playback simultaneously.
• Test your internet speeds without a VPN. You need fast enough internet to begin with, and if you are on the borderline, a VPN might bring you under the required bandwidth.

Making these changes can significantly improve your connection. However, it is important to acknowledge that a VPN cannot usually speed up your internet (unless you are being throttled). Thus, you will need to check that your underlying internet is fast enough to handle both a stream and the VPN.

How to clear cookies/cache to watch Sling TV

When you surf the web, the websites and services you visit leave tracking cookies in your browser. Over time, these files allow websites to profile you and to know your home location. This can cause a conflict with your VPN by sending the website (such as Sling TV) mixed signals. By clearing your cookies, you will refresh your browser, which helps your VPN to work properly. It’s often all you need to get your VPN working again.

Here’s how to clear cookies and cache:

• In your browser: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear browsing data and select Cookies and Cache.
• In the Sling app: Open App Settings on your device and clear Data/Cache for the Sling app.

Bear in mind that we recommend streaming in a browser rather than using the app.

Best settings for Total VPN and Sling TV

Interested in the optimal setup for streaming Sling TV with Total VPN? We’ve included the best settings below, whether you want to watch live TV or on-demand content.

• Protocol: WireGuard or Hydra for speed.
• DNS leak protection: On.
• Server: Closer to you geographically
• Location services: Disabled in browser/device.
• Browser: Chrome or Firefox with cookies cleared (or using incognito)
• Streaming tip: Use a browser instead of the Sling TV app for smoother streaming.

Total VPN: Fully Tested

Our experts tested Total VPN thoroughly. We found that it keeps several US servers optimized for streaming US TV platforms like Sling TV. That means it works to watch your favorite US channels and live sports even while traveling abroad. Or to unblock Sling from a restricted network, such as at work or school.

In our tests, Total VPN didn’t just work with Sling TV. It also unlocked Peacock, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and others, too. This makes it a solid all-rounder for anyone who wants US TV on the go.

If Total VPN isn’t working properly for you, don’t worry. It’s hardly ever the VPN itself that’s the issue. The tips and tricks above walk you through the best fixes. These tips are fundamental, meaning they can also help you to access – NBC, Bravo, Telemundo, BBC iPlayer, Joyn, Kayo, and dozens of other global streaming services.

Which VPNs work with Sling TV?

Total VPN is a reliable option to stream Sling TV abroad or at work. But if you’re looking for some alternatives, these are excellent choices too. Check out our Best VPNs for Sling TV article for more information on each.

Best VPNs for Sling TV:

1. NordVPN: NordVPN offers the best mix of speed, reliability, and privacy. Its large US server network makes it ideal for streaming Sling TV without buffering, and its robust AES-256 encryption keeps your viewing private, whether you’re at work on public wifi.
2. Surfshark: Surfshark costs less than most premium VPNs but still performs incredibly well. It’s fast, secure, and you can use it on unlimited devices, perfect for families who want to watch different shows on Sling TV.
3. ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is built for people who care about security first. It’s fast, trustworthy, and based in Switzerland, ideal if you want to stream Sling TV without sacrificing privacy.
4. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a premium option that just works, every time. It’s fast, easy to use, and perfect for users who don’t mind paying a bit extra for a polished experience.

Using Total VPN with Sling TV: FAQs