Best MLB.TV VPN 2020 Blackout Bypass Workaround Guide
This is the ultimate MLB.TV blackout workaround in 2020. What is the best VPN you can use to bypass MLB blackout restrictions we hear you say? With the 2020 Major League Baseball just around the corner, it is time for MLB streaming to take center stage. Unfortunately, due to the age-old blackout policies, I will not be able to stream your favorite baseball franchise live online, even though I own a premium MLB subscription. These policies are pretty unfair. Luckily, I learned how I can spoof my online location and trick the MLB at Bat app into thinking I am located somewhere else. In the review below, I will introduce you to the VPNs that worked the best when I used them to watch MLB games without blackouts. Take a look at my best MLB.TV VPN review to avoid blackouts on PC, FireStick, Roku, Apple TV, PS4, Xbox One, Chromecast, iPhone, or iPad for the 2020 season.
Best MLB.TV VPN 2020 – Content Index
Avoid MLB.TV Blackouts – The Basics
If you are unfamiliar with the process of bypassing blackouts using VPN, here are some pointers.
- You do not need to sign up for a different premium MLB account. Your existing account is enough.
- You cannot bypass MLB.tv blackouts on devices that use location services and GPS. In other words, even if you are using proxies or a virtual private network, you cannot get around baseball blackout restrictions on Android, iPhone, iPad, or Amazon Fire TV.
- In some cases, you might need to delete your browser’s cookies after setting up VPN or Smart DNS proxies.
- While there are free VPNs that could potentially allow you to watch MLB live online, I would never recommend using them. They are notoriously slow which leads to endless buffering. Some free VPNs are also known to infect users devices with malicious malware or viruses. Use a trusted and tried VPN service only.
- Generally speaking, it is better to connect to a VPN server located in the USA as opposed to a VPN located abroad. This mainly due to the fact that the closer the VPN server is to your location, the less your Internet speed will be affected.
How Do I Know If an MLB Game is Blacked Out?
You can enter your ZIP code on the official MLB.tv website to check whether a certain game is blacked out in your region or not. If you receive any of the following MLB blackout errors, you will not be able to stream the game live online. Unless you use a VPN that is.
“We’re sorry. We have determined that you are located inside one of the applicable Club’s home television territories and are therefore blacked out of watching the game you selected. Live Audio of this game is available as part of your MLB.TV subscription.”
“Media Error. This game is temporarily unavailable. Please try again in a few moments.”
“We’re sorry. The broadcasters’ required blackout checks cannot be performed at this time. Please try again in a few moments.”
How to use VPN to Bypass MLB.tv Blackout Restrictions
Your IP address allows MLB to determine where you currently reside. That’s because IP addresses allow apps and websites you visit to see where you are browsing the web from. This also means that if you get to change your IP address, you can trick MLB.tv into thinking you are in an area where the game you want to stream isn’t blacked out. A VPN or virtual private network will help you avoid all those annoying blackouts. By connecting to a VPN server in a different state, you can hide your real IP address and bypass MLB.tv blackouts. Here’s how to I have set it all up.
How to Bypass MLB.tv Blackouts on PC/Mac
- As a first step, you need to sign up with a VPN service. Make sure that whichever VPN you end up signing up with has numerous VPN servers in the United States.
- Download the VPN application on your Mac or Windows PC after you create your VPN account.
- Now open the VPN application, sign in, and choose a VPN server that is located in a state where there are no blackouts.
- Finally go over to the MLB.tv website and watch baseball games black-out free.
Is It Possible to Watch Blackout Games on iOS (iPhone/iPad)?
Due to the fact the MLB at Bat app on iPhone and iPad devices use location services, you will not be able to bypass MLB blackout restrictions on either of these platforms. If you do turn off location services, the MLB at Bat will not function.
Can I Bypass MLB.TV Blackouts on Android?
As is the case with iOS devices, the MLB.tv app on Android-based phones and tablets uses a combination of location services and GPS to determine your current location. Thus, you cannot bypass MLB blackout restrictions on Android, even when using VPN.
How to Avoid MLB Blackouts on Amazon Fire TV or FireStick?
The Amazon Fire TV operating system is based on Android. Therefore, you cannot get around blackouts on this device either.
How to Bypass MLB Blackouts on Apple TV?
In order to watch blacked out MLB games on Apple TV, you either have to setup VPN on your router or subscribe to a VPN provider that offers users Smart DNS proxies that can be directly set up on the Apple TV such as ExpressVPN.
How to Avoid MLB Blackout Restrictions on Roku
None of the Roku devices allows you to configure its network settings. The only way to get around MLB blackouts on Roku is by changing your router’s settings. You can either purchase a VPN-enabled router and configure a VPN connection on it or sign up with ExpressVPN and use their DNS codes on your router instead.
Bypass MLB Blackouts on Smart TV
Unless you are using an Android Smart TV, you should be able to set up Smart DNS directly on your Smart TV. Supported models include Samsung, LG, Panasonic, and older Sony Smart TVs. Sign up with either ExpressVPN or Unlocator to watch blacked out games on your Smart TV.
How to Avoid MLB.TV Blackout Restrictions on PlayStation
As with most other MLB.tv compatible streaming devices, neither the PS4 or PS4 have a VPN client. That means you either have to setup VPN on a VPN-ready router or use Smart DNS directly on the PlayStation console. The second option is both cheaper and easier.
Bypass MLB Blackouts on Xbox One or Xbox 360
In case you do not own a VPN-compatible router, your best option is to sign up with ExpressVPN or any other VPN service that provides DNS codes that can be directly set up on the Xbox console to bypass MLB.tv blackouts.
Best MLB.TV VPN 2020
- Best for streaming and privacy
- High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
- Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- 24/7/ live chat support
- 3 extra months free on annual plan
- UltraHD streaming
- Free Smart DNS proxy
- Unblocks all major streaming services
- Limited Time 72% Discount
- Unlimited VPN connections
- Over 1000 servers
- Ad-blocking feature available
- User-friendly application
- Exclusive Smart VPN feature
- Standalone Smart DNS subscription available
- Extra security features
- Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- Split-tunneling available
ExpressVPN – Top MLB VPN 2020
I have been using ExpressVPN to get around MLB blackout restrictions for several seasons now. Never have I run into any major issues. There were a few instances where I did have minor problems, but ExpressVPN’s live chat support team were able to quickly resolve matters. In short, this probably is the best VPN you can use for MLB.tv.
Pros
- Global Network of VPN servers.
- Multiple VPN servers across the United States and Canada
- Smart DNS proxies for Smart TV, PS4, PS3, Xbox, Apple TV, and Roku.
- Zero network traffic logging.
Cons
- Subscribing to a quality VPN provider doesn’t come cheaply.
BulletVPN
BulletVPN is another VPN service you should consider if you want to avoid getting that irritating blackout error. While BulletVPN doesn’t have many servers across the globe, they do have around a dozen in the USA alone. All of these servers worked properly when I tested them in order to watch various MLB teams live online.
Pros
- You can reclaim your money within a month.
- User-friendly applications for all your devices.
- Great customer support.
Cons
- A small VPN network.
IPVanish
IPVanish are a household name in the VPN industry. They are based in the USA which might spook a few VPN servers. Still, they do have a strict no logging policy which means you should, in theory, be able to surf the Internet anonymously. As is the case with ExpressVPN, IPVanish have many servers scattered around the USA. However, they only offer a 7-day refund policy.
Pros
- Countless VPN locations in the USA.
- Featured-packed VPN applications.
- Very fast servers.
Cons
- You can only use their product for a week before the refund period runs out.
- Doesn’t unblock many major VOD services.
NordVPN
NordVPN’s VPN applications for iPhone, iPad, Android, PC, and Mac are possibly the easiest and most friendly I have used. Setting them up takes a couple of minutes. From there on in, you simply launch the app and connect to a VPN server of your choice. It’s safe to say that a lot of effort went into creating these apps. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers a 30-day refund period, more than enough time to fully test their VPN server.
Pros
- 30-day refund period.
- Great VPN apps.
- VPN servers in over 60 countries.
- Double VPN.
Cons
- While most VPN servers we’ve tried were impressively fast, a couple were relatively slow.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is another solid VPN provider you can use to get around MLB blackouts. Their servers work impressively well. However, they do not offer as many American VPN locations as other providers on this list.
Pros
- Very fast VPN servers.
- VPN servers in 36 countries.
- Chameleon.
Cons
- No P2P support.
Best MLB.TV VPN in 2020 – Smart DNS Proxy Alternative
While using VPN is the best method to get around MLB.tv blackouts, it certainly is not the only one. Smart DNS proxies also allow you to watch MLB games without blackouts. The downside, however, is that Smart DNS doesn’t completely mask your IP address. You are therefore still exposed when browsing the web using Smart DNS proxies.
- Almost all streaming devices can be configured with Smart DNS. You can set proxies up directly on an Apple TV, PS4, Xbox One, and even your Smart TV.
- You will not lose access to any of your local streaming channels after you configure Smart DNS on your device.
- You can use this method to get around MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL blackout restrictions.
- There is no way to choose a virtual location when using Smart DNS. The channel and sites you can unblock depend on your Smart DNS proxy service’s setup.
Unlocator are the best when it comes to Smart DNS proxy service. Many MLB fans use them on a yearly basis to watch MLB without any blackouts. Recently, Unlocator have added a VPN application to their subscription plans. You do have to pay extra in case you want to take advantage of it though.
MLB Teams
Here’s the complete list of every Major League baseball team:
AL Central
- Chicago White Sox
- Cleveland Indians
- Detroit Tigers
- Kansas City Royals
- Minnesota Twins
AL East
- Baltimore Orioles
- Boston Red Sox
- New York Yankees
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Toronto Blue Jays
AL West
- Houston Astros
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland Athletics
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
NL Central
- Chicago Cubs
- Cincinnati Reds
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- St. Louis Cardinals
NL East
- Atlanta Braves
- Miami Marlins
- New York Mets
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Washington Nationals
NL West
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Colorado Rockies
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Diego Padres
- San Francisco Giants
Best MLB.TV VPN for 2020 – The Wrap Up
We all long for a day when MLB blackout restrictions become a thing of a past. Until then, using VPN providers like ExpressVPN to watch MLB game without blackouts will do. Have you tested any of the VPN services we have suggested? How was your experience? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
Best VPN for MLB
Name: ExpressVPN
Description: Avoiding MLB blackout restrictions can be quite a hassle unless you sign up with a proper VPN. Watch any MLB game you want, anywhere you want with ExpressVPN.
-
VPN Apps
-
Bypass MLB Blackouts
-
Speed
-
Customer Support
-
Refund Policy
Visit VPN Provider
How to Watch Boca Juniors vs River Plate Live Online
How to Watch U-Verse TV outside USA
How to watch Canal+ outside France using VPN/DNS Proxy
About Author
Charles
Streaming gadgets geek. Interested in every little thing there is to know about bypassing regional restrictions. An avid believer in the right to protect online privacy. Charles has also reviewed plenty of VPN service providers and knows how to separate the good apples from the bad ones.
32 Comments
Add a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I use VyprVPN and can see my blacked out games. I watch them on Nexus Player that is hooked up to my router that I’m running the vpn directly through. Once in a big while I have to change locations or refresh to a different IP address as MLB finds and blacklists some IP addresses used by the vpn provider. I have also used the VyprVPN Android app on the Nexus and can watch the blacked out games. However, I prefer running the con on router so I can protect all devices.
I have ipVanish running on Windows 10 Pc & Amazon FireBox Tv. In Ip Vanish, I have tried connecting through multiple cities in US and out of country servers. I get blackout notifications through MLB. Frustrating, I have paid for a yearly VPN service & the MLB App to follow my Favorite Team. I realize in the MLB disclaimer “Watch out-of-market regular season games live or on demand in HD, Note: this product will not allow you to view live games of any in-market team” BUT was HOPING a VPN would allow me to watch my favorite team. I do not have Tv and I consume all media through internet and travel between multiple cities. ALL I am trying to do is follow my favorite team through the MLB App and I routinely get blocked, especially in the home city. And MLB has concerns about Fan interest declining & losing viewership … I am just irritated & frustrated, tired of this process with MLB baseball, just feel like NOT watching Baseball anymore. So basically, this forum post does nothing for me as it recommends using a VPN to watch MLB games on the MLB app, which does not work for me. If there is a setting or process I have missed, let me know.
IPVanish worked for me earlier in the season, but it appears mlb.com has caught on and is now blocking it. Wondering if users of other VPN services are experiencing the same issue.
In the last few weeks I have tried unsuccessfully to use Express VPN and Unlocator to watch Mlb.tv. Both times the networked pinginged me immediately in my location. I was using an iPad and both sites advertise that is fine. Now, I see your article saying this will not work.
Is anyone using anything successfully??
Hi Michael. As mentioned in the guide above, due to the fact the MLB app on iOS devices actually uses location services such as GPS, there’s no way around MLB blackouts on iPads or iPhones, even when using VPN or Smart DNS proxies.
I understand that my iOS devices are not going to work. Just want to know what WILL work. It looks like a LG or Samsung Smart TV will work. I’m willing to buy one.
Samsung Smart TVs do work. If you don’t want to invest in a new Smart TV, you can always buy an Apple TV instead.
Or buy a $40 firestick, pay the $4.99 a month for Unblock US. Works like a charm.
Ive set up an account on Express VPN, and got everything dialed in on my appletv, but still having blackout restrictions on mlb tv, any suggestions?
Hi Keith. Are you using VPN or ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature on your Apple TV?
Anyone figure out a way around this year? I’ve tried ExpressVPN and IPVanish on my Windows 10 PC and can’t get around the MLB.TV blackouts at all. Worked like a charm last year… Sucks because my RSN isn’t carried on any a la carte sevives… laaaaaame.
Hello Joey. Have you tried connecting to VPN servers outside the USA? Try checking your IP address after establishing the VPN connection by visiting http://www.whatismyip.network
I tried ExpressVPN and connected to a few different states and even one in the UK but was not able to watch on mlb.tv or my cable provider’s site. I checked the IP with the link and it sowed correctly in other states/countries but the game was still blacked out.
Same experience. On IPVanish, MLB.TV backed out every game, even ones outside my geographical area, when I was connected to any server, including servers in Eurpoe, Asia, and Australia.
Which devices were you using?
I have a MacBook Pro running High Sierra. NordVPN won’t work at all on mlb.tv. I may give unlocator another try as it worked last year. I paid for NordVPN thinking it would be better, but I was wrong.
There are posts on Reddit where people are claiming they are using a VPN and virtual mouse to sign in and watching MLB TV on fire stick how could this be if there is GPS ?
Seems this year MLB is detecting VPN traffic and blocking all games if you are using a VPN. I use IPVanish and when connected cannot watch any game at all. Are you seeing this as well?
Hello Matt. What devices are you using to watch MLB?
Hi Charles. I have tried my Amazon FireStick and even my laptop (windows) and both showed all games with VPN disconnected and blocked when connected. Last year all worked fine. I tried VPN servers even in Canada and nothing.
I’m using ExpressVPN. Same issue. it worked once and no longer works no matter what server I connect to. I’ve deleting cookies, flushed DNS. Nada
I have the same problem. How can I fix it?
I have Express VPN on my PC and it doesn’t work.
Have you tried connecting to a VPN server outside USA?
Tries another country. No luck on Umbuntu PC
I found a work around for blackouts on your phone. The solution worked on my Samsung s7. You need an MLB subscription, Kodi and a vpn. I am using winscribe on the strongSwan app. Inside Kodi you need the MLB app located in the Kodi Repo and enter your account info. Start your VPN, run Kodi, open MLB app and watch your blacked out games without the pesky location services. Enjoy.
Here’s how you can install MLB.TV on Kodi https://thevpn.guru/mlb-kodi-live-stream-xbmc-install-addon-bypass-blackouts-vpn/
I see now where it is mentioned on that page. Not sure how I missed that here but I have not seen it anywhere else in any cord cutting related forums. Thanks for the reply.
Lol I have fire tv and ipvanish works perfectly with mlb tv.
But do you still have blackouts?
I have an Amazon Fire Stick and am able to utilize IPVanish to view in-market MLB games with no problem.
Hi, I have Mac Sierra 10.12.5 OS on my MacBook Pro. I have NordVPN. It worked once, but it hasn’t worked since. I cannot connect to MLB.tv no matter what I do. I cannot make it work. Can someone help me please.