MLB.tv blackouts workaround using a VPN

A VPN is one of the best ways to sidestep any MLB.tv blackouts, no matter your current location. Here’s what you need to know to reliably bypass MLB.tv blackouts with a VPN.  

The 2024 MLB season is set to begin in March, with fans subject to regional blackouts and restrictions depending on where they’re currently located. It’s not ideal if you’re away from home, as you might be unable to stream your favorite MLB games. 

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a simple workaround that will encrypt your data in the process, allowing the user to bypass MLB.tv blackouts while improving online privacy. Here’s a guide to watching every 2024 MLB game in and outside of the United States with a VPN. For the best results, we’d stick with a desktop web browser like Chrome or Firefox.

How to bypass MLB.tv blackouts: a quick guide

If you haven’t got time to read through the entire article, we’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide to bypassing MLB.tv blackouts with a VPN. 

Here’s how to watch every game and bypass MLB blackouts:

1. To begin, you’ll need to sign up with a reputable provider that can bypass MLB blackouts. We’d opt for NordVPN as our top recommendation. 
2. Download and install the VPN app to the device of your choice.
3. Connect to a US server in a location in which the game isn’t subject to blackouts. 
4. Open MLB.tv. You should now be able to watch any blocked games.  
5. If you run into any issues, make sure to clear the cache and any cookies from your device. 

If you’re still having trouble accessing MLB.tv, switch to a different VPN server or get in contact with the support team for more help. Free VPN software tends to struggle when tasked with bypassing blackout rules.

Bypass MLB blackouts with a VPN

MLB.tv users in the United States and abroad are subject to regional blackouts, which means they will be unable to watch every game depending on their current location. 

As the MLB.tv website notes: 

“Due to certain Major League Baseball exclusivities, select regular season, special event, and Postseason games are unavailable on MLB.TV domestically and internationally. Live audio of the games that are unavailable is available to customers within “At Bat,” which is included with all MLB.TV subscriptions.”

MLB.tv is priced at $149.99 annually or $24.99 monthly, but fans are expected to buy a cable or satellite TV subscription to watch every game. 

A VPN tends to be the easiest workaround, ensuring that the user appears to be in a different country or state. As such, you’ll be able to bypass blackouts, although you will have to pay a monthly subscription for the majority of VPNs worth mentioning. We'd recommend to select a provider with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you'll be able to test it for yourself with your favorite team, or to check out the connection speeds for an international server. 

What is a blackout and why does it happen?

A blackout means that you won’t be able to watch certain games in certain areas at specific times via the MLB.tv app. It’s typical for many US sports, and it means a local station such as Fox, NBC, or ABC TV has secured the rights to show games featuring local teams. You can find an updated blackout schedule here. 

Blackouts often prevent MLB.tv users from being able to watch local teams. The MLB.tv app or website checks the device’s IP address to determine the viewer’s location. There are several potential error messages you may encounter:

• “We’re sorry. The broadcasters’ required blackout checks cannot be performed at this time. Please try again in a few moments.”
• “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.”
• “Due to Major League Baseball exclusivities, live games occurring each Saturday with a scheduled start time after 1:10 PM ET or before 8:00 PM ET and each Sunday with a scheduled start time after 5:00 PM ET, will be blacked out in the United States.”
• “Media Error. This game is temporarily unavailable. Please try again in a few moments.”
• “This video is not currently available due to local or national blackout restrictions. Please click “Learn More” if you require assistance.”

Bypass MLB.tv blackouts in a web browser

A VPN can be used to change your IP address to match a different location of your choosing. This can be in the US or elsewhere. You’ll just need to connect to a relevant server location, ensuring that you clear your cookies and refresh the page if you happen to run into any issues.

The majority of notable VPNs have simple client apps that are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. We’ve tested the MLB.TV app within the browser, and are happy to report that it works to circumvent blackouts. 

For instance, if you’re struggling to watch a specific game that is blacked out, you can try switching to a Canadian server, or you can pick another location within the US. The former is especially helpful if a game is subject to national blackouts. VPNs often work with additional regional sports networks.

For the best results, pick a nearby server to ensure the quickest speeds while connected to the VPN. 

Bypassing MLB.tv blackouts with Android and iOS apps

If you’re aiming to access MLB.tv via iOS or Android, it’s going to be more difficult than using a web browser. In the past, it was easy to use the method discussed above, connecting to a VPN server with an IP address outside of the specific blackout market. However, Android and iOS MLB.tv apps now use your GPS data to determine whether or not the user should be subject to any blackouts. 

Bypassing blackout restrictions used to require Android devices to be rooted and iOS devices to be jailbroken. Instead, we’ll take you through a duo of potential workarounds, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll be successful while using a mobile device.

Bypass MLB.tv blackouts on Android:

1. Download and install the location-spoofing app of your choice for Android. 
2. Select a location that isn’t subject to regional blackouts. 
3. You’ll need to install the MLB.tv app on your device. 
4. If the app is already installed, you may need to clear your app cache data in your device’s storage settings.
5. Alternatively, a VPN like Surfshark offers GPS spoofing in its Android app.

Bypass MLB.tv blackouts on iOS:

iOS users are out of luck, insofar as it’s difficult to spoof your GPS without jailbreaking your device. However, you’ll be able to turn off your location services, which may be enough to trick MLB.tv into allowing you to access any blocked streams. You can do so within the Location Services menu on your phone or tablet.

MLB.tv streaming FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to bypass MLB.tv blackouts?

A free VPN is likely to struggle to access MLB.tv streams, even if it is a tempting prospect. Most free providers have a limited number of servers on offer and use IP addresses that have already been blocked by many streaming platforms. 

If you do find a free VPN that offers MLB.tv access, expect to see slower speeds due to overloaded servers. Bandwidth is often capped, while security tends to be an issue. For example, some free providers have been known to sell user data, while others lack basic encryption.

Can I watch MLB during a blackout while abroad?

Yes. You’ll be able to access various blocked MLB games with a VPN even if there’s a blackout in place. For the best results, we’d advise to use a desktop device and a web browser. This will ensure that you avoid any headaches relating to mobile apps that use GPS data and location services. You’ll just need to connect to a VPN server in a location in which there’s no blackout in place.

Is it legal to use a VPN to stream MLB?

It’s not illegal to stream MLB games with a VPN, although there is a caveat. Providers are totally legal in the US and most countries worldwide, but the MLB.tv terms and conditions state:

“If you circumvent, or attempt to circumvent, any blackout restriction or other use restriction: your subscription will be subject to immediate termination and a charge of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for early termination; you may be subject to legal action; and MLB reserves the right to report such misconduct to appropriate law enforcement authorities.”

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be targeted for using a VPN, but it’s still worth being aware of. 

How do I bypass MLB blackouts on Apple TV?

A VPN can’t be installed directly on an Apple TV device, as they aren’t designed to support VPN connections. However, there are a number of ways to get around this issue, with the most common being the use of a VPN with a compatible router. We’ve included a guide for using a VPN with Apple TV here. Once connected, you’ll be free to switch to a server location that shows the MLB game you’d like to stream.

Will any of the playoffs be subject to blackouts?

Yes, even post-season playoffs can be subject to blackouts depending on where you’re currently located. These are some of the most popular games on the schedule, and the live streaming rights are regularly sold to cable TV channels.

MLB says: “Due to certain Major League Baseball exclusivities, select regular season, special event, and Postseason games are unavailable on MLB.TV domestically and internationally.”

Users in the US will be able to watch playoff games via the MLB.tv archive, 90 minutes after it was originally aired. A VPN won’t be helpful in this respect, as you’ll need access to cable TV rather than the MLB.tv app if you’re hoping to watch live playoff games.

Can I use a SmartDNS service to watch MLB games?

It’s possible to use SmartDNS to watch MLB games, and some providers offer support for SmartDNS servers at no extra cost. However, SmartDNS typically doesn’t offer the same level of encryption and privacy seen with a VPN. 

NordVPN offers SmartPlay, which is helpful if you’d like to stream content using a smart TV or a games console. SmartPlay has all of the benefits associated with SmartDNS while shielding the user with traditional VPN encryption. 

Are there any alternatives to MLB.tv?

There are a number of alternatives if you’re not a fan of the MLB.tv platform. You will be able to watch MLB games via the following streaming platforms:

• Fubo TV
• Sling TV
• Youtube TV
• DirectTV

Does MLB TV block VPNs?

Yes. As with most streaming services, MLB.tv makes an effort to block VPNs from being used to access content. Typically, streaming platforms will use your IP address or GPS data to find out your current location. If a VPN is detected, you’ll likely see an error message. This means only some VPNs will be able to bypass MLB.tv blocks.

Why does MLB.tv blackout games?

MLB.tv is obliged to pull a number of games from the schedule, depending on where you’re currently located. This tends to be due to broadcasters like ESPN holding the rights to specific games in your current region.

Can I use a VPN to access more blocked content? 

Yes, VPNs are especially helpful if you’re aiming to access blocked content, whether it’s a site or service from abroad or another popular streaming platform. For example, many VPNs work with US Netflix from abroad, as well as international services like BBC iPlayer. The same goes for various platforms that are used to stream sports.

How can I tell if an MLB game is blacked out?

You’ll be able to check to see which regional blackouts are in place at any given time by typing in your ZIP code here. Alternatively, you’ll be able to find a list of US national live blackouts via MLB.com. You’ll also be able to tell if you see an error message within the MLB.tv app.