Last updated Jun 5, 2023 at 6am ET
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Putlocker is an index of TV shows and movies that helps you find and stream content online. After the original site was shut down in the UK, multiple mirror sites emerged all over the internet with the name Putlocker. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use Putlocker as well as the legal and safety concerns that you should know about.
How is Putlocker different from Netflix and other streaming platforms?
Netflix and similar streaming platforms have a subscription fee. This allows them to stay ad-free while also paying for the rights to all the content. That’s not the case with Putlocker and similar websites.
Putlocker doesn’t pay for the licensing fees, but it also doesn’t require a subscription. As it is with similar movie streaming websites, Putlocker uses ads to help monetize their content. These are generally pop-under ads, meaning that the ads open in a new browser window, which stays open in the background until you close it.
Putlocker sometimes uses built-in ads that play before your video. However, this depends on the source of the video that you’re streaming, as Putlocker itself is only indexing the content which is hosted on third-party servers across the world.
Is Putlocker legal?
In countries like Canada and Switzerland, it’s legal to stream pirated content. However, it’s still illegal to host pirated content there. But since Putlocker is only an index site and doesn’t host any videos, it’s hard to put it down. And if you were to download some TV shows illegally, the legal liability would fall on the site that hosts that show.
In some countries like the US and those in the EU, it’s illegal to watch pirated content. So, the end user is also vulnerable to legal action in this case. This means that unless you are adequately able to mask your internet presence, it’s not recommended for you to visit any Putlocker website while in these countries.
However, Putlocker can also utilize legal loopholes. As they don’t host files on their own servers, they can be considered legal in certain countries with looser piracy laws. As long as you have adequate protection to hide your true identity, you won’t run into any trouble when accessing Putlocker websites from anywhere in the world.
Is Putlocker safe?
You should be safe when using Putlocker if you don’t forget to follow these rules:
- Avoid clicking on any of the popup ads
- Stop forced redirects that happen quite often
- Never download anything from these websites
Without following these rules, it’ll be very difficult for an average user to surf a Putlocker site safely. Even an accidental click on any of the pop-ups or redirected sites can download malware onto your system before you can do anything. In most cases, you will not even notice the hidden download process.
Also, website hosts have access to your IP address and other information such as your location. Since we don’t know who is actually hosting these sites, our personal data can be at risk of being misused. So, we recommend security software like VPNs and ad blockers before you access Putlocker websites to make sure you stay safe.
- Excellent security
- Great server list
- Awesome for Netflix
- Good for torrenting
- Very easy to use
- Affordable prices
How to download from Putlocker
Another option for watching movies is to download from Putlocker, which allows you to store and watch your content offline.
For this, you’ll need to find a video downloading software, which will allow you to download video streams from websites such as YouTube or Putlocker.
After you’ve downloaded and installed the software of your choice, you’ll then need to find the Putlocker URL that presents the video you wish to download. Copy and paste it into your downloading software, and then the program should automatically offer you a list of different resolutions and formats to download.
How to use Putlocker safely
Essentially, Putlocker is a streaming service built directly into a website. It allows anyone on the internet access to its main page, where they can search through thousands of movies and TV shows in a matter of minutes.
The website even provides you with similar titles and basic recommendations, just in case you’re having trouble finding the perfect movie to watch.
Using Putlocker to stream movies is as simple as finding a movie that you want to watch, clicking on it, giving it a few seconds to load, and then hitting Play.
But because streaming movies can be illegal depending on your country’s copyright law, accessing the website can be a little bit risky. Also, the ads discussed above might cause harm to your computer if accidentally clicked on.
So, with that in mind, we recommend following these tips to prepare your browser for streaming or downloading through Putlocker.
1. Run an ad-blocker
When using any streaming sites such as Putlocker, it’s important to install and run an ad-blocker on your browser. This will protect you from a wide variety of annoying ads, including pop-ups and the pop-under type of ads found on the Putlocker website.
2. Use a tracker blocker
You might not know this, but some sites use scripts that can track your activity even after you’ve left their main page. Therefore, to keep your identity and activities secure at all times, it’s vital to install a tracker blocker to shut down tracking scripts automatically.
3. Protect yourself with anti-virus software
A vital part of staying safe online comes from using a proper anti-virus program. Most computer operating systems come with a basic version installed, which should be sufficient when streaming movies and shows from Putlocker. Just be sure to keep it turned on. And, it doesn’t hurt to run regular scans as well.
4. Avoid streaming on mobile browsers
Even the best and most secure mobile browser can’t compare to the safety and security of a desktop-based web browser with the right extensions installed. So, unless you have no other choice, it’s best to download or stream videos from Putlocker only while using a desktop-based browser.
5. Use a VPN to stream content safely
A VPN protects all of your data by routing it through a secure server and encrypting all the traffic that goes out. What this means is that none of your information – such as the network that you are using, your system, or your location – will be at risk since the server that you are accessing will not be able even to see your actual IP address. Instead, the only thing that will be visible is the information of the VPN server that you are using to connect.
Essentially, a VPN adds an extra layer of security to your connection whenever you’re using either a private or public network. So, when your information is transferred between your device and one of the network’s servers, it cannot be accessed by anyone else on the web.
This also means that internet users can use a VPN to access streaming channels and content that has been censored in their area.
Recommended VPN for Putlocker
Using a VPN should be considered mandatory when you are browsing the web, or at least when you are using Putlocker.
We recommend NordVPN since it is by far the most secure VPN out there. It has many security features including bank-grade encryption and a kill switch, which protects your privacy in case of a connection or a power loss.
You can also access Putlocker if it’s blocked in your country using a VPN. Similarly, if you are in a country where it is illegal to stream pirated content, a VPN would protect your identity and possibly protect you from any law enforcement organization.
FAQ
Is Putlockers still available?
Yes, Putlockers is still available. Though the platform has had to shut down several times due to legal issues, it’s still running and available. If you’re unable to access Putlockers from your country, it might be locally restricted. Use a reliable VPN service to bypass geo-blocks.
How is Putlocker free?
In short, Putlocker generates income from ads. The platform does not cover the costs of licensing fees, yet it does not demand a subscription either. Like other movie streaming platforms, Putlocker relies on advertisements to generate revenue for its content.
Is Putlockers legal in the US?
It is illegal to use a site like Putlocker in the US. Like platform’s counterparts 123movies or PrimeWire, Putlocker makes copyrighted content available to users without owning distribution rights. Luckily, it’s safe to use with a secure VPN like NordVPN, which protects online anonymity.
Can I watch movies on Putlockers website?
You can definitely watch movies on Putlockers website. But because streaming movies can be illegal depending on your area’s copyright laws, accessing the website can be a little bit risky. For that reason, we advise using a premium VPN to secure your online ventures and overall anonymity.
What are Putlockers alternatives?
Some alternatives for Putlockers include 123Movies, Popcornflix, Los Movies, Fmovies, and SolarMovie. Likewise, these streaming platforms allow watching movies & shows for free but aren’t legal. As such, a reliable VPN service is due for protecting your IP address from being detected.
Is Putlocker safe and legit?
Putlockers is definitely legit and safe. However, if you live in a country with strict censorship or licensing laws, then you need a VPN to mask your IP address. Putlockers isn’t legal everywhere so it’s in your best interest to protect yourself from being detected on websites like Putlockers.
Great article about putlocker and vpn use. I have tried something here https://bit.ly/einthusan-movies. I would like to know more about such content.
Hello Raj Sinha,
Thank you for the appreciation! Putlocker alternatives continue to be taken down and sometimes they come back, new ones are made. It’s common with free streaming websites, so it’s a good idea to keep a lookout for similar sites like Putlocker.
Great article. It helped me figure out what I need to do to be able to watch free movies without making an account with any site; I don’t like to do that.
Do I absolutely have to create a putlocker account in order to see movies?
To Clemente and Oscar,
You definitely don’t need to create a putlocker account to watch movies online.
Is it safe to watch movies online? No, it’s not safe. The risks are just too high for my taste. What I like to do is get a great VPN like NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark (whichever one of these will do just fine) and then download movies using torrents. The quality is usually better than what you can find online and I don’t have to worry about getting all sorts of viruses from putlocker sites.
Is 123movies a safe site? No site is safe in its entirety but this is as safe as you will find I think. Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps.
Hi there –
I’ll have to echo what Moro99 and Quincy are saying — proxies are fine, but not really dependable. The best option is a strong VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. The former, NorVPN, only comes in at $2.99/month and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so that’s a pretty good option if you want to test it out first before really committing.
Good luck, and stay safe
Julie
I would add that using proxy sites for online movies is better than nothing but it still doesn’t even come close to the protection a VPN will offer. Proxy sites, even paid ones are not as good as a good VPN which encrypts everything, all the time. If you want to stay safe just get a 3 year Nordvpn deal which is $2.99 and you’ll never have to worry about it again. And yes, you can easily download movies using torrents and not have to worry about viruses from putlocker sites. A VPN and torrents is the safest route.
You can watch free movies without making an account with such a site. You make a putlocker account usually so everything is more organized and you can save a list of movies to watch later.
Is putlockers safe from viruses? I haven’t really used these kinds of sites before and I would like to but I’m afraid I may encounter viruses that my antivirus may not catch. Is it safe to watch movies online or should I not do this? I would like to use 123movies because I heard it’s a good site. Is 123movies a safe site? Should I use it or do you have another suggestion? Thank you for any and all replies.
Hi Oscar,
You’ve got some good advice from Alex here. Definitely get a good VPN for any online movie streaming, seeing as most of these sites aren’t the best for safety and security. We recommend both NordVPN and ExpressVPN for their amazing features.
Good luck!
Julie
Most such sites are not safe. They will open a lot of unwanted ads and even have viruses waiting for you. I would look for proxy sites for online movies if you don’t have the budget for a VPN. I strongly recommend you get a VPN because you need it, not just for watching movies but browsing safely, downloading stuff from the internet like torrents, etc. You also need a good antivirus and if you do want to watch movies online just pick 1-2 reputable sites and stay with them. Don’t watch one movie on a site and then another on site 2 and so on because this way you increase your chances of getting a virus. 123movies is one of the good putlockers website so use that. Like it says in here, don’t download anything from these websites as in almost all cases, there’s a virus waiting on the other side.
Many people still question if Putlocker is illegal or not. Many European courts have ruled that streaming pirated content is in fact illegal. What if they find out? You’re in BIG trouble!
Some video streaming websites require you to disable your ad blocker in order to be able to eventually watch or download the movie or video. What should be done in that case?
Thanks for the guide ! I didn’t even know about Putlocker ! Concerning the tracker blocker do you know a good one ? I’m already uBlock as my adblocker but I wasn’t aware of tracker blockers.
Putlocker is still a thing?? Man, I used to watch anime on Putlocker, years and years ago. I figured it would be completely dead by now. It was always one of those sites where you could pretty much guarantee you were gonna infect your computer with a zombie virus if you went there. So glad there are things like accessible VPNs now…
If I would start the movie there stay “no files found” what’s the matter? Why I can’t watch the video…it’s dark. Please let me know your thoughts.