VPN (US IP) and Geoblocking on Formuler Z12 Ultra (Uk/EU) – Questions Before Using a Replacement Device

Hello,

Last week I was looking for a TV box and decided to purchase the Formuler Z12 Ultra. I live in Spain, so I received the European version of the device.

After receiving it and completing the initial setup, I discovered that the device had been blocked because I updated the firmware while my VPN was active with a US IP address.

I have since returned the device to my reseller (an official Formuler distributor). They have up to 30 days to send me a replacement. I assume they will send the same device back after removing the geoblock.

Before I receive the replacement, I have a few questions:

• Will I be able to use the Formuler Z12 Ultra with a VPN that provides a US IP address? I plan to use some US services that require a US IP to work.
• Does the geoblocking only apply during the initial setup? From reading the forum, I understood that this issue mainly happens during the first configuration, and that after setup the device can be used normally even if a VPN with a US IP is active.
• I use an Aircove router. If in the future I accidentally update the firmware while my VPN is set to a US IP, could this block the device again?

This geoblocking policy leaves me a bit unsure. If it turns out to be too restrictive, I may have to consider another device, even though I really liked the Formuler Z12 Ultra during the short time I was able to use it.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Quote from Lucky133

First setup with ip in europe ofcourse... (without vpn! Turn off vpn in router) Otherwise if you start box with an usa ip you will cause the problem again. Don't!

After complete setup and updated firmware...

...then put on your vpn to usa and should be work.

Thank you very much for your quick response.

I’m glad to learn that the VPN is not a problem for the daily use of the device.

In a few hours, I will receive a new device. I will make sure to configure it without the VPN enabled.

One last question: how will I know that the device is completely configured and that from that moment on I can safely use my VPN with a US IP without causing this problem again?

Is there any trick I should know to avoid another surprise ?

Quote from Lucky133

Hello my friend,

I hope they send you a european device. Ofcourse😉

The thrick is: FIRST login with a pc or other device on your router!

Turn off vpn in the router! Then you should get spain ip. If you can't turn off vpn check ip first and then connect to europea country (spain, portugal etc...)

check if your ip changes, so you know it's changed from usa ton spain.

If ip is changed.

Connect device to route. (Only if you are sure your ip is changed to european country)

Then do setup device and do firmware update etc.

After firmware update box reboot and then you can change vpn on router to ON and or select usa as vpn country.

Or make a wifi hotspot with your mobile phone, then it gets also spain ip right? Cause your phone is connected to 4g/5g and make wifi from it. Connect with box to your phone and should also be good. (If you do this thrick, be sure ethernet/utp cable is not connected!!!)

Let me know how it works out for you,

Goodday my friend

P.s: Use ALWAYS vpn. And if you have nordvpn, then i ADVICE an obfuscated server. (The internet provider can't see then that you use an vpn)

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Thank you for the detailed response.
I already have a clear idea of how to use the Aircove. For safety, I will connect the Z12 Ultra directly to my ISP router.

I'll give you feedback later this evening after setting up the Z12 Ultra, which should arrive in a few minutes!

Quote from SAM

Like Lucky wrote, initial or first setup always without VPN otherwise is Geoblock possible, when setup is done and Box configured (back to menu) than you can install VPN on Box and use.

Thanks, admin (y) !

I finally received it. I’ve just completed the various system updates after connecting it to my ISP router (so, no VPN whatsoever).
Everything seems to be going well 🙂.

In the end, everything went well. The Z12 Ultra is really smooth.

Formuler should mention that the setup needs to be done without a VPN enabled to avoid geo-blocking.
That would have saved me this delay.

Otherwise, I’m not completely convinced by MyTVOnline 3. Is there a way to see the full list of channels without having to go through all the groups?

Thanks again

Quote from Lucky133

Not with mytvonline3. (Maby in future due an update??? Who knows.)

You can press ok button while watching a channel, then you see the channel list of that group.

And press to left to see groups etc.

In mytvonline and mytvonline2 there was a group called ALL, there were all channels in one list. But that list is sooooo big when you got more countries😂

You can press green button and search for channels or vod/serie.

Play with it and check some functions and enjoy your great choice for the Z12 ultra box!

Goodday my friend

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Dear friend,

After a few hours of use, the app isn't that bad. The responsiveness is really nice. The commands are intuitive. I’ll need to set up my favorites in order to have quick access to my usual channels.

Is it true that there’s a limited number of groups in 'favorites'?
I think I read that in one of the thousands of posts I went through while researching the Z12.

Quote from SAM

300 per Group but you can create many of them if needed.

Thanks, admin !

If I understood correctly, I can create up to 300 groups in “Favorites”. Is that correct?!

Quote from BIMBO45l

#10

Cher ami,

après quelques heures d'utilisation, l'application n'est pas si mal. La réactivité est vraiment bonne et les commandes sont intuitives. Je vais devoir configurer mes favoris pour accéder rapidement à mes chaînes habituelles.

Est-il vrai que le nombre de groupes dans les « favoris » est limité ?
Il me semble avoir lu cela dans l'un des milliers de messages que j'ai consultés lors de mes recherches sur la Z12.

You can create 10 groups for your favorites—but you can use a single group, naming it, for example: Spain-Portugal, and include 150 Spanish channels + 150 Portuguese channels.

Très bon français !

It seems he has already read that information. Who is right?

Quote from SAM

Standard Favorites Group = 300 channels, if you want to create 10 extra favorite groups (Manager), you can create and put in each created group 300 channels- Means 10 favorite groups = together 3000 channels. Hope it is now clear

Important: When finished with creating, it is recommended to do backup from MOL3.

I got you !

Thanks you (y) !