Netflix is the king among all streaming platforms! It's the ticket to access top-notch movies and shows, catering to audiences worldwide. Whether you're a solo movie viewer or host watch parties, Netflix ensures an abundance of entertainment content.
Yet, the Netflix movies and shows aren't uniform across the globe. It has a diverse content library, offering different movies and shows tailored to each country. So, while you enjoy the US movies and shows, your friends in Canada might miss out on the content you are streaming.
A VPN can help you access the Netflix content not available in your country. But the benefits of VPNs are beyond merely streaming content. This post shares the ultimate guide to using a VPN to access Netflix content from any location.
Netflix has a different lineup of content for each country, due to distinct copyright and distribution laws. Every movie and show doesn't hold global distribution rights, limiting their availability to a few countries. If a movie is exclusive to the US, it stays there - unless you have a reliable VPN like Express VPN Netflix.
Each country has a unique Netflix content library, and a VPN serves as the key to access global content. It transforms your device, making it appear in a country where your desired content is available for streaming. Beware, though; basic VPNs are easily detectable by Netflix. To outsmart its detection system, you should rely on a strong VPN like Nord or Express VPN.
Before we explain using a VPN for Netflix, let's know what exactly a VPN means. A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a secure, encrypted data tunnel that links your device to a server in a different location.
This clever tool conceals your real IP address, making it seem like you're browsing the internet from the server's location. It's your covert strategy to break through geographical boundaries and access content that would otherwise be out of reach
You can start accessing the geo-restricted Netflix content by selecting a VPN that matches your requirements. With a plethora of VPNs available, invest time in research to pick the one with a vast server network, lightning-fast speeds, and a track record of overcoming streaming service restrictions - Netflix, in particular.
After choosing the VPN of your choice, let's look into the installation and configuration phase. Reputable VPN providers make the installation super easy, offering user-friendly applications for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more. Just follow the instructions laid out by your chosen VPN, setting up the application on your device.
Post successful installation, you can launch the VPN application, and create an account for yourself. After that you need to login to your account. Upon logging in, a list of server locations will greet you. To tap into Netflix movies from a specific region, opt for a server located in that country. For instance, if you're eyeing US Netflix content, link up with a server in the United States.
Before using the Netflix through VPN, it's crucial to clear your browser's cache and cookies. This ensures that Netflix acknowledges your newfound virtual location, delivering content tailored to the region of the connected server.
With your VPN is successfully connected to a server in your desired country and your browser's cache and cookies wiped clean, head over to the Netflix website or launch the app. Behold, you now have the ticket to access a giant library of movies and TV shows from the region of the connected server.
Choose the Right Server:
Different VPN servers might offer different speeds and reliability. If you encounter sluggish streaming or buffering issues. So, experiment by connecting to another server in the same country, until you find one with decent speed and performance.
Use High-Speed Internet:
VPNs could slightly slow down your internet speed due to the encryption process. For a glitch-free streaming experience, always connect to a high-speed internet connection. If you have a basic internet plan, consider upgrading to a high speed plan.
Keep Your VPN Updated:
Ensure your VPN application stays updated to bask in the latest enhancements, security patches, and new server locations. This will also ensure that the VPN stays undetectable and offer robust security and performance.
Experiment with Regions:
Experiment for a few days by connecting to servers in different countries. You might find diverse Netflix libraries, each offering unique content. Once you find the content of your interest, you can stick to that library for the entertainment content.
Clear Cache and Cookies:
If Netflix seems oblivious to your virtual location, hit the reset button by periodically clearing your browser's cache and cookies.
Free VPN providers are everywhere, and the temptation is real. However, we strongly advise against it for a few reasons. Offering complete access to Netflix demands a lot of effort and investment from a provider, and free services just cannot do it. While a free VPN might let you explore Netflix catalogues from other countries, you'll likely hit the roadblock of a proxy error when it's showtime.
What's more, these services usually give you a handful of servers, reducing your chances of accessing the Netflix library you want. Even if you do gain entry, be prepared for sluggish connection speeds and maybe even a waitlist for some servers. Free VPNs may also limit your bandwidth, making HD streaming a struggle - something you won't face with premium VPNs.
Accessing US Netflix with a VPN while travelling is a breeze, but there's a catch: you need a VPN that works.
Here's a simple guide to accessing US Netflix abroad:
Yes, you can use Netflix in two different countries simultaneously. A standard subscription allows viewing on two devices concurrently, regardless of the login location. Premium plans extend this to four devices. While Netflix's terms state that users should live with those they share accounts with, individuals temporarily abroad should still access the account normally, receiving content based on their location (unless they use a VPN to spoof it).
To alter your Netflix region on a smart TV, install a VPN app compatible with platforms like Android TV or Amazon Fire TV (Fire TV Stick). Find these apps on the Google Play Store or Amazon Fire TV main menu, download, and install.
Connect to a server in the desired Netflix region, launch the Netflix app, and sign in if needed. Now, enjoy content from the new library. Alternatively, you can install a VPN on your router, requiring manual configuration.
Most websites don't even bother whether you use a VPN or not. However, platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video know well that users can use a VPN to access their services. That is why they put several restrictions on streaming of their content and keep a check on VPN users.
This can be a problem when you travel abroad and want to watch your favorite Netflix shows. Netflix has become adept at identifying VPN usage, blocking providers that can't keep up. Reliable VPNs for Netflix are now rare, with many claiming access but delivering only the US library. At present, only a select few services can securely provide access to multiple Netflix catalogues.
Netflix doesn't play nice with VPNs and proxy servers, but the good news is, using a VPN on Netflix is legal - though it might not always do the trick. The reason behind this lies in Netflix's licensing agreements, which tie content availability to specific countries.
When VPNs change your IP address and make you seem somewhere else, it creates a hiccup in these licensing terms. No need to fret about legal repercussions; unless you're in a country where VPNs are a no-go, you're in the clear.