How to watch Netflix from other countries in 2024

Check out international Netflix content in a few clicks

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1.How to unblock Netflix content with a VPN2.How does a VPN change your location?3.Why does Netflix content vary from country to country?4.What if your VPN doesn’t work with Netflix?5.Which VPN is the best for unblocking Netflix?6.FAQs

Despite the fact that more streaming services crop up every year, Netflix is still the top dog—and constantly causes a buzz across social media with its original content.

However, the Netflix shows and moviesyousee might not be the same as the NetflixIsee in the UK. Why? Well, Netflix is under licensing obligations to broadcast different content in different countries. Geo-restrictions keep me from checking out what’s new in the US, for example, which can be seriously annoying.

There’s a way to get around these pesky restrictions, however, and all it takes isa virtual private network (VPN). These handy security tools let you connect to a server somewhere else in the world to access that location’s Netflix library. So, whether you want to check out Netflix’s US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Japan content, it’ll be a breeze (if you’re using one of thebest VPNsaround).

Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to access Netflix shows from overseas with a VPN—and which service I’d recommend for the job.

How to unblock Netflix content with a VPN

Using a VPN to unblock Netflix might seem like a daunting task, but it’s deceptively simple. Plus, most of today’s top VPNs have easy-to-use apps designed to be as newbie-friendly as possible.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

How does a VPN change your location?

Okay, so —how does the magic happen? It all boils down toyour IP address. Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns one to every internet-enabled device when you connect to its servers—basically, when you go about your everyday browsing. The ISP’s servers will be based in the same country as the place where you’re accessing the internet.

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A VPN, on the other hand, routes your internet traffic through its own shiny servers, and a good VPN will have servers dotted all over the world. Essentially, you can pick and choose where you want your traffic to come from.

Connect to a VPN server and you’ll be using the IP address of that server, not your ISP, which means that the sites you visit (like Netflix) will assume you’re in the same place as the server. Netflix sees this IP address, takes note of its location, and serves up content based in that same place.

Why does Netflix content vary from country to country?

Generally speaking, if a show is available in a particular country on another streaming service, it won’t be available on Netflix in that same place.

Your next question might be:why? Why does Netflix go to the trouble of providing different content to people in different countries? Ultimately, it’s not up to Netflix, and the site has to abide by licensing agreements that dictate where it can and can’t broadcast specific content. Some shows are only licensed to be displayed in a handful of countries—which means that you’ll miss out if you’re overseas.

A VPN lets you digitally relocate yourself to whichever country you like, however, so you can place yourself somewhere where Netflix does have the license to broadcast that one show you’ve been dying to watch.

What if your VPN doesn’t work with Netflix?

Netflix has gotten wise to the fact that people use VPNs to circumvent geo-restrictions—and has gotten even better at recognizing VPN IP addresses and blacklisting them. This makes your VPN’s job harder, and there’s a chance that you might not be able to unblock content even after connecting to a VPN server.

If you’re having trouble, I’d recommend trying these handy hacks:

If none of these fixes work, your VPN might not be up to the task of unblocking Netflix. I’d suggest sticking to one of ourtop streaming VPNsif you want a reliable pick (and one that our team is always testing).

Which VPN is the best for unblocking Netflix?

NordVPN: the best Netflix VPN in 2024NordVPN is my #1 pick when it comes to Netflix—and just about every streaming service out there. It’s wickedly fast, has servers in more than 60 countries, and apps for all your devices. It’s the total package, and the perfect companion for your HD and 4k movie marathons.

Try NordVPN today with a30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs

Can I unblock Netflix without a VPN?

It’s possible to usesmart DNSto change your Netflix region—but it’s not as reliable as a VPN. VPNs are better equipped to evade Netflix’s geo-restrictions and VPN blocks and, ultimately, help you access content from overseas.

Is it illegal to unblock Netflix with a VPN?

No, there’s no law that prohibits you from using a VPN while streaming Netflix—but itisagainst the site’s terms and conditions. This means that Netflix can block your account if it discovers that you’re using a VPN (though I’ve never heard of this happening—Netflix has bigger fish to fry).

Can I use a free VPN to unblock Netflix?

Is it possible? Yes. Is it a good idea? No.

Netflix doesn’t want people to use VPNs to access overseas content, and the majority offree VPNshave a hard time getting around Netflix’s innovative VPN blocks. Plus, a lot of free VPNs limit the amount of bandwidth you can enjoy per month—and streaming Netflix is a great way to use it all up.

If you want to unblock Netflix without spending a penny, the best way is to make good use of a VPN’s money-back guarantee. You’ll have to purchase a subscription but, at the end of the month, you can cancel your subscription and reclaim your money.

Will Netflix block my VPN if I use it to unblock content?

Netflix can, and will, block any IP address it associates with a VPN—and it does so to comply with licensing agreements that prevent it from displaying content in certain countries. Netflix has gotten good at picking out VPN IP addresses, too, and evencracked down on VPN usage in 2021.

It can feel like a cat-and-mouse game; VPNs are keen to stay ahead of these blocks, adding new servers as IP addresses are sniffed out and blacklisted. A server that unblocked Netflix today may not tomorrow—which is why me and the TechRadar team are constantly putting VPN unblocking power to the test.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1.Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2.Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

River is a Tech Software Editor and VPN expert at TechRadar. They’re on-hand to keep VPN and cybersecurity content up-to-date and accurate. When they’re not helping readers find the best VPNs around (and the best deals), River can be found in close proximity to their PS5 or being pushed about the countryside by the lovely Welsh weather.

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