Imagine setting down to binge upon the newest shows on Netflix – you find out the latest shows, you choose one that best suits your mood, you sign in to your Netflix account, and look for your newest discovery. But you don’t find it. It’s like it never existed on Netflix.
It’s a common occurrence, though extremely annoying, experienced by thousands of Netflix users daily. This happens because of Netflix’s geo-restrictions on content. Due to copyrights protection agreements signed by the producers and Netflix, the titles on Netflix are restricted for broadcasting only in certain regions. In simple words, the content you can stream on Netflix is different for different regions.
What you can stream on Netflix depends on where you are, or where you appear to be. With a few tricks (all legal), you can spoof your location and make Netflix think you’re somewhere else.
This blog is all about how to change Netflix region and unlock tons of new Netflix content!
How to Change Netflix Region in 2 minutes?
If you’re just looking to change Netflix region and get back to streaming, follow the steps below. 2 minutes. You’re outta here. No hassle.
- Download a VPN: Find a reliable VPN that can bypass Netflix content restrictions. We recommend ExpressVPN. (30-day money back guarantee!).
- Connect to the server via VPN: Choose a server that’s located in the region whose content library you’re looking to access. For example, choose New York server to unlock the US content library.
- Sign-in to your Netflix: You’ll now be able to access Netflix content that was previously blocked in your region.
- Thank us later, get back to binging on that show for now! With some popcorn of course!
A VPN is the only reliable way to change Netflix region is using a VPN. Here’s a list of the top VPNs tested by our editors for the purpose.
Best VPNs to Change Your Netflix Region
Being a group of streaming afficionados, we just had to figure out the best VPNs in the business – no fun streaming a limited amount of content library!
Below are the preferred VPNs we’ve shortlisted after testing almost 20 VPN providers in the market.
1. ExpressVPN – The best VPN to Change Netflix Region available in the market!
Definitely amongst the best VPNs, specifically for unblocking Netflix geo-restrictions, ExpressVPN has almost 3000 servers available. This means you’ll be able to unlock Netflix content libraries from almost all over the world including US, Canada, Europe, Japan. Not just Netflix, but ExpressVPN is also adept at unlocking regions in other streaming platforms such as Hulu and Disney Plus.
Along with unlocking these content libraries and changing the region, ExpressVPN also provides fast speeds for streaming. It is a common fact that using a VPN slightly affects the bandwidth and hence streaming speeds. But all the servers at ExpressVPN are optimized for higher bandwidth and streaming speeds. You’re not gonna experience lag or buffering. Period.
On the security front, ExpressVPN topped all tests as well. Boasting the 256-AES encryption protocol for privacy and security, you’ll have military-grade security with ExpressVPN! A good encryption helps save you from identity theft and malware attacks. Along with this ExpressVPN features an automatic internet kill-switch that stops your connection in the event of any identity theft of malware attack. There are no IP or activity logs maintained by ExpressVPN either, so you’re safe in every which way possible.
The apps for ExpressVPN are available for all devices, so you’re free to use it with any of your devices available. And their 24/7 live chat support also makes it a very easy to use service.
Pros
Allows access to ALL of Netflix libraries
High streaming and downloading speeds
Military-grade encryption
3000+ servers in 94 countries
24/7 live chat support
Cons
A bit more expensive than other providers
Only 5 devices can be connected simultaneously
2. NordVPN
Just like the ancient Nordic Vikings, NordVPN bypasses all restrictions and gets to the hidden content libraries without much effort.
NordVPN easily unblocks Netflix for 6 major regions – including the United States, Japan and Europe, the best ones out there.
With high-speed servers, NordVPN allows buffer-less streaming experience with great download speeds. NordVPN also provides strict security protocols, prevents DNS leaks and has a very strict no-logs policy. This makes it as safe as it is fast.
With a 30-day money back guarantee, and 24/7 live chat support, NordVPN won’t disappoint.
Pros
Fast streaming speeds
Zero logs maintained
Strong security protocols
256-AES encryption
Cons
The desktop application has slightly low speeds
3. Surfshark
Known for its low price point, Surfshark is the cheapest VPN amongst this list that still does the task. It literally sharks on the other VPN providers in this list.
Among our tests, Surfshark consistently unlocked Netflix on all its servers. With servers spread out in almost 65 countries, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be able to find a connection to the internet. And you can connect unlimited number of devices with a single subscription.
With all industry protocols of security in place, Surfshark has AES-256 encryption protocol, a robust ad blocker and an internet kill switch. All of these will keep you safe from online activity tracking, identity theft attempts and malware attacks.
With a 30-day money back guarantee, and 24/7 live chat support, you’ll definitely have no difficulty in unlocking Netflix with Surfshark.
Pros
3200+ servers
65 countries
Unlimited number of devices can be connected
Reliable adblocker available
30-day money back guarantee
24/7 live chat support
Cons
Comparatively smaller network
Fluctuating speeds at times
4. CyberGhost
A great VPN provider for unlocking Netflix libraries, CyberGhost boasts of servers in almost 90 countries. The high speeds and a definite connection to the internet every time, CyberGhost got everything a streamer needs in a VPN.
Compatible with 7 devices with a single subscription, you can get connection on XBOX, Play Station 4, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV and iOS.
With a zero-logs policy and military grade encryption protocols, CyberGhost is great at keeping you safe online for most kinds of threats.
They also offer 45-day money back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support!
Pros
7400+ servers in 90 countries
High speed streaming
256-bit AES encryption
Zero logs policy
Cons
Won’t unblock China or UAE
5. IPVanish
IPVanish was the last VPN in the list we had made for testing. It performed above expectations as well and did provide buffer-less streaming.
Since IPVanish is a bit recent in the market, it has comparatively low outreach in terms of servers spread across the globe. However, with a smaller network, the only problem you’ll have will be getting a connection via their servers in the first time of asking. Other than that, IPVanish works perfectly well.
It allows unlimited devices connection with a single subscription. And with high quality security protocols in place, you’re safe with IPVanish!
They also provide 30-day money back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support!
Pros
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Consistent speed for streaming
Zero logs policy
24/7 live chat support
Cons
Delays in connection to the internet
Slow response rate on emails
Can Free VPNs Change Netflix Region?
The short answer is no.
See, the problem with free VPN providers is that they can’t invest as much money as paid services do. This simply means that when using a free VPN, you’ll get the proxy error because Netflix can easily identify if you’re using a substandard VPN provider.
The security protocols for free VPN providers are next to none. They don’t offer encryption protocols, DNS leak protection and anti-malware attack software. This means, using a free VPN is akin to crossing a road blindfolded. You’re bound to get hit!
Below are exact steps to Change Netflix region on the device of your choice.
How to Change Netflix Region on iPhone?
Follow the steps below to change Netflix region on iPhone:
1. Subscribe to a VPN (Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN)
2. Download the application from App Store
3. Wait for the application to Install
4. Log-in to the application
5. Connect to the server of your choice
6. Open Netflix (You’ll see the content library of the region you chose)
7. Binge begins!
How to Change Netflix Region on Android?
Follow the steps below to change Netflix region on your Android device:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN (You know we love ExpressVPN!)
- Visit Google Play Store and download VPN application
- Sign in to your VPN app
- Choose a server from the region you wish to unlock
- Launch Netflix
- Enjoy!
How to Change Netflix Region on PS4?
Changing Netflix region on PS4 can be a bit tricky. But following the steps below, you’ll be able to do it easily:
- Subscribe to a VPN service (You know what we suggest!)
- Sign-in to your VPN service using their website
- Go to ExpressVPN DNS settings page
- Go to IP address registration
- Select Register my IP address
- Choose Automatically register my IP address
- Go to ExpressVPN setup
- Find your Media Streamer DNS server IP address (and note it down)
- Restart your PS4
- Go to Network from PS4 settings
- Choose Set Up Internet Connection
- Choose Yes to use existing WiFi settings
- Choose Custom settings
- Sign-in to your WiFi
- Choose Automatic in IP address settings
- Choose Do Not Specify in DHCP Host Name
- Choose Manual in DNS settings
- Choose Primary DNS option
- Enter your MediaStreamer DNS server IP address (from step 8)
- Choose Automatic in MTU Settings
- Choose Do Not Use in Proxy Server
- Choose Test Internet connection in Internet Settings
- Your VPN should be enabled on PS4
- Enjoy!
Why Do We Need a VPN to Change Netflix Region?
Being a giant in the online streaming industry, Netflix boasts a stunning presence in 180+ countries and a huge subscriber base of more than 200 million. This makes Netflix amongst the top streaming platforms in the world.
However, Netflix has very strict geo-restrictions on what content to broadcast in what region. In simple terms, this means the content available to stream on Netflix depends on where you are located. If you’re in the US, the content you can access will be very different from that available in the UK. This is because the copyright laws around certain productions restrict their broadcasting to certain regions.
Since, the content library differs, you won’t be able to access everything on Netflix, ever. Unless, you find a way to change your region before accessing Netflix. One option would be to travel to the States to view your favorite show, another would be to change your region using a VPN.
A VPN will mask you IP address, or the public identity you have over the internet. The internet recognizes users based on their location using their IP addresses. If you have a different IP while connecting to the internet, you’ll effectively have a different location for anyone on the internet.
A VPN changes your IP, and thereby, spoofs your location for Netflix – unlocking tons of new content you never knew existed. So, if you want to watch the Harry Potter series on Netflix while in a location where it’s not available, you’ll just have to sign up for a VPN and Alohamora!
However, every VPN service doesn’t bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions. If you’re using a VPN that doesn’t work well with Netflix, you’ll get a Netflix proxy error and you can avoid the proxy error by using a top VPN.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, we’re hopeful you’ll be able to easily change your Netflix region and unlock tons of new content!
Stream Responsibly!