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Netflix is a popular streaming service that features many binge-worthy series, along with shows of their own. One problem, however, is that many shows are restricted in the Netflix library based on the region people are in. What is available in one location may not be available in another.
This can prove to be a downside if the show you want to watch isn’t available in your region. Fortunately, there is a way to make Netflix think viewers are in the region where the show they want to see is available.
One of the easiest and safest ways to do that is to use a VPN (a virtual private network). In this guide, you will learn more about VPNs and how to change your Netflix region so you can have access to the shows you are eager to see.
Table of Contents
How to Change Your Netflix Region
All you really need to change your Netflix region is a safe and reliable VPN. Go ahead and create a Netflix account if you do not have one already. Then you will need to go through the process of finding a VPN.
Once you find one that works for you, download, install and log into it on your device. Change the server to whichever region you want to stream from and you should be able to access that region’s Netflix page. Once you have everything set up correctly, you will be able to stream whatever you want to your heart’s content.
Changing Your Netflix Region on Different Devices
iOS
To change your Netflix region on your iOS devices, you will first need to install the VPN of your choice from the Apple App Store. Create an account with them if you have not already and log into the account. You will then choose which server you want to connect to in any available country. Be sure to check to see whether or not the Netflix location has changed once you have put the location in.
There may sometimes be an error message or Netflix may fail to load. This may be because Netflix blocked and blacklisted some VPNs in some locations. If that is the case, try to find another server within the same country. It may take a few tries, but it should not be too hard to find one that works for you after a minute or two.
Android
To install a user-friendly VPN on your Android devices, you will search for your preferred VPN service in the Google Play Store. Download the VPN, create an account, and log into it after you have completed setting your information up. Go ahead and select the country and server you want to connect to and see if switching the location for the Netflix server has worked.
If a similar issue as previously mentioned occurs, simply keep switching servers within that same location until you find one that works. It may be harder to find a working server on Android than it is for iOS, but it should not take too long to finally find one that has no problems. You may just have to learn which servers and locations have blocked certain VPNs before subscribing to one service.
Playstation 4/Playstation 5
For Playstation4 and Playstation 5 systems, you will need to utilize hotspots in order to get your VPN service to work. You will have to connect the systems to the network you are using as a hotspot and make sure the region change works. Once you have a secure connection, you will be able to stream Netflix from a different server from your Playstation systems.
Xbox
Xbox systems do not have a built-in VPN service, but using a hotspot may work just fine. You will have to connect your Xbox system to the same Wi-Fi connection you are using to utilize your VPN service.
A laptop or a cellular device will work as long as it has the VPN service downloaded and running securely on the same Wi-Fi connection. Once you are certain the network is secure and your region has changed, you will be able to stream Netflix from a different region on your Xbox.
Television
Newer Smart TVs usually run on Android operating systems. You will follow a similar process of downloading and switching stated within the Android section. Simply download the VPN from the Google Play Store and install it onto your Smart TV. Once you have connected to the server you are looking for, check to see if the location has changed within Netflix.
Keep in mind that many Smart TVs do not have VPN applications available in their download services. However, it is still possible to unblock different regions with NordVPN. NordVPN has Smart DNS, which will allow you to have access to different Netflix content libraries on devices that typically do not support VPN applications. While the process may prove to be a bit challenging, it is still possible to carry out.
Roku
It may prove to be a bit more difficult to change your Netflix region on your Roku device, but it is not entirely impossible. Roku does not have a big application store like other devices may have. You will need to rely on your Wi-Fi connection in order to get your VPN to work on your Roku. Hotspots may prove to be a safe and useful solution, especially if you have the VPN service downloaded onto your phone.
You will have to install the VPN on your router or share it on another device with the same Wi-Fi connection. You will then connect your Roku device to that Wi-Fi network if you have not done so already. Once your connection is secure and your Roku device is working, you will then be able to watch Netflix to your heart’s content.
What is a VPN?
VPNs allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and access servers in any location anonymously and safely. If you are in Canada, for example, and want to watch an exclusively American show, VPNs make that entirely possible. Your actual IP address will be hidden as your internet traffic is rerouted to other servers and locations. No one will be able to monitor your internet activity when you use a VPN, not even your internet provider.
There are many different VPN services to choose from that will allow you to access different servers across the globe. Many services even allow you to use the same account across multiple devices. That makes sharing your streaming possibilities with your friends and family much easier.
Free VPN services also exist, but we don’t recommend them. This is because free VPN services are not as up to par as subscription-based services. They can potentially lower the quality of your stream and the security will not be as high. It is just a budget-friendly option, but it still requires much caution.
There are many amazing VPN services to choose from. All you would really have to do is research different services and try to find one that is right for you.
Why VPNs are Needed to Change Your Netflix Region
Netflix has shows available in some regions and not others. Many shows are even restricted depending on the region because of copyright laws and loyalties. It is pretty hard to find the show you want to watch if you cannot access it from the region you are in. Companies have to buy licenses to stream their content in specific countries, and not much can be done on their end if they do not receive those rights.
With a VPN, you can easily bypass the geo-restrictions and find a server where the show you want to watch is available. You can set your IP address to an entirely different country and you will no longer have to despair about missing out on the show you desire.
Once you figure out how to use it, it is easy to switch your server. Most of the struggle may just revolve around finding the right VPN for you.
Getting a VPN
Getting a VPN is pretty simple once you know what you are going for. Once you have found the service you will be satisfied with, all you need to do from there is subscribe and download the VPN. There are many subscription-based VPNs that will have special deals like the first month or so free, and even money-back guarantees. If you are not satisfied with the services or just wanted to try it out for a bit, those options might suit you.
VPNs will allow you to scroll through your platform of choice and choose whichever server you want to use it from. That way, you will have unlimited access to that region’s library. Furthermore, your information and location will stay safe thanks to your VPN’s security measures.
Your online identity will stay hidden and it will appear as if your IP address is actually located in the region you choose. You don’t have to worry about being tracked down. Many VPN services do not collect your data and they definitely do not distribute your data to outside sources.
Many VPN services have no log policies, kill switches, split tunneling, and many other features that will allow you to browse and stream anywhere anonymously from your own location. There are a variety of options to choose from, and many are well known and recommended for their safety features and quality.
There are some budget-friendly options and there are also some free VPNs to use if you are tight on budget. As mentioned, we recommend that you steer clear of free VPN services unless you have no other options.
Why Free VPNs are Not Recommended
As far as quality goes, free VPNs will not be up to par. There isn’t really any good free VPN service available, so it should be counted as a last resort. If you intend to use a free VPN service, you should expect that the streaming quality will be pretty low in comparison to a subscription-based VPN.
A free VPN service can still switch Netflix countries so you can access different libraries. The problem with that, though, is that you will have to find it from a reliable VPN provider. When it comes to free VPNs, that can be a bit of a struggle. There are even some free VPN services that have already been blacklisted by Netflix. That means you will not be able to use them for the purpose of switching Netflix countries at all.
Their connection is pretty unreliable for the most part. There is also the risk of encountering harmful malware or computer viruses that could put your data and devices in danger. Some free VPN services are also notorious for collecting and selling your data to outside parties. That is something that subscription-based VPNs would never do.
Free VPNs may be good if you are just intending to test them out, but otherwise, it is best to just steer clear of them altogether. In order to get the best quality and security, it is best to just find a subscription-based VPN service.
Best Subscription-Based VPNs for Changing your Netflix Country
There are some really high-quality VPN services available on the market so you will be spoilt for choice. Two of the most highly recommended VPN services would be ExpressVPN and NordVPN. They provide high-quality benefits and offer some of the best deals when you subscribe to their services. If you are just beginning to look into which VPN services to use, these two are the best places to start.
There are also plenty of other services that you could try and they all have their own pros and cons for you to weigh up. Despite any downside they may have, these services do their best to provide you with safe and secure access to other servers around the globe so you can stream any show you want freely.
NordVPN
NordVPN has been one of the most recommended VPN services for switching between Netflix servers for six years, according to tests run by other sources. They have a 30-day money-day-back guarantee so you can try their services out without worrying about the risks. They have 5,400 servers across 60 countries and have been running strong since it was created in 2012. It can connect to a few Netflix servers without any problems at all, including Japan’s server.
NordVPN can also be used to connect to streaming services besides Netflix if that is something that interests you. They provide fast internet connections, high-quality video, and no data caps. They have applications that are accessible on iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, and many other operating systems.
If you want to unblock content on devices that do not normally support VPN connections, NordVPN is perfect for that. You will not have to worry about having your information or IP address exposed to outside parties.
Another amazing feature of NordVPN is that you can log in to your account across six different devices. This will be perfect if you have friends or family who want to watch shows from other regions as well, especially if it is the same show you’re watching.
Pros
- Many servers to choose from
- Unblocks a variety of streaming sites, even on Smart TVs and some gaming consoles
- One of the most highly recommended secure VPN services
- Amazing for the purpose of switching Netflix regions
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Has SmartPlay technology
- Highly affordable, especially if you are just trying the service out
- Amazing for high resolution streaming purposes
- Can be used across six different devices
Cons
- NordVPN does not have a router app
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ExpressVPN
Offer: Get 12 + 3 months free!
ExpressVPN is another highly recommended VPN service to use for streaming. It has a user base of nearly 3 million people, with a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. That means you will have more than plenty of locations and servers to choose from when it comes time to stream.
ExpressVPN works exceptionally well with Netflix servers around the globe, especially locations in France, Japan, Canada, the US, and the UK. Express VPN software is available on many platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire Stick. It only takes a few minutes to set up and then you can stream at your leisure.
For your peace of mind, ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, along with three free months to use their subscription service. That way, you will be able to test their services out without worrying about the risk. This is also useful for first-time VPN users who have just begun learning about how they work. They want their users to be able to get the most out of their services while keeping their online information safe and secure.
ExpressVPN also has 24/7 chat and email support for users who encounter any problems while using their services. They will also allow you to use your login information on five devices simultaneously so you can share it with friends and family. With its high download and streaming speeds and exceptional security capabilities, you will certainly benefit from investing in a subscription with them.
Pros
- High speeds for quality downloading and streaming purposes
- Can be used on many platforms
- Has a network of over 3,000 servers across 94 countries
- Offers high-quality security and privacy so your online information stays safe
- Can be used to access Netflix libraries across many different regions
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Ability to have 3 months of service for free
- Can be logged in on 5 devices at the same time
- 24/7 chat and email support
- Works on many different platforms
- Occasionally provides deals to help their subscribers save money.
Cons
- Can be slightly more costly than other VPNs but its stability and high speed make up for it
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IPVanish
IPVanish is a VPN service that you can use on an unlimited amount of devices at once. They are based in the United States and have 2,000 servers across 50 countries. This VPN works really well with Netflix and other streaming services, allowing you to unblock global Netflix libraries on many different connections.
You can expect good quality streaming speeds, so you will not have to worry about buffering or lagging while trying to watch Netflix. It even has applications that you can use on a variety of streaming devices which is perfect for a movie night.
IPVanish has a yearly plan, a quarterly plan, and a monthly plan, all having different price ranges. When you subscribe to IPVanish with the annual plan, you will be able to have a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way, you can cancel your subscription and receive a full refund if you choose to discontinue their services. Their zero log policy also prevents them from sharing your information with outside sources or allowing outside sources to take it themselves.
Pros
- Works excellently with many streaming services
- Can be used on multiple connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Stream without worrying about the buffering and lagging
Cons
- Price increases after a year of service
Conclusion
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in many different countries. There are so many shows that are only exclusively shown in some regions that are restricted or not available in others. Geo-restricted can be a hassle, but VPNs will allow you to bypass them with little to no risk. A reliable VPN service can make a difference when it comes to seeing the shows you really want to watch.
Your data will stay protected, your IP address will remain anonymous, and you can look forward to high-quality streaming. An affordable VPN service will prove to be a useful tool once you get the hang of using one.
