People often forget that Netflix has different content for different countries until they go abroad and find themselves unable to continue watching their favorite show. In fact, depending on where you are in the world, you might have to put up with a drastically reduced selection of content. The good news is that it’s fairly simple to access the same Netflix library that you get back home and we’ll explain how below.
Most region-locked services use your IP address to tell where you are in the world, and Netflix is no exception. When you connect to a VPN, though, you’re assigned a new, temporary IP address that points to whichever country your chosen server is in. This means that, as long as Netflix isn’t blocking your VPN outright, you’ll be able to stream shows that aren’t normally available where you are. Let’s see if Encrypt.me works with Netflix…
Does Encrypt.me work with Netflix?
Unfortunately, our testers were unable to watch Netflix while connected to Encrypt.me. To its credit, Encrypt.me’s website makes it clear that it’s primarily a privacy tool and is not intended for securely accessing geo-restricted services.
But not to worry. NordVPN works with more than a dozen of the most in-demand libraries. These include the American, British, Canadian, Japanese, and Indian catalogs.
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How to change Netflix libraries with a VPN
Below, we’ll explain exactly how to switch Netflix region to your home country with a VPN. Don’t worry, even if this is your first time using a VPN, the set-up is very simple.
Here’s how to change Netflix libraries with a VPN:
- Start by finding a suitable VPN provider (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN app. Note that most providers permit around five connections at once, so you might as well install it on any device you use regularly.
- Connect to a server in your home country. You’d use a British VPN server to safely stream Netflix UK, for instance.
- Now, when you visit Netflix, you should notice that the available content has changed. If not, clear your cookies and try again. If problems persist, contact your VPN’s customer support team.
See also:
- Buffered VPN review
- 59 services tested: the best VPNs for Netflix
- How to fix Netflix’s “unblocker or proxy” error
- Best VPN providers: Most secure VPNs
Netflix VPNs: FAQs
Are free VPNs good for streaming?
Free VPNs often market themselves as the solution to all your problems: fast services that let you watch anything from anywhere. However, the reality is that they often have far too many users for their small networks. This leads to network congestion, which causes slower speeds overall and could even prevent you from streaming at all. What’s more, in the unlikely event that you find a free VPN that works with your favorite streaming service, there’s no guarantee it’ll still work in a week since most major platforms regularly update their VPN-detection measures.
Can you tell the difference between a safe VPN and one that just pretends to keep your data hidden? A large number of free VPN apps fail to include any security or privacy features at all, meaning you might as well just browse normally. That’s not to mention the sheer number of Trojans masquerading as free VPN services. For maximum protection, we recommend sticking to trustworthy, no-logs VPNs instead of relying on potentially dangerous free providers.
Is it legal to watch Netflix from another country?
Contrary to popular belief, in most parts of the world, it’s not illegal to use geo-restricted services while connected to a VPN. In fact, at worst, it’s a violation of the platform’s terms of service. Hypothetically, Netflix could ban your account for it, but the company has no history of doing so and seems unlikely to start now. At the moment, if Netflix detects that you’re connected to a VPN, it’ll either ask you to disconnect it or only allow you to watch content that’s available worldwide.
Why doesn’t Netflix doesn’t work with a VPN connected?
Because of complicated international licensing agreements, Netflix doesn’t have the rights to show all of its titles in every country. This is why it uses region-locking to limit what users can watch. It has invested heavily into VPN-detection, in a bid to stop people from bypassing these restrictions. If Netflix doesn’t work properly when your VPN is connected, it’s likely your VPN is no longer able to securely access the service.
Of course, let’s not assume the worst: perhaps you’re simply using the wrong server. Some VPNs offer dedicated Netflix servers and if you can’t find them on your own, customer support will be more than happy to help out. Alternatively, you could try forcing Netflix to update your location data by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, then reloading the page.
Will Netflix block my account for using a VPN?
Netflix won’t block your account for using a VPN. In fact, Netflix states in its Help Center that “You can use a VPN with Netflix” although you’ll be “limited to TV shows and movies where Netflix owns the global rights.”
The best VPNs for Netflix can help you bypass these restrictions but you won’t be blocked for doing so. Instead, Netflix blocks VPN IP addresses. If you happen to find that your VPN doesn’t work with Netflix, connect to a different server to change your IP address.
