Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix (+ troubleshooting tips)?

You’ll find that many VPNs simply won’t work with Netflix. Moreover, those that do typically only allow secure access to one or two regional libraries. This might be fine if you’re from the US, but what if you’re a traveler from France trying to regain access to the French catalog on a trip abroad?

We decided to put ExpressVPN to the test to see if it works with Netflix, and if so, how well. We’ll also cover some troubleshooting tips for those who find that ExpressVPN doesn’t work with Netflix.

Netflix has different licensing agreements for each of its shows. Like most streaming services, Netflix geo-blocks its content to restrict access to the appropriate audience. This is the reason why Netflix viewers in the US have access to different content than those in the UK, for instance. However, when you connect to a VPN, you’re given a new, region-specific IP address, which can be used to securely access the same content you’d be able to see back home.

As one of the world’s biggest streaming platforms, Netflix is very good at detecting whether you’re using a VPN or not. But some services, like ExpressVPN, still work. In this guide we’ll find out whether ExpressVPN lets you watch via the Netflix app in addition to the desktop app, and if its MediaStreamer app is worth using.

How to use ExpressVPN with Netflix

Using ExpressVPN to securely access your regular Netflix library during a trip abroad is easy; just follow these steps to stream your favorite shows anywhere.

Here’s how to use ExpressVPN with Netflix:

1. Start by signing up for ExpressVPN if you haven’t already. This only takes a minute.
2. Next, download and install the appropriate version for your device.
3. Connect to one of ExpressVPN’s servers in your home country.
4. Open Netflix and try watching something. You should see some new titles, but if not, try clearing your cache and reloading the page.

Why use ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is a good choice for most streaming services, not just Netflix. It offers high speeds, excellent multi-platform support, and access to 3,000+ servers spanning 105+ countries. You can even choose which city you’d like your server in, which is great if you’re a baseball or hockey fan looking to watch games that are subject to regional blackouts.

This is a very secure service. It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (desktop apps only), perfect forward secrecy, and IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection to help ensure online privacy. Further, ExpressVPN does not log any information that could be used to identify you.

STREAM NETFLIX ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is a secure, speedy service that works particularly well with Netflix. Still not sure? You can try it out risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix?

ExpressVPN can securely access numerous Netflix libraries including those of the UK, the US, Japan, Canada, and France. The majority of these were accessible both in a browser and via the iOS or Android app. Note that Netflix is constantly improving its VPN-detection tools, so these results are subject to change.

Remember: if ExpressVPN doesn’t work with the specific library you’d like to access, you might have better luck with NordVPN or Surfshark instead.

See also: Best VPNs for Netflix

What is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer app?

As part of its package, ExpressVPN offers a smart DNS service called MediaStreamer. In practice, this enables you to access region-specific services without encrypting your internet traffic. However, it’s important to note that you won’t be getting the security benefits (freedom from monitoring and a reduced chance of Internet Service Provider (ISP) throttling, among others) of a VPN.

MediaStreamer isn’t an app as such. To use it, you just tell your device to use ExpressVPN’s DNS servers instead of your ISP’s. Then it essentially serves as a proxy. It’s a particularly useful feature that if you want to reroute your traffic on platforms without a native ExpressVPN app, like PlayStation, Xbox, or some smart TVs.

MediaStreamer only allows you to access US-based websites. This could change in future, should country-specific servers be added, but as changing location would require manually editing your device’s preferred DNS settings, using the app would be preferable, assuming it’s available for your device.

Can’t I just watch Netflix with a free VPN?

Free VPNs aren’t as good as they sound. In fact, they’re often pretty terrible, especially if you’re trying to stream Netflix from abroad. These services have very limited networks, but more users than their premium counterparts. This leads to choppy playback and very long buffering times, which would be bad enough. When you consider that most free VPNs have monthly data caps and don’t work with Netflix, it becomes clear that they’re just not up to the task.

Finally, even finding a legitimate free service is difficult. Research shows that the Google Play Store is home to dozens of malware-carrying apps claiming to be free VPNs. Assuming you install a virus-free app, there’s no guarantee it actually encrypts your traffic, and a high chance it leaks personal information over DNS and IPv6. Even well-known providers have been caught abusing their user’s trust in the past, so it pays to be cautious. To stay safe online, we recommend using a reputable VPN which puts its customers’ privacy first.

Netflix via VPN FAQs