How to Access US Netflix in Mexico with a VPN or DNS proxy

Netflix customers living in or traveling to Mexico pay the same amount for their monthly streaming subscription but have access to fewer TV shows and movies than US Netflix customers. The smaller catalog is the result of content licensing restrictions agreed upon between Netflix and copyright holders. Netflix is actively working to make its offering more universal, but in the meantime, subscribers in Mexico can bypass the geographic restrictions with a simple fix: A VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a smart DNS proxy can both make it look to Netflix as though the user is located in the United States. This spoofs your location and gives you access to content that would otherwise be unavailable. This article will explain exactly how to do this.

Watch US Netflix in Mexico with a VPN

VPNs route your internet traffic through a server in a location of your choosing–in this case, the United States–before it goes to Netflix’s servers. By connecting to a US server, the VPN will spoof your location and access the full US listing of TV shows and movies as if they were back home in the US.

However, Netflix works hard to prevent users from connecting from abroad via VPNs, so most VPN providers will not work. You will instead receive an error message telling them to turn their proxy off. For this reason, only a handful of providers have been able to work with Netflix on a select few servers.

Our top recommendation is NordVPN.

The best VPN for accessing Netflix US in Mexico

NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for accessing US Netflix from Mexico. It’s super fast thanks to its NordLynx protocol, and it is ideal for streaming Netflix US thanks to its servers across 15 US cities.

Every connection to NordVPN is protected by strong AES encryption, leak protection, and a customizable kill switch. In addition, this is a fully no-log service that guarantees your privacy now and in the future. You can connect up to six devices at once on a single plan, and you can test it yourself thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV, all of which can securely access Netflix US in the app or in a web browser. If you have any problems, live chat is available 24/7.

BEST VPN FOR WATCHING US NETFLIX IN MEXICO:NordVPN is our top choice. Great performer for streaming and torrenting. Strong privacy and security features allow up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s how to use NordVPN to access US Netflix in Mexico

• After signing up for NordVPN, just install the app and log in.
• Select a server in the US,, this will give you the US IP address you need to bypass Netflix’s geographic restrictions.
• The app caters to users of Netflix and other streaming video services, so just hover the cursor over a server on the list to see what channels it can access, then double-click to connect.
• Once connected, log into Netflix again, and you should see the full catalog.
• If you’re struggling, try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache before reloading the page. Alternatively, try connecting to a different server or asking the customer service team for more advice.

Note: This method works best in a web browser like Chrome or Firefox, but if you prefer to watch Netflix on a game console, set-top box, or mobile device, the app may not be enough to get you past the proxy error. Unlike the browser version, the official Netflix apps can force the user back onto their local ISP’s DNS servers instead of the VPN’s, revealing the use of a proxy. In this case, it’s better to set up the VPN on a wifi router.

NordVPN users can find setup tutorials for DD-WRT, Tomato, and Asus router firmware on the provider’s website. NordVPN even sells its own customized routers with each of the three major firmwares.

Watch US Netflix in Mexico with smart DNS

Another method to watch American Netflix abroad is by using a smart DNS proxy. This method will only work in a web browser and not on media consoles or mobile apps and is proving a less reliable solution than using VPN, so is no longer recommended. DNS proxies are often faster than VPNs because they don’t encrypt traffic. This allows for better speeds but less privacy. This method works sporadically with some smart DNS services we’ve tested, such as Overplay, however, we don’t know of any services that work consistently enough to recommend. Sticking to more proven VPN solutions that are specifically set up for Netflix is a safer bet.

DNS, or domain name system, is like a phone book for the internet. It’s the reason you can type “www.comparitech.com” into your browser instead of a string of numbers and decimals. A DNS server resolves web page requests into IP addresses. By altering the DNS server in your computer’s settings to one in the US, it’s possible to trick Netflix into believing you are located back home within US borders.

A typical smart DNS provider will supply users with a DNS code–usually a primary and alternative IP address for the alternate DNS server. These must be manually entered into the computer’s internet settings. The provider may require the subscriber to verify his or her IP address to ensure they are a real customer. The computer might need to be restarted in order for the changes to take effect.

Netflix has recently begun cracking down on DNS users just as much as VPN users, so a DNS code that works today might not work tomorrow. For this reason, it’s important to use a reputable paid provider with decent customer service rather than a cheap or free option. Supposedly “free” smart DNS providers often engage in shifty practices, including directing users to malware-infected sites and injecting advertisements into web browsers. Users are left with little or no assistance when Netflix blocks the IP address of the DNS server.

Likewise, avoid free VPN services, which often cap data and bandwidth and will likely be blocked. Some free VPNs will inject third-party advertisements into your browser.

Check out our full reviews of NordVPN and Overplay. We’ve also got a full list of VPN and DNS providers that currently work with Netflix.