Regional blocking is nothing new: it’s most commonly used by streaming services so that they can abide by their licensing agreements. However, Netflix has taken things further than most, with separate content libraries for almost every country in the world. While this might make sense from a business standpoint, it means that travelers often find themselves having to settle for something other than what they originally intended to watch.
Because Netflix primarily relies on your IP address to find out which country you’re in, it’s surprisingly easy to get around its restrictions. In fact, since connecting to a VPN changes your IP address, all you have to do is choose a server in the appropriate location. This assumes that Netflix hasn’t blacklisted your VPN, of course; read on to see if Mullvad works with Netflix or not.
BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX:NordVPN is our #1 recommendation. It has a large server network, high-speed connections, and strong security with a strict no-logs policy. You can even try NordVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Does Mullvad VPN work with Netflix?
Mullvad does not work with any foreign Netflix libraries. We recommend using NordVPN. At the time of writing, it works with over a dozen libraries including Netflix US, UK, and Japan, plus many other services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and ITV Hub. Still not sure? There’s also a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to set your mind at ease.
How to watch Netflix from anywhere with a VPN
Not sure where to start? Even if this is your first time using a VPN, you’ll probably find the process to be quick and easy. In fact, all you need to do is follow the simple step-by-step instructions we’ve listed below.
Here’s how to stream Netflix from abroad using a VPN:
- Start by signing up for a suitable VPN if you haven’t already. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download the app, making sure to install it on any device you intend to stream on.
- When you’re ready, log in and connect to a server in your desired location. For instance, to watch Netflix US, you’ll have to use an American server.
- Finally, check Netflix to see if you can watch anything new. Content should now stream with no further errors.
- If not, clearing your cookies and reloading the page should fix most issues. Alternatively, try connecting to another server or contact your VPN’s customer support team for more in-depth advice.
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Which VPNs are best for watching Netflix?
Best VPNs for watching Netflix:
- NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix. Over 5,000 servers globally and very fast server speeds. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support and specialty servers.
- Surfshark: Best value VPN. Access over 30 Netflix library. Connect all of your devices at once. High-speed connections. Multi-hop servers available.
- ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries. Works with various Netflix libraries. Fast server speeds and excellent apps and support. Secure with encryption.
- CyberGhost: Huge network of 7,000+ servers in 90+ countries. Unlimited bandwidth for streaming Netflix lag-free. Connect up to seven devices.
- PrivateVPN: Works with most Netflix libraries and has very fast speeds for streaming lag and buffer-free. User-friendly apps and a strict no-logs policy.
- Hotspot Shield: Servers in 80 countries. Works well with Netflix US. Lots of security features and doesn’t keep identifying logs. 24/7 support included.
- IPVanish: One of the fastest VPNs tested. Ideal for streaming Netflix US. Secure as many devices as you want simultaneously. Highly secure.
Streaming Netflix abroad: FAQs
Can I watch Netflix abroad with a free VPN?
Free VPNs like to promise the world but they hardly ever live up to the hype. The truth is that while you may be able to access Netflix using these services, due to their small networks and huge numbers of users, your connection will likely be too slow to watch anything. Additionally, as there’s so much traffic coming from a fairly limited number of IP addresses, major streaming platforms usually catch on and blacklist free VPNs pretty quickly.
It’s not always obvious whether your chosen VPN is even safe to use. Free services pop up all the time on major app stores, but unfortunately, research indicates that a high percentage of these are actually Trojans looking to infect your system with malware. What’s more, there’s no guarantee that a seemingly legitimate service is actually encrypting your traffic or not. For these reasons, it’s best to stick to well-known, secure VPNs that follow strict no-logging policies.
How do you know if Netflix is blocking your VPN?
In most cases, if Netflix knows you’re using a VPN, it’ll tell you outright (“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy”). That said, given the service’s new strategy of only showing you titles from your home region, things aren’t always so clear. You might find that only a small amount of content is displayed on the homepage, for instance, or that the site flat out refuses to load.
There are a few things that might help solve these problems. Start by clearing your cookies, which will force Netflix to try and find your location again. If this doesn’t work, you might want to ask your VPN’s support team if they have special servers that work with Netflix. Assuming they don’t, your only remaining option is to try a different VPN provider.
Can I access Netflix using a proxy or Smart DNS service?
If you’d like to access your home Netflix library on a device that doesn’t support traditional VPN apps, you might be tempted to use a proxy server or Smart DNS service. Generally, though, these are poor alternatives: proxies fail to encrypt your data and allow whoever runs the server to monitor your activities, while Smart DNS services usually only offer one or two locations.
So what can you do instead? The best option is to install a VPN directly on your router. This not only ensures that any device on your home network is protected, but it also lets you access Netflix libraries on games consoles or other systems without access to major app stores.
What connection speed do I need to stream Netflix?
According to Netflix, you need a connection speed of at least 3Mbps to watch in standard definition (SD). To watch in high definition (HD), you’ll need a minimum of 5Mbps. Finally, watching content in 4K or Ultra HD requires over 25Mbps.
All of the best VPNs for watching Netflix as listed in this post are more than fast enough for streaming in HD and even 4K. Our speed tests are proof of that. Indeed, all have the advantage of offering unlimited bandwidth so you can stream without having to worry about lag or buffering.
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