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How to Change Netflix Region and Access Any Version in 2024

Last updated: November 29, 2021

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While there is a ton of awesome content available on the world-famous Netflix streaming platform, you can only access Netflix shows and movies that are available in your particular Netflix region. This means that, although there are thousands of titles available on Netflix, your location might prevent you from watching the shows you are most excited about seeing.

What does this mean in practicality? An American subscriber who creates a Netflix account on US soil will not be able to access the US Netflix library while traveling abroad to a different county.

If you are unwilling to admit defeat, though, there is a pretty simple hack that will help you access Netflix content even from a different country. You can fool Netflix into believing you are in a different location by using a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The way a VPN works is that it sends your traffic through a remote server in the country you choose. This hides your real IP address, replacing it with one of your VPN IP addresses in a permitted location.

Aside from hiding your IP address, a VPN connection encrypts your online traffic so your activity is hidden from Netflix, your ISP, and third parties.

While it is true that a VPN can help you watch Netflix abroad as if you are in your home country, not all VPNs will successfully help you hide your IP address and change your Netflix country.

Keep on reading to find out how to change Netflix region and access US Netflix — or any other Netflix library — from anywhere in the world using our tried and tested VPNs.

Here’s How to Change Netflix Country

If you are still not seeing your desired Netflix library after following these steps, clear your cookies and cache, reconnect to a server, and reopen Netflix.

Why You Need a VPN to Change Your Netflix Region

Since content on Netflix is only licensed for distribution in particular countries, Netflix uses IP-tracking technology to direct users only to the Netflix library corresponding to their actual location. This means that if you subscribed to Netflix US but are traveling to Australia, you will not have access to your Netflix US content. Instead, you will only see Australian Netflix when you open your account since your IP address places you in Australia.

Using a VPN, you can unblock Netflix libraries all over the world simply by spoofing your location. When you connect to a server in the country you choose, your actual IP address and location will be hidden, and you will be assigned a new IP address that corresponds to your VPN server location.

Once you have hidden your location and connected to your VPN’s server, you will be able to change the Netflix region to access any Netflix library you are after. So, if you are a US native in Australia, you can access American Netflix even if you are using a wifi connection from the Land Down Under.

Keep reading to find out the most reliable VPN providers that will help you stream Netflix, and other popular streaming services, from anywhere.

How to Choose the Best VPN to Change Netflix Region

While there are many VPN providers that set out to try to help you change your Netflix region, not all of them can do this consistently and safely, offering good quality, buffer-free streaming.

Here is a list of the important criteria to keep in mind when choosing a good VPN service to change your Netflix region:

☑️ Offers reliable and fast streaming
☑️ Can bypass that annoying Netflix proxy error
☑️ Offers users easily accessible support for any troubleshooting needs
☑️ Offers a broad network of servers in different locations
☑️ Has a good track record for unblocking popular Netflix libraries, like Japanese, UK, Australian, Canadian, and US Netflix.
☑️ Does not log user IP addresses
☑️ Encrypts user traffic and offers other top security and privacy features

Keep on reading for a list of the top VPN services that meet these criteria and can unblock your Netflix libraries from around the globe.

7 Best VPNs for Changing Netflix Location & Accessing Any Netflix Library

After testing out dozens of VPNs on the market, here are the top 7 VPNs that can reliably access different Netflix libraries from countries around the globe.

Devices compatible with ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a VPN that easily unblocks Netflix regions around the world.

With over 3,000 servers in more than 94 countries around the world, changing Netflix region with this VPN is a piece of cake. In fact, ExpressVPN can unblock over 20 different Netflix regions on your gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other streaming devices. Additionally, it is one of the only VPNs that allow you to bypass the Great Firewall and watch Netflix from China!

ExpressVPN is also reliably able to unblock other popular streaming services, like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more, all with super-fast speeds and a buffer-free Internet connection.

ExpressVPN offers top privacy and security features, including IP and DNS leak protection, military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and split tunneling.

ExpressVPN also offers MediaStreamer DNS, which can help speed up your streaming and can be used if you have a streaming device that does not support a native VPN.

To use this feature, you have to first go through the process of IP address registration on the ExpressVPN DNS settings page. In your IP address settings, you can also opt to have your IP address automatically updated.

While MediaStreamer is a useful feature, it won’t encrypt your connection or give you the same privacy settings as a VPN, and it will not allow you to change your location.

This premium paid VPN is a bit more expensive than its competitors, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it streaming Netflix for yourself so you can decide if it is worth it to pay an extra few bucks for the good quality this provider delivers.

Pros:

  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live-chat support
  • Broad server network
  • Super-fast speeds
  • Unblocks over 20 Netflix regions

Cons:

  • More expensive price

2. NordVPN

Devices compatible with NordVPN

If you want to change your Netflix region using a VPN, NordVPN is another reliable provider to use.

NordVPN has over 5,100 servers in more than 60 countries worldwide and is able to unblock 14 Netflix regions.

NordVPN is also a reliable choice if you are looking for a fast, buffer-free Internet connection so you can watch your Netflix content without annoying interruption.

If you want a break from Netflix, NordVPN also easily unblocks streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+; and you can connect and use your VPN with up to 6 devices simultaneously on a single user account.

NordVPN can be used on your Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, and a browser extension; and you can connect it to other streaming devices, like your Apple TV, through a router connection.

If you are worried about your privacy and security with this VPN, don’t be. NordVPN offers AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, a Kill Switch, and split tunneling.

You can test NordVPN for 30 days with a money-back guarantee, so there is no risk in giving it a shot!

Pros:

  • Fast speeds
  • 6 simultaneous connections
  • Good privacy features
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live-chat support

Cons:

  • App for desktop is slower

Devices compatible with Surfshark

The best way to change your Netflix region if you are on a tight budget is to use Surfshark.

Surfshark is also able to access 14 Netflix regions, as well as other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.

Even though Surfshark can easily unblock Netflix, when we put it to the test, the Internet connection was not as smooth and fast as with ExpressVPN and NordVPN, so you may experience buffering on some servers or may need to try out a few servers before you find one that works well.

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections, which makes it a really good option for a large family or a dorm where Internet users want to connect to all different blocked services all at once.

Pros:

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live-chat support
  • Affordable price
  • Can unblock 14 libraries on Netflix

Cons:

  • Slower speeds
  • Some buffering

Devices compatible with CyberGhost

Cyberghost is another good option if you are looking to change your Netflix region on a budget.

If you use CyberGhost to change the Netflix region, you will have access to over 7,100 servers in 90 countries, but, despite this VPN’s size, it cannot unblock as many Netflix region libraries as the top 3 VPNs above.

CyberGhost has good enough speeds to help you watch Netflix content with smooth, buffer-free streaming, and will let you connect up to 7 devices to a single user account.

In terms of privacy and security, CyberGhost offers military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy.

If you like to test your VPN before committing, CyberGhost offers users a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is a longer period than the other VPNs on this list.

Pros:

  • Affordable cost
  • Unblocks US Netflix
  • Fast speeds
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Large server network

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work in China

Devices compatible with UltraVPN

UltraVPN is a smaller VPN that has just over 100 servers spread around the world.

While this service can unblock Netflix, it cannot unblock as many other popular streaming services as the other VPNs on the list.

In addition to Netflix, this VPN is also able to unblock popular streaming services like Hulu and HBO, but it is not successful at unblocking BBC iPlayer.

UltraVPN does have good security and privacy features, with military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, and the assurance that they do not keep any activity logs.

Pros:

  • 6 simultaneous connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Military-grade encryption
  • Can unblock Netflix

Cons:

  • Unblocks fewer libraries
  • Doesn’t work in China
  • Based in 5-Eyes territory

Devices compatible with PIA

Private Internet Access has a huge network, with over 29,000 servers in more than 70 countries worldwide.

When we tested PIA with Netflix, we found that it was able to unblock Netflix UK, US, Japan, France, Italy, and Germany.

While this is a good VPN option for Netflix, it doesn’t offer close to as many libraries as does ExpressVPN.

And, while you can connect PIA to your router, its Smart DNS won’t work with Netflix.

PIA offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out and check the speeds and quality for yourself before committing to a long-term plan.

Pros:

  • Good speeds
  • Very large network of servers
  • 24/7 live-chat support
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Works with only 6 libraries
  • SmartDNS won’t work for Netflix

IPVanish

IP Vanish has over 1,900 servers located in more than 70 countries worldwide, easily able to access different Netflix regions from anywhere.

In terms of quality, IPVanish has fast speeds so you can stream your shows with minimal buffering.

As far as security and privacy, you can count on IPVanish with its automatic Kill Switch, military-grade encryption, and no-logs policy.

You can connect this VPN to your Mac, Windows, Android, and Linux, and even make a VPN router connection; and IPVanish allows you to use an unlimited number of devices on a single account, so you conceal your IP address for streaming Netflix while your family members access other blocked sites, all at the same time.

Pros:

  • Unlimited simultaneous devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Good speeds
  • No buffering

Cons:

  • Based in the US
  • Subpar customer support

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch Netflix from Other Countries?

While it may be very tempting to use a free VPN service for unblocking Netflix libraries from around the world, we would recommend steering clear!

Most free VPNs simply do not have the resources to stay ahead of Netflix’s aggressive blocks and are often among the first to have their IP addresses blacklisted from Netflix, which will mean that you will likely only see a Netflix DNS proxy server error when trying to connect using a free VPN.

On top of this, free VPNs usually have very limited server networks, so you will not even have a chance of accessing Netflix in many regions simply because there are no servers offered in those countries.

If you are able to beat the odds and change Netflix region using a free VPN service, you will most likely find that your connection will be excruciatingly slow and full of buffering, since these free VPN providers do not offer users unlimited bandwidth.

Most concerning, though, is the fact that free providers can put you at risk, compromising your security and privacy instead of protecting you online. Because they are not making money off of your VPN subscription fee, they often use questionable methods of making a buck, such as selling user data to third parties and potentially exposing you to viruses and malware.

For the best results, use a safe, reputable paid VPN for access to Netflix.

How to Use a VPN to Access Netflix 

If you want to use a VPN provider for Netflix, you can set one up for access in no time by following these steps:

Not all VPNs will work well when

1. Pick a Reputable VPN Provider:

trying to unblock Netflix in different countries. Our top VPN recommendation is ExpressVPN because it has servers in 94 countries and super-fast speeds.

To choose a VPN provider to unblock Netflix libraries in different countries, choose one that has a reputation for getting past Netflix’s geo-restrictions, that has fast speeds and reliable connectivity has a broad server network, and routinely updates its IP addresses to stay ahead of Netflix’s IP blocks.

Of all of the VPNs we’ve tested, ExpressVPN best meets all of these criteria.

2. Download and install your VPN to your device:

Go to the ExpressVPN site to choose a plan.

Enter the payment method and information, and then follow the steps to install.

ExpressVPN offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it with no risk for an entire month.

3. Connect to one of the servers in the country you would like to access:

In the VPN app, you’ll see a list of servers offered in countries around the world. Choose a location corresponding to the Netflix library you want to access. ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries.

4. Open your Netflix Account and watch your shows!

Start watching Netflix as usual and you will see your VPN country’s Netflix library.

How Can I Resolve the Netflix Proxy Error?

When Netflix figures out that you are using a VPN or a DNS proxy service, it will respond with a proxy error message.

Fixing this error message is pretty simple to do if you follow these steps:

  1. Choose a VPN service that has a reputation for unblocking Netflix. Take a look at our list to see the ones that work best with Netflix.
  2. Open your VPN app or your browser extension and connect to a country server that offers the content you want to access. If you want to access American Netflix, connect to a server in the US.
  3. If you are still not able to access the regional library you want to watch, clear your cookies and cache and connect again to your VPN server.
  4. If you still find that your Netflix library is not accessible, connect to a different server, or reach out to your VPN’s live-chat customer service.

How to Change Netflix Region on iOS

Here are the simple steps to change Netflix regions on iOS:

  1. Open up Apple App Store and download and install your VPN to your device. Our top choice is ExpressVPN for iOS.
  2. Create an account and log in.
  3. Choose a server in the Netflix country you are trying to access.
  4. Open Netflix and your location should be changed to your server country.

How to Change Netflix Region on Android

If you want to unblock your movies or shows in a blocked region on your Android, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Google Play Store to download and install your VPN app. We recommend downloading ExpressVPN.
  2. Open and log in to the VPN account.
  3. Connect to a VPN server in a country you want to access.
  4. Open Netflix and your region should have changed to your server country region.

How to Change Netflix Region on Smart TV

Follow these steps to change your region on Netflix on your Smart TV:

  1. Install your VPN app for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, etc.
  2. Find these apps on Google Play Store or Fire TV menu and download/install.
  3. Connect to a VPN server in a Netflix region you want to access.
  4. Open your Netflix account and view your content in your new Netflix location.
  5. You can also install your VPN on your router and connect your Smart TV to your wi-fi.

How to Change Netflix Region on Roku

Though Roku doesn’t support native VPN apps, you can change your Netflix region using Roku by following these steps:

  1. Configure your VPN on your router and connect Roku to your router/wi-fi.
  2. Establish a wi-fi hotspot that is protected by your VPN on your computer, and connect Roku to your hotspot.
  3. Screencast to Roku with the use of your VPN-protected Android smartphone.

How Do I Change My Netflix Country without a VPN?

If you want to try to change Netflix libraries without using a VPN, you can use a DNS proxy. Comparatively, this method is not as effective as using a reputable VPN, since Netflix easily blocks these proxies.

Here is how to change Netflix regions using a proxy:

  1. Go to your provider to get a DNS address.
  2. Open your device’s Internet Settings.
  3. Enter your DNS server address in your DNS Settings Custom and Manual.
  4. Activate your DNS setting by restarting your connection.
  5. Go to the Netflix app or site and you’ll have access to the content library of your choice.

Countries with Largest Netflix Libraries 

Netflix offers users access to a huge number of titles. Here are the top countries with the most titles offered:

☑️ Ireland 6,370+
☑️ Malaysia 6,360+
☑️ Indonesia 6,260+
☑️ Philippines 6,190+
☑️ Canada 6,160+
☑️ The Czech Republic 6,120+
☑️ Singapore 5,960+
☑️ UK 5,950+
☑️ Hungary 5,920+
☑️ New Zealand 5,830+

The number of movies and TV shows available on different Netflix regional libraries changes constantly, so it is worthwhile to check back regularly for updates on the content available on Netflix in the country you are trying to reach.

FAQs

Why is Netflix region-locked?
Because copyright laws and content distribution regulations vary from country to country, Netflix can only legally air content that is licensed in each individual Netflix region. Allowing users in the USA to access shows that are in Japan would go against licensing regulations.
Does any VPN work with Netflix?
No. Not all VPNs will work with Netflix. Because Netflix is so proactive in blocking IP addresses from forbidden locations, a VPN service has to work quite hard to stay ahead of these blocks, making it part of its mission to compete with Netflix’s resources.

In order to unblock the libraries you are trying to access on Netflix, you will need to use a VPN provider that has proven successful at getting past Netflix’s geo-restrictions.

While the 7 VPNs on the list above are all good options, our top choice is ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN is able to unblock the largest number of Netflix regional libraries and delivers quality buffer-free streaming with the fastest speeds of all of its competitors.

ExpressVPN also offers the top privacy and security assurances, so your online activity will always be private and anonymous at all times.

Which country has the best Netflix in 2021?
According to a recent update by Statista, the most extensive number of titles is available on Netflix in Ireland, with over 6300 titles available to users.
Is using a VPN for Netflix legal?
Sure. It is completely legal to use a VPN in most countries. The exception to this would be if you were trying to use a VPN in heavily censored countries, like China, Iran, or Russia.

Even though it is not illegal, Netflix’s terms and conditions do not allow users to connect to a VPN to access content libraries in other countries, so if you are caught, you could potentially find your account blocked from Netflix. Thankfully, we have yet to hear of this happening, so don’t worry too much!

What is more likely to happen is that, if you are detected by Netflix, you will see a Netflix proxy error message, which is annoying, but not harmful.

How to Change Netflix Region: Conclusion

While your Netflix subscription may have been based in the United States, if Netflix detects that your current IP address and existing wifi settings are coming from outside the US, you will be blocked from accessing Netflix US.

With the use of a reliable VPN connection, the world of Netflix streaming is your oyster!

VPN users can hide their IP address and location simply by connecting to a server in the location they want to unblock.

Because many VPNs will not successfully unblock Netflix libraries in different regions, the best bet is to use one of the vetted VPN providers from our list.

Our go-to VPN for Netflix is ExpressVPN, offering super-fast speeds and access to the widest array of Netflix regions, like Netflix Japan, UK, US, Canada, and many more.

You can sign up for ExpressVPN’s latest deal today and get 49% off of your subscription price, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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