Want to watch Netflix with a VPN but don’t know where to start? With these four steps, you’ll be able to access any Netflix content, no matter where you are in the world.
Here’s what you have to do:
- Subscribe to a premium VPN provider — that is, a reliable and secure VPN with high speeds and a large server network.
- Download and install the VPN software on your device. This won’t take more than a few minutes.
- Connect to a VPN server in the country of your choice.
- Log in to Netflix and enjoy your access to new movies and shows!
For Netflix, we tested 40+ VPNs and recommend NordVPN as our #1 choice. This VPN managed to unblock multiple Netflix libraries and will give you plenty of speed to stream in high quality.
Read on for more details on installing NordVPN, as well as tips and tricks to get access to Netflix when your VPN doesn’t work.
If you’ve got a Netflix account, chances are you’ve noticed that your library differs depending on where you’re located in the world. Viewers in the UK won’t get to see the same films and TV shows as viewers in Japan. If you’re an American citizen traveling to Europe, your favorite shows might be missing.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to unblock Netflix wherever you are in the world: a VPN. We take you through how to use a VPN with Netflix step-by-step and give you an overview of the best Netflix VPNs in the market right now!
Don’t want to wait? Our #1 Netflix VPN is NordVPN, which outperforms the competition in every test we run. It has a 30-day free trial, so you can try it right away without being charged.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
Here’s How to Watch Netflix With a VPN
There are several reasons you might want to watch Netflix with a VPN. If you’re on holiday, a VPN service allows you to keep up with your favorite shows, no matter where you are. Of course, a VPN also gives you access to the global Netflix library, though Netflix has been pushing back (more about this down below!).
No matter your reasons, with the right VPN, you’ll unblock and stream Netflix in four easy steps.
Step 1: Get a VPN subscription
There are plenty of excellent VPN providers out there. But our top choice for unblocking Netflix is NordVPN. This is a speedy, affordable, and (most importantly for Netflix viewers!) reliable VPN that managed to unlock the full Netflix library for us.
On top of that, we know from our in-depth NordVPN review that NordVPN is a very secure and safe VPN. It will also route your traffic through an encrypted tunnel and mask your IP which will prevent bandwidth throttling and optimize streaming and it offers a kill switch that will cut your connection to the internet should the VPN malfunctions.
How to get your hands on NordVPN?
- Visit the NordVPN website. NordVPN always has special deals for new users, which we love! To proceed, click “Get the deal“or “Get NordVPN.”
- You’ll see that there are different subscriptions you can choose from. Select any plan that fits your needs. It doesn’t matter for Netflix!
- Once you’ve chosen a plan, you’ll be asked to enter your email and select a payment method.
- Enter the information requested from you.
Step 2: Install NordVPN
Now that you’ve created a NordVPN account, you must download the VPN client. NordVPN offers downloads for all major operating systems. Here’s how to download NordVPN:
- On the NordVPN website, click “Log in” in the top right corner of the screen.
- Enter your account details.
- In the menu on the left, navigate to “Downloads.”
- Download the right software for your operating system. You can also get the NordVPN mobile app or browser extensions.
- Run the NordVPN installer. It will take less than a minute.
- Once installed, you can log into the NordVPN app to start using it.
Step 3: Turn on your VPN
Now that you’ve downloaded the NordVPN software, you can start using it. We’re almost ready to head over to Netflix! But first, follow these steps to activate your VPN connection:
- The first time you use NordVPN, you’re asked to set up a few things. For optimal security, we recommend always having the kill switch and Threat Protection on. The Threat protection feature will stop malware from reaching your device. You can choose to auto-connect on all networks.
- NordVPN is very easy to use. The map shows which region you’re connected to.
- If you want to connect to a different VPN server to watch Netflix content from that region, just choose one on the map.
It’s that easy!
Step 4: Head over to the Netflix library and start streaming!
Now that you’ve got your VPN all set up, you’ll have access to the best Netflix shows in a matter of minutes.
Want to watch K-dramas? Connect to a NordVPN server in South Korea, head over to Netflix, and log in with your Netflix account. If you’re a Canadian citizen and you’re in the middle of Schitt’s Creek, you don’t have to stop binging Netflix content just because you’re abroad. All you have to do is connect to a VPN server in Canada, and you can catch up with the Roses again.
Moreover, with Netflix secret codes, you can even access obscure content in Netflix libraries you hadn’t considered.
Important:
Since 2021, streaming services like Netflix have been pushing back against VPN use and proxies. If you experience any errors, there are several things you can do, which we highlight at the end of this article. Luckily, NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee means you won’t lose out on any money, even in the rare case that the provider doesn’t work.
The Best VPNs for Netflix: Netflix VPNs Compared
Not all VPNs are created equal. To make sure we can give you the best recommendations, we tested 40+ VPNs. Below, we compare our top contenders for the best Netflix VPN.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,600+ | 3,200+ | 3,000+ | 6,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Number of countries | 59 | 100 | 94 | 88 | 84 |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | 10 |
| Dedicated streaming servers | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Obfuscated servers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Dedicated IP addresses | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Price per month | $3.99 | $2.30 | $6.67 | $2.19 | $2.11 |
| Download | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get ExpressVPN | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
Each VPN has its own strengths when it comes to unblocking streaming services. To watch Netflix, these are the unique selling points:
- NordVPN: Excellent VPN that performs the best in all our Netflix tests.
- Surfshark: Cheap, reliable VPN for watching Netflix content on unlimited devices.
- ExpressVPN: Premium VPN with fast speeds and great customer support.
- CyberGhost: User-friendly VPN with dedicated IP addresses for streaming Netflix.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Privacy-focused VPN with the largest VPN server network in the world.
Why Use a VPN for Streaming Netflix?
If you are an avid fan of Netflix, it is important to know how to use a VPN with Netflix and successfully watch the shows you want. However, what you can see on Netflix, depends on your location. Not all Netflix libraries are the same. In fact, this is the case for most other streaming services.
How does Netflix know where you’re located? By looking at your IP address, the streaming service can determine the region you’re in. Your IP address is a type of digital identifier, the “home address” of your internet connection.
A VPN changes IP addresses. If you connect to a VPN server location in the United States, your real IP address will be replaced by an American IP. To Netflix, you’re virtually located in the US, which means you get access to the American library from your own Netflix account.
But there are more advantages to a VPN:
- A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which means that no third party gets access to your private data.
- With a VPN service, you can browse the web more anonymously. For regions that have high levels of censorship, this can be a great advantage.
- Premium VPN providers often come with extra security features, such as ad blockers and malware detectors.
- Streaming with a VPN isn’t limited to the Netflix app. When traveling, you can easily unblock Hulu or Disney Plus (or any other streaming platform) with a VPN. With NordVPN, for example, you can also unblock HBO Max, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime.
What to Look for in a VPN to Use With Netflix
A VPN is useful for many things, including bypassing censorship and increasing online privacy. So now that you know how to use a VPN with Netflix, you must also keep in mind that a VPN service needs to excel on a few key fronts.
Here’s what we look for in a Netflix VPN:
| VPN Feature | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Speed | There’s no point to watching Netflix with a VPN if you can’t reach proper speeds. A slow connection diminishes the quality of your Netflix stream. Therefore, it’s always important to pick one of the fastest VPNs available. |
| Server network | Access to Netflix’s worldwide library is supported by a large server network. If you want to unblock Netflix content from various countries around the world, you have to pick a provider with servers all across the globe. |
| Dedicated IP addresses | Since Netflix is increasing its restrictions on VPN use, a dedicated IP address limits the chances of being blocked. This is because you don’t have to share a dedicated IP address with any other VPN users. |
| Customer service | If you run into any issues with streaming services, it’s important that you’ve got a good support team ready to assist you. Ideally, your chosen VPN provider has a 24/7 live chat available. This means they can help you with any VPN issues you experience. |
| Privacy and security | You might not think privacy matters much when streaming, but getting a subscription with a secure VPN provider goes a long way with streaming Netflix! With an eye on privacy, these providers will keep your connection encrypted at all times. On top of that, they often offer obfuscated servers that mask your VPN traffic as regular internet use. |
How we test our VPNs for Netflix
Knowing how to use a VPN with Netflix and unblocking Netflix content is not enough. At VPNOverview, we want to give you the top recommendations that really make a difference, in addition to helping you find ways on how to watch Netflix with a VPN.
Not only do we test multiple servers and take a good look at the size of a VPN provider’s server network, we also make sure that the VPN can provide access to libraries all over the world.
Netflix USA might have thousands of movies and TV shows, but that doesn’t mean smaller libraries such as the Icelandic version of Netflix or the Philippines library have nothing to offer. We always make sure the VPN’s coverage is wide.
Of course, it’s also important that we get good connection speeds. Below, you will find a summary of the speeds we recorded when testing these VPNs.
| Provider | Download speed (Mbps) | Upload speed (Mbps) | Ping (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 164.79 | 232.4 | 5 |
| Surfshark | 193.15 | 230.46 | 5 |
| ExpressVPN | 121.84 | 206.42 | 6 |
| CyberGhost | 184.24 | 229.75 | 5 |
| PIA | 83.78 | 87.58 | 5 |
Based on the information in the table above, you can see that all the VPN providers offer great speeds for a fast streaming experience. Even though NordVPN may have a slightly slower speed than Surfshark and CyberGhost, it is still a more reliable VPN service and has a better track record of working seamlessly with Netflix and unblocking its libraries worldwide.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch Netflix?
Though you can use a free VPN for Netflix, we generally don’t recommend using them. Streaming Netflix with a VPN requires fast servers with an impressive uptime rate. These features allow you to have the best Netflix streaming experience by saving you from buffering and dropped connections. Most of the time, free VPNs are simply not up to the task.
On top of that, there are some other limitations to keep in mind:
- Data limits: Even the best free VPNs only offer up a limited amount of data per month, usually a maximum of 10GB. If you consider the fact that one hour of streaming already requires 3GB, there’s not really a point in getting a free VPN for Netflix.
- Poor security: Unfortunately, free VPNs have fewer security features in place. In fact, they might sell your data to third parties for revenue.
- Limited customer service: In some cases, free VPNs don’t even have any customer service. Should you run into any trouble watching Netflix with a VPN, you won’t have anybody to reach out to.
- It simply doesn’t work: The most frustrating part about using a free VPN to watch Netflix, is that generally, the free service just won’t work with Netflix or any other streaming platforms.
For these reasons, we will always recommend a premium VPN like NordVPN instead.
Netflix Has Blocked My VPN: What Can I Do?
Netflix does not condone the use of VPNs. It goes against the terms of service. That’s why, in certain cases, you will receive an error message from the Netflix app, usually with the code M7111-5059, W8106-154, N8106 154 5059, NQM.434, or C7037-1111. This indicates that Netflix has identified a proxy. This error message can be a bit annoying if you have spend time learning how to watch Netflix with a VPN and now you can’t watch your favorite content.
While it’s not illegal to use a VPN to stream Netflix, the service provider does reserve the right to restrict circumvention tools like proxies and VPN services. That’s why you’ll get these error messages.
What happens if Netflix notices you use a VPN?
Netflix is known for blocking VPN users from watching regional content. This block will usually stop when you turn off the VPN. However, Netflix’s terms of use might mention termination of your account as a potential consequence of VPN use. Always check Netflix’s privacy policy before you use a VPN for streaming.
If you run into any issues with your VPN app, you can try any of our recommended fixes for common VPN issues, such as the ones mentioned below.
Try these quick fixes first!
When it comes to watching Netflix with a VPN, the old adage “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” certainly applies. So after you are familiar with knowing how to use a VPN with Netflix but the server you are using is not working the next thing you want to do is try out multiple VPN servers to see if any will let you stream Netflix.
The method above doesn’t work? Here are a few other quick fixes:
- Start by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Most of the time, you’ll get access to the Netflix app as soon as you’ve cleared your cookies.
- Get a dedicated IP from your VPN provider. Dedicated IP addresses are more difficult to detect.
- Several VPN services on this list offer obfuscated servers that hide the fact you’re using a VPN. Netflix is less likely to detect your VPN use if you connect to an obfuscated server.
- Contact your VPN service’s customer support team via 24/7 live chat or email. More often than not, support agents will be able to point you to a good streaming server that will unblock Netflix content for you.
If it’s not not possible to access Netflix with these tips and tricks, you can try a completely different method: Smart DNS.
Watch Netflix with Smart DNS
You can access foreign Netflix libraries, by changing your IP address via Smart DNS. Like a VPN, Smart DNS will hide the real location of your computer and route your DNS queries through a remote server.
This is a good way to unblock Netflix and access a different Netflix library, no matter where you are in the world.
Just note that, unlike a VPN, Smart DNS does not encrypt your internet traffic.
How to Watch Netflix With a VPN From Anywhere
Watching Netflix with a VPN doesn’t have to be difficult. As long as you subscribe to a fast and reliable VPN with a large server network, you’ll be able to unblock your favorite streaming service from just about anywhere.
After rigorous testing, we recommend NordVPN as the best Netflix VPN. With this VPN subscription, you can access Netflix content in nearly 60 countries. The provider is always competitively priced, has excellent customer support ready to answer all your questions, and can unblock many Netflix libraries, including Netflix USA, Netflix Japan, Netflix Australia, and Netflix UK.
A bonus is the fact that NordVPN is one of the few VPN providers that works with almost all streaming services.
Since Netflix has been pushing back against VPN use, we recommend making use of NordVPN’s obfuscated servers to watch Netflix content. On top of that, you can get a free NordVPN trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you want to unblock other popular streaming platforms, check out the articles below:
- How to Watch Disney Plus (and Star) Safely
- How to Watch Hulu From Anywhere in the World
- How to Watch HBO Max From Anywhere in the World
- Watch Amazon Prime Video From Anywhere: An Easy Guide
Do you have any questions about how to watch Netflix with a VPN? Take a look at our FAQ below for some quick answers.
Watch Netflix with a VPN in these four easy steps:
- Subscribe to a premium VPN provider with fast speeds and a large server network, such as NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server in a county of your choice. If you want to watch Netflix USA, connect to a server in the United States.
- Go to Netflix and enjoy!
You can use a VPN to watch Netflix content from another country. Just connect to a server in a country of your choice. For example, you can choose to connect to a US server and get an American IP address. To Netflix, you are virtually located in the US. From that moment on you will be able to see the American Netflix content.
In most countries using a VPN is completely legal. However, some countries, for example China and Iran, do not accept VPN use.
Using a VPN in these places could get you in trouble. When you’re not in any of those countries and don’t partake in criminal activities, there’s no need to be afraid.
Netflix’s catalog differs per country. In America, for example, the range of series and films is much larger than in other places. With a VPN, you can virtually locate yourself in a different country so you’ll get access to that region’s Netflix library.
On top of that, a VPN also allows you to stream more anonymously. Your internet traffic gets encrypted and you can enjoy additional security features, including ad blockers and malware detection.
