How to change Netflix region? Can’t find anything to watch on Netflix? Believe me, I’ve been there. But then I discovered I could utilize a VPN to change my location and access shows and movies from other countries’ libraries, and now I never run out of options.
It wasn’t as easy as I thought, though. The first VPNs I tried claimed they could access many Netflix libraries, but all I got was an error message. I saw that Netflix is very good at blocking VPNs, and only a select few can get around that.
Not only that, but you require a VPN with fast speeds for high-quality streaming unless you want to spend your evening staring at a buffering screen.
After testing dozens of providers to find an excellent solution, ExpressVPN is now my go-to VPN for Netflix. I also found a couple of other VPNs that can support you easily change your location.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Change Your Netflix Region?
Due to licensing agreements, Netflix places geographic restrictions on various shows and movies. The platform acknowledges where you are located based on your IP address, and displays only the content that is available in your region.
Not everybody recognizes this, but every country where Netflix is available has its own library. For instance, if you open Netflix in the UK, you view different content than you would if you were logging in from within the US. And even though Netflix is a US-based company, Netflix US doesn’t have all the programs available in the UK, Germany, or Japan.
A VPN can modify your IP address to hide your real location and make it look like you’re connecting to Netflix from a different country. This implies you can watch any Netflix content from any country in the world. If you’re traveling abroad and you need to access your regular Netflix library from your home country, you can easily do that too.
This all sounds easy enough, but these days, Netflix and other popular streaming services can detect and block most VPN servers. That’s why it’s important to pick a VPN that changes its IP addresses regularly, or else all you get is an error page. I’ve tested the VPNs on my list over time, and I can positively say that they are consistently able to unblock Netflix US and other Netflix libraries from all around the world.
As long as you have the right VPN, changing your Netflix region truly is simple, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. Installing the software is just a matter of a few hits, and then all you have to do is choose a server and click a button.
How to Use a VPN to Access Netflix
After you prefer a VPN, setup only takes a few minutes from start to finish.
Here’s a complete overview of what you can expect in each step:
Choose a top-rated VPN
Picking the right VPN is the most important step. I suggest ExpressVPN, because of its impressive unblocking capabilities, server coverage in every Netflix location, and lightning-fast speeds.
Here is what I see for in a VPN to use with Netflix:
- The ability to bypass Netflix’s geoblocks
- Regularly updated IP addresses so the servers can’t be identified by Netflix’s anti-VPN measures
- High-speed, positive connections for a smooth streaming experience
- Servers in a broad range of countries so you can access Netflix libraries from all over the world
ExpressVPN is the best Netflix VPN I’ve tested. For the sake of this tutorial, I will utilize it as an example.
Install the VPN on your system or mobile device
Go to ExpressVPN’s website and choose the plan you want.
Enter your information and select a payment method. You may also be required to register for an account. ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free and ask for a return if you’re not satisfied.
All you have to do now is download the VPN software and install it on your system. Installation is fast and easy – just hit through the steps in the installation wizard.
Connect to a server in a country that has the Netflix content you need
Within your VPN app, you will see a list of server locations to choose from. Select the country or server location that you need and ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to the fastest server in that region.
FAQs
[wps_faq style=”classic” question=”Q: Why has my Netflix changed region?”]A: If you’re traveling and trying to access Netflix from another country, you’ll see the Netflix library for that country instead of the one you’re used to. You can utilize a VPN to get an IP address in your home country and keep watching the shows you love.[/wps_faq][wps_faq style=”classic” question=”Q: How does Netflix know my location?”]A: When you connect to Netflix, it can see your IP address, and this is how it knows where you are in the world. If you want to mask your IP and look as if you’re accessing Netflix from a different location, ExpressVPN is a top choice.[/wps_faq][wps_faq style=”classic” question=”Q: Is it right to use a VPN with Netflix?”]A: Streaming Netflix over a VPN connection is absolutely legal, as long as you’re in a country where VPN use is legal. If you’re in a country where VPNs are limited, such as China, Russia, or Iran, you’ll want to check the legislation carefully.[/wps_faq][wps_faq style=”classic” question=”Q: Can I change my Netflix region without paying for a VPN”]A: There are some free VPNs out there, but I don’t suggest using them. Most of them can’t access Netflix at all, and even the ones that can are very limited in bandwidth so you can’t actually stream for more than a short while. Some free VPNs are recognized to sell your data to third parties (they have to make money somehow), so it’s best to steer clear of them. The good news is that the best VPNs come with money-back guarantees, so you can take support of their refund policy and use them risk-free. ExpressVPN, my top choice for Netflix, has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out risk-free and get a refund if you’re not happy with the service. [/wps_faq]
