How to change your Netflix region

Lee Kirwin

Lee

Lee is an avid 80's action fan classing 300, Predator and Terminator among his favourites. When he's not binging movies he can be found keeping fit, attending Comic Con and wearing Star Wars socks of all things.

If you’re like me, you love nothing more than a good Netflix binging session.

We all do it, but from time to time, Netflix can feel a little “vanilla” and needs spicing up. This is where changing your Netflix region will bring some life back to your Netflix account.

In this article, I’ll show you how one simple tool will give you everything you need to unblock any Netflix region you want with a click of a button.

This will enable you to stream more movies and TV shows with your regular account.

But first, let’s look at why you should change your Netflix region.

No time to read the full article? Grab ExpressVPN and change your region at will.

Why would I change Netflix region?

Netflix is an extremely popular online streaming platform that we’ve all grown to love, offering a vast amount of TV shows and movies on demand straight to our devices.

But, from time to time, it can feel like there’s nothing on there. This is especially true since competing services like Disney+ burst onto the scene.

It seems like you’ve watched all the best shows and all of the movies.

This sucks and leaves you scrolling through the Netflix home screen until you either A: Pick something you’ve already seen or B: Fall asleep on the couch… or is that just me?

Either way, it’s not how Netflix should be.

However, if you could change your Netflix region, you’d have access to thousands of new movies and TV shows you’ve never seen available on Netflix.

For example, American Netflix has over 5,800 titles which is one of the largest offerings out of all Netflix libraries, and this is almost double what’s available on some region’s Netflix libraries.

Imagine having all of those movies and shows available at the click of a button, no matter where you are in the world.

That’s what a VPN app can help you do, but I’ll talk more about this in a moment.

Another reason to change your Netflix region is that sometimes you might be living or travelling overseas, and you’ll find you can’t access your favourite TV shows due to regional restrictions.

This will put a stop to your binge-watching plans.

However, using a VPN will help you access any region’s Netflix library with ease.

How can I change region on Netflix?

Here’s a simple-to-follow step-by-step guide to setting up your VPN so you can replace your IP address and change your Netflix country.

In this example, I’ll be using ExpressVPN, but the steps will be similar for most VPNs.

Step 1

Head to the ExpressVPN website and sign up for one of the ExpressVPN subscription packages.

I highly recommend you take advantage of the 12-month package as it comes with three free months and a discounted rate of 49%.

Step 2

Head to your device’s app store, such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Download the ExpressVPN app, logging in using your email and password.

You can also find the app on the ExpressVPN site.

Step 3

Open the app and click ‘Selected Location‘. Choose a location you wish to connect to, such as the United States and tap the Connect button.

In doing so, your IP address will be replaced and fully masked, and your internet connection will be fully protected.

ExpressVPN desktop app showing United States

ExpressVPN lets you watch anywhere.

Step 4

Once your connection is established, head to the Netflix website or open the app and log into your Netflix account.

Step 5

You’ll now find you have unrestricted access to a new Netflix library (the library of whatever location you’ve used your VPN to connect to).

Enjoy watching all the new content that your Netflix app has to offer in any region on Netflix.

Why you need a VPN to change your Netflix region

A VPN is needed to change your Netflix region as Netflix detects and uses your IP address to know where you are in the world.

Think of your IP address as a phone number for your internet that Netflix can see. It helps identify where you’re connecting from. So, in order to access their other content, you have to make Netflix think you’re in another country.

Netflix uses your IP address registration to restrict your viewing to a regional-specific content library. This will prevent you from accessing overseas content that Netflix doesn’t want to give you access to.

A VPN will give you a massive library of IP addresses to choose from in the form of overseas VPN connections. Essentially, it allows you to turn things around and access Netflix from different regions in the world as if you are there yourself.

You could be on holiday in the South of France and use a VPN to connect to a UK location so you can carry on binge-watching Coach Trip.

VPNs are the only way to reliably unblock overseas content on your devices, including many Netflix regions.

With many different services available, choosing a VPN app can be confusing. I’ll be giving you my run-down of the top 5 below.

Top 5 VPNs for changing your Netflix region

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN devices

ExpressVPN is the ultimate VPN for changing Netflix region.

Not only are they one of the fastest VPNs in the world, allowing you to stream in crystal clear UHD, but they’re super reliable. They have over 3000+ servers located globally, so you’ll be able to access many different Netflix regions with the click of a button.

One of ExpressVPN’s best features is its dedicated VPN app. They have an app for most devices; it’s simple to use and looks fantastic.

You can even use ExpressVPN with Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and some Smart TV devices. Not all Smart TV devices are supported, so some will require manual setup.

They are also one of the only VPNs that work with many other popular streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, 7Plus, Peacock TV, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.

This is also where its unlimited bandwidth comes in very useful.

ExpressVPN has fantastic deals at the moment, such as their 12-month package that comes with 3-months free and a significant saving of 49%.

If that’s not enough for you, ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not happy, then you can get your money back.

You will finally be able to access the Netflix location of your choosing without issues, regardless of where your favorite movie or show is available.

30-day money back guarantee

2. NordVPN

NordVPN app TV

NordVPN is a highly popular and reputable VPN provider across the world for good reason. They have an extensive server offering of over 5233+ ultra-fast streaming servers covering over 60 countries.

When it comes to their VPN apps, they look nothing less than superb; I was impressed by how great the app looks and how simple it is to use. The apps cover most devices such as iPhone, Android, macOS, Windows, Fire TV and many others.

They even have extensions for your browsers, such as Firefox or Google Chrome. So no matter what device you’re using to stream Netflix, you’ll be able to use NordVPN to change Netflix region and watch Netflix content without restrictions.

NordVPN has excellent security features such as DNS proxy settings, double VPN, IP leak protection, DNS leak protection and more. These may come in useful when you try to access another Netflix country.

They also have a strict no-logging policy, which is something that all VPNs should offer you to keep your usage secure.

As with ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test them out with Netflix.

3. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark device

As a relative newcomer to the VPN world, Surfshark has been making waves (pun intended).

They’re quickly becoming one of the go-to VPNs for unblocking Netflix regions, as they have worked with over 30+ regions, which is a lot.

You’ll be able to change Netflix region to many different ones, with a Netflix location such as Netflix US, the UK Netflix, Netflix Japan, and many other popular locations all being supported. This gives you tens of thousands of hours worth of additional content.

Surfshark VPN offers some of the best prices around, costing you as little as $2.50 per month; it’s a bargain if you ask me.

As with the previous VPNs in this list, Surfshark has a great VPN app that’s simple to use and is available for most devices.

Surfshark VPN is one of the best VPNs for changing your Netflix region; you’ll love it.

4. CyberGhost VPN

Cyberghost app mock up

CyberGhost VPN offers one of the most extensive VPN server lists globally, with over 7520+ available to use at the click of a button.

They cover a staggering 91 countries allowing you to unblock almost any Netflix region. It is a great choice to watch UK Netflix, as well as the service’s US catalog.

They are one of the few VPNs with VPN servers specifically optimised to unblock online streaming platforms such as Netflix, making them an ideal solution to change Netflix region.

Their app is excellent and covers anything ranging from your mobile phone to desktop computer.

CyberGhost VPN has superb security features such as military-grade 256-bit encryption, DNS settings, and basic features like a kill switch etc. I won’t delve into too much detail on the technical stuff.

When it comes to price, CyberGhost VPN is a little expensive compared to the other offerings; however, they do offer a huge 45-day money-back guarantee, which gives you plenty of time to try them out.

5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN header

VyprVPN is a big name in the VPN world; they’re constantly improving their service and have impressed me many times this year alone.

Their server offering covers 70+ locations worldwide, so you’ll have no trouble using their service to secure private internet access wherever you are.

While VyprVPN’s connection speeds aren’t the fastest around, they’ll be fast enough to stream high-quality video from any Netflix library without any trouble.

They also work well with other popular streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

Recently, VyprVPN increased their simultaneous connections to up to 30 devices, so you can use your VPN service on all of your devices at once without needing to unregister one of them.

This is brilliant if you have a large family and want to share your VPN connection.

The only downside I’ve come across is they don’t currently offer an app for Amazon Fire Stick and they’re not the easiest to set up on other TV devices.

VyprVPN has 24/7 customer support and comes with the industry-standard money-back guarantee of 30-days.

How we picked the best VPNs for changing Netflix region

Living or travelling abroad shouldn’t stop you from accessing your favourite movies and shows on Netflix. Using a VPN to change region on Netflix is one of the best things you can do with your Netflix account.

When it comes down to choosing the best VPNs for changing region on Netflix, we considered the following:

1. Speed

Netflix recommends a minimum speed of 25Mbps for 4K UHD streaming. So if you want to engage in streaming Netflix in high quality, then you’ll need to ensure the VPN you’ve selected offers excellent connection speeds.

Of course, you can get away with less, but the quality will be reduced.

2. Large server network

Having a VPN with a large amount of VPN server connections is highly beneficial as it ensures you’ll always have access to many VPN IP addresses. Therefore, you will be able to make a connection effortlessly.

Larger networks tend to cover more countries, which mean you’ll be able to unblock more regional Netflix content overseas, and more IP addresses mean a lower chance of running into a blocked server.

3. Strong Security

VPNs need strong security features to secure your devices from online snoopers, as changing your IP address settings alone is not enough.

256-bit encryption is the industry standard, plus having attributes such as a built-in kill-switch is favorable.

4. Easy to use

Gone are the days where you need to set up your VPN manually; trust me… it can take an age.

Luckily, VPN apps are now a thing, and they’ve made life so much easier. All of the VPNs on the list above have excellent native VPN apps that are easy to use and cover most devices.

5. Privacy

VPNs are, first and foremost, a privacy tool. Changing your IP address, for example, is only the first step.

Sure, they help you unblock Netflix and other websites, but all the best VPN services come with a no-logging policy.

I’ve ensured that all the VPNs on this list have an excellent track record when it comes to your privacy. Some VPNs such as ExpressVPN have even proven their no-logging policy in legal cases and have been verified by third-party auditors.

6. Cost

The VPN industry is highly competitive, and so are the prices. When selecting the best VPNs to change region on Netflix, I factored in the cost.

VPNs such as Surfshark cost under $2.50, which will hardly break the bank or your backpacking fund if you’re travelling.

7. Does it work with Netflix?

Not every VPN provider will work with Netflix, and some will even display a Netflix proxy error if you try to use them.

Luckily, I’ve found all of the VPNs that do and can bypass the DNS proxy error issue. I have handpicked the five best choices to change Netflix region and unlock the entire Netflix library.

Is there a free VPN to change my Netflix region?

When it comes to using a VPN provider, you should never forget the saying “nothing good in life is free”. VPNs are no exception to this rule.

I would avoid free VPN providers like the plague. They’re not only dangerous for you and your devices, but they will bring you a massive headache.

Many free VPNs will install dangerous malware onto your devices with the sole purpose of accessing your data so it can be sold to the highest bidder on the dark web.

Also, free VPNs are notoriously slow due to the high amounts of traffic they receive, making them pretty much useless for watching a video in high quality.

Pair these problems with the fact that most free services are blocked by Netflix and other popular websites, rendering them useless for changing your region on Netflix.

So no, I do not recommend using a free virtual private network or even a proxy server, not when there are cheap, available options such as premium VPN software providers mentioned above or other, more reliable solutions.

These include such things like a VPN router that you can connect to your regular router via LAN cable and use its WiFi network, that automatically changes your existing WiFi settings/internet settings to mask your connection while accessing Netflix as well as the rest of the internet.

You should definitely avoid free VPNs because they can:

  • Install malware
  • Could logs your data (to be sold)
  • Extremely slow
  • Blocked by Netflix and other online streaming platforms
  • Unreliable

So that free VPN doesn’t sound so great now, huh?

Stick to a premium VPN service such as ExpressVPN, and you won’t regret it.

Is using a VPN legal?

VPN usage is completely legal in almost all countries except North Korea, Iraq, Russia, and other highly restricted states.

If you live outside of these regions, you’ll have no trouble using a VPN to watch Netflix content or for almost any other purpose.

Just remember that if Netflix is not supported in your country at all, you will have to find a way to pay for your Netflix subscription without involving your bank account or credit/debit card directly, or else you will expose your Netflix billing country.

It’s worth noting that even though VPNs are legal, it doesn’t change the legality of what you’re doing online. If you use a VPN to perform an illegal act, then the act is still illegal; using a VPN won’t change that.

What countries have Netflix

Netflix is one of the world’s most successful streaming platforms and is currently available in over 190 countries worldwide.

Some of the most popular Netflix regions are the following:

  • Netflix USA
  • Netflix UK
  • Netflix Canada
  • Netflix Japan
  • Netflix Germany
  • Netflix Australia
  • Netflix New Zealand

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, each region has specific content tailored for each country. By using a VPN such as ExpressVPN, you’ll be able to unblock them all, no matter where you are in the world.

Summary

Whether watching Netflix abroad while travelling, you wish to watch Netflix abroad while living overseas, or simply want to unblock more content by watching Netflix from other regions, using a VPN to change your “virtual location” is the best way to super-charge your Netflix account.

It will work, whether you are using a computer, an Apple device, or a VPN-protected Android smartphone and you won’t need to mess around with complicated network settings or messy DNS proxies.

The list in this article contains 5 of the world’s best VPNs for changing your Netflix region. ExpressVPN came out on top due to its super-fast speeds and overall service quality.

Get ExpressVPN now and unblock Netflix libraries at will.

They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if in the unlikely event you’re unhappy, you get your money back. Try them now without risk, and finally enjoy watching Netflix the way you were always meant to.

Beginner-friendly

Quick to set up

Money back guarantee

30-day money back guarantee

ExpressVPN interface with offer

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