This article will show you how to unblock Netflix with a VPN if you lack access to the streaming service.
This article is not intended to give you a hack to Netflix but to show you how to access paid contents on Netflix which you can’t access because of location changes.
Are you finding it hard to stream interesting shows or videos you love on Netflix?
Do you get error messages while trying to stream on Netflix?
You must have, sometimes, tried to watch a latest Netflix show or heard someone tried to do so without success.
This could be because Netflix is sending you error messages like the one below:
“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”
Also, it could be because you changed your location or that you exceeded the bounds set by the streaming platform.
It could also be because you are not eligible to view it or that the programme is not available in your country.
Because Netflix is not available to everyone, everywhere, subscribers in various locations around the world have access to different libraries of content based on where they live.
So, a latest movie may be available on Nigerian Netflix library but not on the U.S or Russian Netflix library.
Additionally, it could be that you have not subscribed to the service!
Meanwhile, there are some shows that may only be available in some regions of the globe.
So, it could also be the reason you can’t stream.
To make it even worse, you could hear your friends talking about the latest shows on the platform.
Yet, you can’t enjoy it yourself.
Also, imagine you were watching a favourite show about Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa culture on Netflix while in Nigeria.
Now, you have travelled to the US and can no longer stream the video.
Why? You discovered that the service is not available to you while in the US.
Surely, you will feel sad but what if we tell you that there is a way out through the VPN?
This article will show you how to keep streaming on Netflix if you are facing similar challenges we mentioned above.
So let’s get to it. But before that, there are few things you should know.
What you must know:
One fact you should know is that what is available on video streaming services are not the same everywhere in the world.
Therefore, what you get from the streaming services in your region or country will surely be different from those in others.
The reason for this is that streaming services make different agreements with media companies to show specific movies and TV series in specific places.
ALSO READ: Netflix Releases New Feature Allowing Android Users Stream Partially Downloaded Videos
For instance, DStv Africa may only show certain programmes to Nigerians or Africans in the continent.
It may not show such programmes to US or Canadian citizens in those countries.
So, anybody, say a Nigerian, that travels out of the country may experience service cut from the streaming service.
What this means is that you only get the shows in the country where you created your account.
Also, they block some hacks in order to enforce regional restrictions.
Particularly, Netflix has blocked many VPNs but it has not successfully done so completely.
So, despite the blockages, people still use VPNs to stream on Netflix.
Therefore, with the right VPN you too may be able to keep streaming, no matter where you are.
What is a VPN?
VPN means Virtual Private Network.
It establishes a secure connection between you and the internet.
It is an internet tool that helps you easily create a private network so you can connect to a less secured internet connection.
A VPN encrypts network traffic and disguises your IP address and location.
It sends your web traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server controlled by the VPN company.
From there, your traffic leaves onto public or other web as normal.
Your true IP address gets hidden behind the IP address of the VPN server.
BestVPN.org explains it as follows:
“When you connect to a VPN server, you are connecting to a remote server that passes on your request to the server of the company or service you are dealing with. As a result, the remote server appears to be you in the eyes of Netflix.
So, for example, say that you are in France, but you want to access the US Netflix library. You would use a VPN service to mask your French-based IP address, and choose a US server through the VPN. Once you do this, you would then login to your Netflix account, and from there, be able to access Netflix’s American based content library of TV shows and movies.”
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Netflix intensified its VPN blockage drive.
While Netflix has been blocking VPN use, VPN companies are working hard to keep their customers connected to Netflix.
Steps To Unblock Netflix with VPN:
- The first step you must take is to choose a VPN provider.
There are many VPNs to choose from but you must choose from those with best reviews.
We will give you three of the best VPNs for Netflix.
Note that our selection is based on the reviews available in the public, so they are not particularly our opinion.
ExpressVPN:
This is one of the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix. This se is one of the most highly rated VPNs on the market.
Express VPN is simple and extremely user-friendly.
This VPN gives fastest connection, meaning subscribers won’t notice significant buffering or quality reduction when they try to stream television shows and movies.
It also easily connects you with high speed. This VPN also works well with iPhones, Windows computers and Mac.
Another quality of this VPN is that you could be on public and private networks at the same time.
Also, the company has 160 servers in more than 90 countries.
NordVPN:
NordVPN is another popular VPN provider that can be used to circumvent the geo blocking put in place by Netflix.
It is pretty much fast.
Also, it has a very high rating and boasts of over 8 million subscribers worldwide.
Legally, the company can never be forced to hand over data, so NordVPN is a great choice for those concerned about privacy.
The company is constantly adding new servers to try and stay ahead of Netflix.
NordVPN doesn’t offer the same fast speeds as Express VPN, the service is still very good.
NordVPN lets you watch Netflix on Linux, Mac, or Windows computers.
If you want to watch on the go, do so on Android or iOS devices
Meanwhile, it also works on smart TVs and TV devices.
TorGuard VPN:
This VPN is another good one for unblocking Netflix.
However, when subscribers sign up, they pay an additional fee for a dedicated streaming IP address in the country of their choice.
Since the IP address is dedicated to a subscribers TorGuard account, it makes it very difficult for Netflix to recognize the address as a VPN service that’s being used specifically for unblocking Netflix content.
This VPN is also supper fast.
So, when choosing a VPN, evaluate your options, taking cognizance of your budget.
Also, look for a VPN that is reliable, delivers fast speeds, and is an overall great value.
Having listed some VPNs to choose from among numerous good ones, let us continue with the steps.
- When you have decided on which VPN to use, download the VPN onto your preferred device(s) and log into the service.
- Step three is to connect to a VPN server: This is the most important step for unblocking Netflix and accessing the content you want to watch. Once the VPN software is installed, you will be able to browse the available servers.
Also, once you have selected a server, simply click on it to connect.
- Step Four is to start watching Netflix: After connecting to the VPN’s server, log on to your Netflix.
- When you log on to your Netflix this time, you will have your favourite shows or videos available to you.
- All you need do now is to sit back and relax. Choose the video you want to watch and enjoy!
- In some cases, it may be necessary to clear your browser history and cache, or possibly even restart the device to ensure Netflix recognizes the new VPN server you are connected to.
Implications For You:
Netflix is a paid programme and by using a VPN, you could have free access to some Netflix contents.
This could pose moral concerns for you if you are in that category.
Also, it is not all VPNs that will unblock Netflix and even the ones that do may soon be unable to if Netflix blocks it.
Additionally, you may change servers, locations and try it many times before hitting success.
Note, however, that if you choose to use a VPN to unblock Netflix, Techuncode or the writer of this article is clearly indemnified from any consequence that may arise from it.
Found this interesting? Share!