How to Change Netflix Region With and Without a VPN in 2023
The frustration of wanting to see a movie or a TV show on Netflix only to find it unavailable in your region is inexplicable. If you’re traveling or located in countries with strict censorship laws, your Netflix library may fall short of keeping you entertained.
In any such case, you can easily change Netflix region on your phone (Android or iOS), PS4, or any device, and enjoy unlimited and unrestricted content, especially Netflix USA libraries.
Read our quick guide on how to change your Netflix region with or without a VPN in place.
How To Change Netflix Region In 5 Easy Steps
One of the most straightforward and easy-peasy ways of changing your location on Netflix is by deploying a VPN. With a VPN, your traffic is routed through a server that is in a location of your choice, and your IP address is masked and changed to one from your selected country.
Your internet traffic is also encrypted when using a VPN, making it impossible for even your ISP to monitor your traffic. The geo-restrictions levied by copyright issues can cause a damper on your streaming dreams, but there’s a simple solution: a VPN.
Our recommendation is Surfshark since it has 3000+ servers in 94 countries, meaning you can gain access to any Netflix library your heart desires. It offers 5 simultaneous connections on a single subscription at $6.67/mo. It has secure protocols with military-grade encryption, and an internet kill switch that safeguards your device from DNS/IP leaks. It has a strict no-log policy and is independently audited so that none of your data gets shared or sold to third parties.
Here’s how you can change the region on Netflix with a VPN in 5 easy steps:
- Download our recommended VPN for streaming: Surfshark.
- Install the Surfshark app on your streaming device.
- Open the ExpressVPN app and click on “Selected Location”.
- Select a server location, preferably the USA.
- Launch the Netflix app, refresh the page and start streaming!
How to Change Netflix Region Without VPN
Changing the country of your account on Netflix cannot be done without a VPN. This is because Netflix ensures a user can only access the library available in the native country.
Netflix is available in 190 countries. Therefore, there are more than 100 libraries only available in that specific region. Using a VPN will allow you to access content in that country. Hence you will be able to switch regions on Netflix in a tricky manner.
Changing Netflix region with a VPN also comes in handy while you are traveling or moving with Netflix. Your My List and Continue Watching titles and movies will always be available with a VPN in place.
Why Do I Need To Change The Region On My Netflix?
Although Netflix libraries are pretty extensive, some content is either exclusively produced for specific countries. Another reason why audiences from specific countries may have limited libraries is that their local government follows strict censorship against content that hurts their national or cultural considerations.
There are certain copyright issues that Netflix is bound by and hence cannot release said content into regions where the country has not bought it. But this doesn’t mean you have to suffer. You can unlock the vast world of TV that Netflix offers and relish the golden age of television right from where you are without a hitch.
A lot of money is at stake when movies and TV shows are made, and the studios do whatever they can to impose and enforce copyrights to make as much money as possible. Piracy used to be much smaller back when streaming sites were just a figment of our imagination.
The digital age of piracy began with the advent of the internet and since then has taken quite a toll on studio profits. So making the shift from physical tapes and DVDs, studios have adapted to the new system and sell their rights to streaming services such as Netflix.
Now as part of the revenue model and as per their agreements with legislative bodies, Netflix and other streaming platforms (like Hulu in Canada or other parts of the world, and HBO Max) do decide to keep their content geo-restricted.
And as simple as it sounds if you are a die-hard binge-watcher who does not want to miss a favorite show or movie, especially the ones we have mentioned in the next section, changing the Netflix region with a fast and reliable VPN could do wonders.
Netflix Country Exclusive Content
All countries have a different set of requirements when it comes to content, and this leads to the change in Netflix libraries depending on the location. Studios also charge more when Netflix offers the streaming of distinct titles in some countries relative to others.
So therein arises the need to change your location if you wish to view content that is not accessible in your area. With a trusted VPN that can be easily achieved and a whole new world lies at your disposal without even moving an inch away from your couch.
There are several popular shows and movies that are geo-restricted, making them viewable only in certain regions of the world. Some of these include:
- Berlin Station: available in only Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
- Happy Valley: limited to the USA and Canadian Netflix libraries
- Peaky Blinders: you can watch them on US, Italy, and Portugal Netflix
- Slasher: available in Japan, Italy, South Korea, and Thailand.
- Bad Moms: only stream-able in Japan
- Slam: everywhere except Italy
- My Happy Family: everywhere except France
- Orbiter: worldwide except Japan, Spain, and Germany.
- You Get Me: worldwide except Sweden and Spain.
How do I Change Netflix Region on My Phone?
Most of the population has to resort to using their cell phones to stream content. The process is quite easy and shouldn’t inconvenience you at all.
How to Change Netflix Region on Android Phone
- Install the VPN of your choice from the Play Store.
- Sign in to your VPN account.
- Select the country for the library you wish to access.
- Open your Netflix app and start streaming!
How to Change Netflix Region on iPhone
- Install your chosen VPN from the App Store.
- Sign in using your credentials.
- Select the server from your chosen country.
- Open Netflix and stream away!
Best VPNs to Change Netflix Region in 2023
The various VPNs on the internet can make choosing one a harrowing effort and one which may not seem worth it. This is why we have selected the best Netflix VPNs which you can try out without fear of wasting your investment since all of these come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and some offer a period of a free trial too.
1. Surfshark – Best VPN to Watch Unlimited Netflix Libraries
Surfshark is an affordable VPN that allows steady and fast speeds with secure access to streaming sites and unlimited simultaneous connections. It cloaks your Netflix location and safeguards your private data and streaming traffic from hackers and ISP.
Some of its defining features include 3200+ servers in 65 countries. This means you can enjoy lightning-fast server connections for zero buffering, with multiple hosts for countries (like the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and Japan) with high demand.
Most importantly, Surfshark has a no-logging policy: it does not record or share your browsing data with any third parties. You can also choose to only pass selected traffic through the VPN server, so your ISP won’t know when you are streaming Netflix.
Also, for people who do change their regions for Netflix, they can avail themselves of an additional layer of protection with Surfshark as it has a workable internet kill switch. The switch, when enabled manually from the settings, terminates the internet connection right when a device loses connection with the VPN. This protects against accidental IP/DNS leaks, reducing your chances of getting banned on Netflix international libraries to the least.
It has dedicated apps for all major devices, including cell phones, computer devices, smart TVs, and big screens. This makes it easy for Surfshark to switch region on Netflix on Android Phone, PS4, Firestick, or any streaming device.
Pricing packages:
On certain servers, it permits P2P connection and keeps shady websites blocked without a hitch. Most importantly, Surfshark is the only VPN that allows unlimited connections on unlimited devices. This means that if you have got other members in the family who watch Netflix, one VPN subscription will do enough for the entire family.
Also, there is no restriction on the number of devices that could use the VPN at a certain time, which means that even if more than 2 people are streaming Netflix, all of you could use VPN at the same time. You’ll then only have to look into your Netflix subscription terms without thinking about data hits on Surfshark. You can check our complete review of Surfshark if you want to know more about this VPN.
2. ExpressVPN – Affordable VPN to Stream Any Netflix Region
As a leading name in VPNs, ExpressVPN offers safe streaming security from internet scammers. With it, you get unlimited access to streaming services, music, videos, social media websites, and more.
When thinking about changing the Netflix region safely, ExpressVPN tops the charts on forums like Reddit and Quora due to its features and provides 3000+ VPN servers in 94 countries. It supports 5 simultaneous connections which is an industry average and allows unlimited data consumption. ExpressVPN is compatible with devices such as iOS, Android, Xbox One, Firestick, macOS, etc.
ExpressVPN also has a no-logging policy so your data won’t be shared with anyone. It supports torrenting, has split tunneling, internet kill switch, and comes with a 30-day free trial with 24*7 live chat support. It has a 30-days money-back guarantee and in case you don’t like the service, you can choose to ask for a refund.
Pricing packages:
Speed is of the essence when choosing a VPN for streaming purposes since there’s nothing more off-putting than slow speeds and buffering. ExpressVPN does not fall short when it comes to speed, although it is a bit costly in comparison to Surfshark, so it compensates in form of the fast and furious speeds of its servers. It is the only trusty VPN that gives you the option to pay with Bitcoin. Read our in-depth review of ExpressVPN if you are thinking to purchase this VPN.
3. NordVPN – Change Netflix Region With NordVPN SmartDNS
NordVPN is one of the best VPN services in the industry. It does not collect, track or share your data with anyone. All sent and received data is encrypted along with added protection with ad blocker and prevention of malware.
NordVPN is especially recommended to be used when changing Netflix region on Android or iPhones and has a list of attractive features that make it the obvious choice for a VPN.
5200+ servers in 59+ countries, unlimited data allowance, no logging policy, P2P support, torrenting, split tunneling, kill switch, static IP address (subject to additional upfront payment), 6 simultaneous connections, web proxies for Chrome and Firefox, and a 30-days free trial: all add to its appeal as a popular VPN service.
Nord also provides 24*7 live chat support for technical or non-technical concerns. It supports all major devices and operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Moreover, it has got a Double VPN feature, which means your data and whatever traffic you exchange between the device and Nord’s servers pass not only through a single private tunnel but is encrypted twice to provide network-level security.
Pricing packages:
The urge to stream can hit anytime, anywhere, and so can the urge to change the Netflix region. But keeping yourself private on the network should be the top priority. NordVPN is the peace of mind you need when forced to connect to public Wi-Fi for either business or pleasure.
Nord has got tight security protocols that keep you safe from internet predators and don’t let anything stand in the way of your streaming pleasures. If you want to get this VPN then read our detailed review of NordVPN.
4. Cyberghost – Reliable VPN to Check Different Netflix Regions
As a reliable VPN software, CyberGhost brings you secure P2P torrenting and unblocks major streaming sites. You can enjoy geo-restricted content while keeping your online connection encrypted and boosting the security of your digital identity. Its major features include 7700+ servers globally and simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices, which is higher than the industry average of 5.
It allows unlimited bandwidth, internet kill switch, split tunneling, 24*7 live chat support, and is a no-log VPN.
Speeds are decent enough to give you a seamless streaming or online gaming experience, even if you are playing poker on most time-sensitive websites. It has dedicated apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles. Most importantly, it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing packages:
Stream away as CyberGhost breaks all geo-restrictions and hides your IP address reducing risk to a bare minimum. Check our full review of Cyberghost if you want to know more about its features, unblocking capabilities, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is changing Netflix Country illegal?
- How do I change my Netflix country without a VPN?
- Which country has the best Netflix 2023?
- Can Netflix ban you from using VPN?
- Can I use a free VPN to access Netflix USA or change Netflix region?
Is changing Netflix Country illegal?
No. Streaming Netflix content by changing your location is legal as long as you’re in a country where using a VPN is legal. You’ll want to assess the situation in case you’re in a location where using a VPN is restricted, such as China, Iran, or Russia.
How do I change my Netflix country without a VPN?
If you don’t require the security of a VPN or have a device that doesn’t support one, then the only choice remaining is using a Smart DNS. It is easy to set up, and all you need to do from your end is change your existing DNS server to a Smart one, and you should be able to access restricted Netflix libraries as long as you have a subscription.
Which country has the best Netflix 2023?
With services in over 90 countries, Netflix USA has the most titles overall with 5879 shows and movies, while Canada holds the best selection of movies at 4043 films. South Korea holds the honor of having the most prestigious catalog with 35 Emmy-winning shows and 109 Oscar-winning movies. India has the highest IMDb audience rating in comparison to the top 10 regions having the most titles.
Can Netflix ban you from using VPN?
No. VPNs are often viewed as some form of piracy, but it is one thing to access international catalogs of a streaming service and quite another to torrent copyrighted material. Most people do use VPNs to access native content while traveling for work or recreation. And they are just doing fine with that.
Netflix will not ban you; although it is against their terms of service, they do not have the right to cut you off nor do they wish to when found using a VPN. As long as you are using a VPN with a kill switch, which protects your real IP address by terminating you from the network, you’re good to go.
Can I use a free VPN to access Netflix USA or change Netflix region?
Some free VPNs can unblock Netflix USA libraries, but most of them are fake VPNs. They are either copyright trolls who report people infringing copyrights or collect your private data to sell on the dark web.
Other than Netflix, we always recommend users avoid using free VPNs, as they are worse than going VPN-less. Know that most free VPNs are also accused of data breaches and identity thefts. Such free VPNs can not only obtain your Netflix account information for illegal uses but can also lock you out of your streaming accounts.
Bottomline
When you change Netflix region, it opens up streaming adventures that were just beyond your reach previously. But it’s prudent to remember that it all depends on the VPN you choose for your viewing pleasures.
There’s no concept of too much security, and a VPN keeps you and your device secure from cyber-criminals looking to score with just a second’s vulnerability in your system. If you do advocate safe streaming, we recommend you go for Surfshark for its amazing features at just $1.99/mo (Save 86% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan).
Know that Netflix content is restricted in certain countries due to broadcasting agreements with television and movie studios. But, we have told you the way it can be tricked for a different location. Once you are done changing your Netflix library for your desired location, sit back and enjoy the unlimited content at your fingertips.
