How to Watch Netflix from Other Countries in 2023

Netflix is still the world's most popular streaming service, with over 230 million subscribers. Sadly, their selection of movies and TV shows is different in each country due to pesky licensing restrictions. Fortunately, you can easily bypass those restrictions with the right tool. To that end, we’ll be explaining how to watch Netflix from other countries using a VPN.

Wondering how to change your Netflix region? Well, the simple explanation is that you need to change your IP address. Fortunately, a VPN is the easiest way to do that. Just connect to a VPN server, and you can, for example, watch American Netflix outside the United States.

Of course, Netflix is well aware that people use VPNs to get around geo-blocks. Their use of advanced filtering systems means few VPNs still work with the streaming platform. Therefore, you need to be careful about which Netflix VPN you’ll pick.

So, let's not waste any more time. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch international Netflix (with step-by-step guides). We’ll also add some VPN recommendations that actually work, as well as answers to any questions you might have on the topic.

Let’s jump right in!

Where Is Netflix Available?

Netflix is available across the world, except for China, Crimea, North Korea, Russia, and Syria. More precisely, you can access Netflix in 190+ countries. However, some of you might be disappointed, though - as Netflix is split into regional libraries.

For example, Netflix's library in Slovakia has 8,000+ titles. Netflix's US library comes with close to 6,000 movies and TV shows. However, some of the best and the most popular Netflix titles are available in the US exclusively.

That's precisely the reason we've produced this guide. Using a VPN, you'll get to unblock many regional Netflix libraries, and that includes the US version of Netflix as well.

However, unless you use a powerful VPN, you'll see this error message (also known as the Netflix proxy error): "Whoops, something went wrong... Proxy Detected. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again."

As you can already guess, what that error message means is that your VPN or proxy can't unblock American Netflix outside the US. So, here's how to bypass Netflix VPN blocks.

How to Watch Netflix from Other Countries

As mentioned initially, all you need to do to see what’s available on Netflix in other countries is to use a VPN. Sign up with a reliable Netflix VPN provider, download their app, log in, connect to a country you’re interested in (such as the US), and you’re good to go.

These are the steps you need to follow:

1. Let's begin by letting you sign up for Netflix using your Web browser on any device.

2. On Netflix's home page, input your email address and click 'Get Started.'

3. You will then need to create a password and select a subscription plan.

4. The available plans change depending on your location. Pick one and select 'Continue.'

5. Input your payment details and select 'Start Membership.'

6. Now, feel free to download Netflix's app on your device(s).

7. Log in to your Netflix account. However, don't keep the app open (close it).

8. To change your Netflix country, first, make sure to subscribe to ExpressVPN.

9. Once you get to ExpressVPN's website, feel free to select 'Start Your Trial Today.'

10. Pick a subscription, input your email address, and finalize the sign-up procedure.

11. Next, proceed to download and install ExpressVPN on your device(s).

12. Launch ExpressVPN and make sure to go through its initial setup (login to your account).

13. Now, click on the button below the ON/OFF switch, on ExpressVPN's home screen.

14. Select 'United States,' and then double-click on any server found in that country.

15. Once ExpressVPN connects you, its interface will turn green.

16. Finally, feel free to launch Netflix's app or visit its website. That's it!

How to Watch Netflix While Traveling

Want to tune in to your home Netflix library while traveling? A VPN can help with that. Once you sign up and download the provider’s app, all you need to do is connect to a VPN server in your home country. Now you can use your Netflix account overseas with no restrictions. 

Here are the steps explaining how to watch Netflix from other countries while traveling:

1. You need a VPN, so go ahead and subscribe to ExpressVPN.

2. Click 'Start Your Trial Today' once you get to ExpressVPN's site.

3. Pick a subscription plan (if you want to save, pick a long-term one).

4. Provide your email address and then pay for the chosen subscription plan.

5. Expect to receive a confirmation email once done. So, check your inbox.

6. This is when you can proceed to set up ExpressVPN on your device(s).

7. Once you set up ExpressVPN, launch it. You should see its home screen.

8. Then, click on the button below the ON/OFF switch.

9. Pick 'United States,' and then double-click on any server found in that country.

10. As soon as your connection becomes active, ExpressVPN's UI will turn green.

11. Now, feel free to access Netflix - and you'll see its US version. That's it!

The procedure explained above applies to all devices that support VPNs and Netflix. However, we also offer guides on how to use a VPN with Netflix on Android, as well as how to use a VPN with Netflix on an iPhone - so, take a look!

Best VPN to Watch Netflix from Other Countries

The best VPN for Netflix must offer plenty of servers in a number of countries (especially in the US), as well as easy-to-use apps for any device you use to stream Netflix. Naturally, you’ll want top-of-the-line speeds to avoid buffering while streaming HD and 4K video. You’ll also need a working kill switch so that Netflix doesn’t detect any IP changes during disconnects.

Following the criteria explained above, these are the 5 best VPNs to watch Netflix from other countries:

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch International Netflix
2. NordVPN - Most Secure VPN to Watch Netflix Abroad
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Streaming-Focused VPN
4. Surfshark - Best Multi-Device Netflix VPN
5. Private Internet Access - Best VPN with the Most Servers

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Netflix

It's not surprising that ExpressVPN comes as our #1 recommendation. This VPN is, without a doubt, the best way to watch Netflix from other countries. It really offers the simplest (and the most effective) way to watch Netflix outside the US right now (by the way, here's how to watch Netflix with ExpressVPN).

What's not to love, after all? It has native apps for tons of platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers), allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, and has a user-friendly design.

Plus, you'll get a smooth streaming experience since the provider offers high-speed servers (and lots of them - well over 3,000) and unlimited bandwidth. Also, ExpressVPN provides split tunneling so that you can fine-tune your VPN speeds, so streaming Netflix in 4K is definitely a possibility.

And if you ever have issues, you can expect them to be resolved in no time since ExpressVPN offers 24/7 support through live chat. Finally, you can count on a generous 30-day money-back guarantee (it's a no-questions-asked deal). However, we are sure you are going to be more than happy with this service.

2. NordVPN - Best Choice for High-End Security

On the market flooded with VPN apps, NordVPN stands out thanks to its ease of use. If this is your first time using a VPN, you are going to love this provider. It allows you to watch Netflix outside the US out of the box - with no customization necessary.

You can expect cross-platform compatible apps with a very intuitive UI that takes seconds to master. There are 5,300+ servers to choose from, and they all offer lightning-fast speeds + unlimited bandwidth. We can safely say that this VPN handles HD and 4K content with ease (if your Internet connection allows for that).

What's more, you can use NordVPN on up to 6 devices at the same time, which is excellent for shared Netflix accounts. You can also get a dedicated IP, which is a nice perk.

If you encounter any issues with unblocking Netflix, you can contact NordVPN's support reps anytime - they're usually available through 24/7 live chat. Also, the provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Streaming-Focused VPN

CyberGhost VPN is an excellent alternative if you're not happy with our other recommended VPNs for watching Netflix outside the United States. They offer user-friendly native apps for most platforms, unlimited bandwidth, and very smooth speeds.

Their server network is much larger, though - counting over 9,000 servers. This VPN has dedicated streaming servers that are optimized for Netflix US. You might be less likely to deal with the Netflix proxy error by using those (they probably refresh their IPs more often).

Also, CyberGhost VPN supports up to 7 simultaneous connections - perfect if you love binging Netflix on multiple devices or if everyone in your family uses Netflix regularly. Also, you can get a dedicated IP too. With it, Netflix will be less likely to think the IP you're using belongs to a VPN.

As for support, the provider doesn't disappoint. Their reps are quick to answer, very helpful, and you can contact them over live chat. Moreover, the service comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee (14 days if you get a monthly subscription) and a free one-day trial.

4. Surfshark - Best Multi-Device VPN

Surfshark is relatively new, but that doesn't stop it from being a pretty great VPN to use to watch Netflix from other countries. The VPN offers speedy servers (around 3,200+), has intuitive apps for most platforms, and provides unlimited bandwidth. You also get split tunneling, so you can make sure the VPN only routes Netflix traffic while leaving the rest of your data alone.

While Surfshark doesn't offer dedicated IPs, they do let you set up the service on an unlimited number of devices (with just one subscription!). That's a really convenient way to binge Netflix anywhere on as many devices as you want. It's also a great and cheap way to use a VPN to watch Netflix outside the US in a college dorm.

Surfshark offers live chat support, and their reps are really helpful. And just like ExpressVPN, they provide a no-risk 30-day refund policy.

5. Private Internet Access - Best Option for a Polished UI

Also, we have Private Internet Access (also known as PIA). They offer a really convenient way to watch Netflix from other countries. It's all thanks to their user-friendly apps, clean design, fast speeds (especially on their US servers), and unlimited bandwidth.

While PIA doesn't let you get a dedicated IP address, they do offer split tunneling. That means you can configure PIA to only route Netflix traffic so that you get better speeds. Moreover, the provider allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which should be more than enough for anyone trying to unblock Netflix US.

In terms of support, PIA offers 24/7 live chat. So if you're unable to watch Netflix outside the United States with their service, the solution is just a few clicks away. Also, they offer a reasonable 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why Are Some Netflix Shows Not Available in My Country?

The main reason why some Netflix shows aren’t available locally is due to licensing restrictions.

As a result, many people wonder how to get American Netflix outside the United States, as well as other popular libraries, like those in Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and more. 

Netflix would love to make its selection available worldwide. However, what prevents that is the deals they cut with the local TV and movie studios that license their shows.

For example, NBCUniversal may sell the rights to broadcast The Office to a local TV station. Or, they can decide to cut the middleman and have it stream on Peacock instead.

So, unless you decide to get another streaming subscription, the only way to watch the show is on Netflix outside the US. And as explained so far, a VPN is also an answer to the question of how to watch international Netflix.

How Does a VPN Unblock Netflix?

We showed you how easy it is to use a VPN to watch Netflix from other countries, but how exactly does it help you do that? It's actually pretty simple - here's what goes on:

1. When you use a VPN to connect to a server, the two establish an encrypted connection. Nobody can spy on the data passing through it.
2. When you visit Netflix, the VPN routes your connection requests through its server. It acts as a middleman between your device and Netflix, so your connection looks like this: Device --> ISP Network --> VPN Server --> Netflix.
3. Because of that, Netflix thinks your requests are coming from the VPN server, not your device. Connection requests contain IP addresses, meaning Netflix only sees the VPN's IP.
4. Based on that information, Netflix will redirect you to a regional library that matches the VPN's IP (so Netflix US for a US IP address).

Can I Watch Netflix from Other Countries Without a VPN?

Yes, there are three ways to watch Netflix from other countries without a VPN. You could use a proxy, smart DNS, or VPS.

Much like a VPN, a proxy lets you change your IP to a different country. If you’re looking for how to get American Netflix, for example, switching to an American IP with a proxy may work.

The disadvantage is that proxies are easily blocked by Netflix. Don’t expect to get anywhere with just a free proxy, either. Moreover, they don’t provide encryption like a VPN does, meaning your ISP can throttle your speeds while watching Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other platforms.

A smart DNS works a little differently, by changing your DNS settings to spoof your geo-location on sites like Netflix. They’re also faster than a VPN, but also don’t have encryption and can’t bypass firewalls.

Now, a VPS (Virtual Private Server) is your own (rented) server that you can use as a proxy or VPN. It can work, but its prohibitive costs make it not worth the trouble. 

Learn how to change your Netflix region without a VPN with our guide. 

Netflix Not Working with VPN - How to Fix?

When Netflix refuses to work with a VPN, we recommend changing your VPN server, going with a different VPN protocol, and clearing your cache. Find more info below.

• Go With Another VPN Server: If you've encountered an overcrowded server, you might have a hard time unblocking or streaming Netflix without buffering. So, try to pick select a US-based server in a less popular area/city.
• Go With Another VPN Protocol: Based on our experience, OpenVPN is the best protocol to use to unblock Netflix outside the US. You can also go with ExpressVPN's Lightway, which unlocks sites while keeping your speed intact.
• Remove Cookies & Cache: If you visited Netflix before, you have cookies and cache stored on your device that allow Netflix to see your actual location. That said, here's how to clear cookies on most browsers.
• Update Your Software: Aside from updating your device's operating system, make sure to keep your VPN updated at all times.
• Ask Your VPN for Help: If nothing else helps, you can turn to your VPN's customer support team. Ask which server and protocol to use. Also, ask for any tips you can get on how to unblock the US version of Netflix from abroad.

You'll find many more tips in our guide explaining why your VPN isn't working on Netflix. We also offer a dedicated guide you can check if ExpressVPN is slow on Netflix.

Final Thoughts

Netflix and other streaming sites are contractually obligated to geo-block shows. Fortunately, all it takes to watch Netflix from other countries is to change your IP address with a VPN. Of course, Netflix is aware of this and frequently blocks them. As such, only the best VPNs out there work with Netflix.

We remind you that ExpressVPN is the best option for streaming Netflix. It works without a hitch on any device out there. Since it offers fast connection speeds and 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, you don't need a high-end connection to watch Netflix from other countries.

This is where we end our guide on how to watch Netflix from other countries. If you experience any issues, count on us for help. Just leave a comment below. Lastly - thank you for reading!