How to Unblock Netflix From Anywhere With a VPN in 2024: Access Every Netflix Library
If you’re having difficulties using Netflix due to it being blocked in your country, school or workplace, or you want to explore Netflix libraries in other countries, read on to find out how to unblock Netflix from anywhere with a VPN.
Written by Kit Copson (Writer, Briefing Editor)
Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Writer, Editor)
Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska (Lead Fact-Checking Editor)
Last Updated: 2024-09-30T21:13:32+00:00
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Streaming giant Netflix spans more than 190 countries and hosts vast libraries of popular content. We use the term “libraries” because the Netflix content selection is different in every country. It’s also blocked altogether in a few countries, but there is a way to unblock Netflix from anywhere, whether you want to access geo-restricted content or use the service in a banned location.
In short, you need two things to unblock Netflix from anywhere — a Netflix account and a virtual private network (VPN). If you’re just here for some quick info, NordVPN is the best provider for unblocking Netflix. If you’d like to learn about other reputable VPN services and how to use a VPN to access any Netflix library in the world, keep reading.
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05/25/2023 Facts checked
This article has been rewritten to include an explanation of the ways in which Netflix can be blocked or restricted and why. We’ve also addressed the legalities of using VPNs, and have updated our how-to guide and VPN recommendations.
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05/30/2024 Facts checked
Updated free VPN provider with current information.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We updated our VPN recommendations to reflect our latest test results.
How to Unblock Netflix With a VPN
If you’re new to all of this, it can sound intimidating; fortunately, getting and using a VPN with Netflix is something anyone can do in just a few clicks. Here’s a brief tutorial to get you started.
- Sign up for a VPN, like NordVPN.
- Download the app to your device.
- Connect to a server location where you want to access the Netflix library.
- Log in to Netflix and stream.
Unblock Netflix Abroad: Why Is Content Blocked on Netflix?
There are a few different situations when it comes to blocked or missing Netflix content. Let’s explore these situations in more depth.
Achieve Online Privacy and Security Even as a VPN Novice
- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
- Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
Geoblocking
Netflix’s content isn’t the same everywhere, which is why, even if Netflix isn’t banned in a country, some content might be missing or different. You might be in the U.S. one day, watching a show on Netflix, then you travel abroad the next day and find that show missing on Netflix in the country you’re in.
This happens because of licensing agreements Netflix makes with studios. Negotiations will result in either a TV show or movie being made widely available or only in select countries. In some cases, another streaming platform has the rights to a movie or show in a certain country, which means Netflix cannot host it.
The popularity of a title is another factor that determines where it is made available. In some cases, content is restricted to just one or two countries. This is what’s known as geoblocking, or regional restrictions.
Entire streaming services can also be geoblocked in specific countries, To give a few examples, Hulu is only available in the U.S. and its territories, and BBC iPlayer is only available in the U.K.
Netflix has recently gotten stricter about VPN use and, as a result, has upped its game when it comes to blocking VPNs. If you fall victim to the dreaded error message, it means that Netflix has detected that you’re using a VPN or proxy server. Your account won’t be blocked, but you will need to stay one step ahead of Netflix with an excellent VPN.
Strict Censorship
The second scenario is when Netflix is completely banned in a country because of strict censorship. For example, Netflix is not available in China due to the Great Firewall, which is in place to prevent those inside the country from accessing certain foreign websites.
For this reason, foreigners in China often turn to VPNs to help bypass these restrictions and enjoy streaming services they miss from home, like Netflix or YouTube. Netflix is also completely unavailable in Russia, North Korea, Crimea and Syria.
Why Is Netflix Blocked in School or Work?
The most likely reason behind schools and workplaces blocking Netflix is that it’s viewed as a distraction that reduces productivity. Keeping bandwidth usage down is another possible reason.
If you need to get around these blocks, using a VPN is the more secure and reliable way to do so. Let’s dive a bit deeper into how VPNs work to help you access Netflix (and other streaming services) from anywhere.
How Does a VPN Help You Unblock Netflix?
A VPN — or virtual private network — is a type of software that protects your privacy online. When you connect to a VPN server, it creates a tunnel between your device and the server you’re connected to. Your online activity, or data, is then redirected through this tunnel.
The data is encrypted inside the virtual tunnel and your IP address is changed, which makes it look like you’re using the internet from the location your new IP address is in.
For example, if you connect to a server in the United States but are located in the United Kingdom, you will appear as if you are actually in the United States.
The 3 Best VPNs for Unblocking Netflix
If you plan to use a VPN to unblock Netflix, especially in restrictive locations, you should choose a provider with top-notch security and obfuscation technology. Here are some VPN providers well worth considering for accessing Netflix libraries. All these VPNs offer obfuscation to mask VPN use.
1. NordVPN — The Best Netflix VPN
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN is the top VPN for Netflix thanks to its impressive download speeds and content unblocking ability. NordVPN’s long-term plans are affordable, and its speeds are the best on average.
Fast speeds are one of the most important features a good streaming VPN should have, in addition to excellent security and ease of use. And the special Meshnet feature can bypass Netflix password sharing restrictions.
One area in which NordVPN falls short is its mobile app user interface experience. Though we think the desktop app is great, the world map aesthetic on mobile makes you wish you’d paid more attention in geography class.
Learn more about the pros and cons of NordVPN in our full NordVPN review and, if you want to give it a go, sign up for a plan to enjoy the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
2. Surfshark — Unlimited Connection VPN for Netflix
Very Fast
Very Fast
Good
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $231.75 for one year, $417.15 for two years
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $239.25 for one year, $430.65 for two years.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Easy-to-Use Netflix VPN
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
Can I Use a Free VPN to Unblock Netflix for Free?
Contrary to what many may think, not every free VPN is a scam. Some, like PrivadoVPN and Windscribe, are very secure and reliable services. You just have to be careful when it comes to choosing a free VPN, but you can certainly use one to unblock Netflix.
However, take note that this won’t get you Netflix for free; you’ll still have to pay for a Netflix subscription. The free VPN just allows you to access Netflix and change libraries without paying for a VPN service.
Moreover, free VPN plans are always limited in some way, whether that’s a limited data allowance or the number of countries you can connect to. If you want to explore a wider selection of Netflix libraries or you stream frequently, you’d be better off getting a paid plan.
PrivadoVPN — The Best Free VPN for Netflix
If you’d like to try a free VPN with Netflix, Swiss-based PrivadoVPN is the best option. It offers free servers in 10 countries, including the U.K. and the U.S., which can unblock Netflix libraries.
PrivadoVPN is reasonably fast, so you shouldn’t experience lags, especially when connected to nearby servers. It offers 10GB of data each month, which could suffice for an occasional Netflix movie. However, it’ll quickly run out if you want to binge-watch. Learn more in our PrivadoVPN review.
- 10GB
- 1
- *Billed $44.85 for the first 15 months, then $59.88 every 12 months. *Billed $53.73 for the first 27 months, then $95.76 every 24 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
Other VPN Benefits
VPNs make sure nobody, including internet service providers, snoopers, hackers and even the government, can see your online activity or get hold of personal data. In brief, your new IP address virtually frees you, letting you access blocked streaming services and websites no matter where you are.
Your data is kept safe by important security features like IP and DNS leak protection, and some VPNs go a step further with obfuscation technology, which masks the fact that the VPN is in use at all.
Though all decent VPNs prevent your data from being traced back to you specifically, even by governments, obfuscation provides an extra layer of reassurance and makes things easier for users in especially restrictive countries.
Is Using a VPN to Unblock Netflix Legal?
In most countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Canada, to name but a few, it is not illegal to use a VPN, whether with Netflix or any other website. Sure, it’s against Netflix’s terms of service, but Netflix will not ban your account because you use a VPN.
You could still get the Netflix proxy error message if Netflix detects VPN use, but that’s as far as it goes. Just try switching to another server or, if the problem persists, get a VPN that’s better at unblocking Netflix.
Using a VPN is only illegal in a few restrictive locations — North Korea, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Oman and Iraq, to be precise — but it’s not illegal in the majority of countries. Check out our post “Are VPNs Legal?” for more information.
In some countries, including China, Turkey, the UAE, the Russian Federation, Uganda, Egypt, India and Iran, VPN use is not illegal but is restricted to providers that the government has approved. In short, this isn’t good because it means the government may be able to view your online activity.
Unblocking Netflix in Restrictive Countries
If you’re planning a trip to one of the countries in which VPNs are illegal or restricted, you’ll need to be careful and only go for a reputable VPN with obfuscated servers, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, to make sure your online activity remains private.
Bear in mind that you’ll typically need to enable obfuscated servers manually. For example, on NordVPN, you simply go to the server list and select “obfuscated servers.” ExpressVPN, on the other hand, automatically enables obfuscation if you use the auto-connect feature.
Final Thoughts
With Netflix content changing all the time and varying by country, and some countries becoming more and more restrictive, equipping yourself with an excellent VPN is key to being able to explore Netflix freely and securely.
NordVPN is our top choice. You don’t have to take our word for it, trying NordVPN yourself is completely risk-free, thanks to the 30-day refund period. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can go with Surfshark instead.
Having read this guide, are you ready to explore more Netflix libraries with a VPN? Do you have any experience using a VPN from a restrictive country? Please share your experience in the comments, and thanks for reading.
FAQ
You can unblock Netflix by using a VPN, which changes your IP address to one in another country or location. In this guide, we share step-by-step instructions on how to do this.
PrivadoVPN is our top free VPN recommendation, followed by hide.me. You can use a secure free VPN provider like one of these to unblock your Netflix account for free. Alternatively, you can go for a paid provider (like ExpressVPN or NordVPN) with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If Netflix is blocked at school or at your workplace, you can unblock it by downloading a VPN and connecting to one of its servers.