How to Change Netflix Region to Watch Other Country Libraries (Step-by-Step Guide)

Published October 15, 2023 | By Adblockdude

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Have you ever searched for a show on Netflix, only to find out it’s “not available in your region”… even though your friend in another country can watch it?
You’re not imagining things. Netflix’s content library changes by country, and some of the best shows, movies, and documentaries are locked behind regional borders.
The good news? There are reliable ways to access other Netflix regions — and in this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how it works, what’s allowed, what to avoid, and the best methods that actually work in 2026. If you’re new to how regional content blocking works, check out my full guide on how to remove geo-blocking.

Why Netflix Shows Different Content by Country

Netflix doesn’t own the global rights to everything it streams. Instead, it licenses content country by country based on:
  • Local distribution deals
  • TV network contracts
  • Production agreements
  • Regional demand and regulations
That’s why:
  • The US library is huge
  • The UK has exclusive BBC and Channel 4 content
  • Japan has anime you can’t get elsewhere
  • South Korea has K-dramas not available in North America
When people say “change Netflix region,” what they really mean is changing the country Netflix thinks you’re in. This is the same concept behind all geo-restricted streaming services — I cover more of this in my best VPNs for streaming guide.

Is It Legal to Change Your Netflix Region?

This is important.
Using a VPN to access other Netflix regions is:
What usually happens if Netflix detects a VPN:
  • You’ll see a “proxy or unblocker” error
  • Or Netflix will show you a very limited catalog
Netflix does not ban accounts for this. They simply block the connection.
So this is a contractual issue, not a legal one. Millions of people use VPNs for travel, privacy, and streaming every day.

How Netflix Knows What Country You’re In

Netflix determines your region using:
  • IP address (main factor) — learn more about how to hide your IP address
  • DNS requests — if you’re curious, here’s my DNS leak test guide
  • Device location settings (on mobile)
  • Account activity patterns
This is why:
  • Some VPNs work and others fail
  • Free VPNs almost always get blocked
  • You sometimes need to clear cookies or restart the app

Best Ways to Change Your Netflix Region

There are three main methods. I’ll rank them in order of reliability.

1. Using a VPN (Easiest Overall Method)

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet traffic through a server in another country.
If you connect to a UK server, Netflix thinks you’re in the UK.
If you connect to a Japan server, Netflix thinks you’re in Japan.
Pros
  • Works on most devices
  • Also protects privacy
  • Easy to switch regions
Cons
  • Not all VPNs work with Netflix
  • Requires a paid subscription
Speed matters too — if you’re wondering about VPN protocols and performance, I break down WireGuard vs OpenVPN in a separate post.

2. Using Smart DNS

Smart DNS changes how your device resolves Netflix’s location checks without encrypting traffic.
Pros
  • Faster speeds
  • Works well on Smart TVs and consoles
Cons
  • No privacy protection
  • Doesn’t work for all countries
  • Can be blocked more easily
If you want to understand the DNS side of things better, check out my DNS server glossary.

3. Router-Level VPN Setup

Installing a VPN on your router routes all traffic in your house through the VPN. I’ve written a full walkthrough on how to install a VPN on a router if you want to go this route.
Pros
  • Works on Apple TV, game consoles, smart TVs
  • Set it once, everything works
Cons
  • More technical setup
  • Can slow down your whole network
Need a router that supports VPN out of the box? See my picks for the best home routers that support VPN.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Netflix Region with a VPN

This is the method most people use.

Step 1 – Choose a Netflix-Compatible VPN

Not all VPNs work with Netflix. You need one that:
  • Rotates IPs frequently
  • Has dedicated streaming servers
  • Actively bypasses Netflix detection
For a broader comparison, see my guide on the best VPNs for streaming. And if you’re deciding between the top two, here’s my NordVPN vs ExpressVPN breakdown.

Step 2 – Install the VPN App

Install it on:
Most good VPNs have apps for all of these.

Step 3 – Connect to a Server in Your Desired Country

Examples:
  • United States – biggest library
  • United Kingdom – BBC, UK exclusives
  • Japan – anime, Japanese content
  • South Korea – K-dramas, originals
  • Canada – hybrid of US + international
Click the country, connect. If you’re using NordVPN, you can check my NordVPN server guide to pick the fastest server for your target region.

Step 4 – Clear Cookies or Restart Netflix

This matters more than people think.
On browser:
  • Clear cookies for netflix.com
  • Or open an incognito window (consider using a secure browser for extra privacy)
On apps:
  • Close the app completely
  • Reopen after VPN is connected

Step 5 – Open Netflix and Verify

Open Netflix and search for a show that’s exclusive to that region. If it appears, you’re in.

How to Change Netflix Region on Specific Devices

On iPhone / Android

Tip: Turn off location services for Netflix if needed.

On Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Android TV)

Most Smart TVs don’t support VPN apps.
Use:
  • VPN on your router or
  • Smart DNS service
I wrote a full walkthrough for Samsung owners: how to use a VPN on Samsung Smart TV.

On Apple TV

Apple TV does not support VPN apps natively.
Options:
  • Router VPN
  • Smart DNS
This is one of the most common reasons people use router-level setups. I cover this in detail in my guide on how to use a VPN on Apple TV.

On Fire Stick / Fire TV

This is easy.
  • Install VPN app from Amazon Appstore
  • Open app
  • Connect
  • Launch Netflix
Need step-by-step instructions? Here’s my guide on how to install NordVPN on Fire Stick. Also check out the best free VPN for Firestick if you’re on a budget.

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On PS5 / Xbox

Consoles don’t support VPN apps.
You must use:
If you also game on console, you might want to check out the best VPNs for gaming to make sure your VPN doesn’t tank your ping.

Best Netflix Regions to Switch To

Here are the most popular:

United States

  • Largest library
  • Most originals
  • Best overall selection

United Kingdom

  • BBC content
  • British crime, dramas, comedies

Japan

  • Huge anime catalog
  • Japanese exclusives

South Korea

  • K-dramas
  • Korean originals
  • Content not available elsewhere

Canada

  • Good mix of US + international titles

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Common Problems & How to Fix Them

“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy”

  • Switch VPN servers
  • Clear cookies
  • Restart device
  • Try another region
A dedicated IP VPN can also help bypass this error since you won’t be sharing an IP with thousands of other VPN users.

Slow Speeds or Buffering

  • Use a server closer to your location
  • Change VPN protocol (my WireGuard vs OpenVPN comparison can help you choose)
  • Check base internet speed

Netflix Still Shows Old Region

  • Force close app
  • Clear cache
  • Restart device
  • Check for DNS leaks — use my DNS leak test guide to verify

Free VPNs vs Paid VPNs

This is blunt but honest:
Free VPNs almost never work with Netflix.
Reasons:
  • Shared IPs (instantly flagged)
  • Slow speeds
  • Limited locations
  • Data logging
  • Some inject ads or malware
If Netflix access matters to you, a paid VPN is worth it. That said, if you want to explore free options first, I’ve written honest roundups of the best free VPNs so you know what works and what to avoid.

Does This Work While Traveling?

Yes — this is one of the best uses.
If you’re abroad and want:
  • Your home country’s Netflix library
  • Or a specific country’s content
Just connect to that country’s server and stream like you’re there.
This is extremely popular with:
  • Expats
  • Digital nomads
  • Military
  • International students
Traveling internationally? An eSIM can keep you connected without roaming fees. Check out my guide on how eSIM works and the best eSIM for travel. If you travel with a portable router, here are the best travel routers that support VPN.

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Other Streaming Services You Can Unblock

The same VPN methods that work for Netflix also apply to other streaming platforms:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Netflix ban my account for using a VPN?

No. Netflix blocks VPN connections, not accounts.

Will my Netflix price change?

No. Your billing stays tied to your home country. For a breakdown of what VPNs themselves cost, check NordVPN pricing, Surfshark pricing, or ExpressVPN pricing.

Does this work on all Netflix plans?

Yes. Basic, Standard, Premium all work.

Can I download shows from another region?

Yes, as long as the VPN is active when you download.

Is Smart DNS better than VPN?

Only for speed and simplicity. VPN is better overall for privacy and flexibility.

Should I use a VPN on public Wi-Fi when streaming?

Absolutely. Public Wi-Fi is a security risk — see my guide on the best VPN for public spaces and learn about threats like evil twin attacks.

Stay Protected Beyond Streaming

While a VPN unlocks Netflix, it also does a lot more for your security. If you want full protection, consider pairing your VPN with:

Final Thoughts

If you want the simplest, most reliable way to access other Netflix regions:
  • Use a high-quality VPN
  • Connect to the country you want
  • Restart Netflix
  • Watch
That’s it.
If you’re on Apple TV, game consoles, or Smart TVs, then router VPN or Smart DNS is the way to go.
New to all of this? My VPN glossary breaks down every term you’ll run into.

 

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