By Justin Oyaro . 22 January 2024
Cybersecurity Expert
Miklos Zoltan
Fact-Checked this
2 Comments
Yes, you can use your Netflix account in a different country. The streaming service is available in over 190 countries, but what you can stream varies depending on your location.
When traveling, you might find some of your favorite movies and TV shows missing, including My List and Continue Watching titles.
You can use your Netflix account in another country.
Your Netflix library will, however, be limited or different from your home country.
You can, however, change your IP address to that of your home country. In this case, you will see the same content you would normally see from home.
Do these to change your IP address to that of your home country:
- Click here to get NordVPN
- Install NordVPN on your device
- Connect to an NordVPN server from your home country
- Go back and refresh the Netflix page; it should now show the same content as in your home country.
Important: Sometimes, using a VPN will not work with Netflix. All you need to do is to try connecting to several other servers before you will find one that works. This is normal; don’t give up.
In this article, I’ll explain the changes to expect when watching Netflix outside your country and how to access your Netflix library abroad.
Let’s get started!
Changes To Expect When Using Netflix Abroad
Netflix may have a global presence, but the viewing experience is far from uniform. When watching Netflix overseas, you might experience changes to the following:
Available movies and TV shows: Netflix’s content library varies by country due to regional licensing agreements and rights. If you cross the border into Canada from the US, you’ll lose access to some titles but also gain access to new ones.
Maturity ratings: If you’ve enabled parental controls, a difference in maturity ratings between your country and destination can shrink or expand your content library.
Downloads: Some downloaded titles may not be accessible outside your home country.
Why Does the Netflix Library Differ Internationally?
Netflix content libraries differ because of regional licensing agreements. Sometimes, the streaming service buys the rights to distribute a movie or TV show in a specific country or region.
Content producers then require Netflix to geo-restrict the title, allowing them to sell the same content to other distributors and maximize revenue.
In addition to licensing, Netflix content has to comply with local government policy. Some countries ban violent and LGBTQ content, forcing Netflix to remove it from its catalog.
How to Access My Netflix Library Abroad?
While Netflix will automatically serve you the content library available in the country you’re visiting, there are workarounds you can use to access your original Netflix library.
Use a VPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, spoofs your location allowing you to access any Netflix version.
It works by routing your data through an encrypted tunnel, masking your actual IP address, and providing you with a new virtual IP address.
To watch Netflix US, you must connect to an American VPN server. Some VPN providers support obfuscation, which allows you to bypass VPN blocks like the Great Firewall of China and unblock various content.
You can watch Netflix with a VPN on most primary streaming devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Use a Smart DNS Proxy
A Smart DNS routes your DNS queries to a proxy server location. However, a Smart DNS doesn’t change your IP address. It also doesn’t encrypt your traffic. This makes it faster and ideal for streaming.
Another advantage of Smart DNS is that it works on devices that don’t support VPNs, such as Apple TVs, Xbox, and Samsung/LG smart TVs.
Will Netflix Password Sharing Rules Prevent You from Using Your Account Overseas?
The new Netflix password won’t affect your ability to use your account in a different country. The only caveat is that you need to connect your Netflix device to your home network at least once every 31 days.
Past that, you’ll need to ask the main account holder or someone back at home to re-register your device. This will allow you to use your account for an additional 7 days.
Alternatively, you can update your primary location and avoid the password-sharing prompts altogether.
Is It Legal to Watch American Netflix in a Different Country?
You won’t be breaking any laws when streaming American Netflix with a VPN outside the US. If Netflix detects that you are using a VPN, your catalog will be limited to Netflix originals – movies and TV shows for which Netflix owns the global rights.
Wrap Up
Your Netflix account works seamlessly in another country without the need for adjusting settings or special tools.
However, to view your home country’s Netflix library while abroad or to circumvent Netflix’s geographic restrictions, you’ll require a premium VPN or Smart DNS service.
Tech and Cybersecurity ExpertJustin is a cybersecurity expert with over 5 years of experience that stretches across various technological realms. He is a valued expert in cybersecurity, Cord-cutting, Cryptocurrency, Smartphones, How-tos and other related fields.Justin has written authoritative content for multiple Cybersecurity websites and blogs on matters regarding privacy and security. He also does pen test on tech products such as smartphone applications and websites.When he is not writing, Justin spends most of his time on the latest tech trends and Android Studio.Justin is also a degree holder in Information Systems Technology and Master of Computer Applications (M.C.A.), University of Adelaide.
2 Comments
Victor
February 17, 2024 11:48 pm
Hi,
Pls I can’t access my account-
Anonymous
November 9, 2023 11:49 am
Can I share my Netflix with someone in another country
