How to Unlock the Best Content on Netflix in 2022
Netflix is the most popular streaming service in the world, with over 220 million subscribers worldwide. The streaming service has countless movies, series, and documentaries in its library.
The US library is the most coveted because it has the most content and is the first library to receive new content. Also, many of the best shows on Netflix are only available in the United States and cannot be accessed from other locations.
However, there is Netflix content you may not be able to watch even in the United States because of licensing and broadcasting rights. Netflix acquires the rights on a regional basis from entities owning the content. So, you might not view a popular show on Australian Netflix in North America.
Also, you’ll lose access to your favorite content on Netflix when you travel outside the US, which is a bummer. That’s why you need a robust Netflix VPN or another method to avoid restrictions based on your region. This guide demonstrates how to unlock the best content on Netflix.
How to Unlock the Best Netflix Content by Changing Your Region
Many US subscribers find it frustrating that they can’t access their favorite content on Netflix, especially when traveling abroad. Also, some shows, films, or documentaries might not be available in the United States.
The streaming service might be present in over 160 countries worldwide, but the content in your library depends on your location. The streaming service restricts its content by region because of licensing agreements.
Therefore, you’ll need to find a way to change your Netflix region when traveling abroad to watch your favorite films and shows as you would back home. Here are several ways to unlock Netflix to watch shows unavailable in your region.
Using Proxy Servers
A Proxy server is a middleman between your internet-enabled device and the website you want to connect to or host server. This remote machine hides your device’s IP address, so the website only spots the proxy’s IP.
There are various types of proxies, but HTTP Proxies and SOCKS5 Proxies are the ones that can help you bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions. HTTP Proxies work on webpages, meaning your browser’s traffic passes through it, which works when accessing Netflix on a browser.
SOCKS Proxies, on the other hand, work on the application level, which is ideal when streaming Netflix via the app. However, they are slower than HTTP proxies because they are popular.
Using Tor Browser
Tor is a popular browser for internet users concerned about their online security. They hide a device’s IP address when online and can therefore be used to access region-restricted content.
But most users don’t get the best streaming experience with Tor Browser because its layers of encryption negatively impact the streaming speed.
In simple terms, you cannot access your favorite Netflix content in HD because Tor Browser makes your internet connection slower.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is an application or software that lets you change your IP address, making it look like you’re accessing the platform from another country. A good VPN for Netflix should have servers in different countries, allowing you to switch locations.
When you connect to a VPN server, you’re rerouting your traffic through a remote server of the service you want to access, i.e., Netflix. The VPN hides your streaming device’s IP address and provides a new one from your connected server.
For example, you can use a VPN to access your favorite content in the US if you’re in New Zealand for work or a holiday. A VPN provides access to your US Netflix library by hiding your New Zealand IP address and assigning one from the US.
The VPN also encrypts the data, meaning Netflix will never figure out you’re accessing your US library from New Zealand.
Which is the Best Method for Unlocking Netflix Content
Using a VPN is the best way to unlock any Netflix content. HTTP Proxies and SOCKS Proxies aren’t user-friendly because you have to key in the addresses on your browser or app internet settings.
Also, because many people use them simultaneously, Netflix can easily detect proxies and Tor Browser IP addresses. Also, your IP address is exposed if the connection to the proxy server or Tor servers drops.
On the other hand, a VPN masks the IP address of your streaming device and replaces it with one from your server country of choice. It redirects the entire traffic of your streaming device through a server in another region. The VPN assigns that server’s IP address, which makes Netflix think you’re accessing from another country.
Also, the best Netflix VPNs have additional features that improve streaming. For example, most VPNs, like ExpressVPN, have servers dedicated to streaming. Also, they use next-level protocols like Lightway and Wireguard to maintain your base connection speeds.
In addition, the best VPNs have a Kill Switch that disconnects your internet if the connection with the server drops. This ensures your IP address doesn’t leak, and Netflix will never know you’re using a VPN.
How to Change Netflix Region with a VPN
Here are the steps to follow to unblock any version:
- Subscribe to the best Netflix VPN – ExpressVPN is our number one choice.
- Choose a subscription plan.
- Download and install the VPN app for your streaming device(s).
- Sign in with your account details (username/email and password).
- Select your preferred server and click connect.
- Log in to your Netflix account and stream your favorite films, series, and tech documentaries.
Wrap Up
Netflix is a must-have streaming service, but its libraries differ depending on location. This becomes a problem when traveling abroad because you cannot access your favorite content like you would back home in the United States.
There are many ways to bypass the Netflix geo-restrictions, i.e., proxy servers and Tor Browser, but a VPN provides the simplest solution. A VPN changes your Netflix region in just a few clicks, making it appear like you’re browsing from another region.
Choose ExpressVPN, our recommended VPN for unblocking Netflix, to watch your favorite shows without restrictions.
