Ever tried to access your Netflix account while traveling, only to find that your show selection is drastically different? That’s because Netflix offers various libraries of content that are tied to the country you’re in—which can be a real bummer if the shows you want aren’t available where you’re going. This even affects shows you’ve already downloaded to your device. 

The good news is that you can still access your original Netflix library even while overseas, and it’s a pretty simple process too. All you need is a VPN that offers servers in your original country. 

Before you begin, here are some caveats you should be aware of:

• You won’t be able to use a VPN with Netflix if you’re on an ad-supported Netflix plan.
• Similarly, you won’t be able to use a VPN to watch Netflix live events.
• Due to Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing, you may be locked out of your Netflix account if you’re overseas for longer than seven consecutive days. To fix this, you’ll have to reconnect to your original Wi-Fi network within 31 days.

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for ExpressVPN. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN totally risk-free.

What will happen to my Netflix when I go abroad?

Your Netflix account automatically detects your location based on your IP address, then serves you content based on your region. For example, if you’re currently in South Korea, the content available to you is going to be a whole lot different than what’s on-screen back home in the U.S.

How to watch Netflix outside of your home with a VPN on mobile or tablet

Step 1: Download the ExpressVPN app 

Depending on whether you’re using iOS or Android, download the ExpressVPN app that matches your device’s operating system, then log in to your ExpressVPN account.

Step 2: Select a VPN server from your home country

Launch the ExpressVPN app, then connect to a VPN server from your original country. For example, if your default country is the U.S., just connect to any U.S. server location.

Step 3: Open Netflix and check your library

Your IP address now matches that of your home country! Simply launch the Netflix app and verify that the available content matches what you’d get back home. If the change isn’t reflected, you may need to quit the Netflix app first before re-launching it.

Note that you’ll need to have the VPN connected to your home country whenever you’re using Netflix to access your usual library—otherwise, it’ll revert to your actual region.

Stream Netflix abroad with a VPN on a computer

Step 1: Get ExpressVPN on your device

Download the ExpressVPN app for your Mac, Windows, or Linux computer, then log in to your ExpressVPN account. If you’re using a browser to stream, you may want to also download the browser extension: Take your pick from Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave.

Step 2: Select a VPN server from your home country

Launch the ExpressVPN app or browser extension, then connect to a VPN server from your original country. For example, if your default country is the U.S., just connect to any U.S. server location.

Step 3: Open Netflix and check your library

Your IP address now matches that of your home country! Simply launch the Netflix app or site, and verify that the available content matches what you’d get back home. If the change isn’t reflected, you may need to quit the Netflix app or perform a hard refresh on the webpage first, then try again.

Note that you’ll need to have the VPN connected to your home country whenever you’re using Netflix to access your usual library—otherwise, it’ll revert to your actual region.

How to watch Netflix while abroad with a VPN on smart TV

Step 1: Download the ExpressVPN app 

ExpressVPN offers native apps for many smart TVs, including Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, and Fire Stick. Just search for “ExpressVPN” within your smart TV’s app store equivalent and download the app.

Step 2: Select a VPN server from your home country

Launch the ExpressVPN app, then connect to a VPN server from your original country. For example, if your default country is the U.S., just connect to any U.S. server location.

Step 3: Open Netflix and check your library

Your IP address now matches that of your home country! Launch the Netflix app on your smart TV and check that your content library is what you’re used to. If it’s not working, you may need to quit the app and restart it.

Note that you’ll need to have the VPN connected to your home country whenever you’re using Netflix to access your usual library—otherwise, it’ll revert to your actual region.

Disclaimer: ExpressVPN is a VPN service not intended to be used as a means of copyright circumvention. ExpressVPN is not sponsored or endorsed by Netflix, nor is it affiliated with Netflix in any way. Please read the ExpressVPN Terms of Service and Netflix Terms of Use for more details.

What is the best VPN for watching Netflix?

When it comes to choosing the right VPN for Netflix, you should look out for one that’s optimized to work with the service itself. And of course, your VPN should have reliable, secure VPN servers available in your home country, so you can watch your favorite content even while abroad.

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Netflix, offering blazing speeds so you can stream in ultra-fast HD on any network, as well as the versatility of VPN servers in 105 countries. What’s more, a single subscription lets you connect on up to eight devices at once, so you can get the most out of Netflix on every device.

Why do I need a VPN for Netflix?

A VPN is the single easiest way to help you regain access to your usual Netflix library. But even if you’re not looking to do so, a VPN can still elevate your streaming experience, helping you avoid ISP throttling, which slows down your speeds.

Here are more ways a VPN can benefit you:

• Keep your online activity private from third parties like your internet service provider
• Enjoy better security with strong encryption for all your online traffic
• Reduce tracking by hiding your real IP address and location as you browse
• Defeat censorship wherever you are

Learn more about how a VPN helps improve your everyday experience.

What countries have the best Netflix catalogs?

It really depends on your preferences, as every Netflix country library is different and offers a mix of local productions and international content. In terms of the sheer number of content, the U.S. library has the most titles. And of course, you can expect more reality TV and blockbusters within the U.S. and Canada libraries, while Netflix Japan may have more anime offerings. Note that Netflix Original shows are not region-locked and can be watched in any Netflix-supported country.

Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix?

If you’ve followed the instructions above and were unable to get it working with Netflix, it might be attributed to one of these reasons:

• You’re on an ad-supported Netflix plan.
• You’re past your seventh consecutive day of being overseas/away from your home network.
• Netflix detects that you’re using a VPN which may interfere with your experience. Try connecting to a different server within your country of choice, if possible.

See our support page on troubleshooting problems using a VPN with Netflix.

Should I use a free VPN for Netflix?

While free VPNs might not take your money upfront, they may make you pay in other ways. Many free VPNs track your activity, contain intrusive ads, and can leave you vulnerable to data leaks and cyberattacks.

There is no free VPN that can match up to all that ExpressVPN has to offer, and you can even try us risk-free for 30 days with our money-back guarantee. Here’s what you’ll get with ExpressVPN vs. a typical free VPN:

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