How to Change Netflix Region: Access Any Country’s Library

There’s a version of Netflix with twice the content you’re seeing right now.

The problem is, it’s only available to people in a specific region and Netflix blocks everyone else from viewing it.

Changing your Netflix library is how you can access content from any country regardless of where you’re located.

So if you want to watch anime from Japan, British dramas from the UK, or early releases from the US library, make sure to read till the end.

Why Netflix Content Varies by Region

Netflix content varies by region due to a few different factors:

• Distribution rights: Studios often sell exclusive streaming rights to different platforms in different countries. A TV show that was sold to Netflix in the USA might be owned by Amazon or Peacock in the UK. Therefore, its availability might vary depending on where you’re watching from. That difference can be substantial in practice, with the UK’s library is 13% larger than the US, which helps explain why some users look for ways to access a broader catalog.
• Government regulations and censorship: Different countries have different laws on what type of content can be shown publicly. For example, some regions are known for censoring LGBTQ+ content due to religious or cultural sensitivities. This can lead to Netflix removing or editing certain titles in specific regions.
• Regional preferences: Netflix uses data analytics and research to determine what people in a specific region actually want to watch. If local demand for a specific title is high in, let’s say, India but low in Germany, they may choose to license it only in India while prioritizing another title in Germany.

How to Change Your Netflix Region Using a VPN

Netflix uses your IP address to figure out which countries content library to show you. A VPN changes your IP address and makes it look like you’re connecting from a different country. 

Here’s how to use a VPN to change your Netflix region:

1. Select a VPN that is proven to change Netflix region, such as NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN app (or the browser extension if you prefer) on your device.
3. Log in and connect to a server in the region whose library you want to access (e.g., choose Japan server for the Japanese Netflix catalog). 

4. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies so that Netflix doesn’t detect your previous location.
5. Open the Netflix app to access the content library from the new region. 

Best VPNs for Changing Netflix Region

Some VPNs just do a better job at changing your Netflix region with minimal to zero chances of detection. Based on our tests, here are some of the best VPNs for Netflix location change:

• NordVPN: NordVPN remains one of the best VPNs for bypassing geo-restrictions on Netflix. In our tests, it successfully unblocked Netflix on 4-5 different servers, giving us access to multiple Netflix libraries worldwide. We also found it ideal for streaming videos in 4K quality while keeping your data secure and encrypted.
• Surfshark: Surfshark is the cheapest VPN around for changing your Netflix region. Starting at $1.99 per month with this Surfshark coupon, this VPN offers a seamless streaming experience with minimal buffering once you connect to a problem-free region. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections and has a strict no-logs policy to keep your data secure.
• ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is another top choice for changing Netflix to gain broader access to the streaming app. On its Plus servers, it reliably unblocks regional content and provides fast, stable playback for 4K/HD. This VPN also lets you connect up to 10 devices at once, meaning you can stream on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and other Netflix-supported gadgets (just make sure your Netflix plan allows you to do so). 

Want more options? See our roundup of the 7 Best VPNs That Reliably Unblock Netflix in 2026.

How to Change Netflix Region on Different Devices

The steps for changing your Netflix region wih a VPN vary based on the device you’re currently using. Here’s how you unblock regional content on:

Computer (Windows, Linux, MacOS)

1. Sign up with a Netflix-supported VPN.
2. Close your internet browser or the Netflix app.
3. Open the VPN you downloaded in step 1 and connect to a server in your desired region (e.g., connect to a Japan server to watch shows from the Japanese Netflix library)
4. Open your Netflix app or browser, log in to the service, and browse the new content.

Pro tip: Use Incognito Mode if Netflix still shows your original library after following the steps above.

Smartphone (Android, IOS)

1. Download and install a VPN app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

1. Force-quit the Netflix mobile app.
2. Open the VPN, sign in, and connect to a server in your target region.

4. If you’re using Android, tap Settings > Apps > Netflix > Storage and choose Clear Cache.
5. Relaunch Netflix and stream away.

Smart TV and Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV Stick)

Changing Netflix region on a smart TV can be fairly easy or slightly technical depending on whether your device supports native VPN apps. If you’re using Apple TV with tvOS 17+ or Fire TV Stick, you can:

1. Download and install a VPN app from your device’s app store
2. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in the region whose library you want to access
3. Restart Netflix to see content from the new region. 

But on Samsung or older Apple TVs, you’d need to activate Smart DNS to change your Netflix location. The other – and I believe a better way – is to install a VPN on your router so that every device in your household gets the new Netflix region. 

Free vs. Paid VPNs: Which Should You Choose?

I am surprised that this question still comes up in 2026, but I get that people want the most bang for their buck and fold when they see free VPN providers claiming to unblock Netflix without charging a dime. 

First of all, paying a few dollars per month for a premium VPN service is spare change if you think about it. You probably spend 4x to 5x that amount on services you don’t even use regularly.

Additionally, free VPNs come with limitations that make streaming frustrating. You’ll deal with slow speeds, constant buffering, and a handful of servers that Netflix has probably already blocked. Plus, many free providers sell your data to third parties despite claiming to have a zero-logs policy.

So if you’re wondering whether to use a free or paid VPN for changing your Netflix region, remember that your privacy is worth a lot more than the few dollars you’d save each month. 

How to Fix Netflix Proxy Errors and IP Blocks

Netflix might display an error message if its automated system detects proxy or VPN usage. This typically happens when using a free VPN, but it may also happen due to browser cookies revealing your real location from a previous session or connecting to popular server locations that Netflix has already flagged.

The most frequent message is “You seem to be using a VPN or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again”. You may also see variations like “Whoops, something went wrong… unblocker or proxy detected.”

To resolve this issue, the first thing you should do is switch to a different server within your VPN application. Premium providers like NordVPN constantly rotate their IP addresses to stay ahead of Netflix’s detection system. You can also try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies to see if it fixes the issue.

If you’re using Netflix on mobile or smart TV, try restarting the Netflix app after changing servers to make it re-verify your connection. 

Once you’ve taken these steps, there’s a good chance that Netflix will let you stream your favorite titles without displaying an error message.

Is Changing Your Netflix Region Legal?

Yes, it’s legal to change your Netflix region using a VPN or another method, although doing so violates Netflix’s Terms of Service. It’s similar to Tinder: using a VPN responsibly usually isn’t an issue, but frequently switching locations or having your IP not match your GPS can trigger restrictions like a shadowban or account closure.

Netflix’s terms state that you must not use technology to bypass geographic restrictions around Netflix libraries. If it detects a VPN, you will see an error message g., M7111-5059 or “You seem to be using a proxy”). 

This usually implies that the platform has blocked the IP address of your VPN server. Switching to a different server or your local connection should help resolve the issue. 

Frequently Asked Questions