Seeing Netflix unblocked at your workplace, school, or any firewall-restricted “environment” is a dream of many. While the streaming platform works in 190+ countries and enjoys a shower of popularity, there are outliers. In some cases, Netflix is blocked and won’t work.
A couple of issues can be at hand. For one, there’s country-wide censorship that makes the service unavailable. China, Turkmenistan, and Oman are some of these countries. Next, you can face a firewall restriction in your school. Professors don’t want you to watch Netflix while they preach their knowledge. Whatever the case, we understand your struggle to unblock Netflix.
At the same time, we offer a solution. This guide will explain how to unblock Netflix swiftly and access the streaming giant anywhere. As a bonus, our solution also lets you alter your Netflix region and access different catalogs regardless of your location.
Table of Contents
How to Unblock Netflix Anywhere: Quick Summary
If you’ve never unblocked Netflix so far, it’s time to make a change with these few steps. Netflix blocks can be overcome with a VPN that will modify your online location and rid you of firewall restrictions or censorship harming your Netflix access.
NordVPN is the best option, although ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access can also be considered. This is how to do this:
- Subscribe to a VPN service. Pick the one from our list below or use NordVPN as the most reliable option.
- Set up a VPN on your preferred device.
- Open the VPN and sign in using your credentials.
- Connect to a VPN server abroad – preferably in a country where it works normally.
- Go to Netflix, sign in, and start watching. You can unblock it this way in a censored country, school, work, or any other institution or location.
Beware that you’re going against Netflix’s terms of service, so perform these steps at your discretion.
Unblock Netflix Anywhere With NordVPN
Netflix Block: How Does It Work?
Searching for “Netflix unblocked” has led you to this tutorial; you’re in good hands. Before we move on, we’ll briefly explain how this works. We all know that this platform bases its content on your location. It’s how it determines which library to display. Here’s an example.
If you’re in the UK and visit Netflix, the catalog will be British. However, blocked Netflix means something else. It means you can’t get on the website AT ALL. Say you’re in Russia where Netflix isn’t working. Visiting the website will spawn this error:
The same will likely apply to your workplace, school, or other firewall-influenced institution. To unblock Netflix, you’ll have to “distance” yourself from either the institution or the country that has imposed censorship. The best way to do this is by using a VPN service.
When accessing this website from Russia, China, or anywhere else, it’ll pick up your IP. As the IP will be from an “ineligible” region, Netflix will prevent access. In your school or other institutions, the network administrator has blacklisted the website.
Being a part of this network makes you susceptible to this rule.
Now, what if you “break” the rules by connecting to a remote VPN server? You’ll be part of another, virtual network, and by extension, have a different IP address. As long as the IP address is from the country where the platform works, you’ll have Netflix unblocked!
How to Unblock Netflix With a VPN: Full Tutorial
We went over the theoretical part; the practice is even simpler. Using a VPN such as NordVPN is a surefire way to unblock Netflix anywhere. This provider works well because of its servers in 111 countries that have been optimized for streaming on many platforms.
On top of that, it provides access to restricted sites, be it at school, workplace, or as a result of geo-restrictions. NordVPN is a premium provider, though. However, a 30-day money-back guarantee allows for a refund if you don’t fall in love with it or need it no more.
Try NordVPN Risk-Free
To unblock Netflix, first subscribe to NordVPN. You can do this by using the blue button, which will lead you to its website. From here, pick the plan you want while keeping in mind that its 2-year plans offer the best savings. Subscribe and verify your account via email.
The next step is to install the VPN. NordVPN is a great Mac VPN but also works on Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. Choose your platform, install the VPN, and open the app. Once you’re in the app, sign in, and the dashboard will open; it looks like this:
Next, connect to a server. Unblocking Netflix is a matter of using the server where this website works. You can pick a US one or opt for the server in Canada or Australia. Select Countries, click the country you want and watch the magic happen.
You can go to your favorite streaming site and use it normally at this point. Don’t forget that unblocked Netflix with a VPN means you can also switch libraries. Connecting to different servers provides other catalogs, allowing for more content variety.
How to Unblock Netflix At School or Work?
Entertainment at school or work is scarce – you’re aware of it. This doesn’t mean you can’t unblock Netflix and watch an episode of Squid Game or Diplomat during lunchtime or a break. Does a VPN still help in this case? Absolutely; with one small caveat.
Depending on your school or workplace, the network administrator might have blocked VPN websites. He or she isn’t naive. VPNs can be used to circumvent censorship in China and firewalls in general, especially those with obfuscation.
Just to be sure, VPN apps and sites can be blocked.
While the trick is the same as before, the difference is that you’ll need to set up a VPN before you leave for work or school. Simply install the app on your phone, tablet, or laptop, sign in, and have everything ready. Once you’re there, connect, and watch Netflix.
We don’t encourage you to do this. It’s sort of “cheating” at work or disrespecting your professor or teacher at school. But as said, if you want to see Netflix unblocked and fully functional in these places, at least do this during break time.
Is Unblocking Netflix Legal? Read This Carefully
You can unblock Netflix no matter your location and no one will bat an eye. That’s what they say, right? Truth be told, users online have been combining VPNs with Netflix since its inception. Have some of them been arrested? Maybe. We haven’t heard of any, though.
So, is it legal to unblock Netflix with a VPN? In a way, yes. In another way, perhaps no.
This streaming platform operates under strict copyright agreements and licensing rights. Its “Original” titles work worldwide. However, all other titles are subject to their copyright holders which dictate where their content will be broadcast.
What about the block?
If the platform is blocked in your country, it is for a reason. The platform frowns upon using a VPN; it’s against the terms of service. Whether you want to modify your library or simply have Netflix unblocked at school or work, you’re going against the platform’s “rules.”
In short, Gizmodo doesn’t condone violating copyrights and fighting reasonable restrictions such as these. At the same time, we can’t lie and say your account will be terminated for doing so.
Best VPN Services To Help Unblock Netflix in 2024
Now that you’ve unblocked Netflix – hopefully – you can perhaps skip this part.
If not, you’re thinking about which providers work with this platform in 2024. Unfortunately, very few. But fortunately, we have a few that surely do. They include:
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
Visit site
Our review
Monthly price
2,99$
27 MONTHS
4,99$
12 MONTHS
11,99$
1 MONTH
Our opinion: The best overall VPN for reliability and security
Speed
Security
Features
Ease of use
Customer support
Value for money
SEE MORE
1
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
Visit site
Monthly price
6,67$
15 MONTHS
9,99$
6 MONTHS
12,95$
1 MONTH
Our opinion: The fast and easy to use quality VPN
Speed
Security
Features
Ease of use
Customer support
Value for money
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2
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
Visit site
Our review
Monthly price
2,19$
24+2 MONTHS
7,50$
6 MONTHS
11,99$
1 MONTH
Our opinion: The best VPN at affordable rates
Speed
Security
Features
Ease of use
Customer support
Value for money
SEE MORE
3
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for unblocking Netflix
NordVPN is a staple when discussing overcoming various blocks. You can’t make your ex unblock you on Facebook but you can do something better; unblock Netflix instead! Its 6,500+ servers are blazing-fast, offering access to a myriad of streaming portals instantly. It’s no surprise many consider it to be the best VPN for school.
Moreover, NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol excels in performance stability. This is crucial for avoiding buffering and unexpected slowdowns. This provider offers Threat Protection Pro, serving as an ad blocker that also protects against malware found on various websites.
We appreciate NordVPN’s apps. They’re present on all devices, plus, this is one of the top VPNs usable on Smart TVs. NordVPN’s 10 simultaneous connections are phenomenal, as they allow you to unblock Netflix on multiple devices at a time.
NordVPN offers impeccable security thanks to Double VPN servers, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch. Privacy makes the experience even more impressive, as a result of a no-logging policy, RAM-only servers, and Private DNS, all making you feel anonymous online.
The provider’s modest price makes it an eye-catching choice. Its 2-year plans will save you over 73%, offering some free months. NordVPN has struck gold with its flexible subscriptions and ideal performance that will make Netflix unblocked in seconds.
See Price at NordVPN
2. ExpressVPN – Best beginner-friendly Netflix VPN
ExpressVPN’s simplistic apps are a beginner’s feast. The VPN packs over 3,000+ servers dispersed across 105 countries. Using any server will yield excellent results, as all are streaming-optimized. On top of that, ExpressVPN has no bandwidth limitations.
This, accompanied by 10 Gbps server ports and some of the hastiest speeds, makes ExpressVPN your best Netflix-unblocking companion. Our team appreciates the use of a proprietary Lightway protocol but it’s hardly all; there’s Advanced Protection in all apps.
This means you can block ads and enjoy a tracker-free experience. Netflix can be unblocked by ExpressVPN without special tweaks. You can use over 15 catalogs, providing more entertainment for the entire family. That is if you don’t have over 8 devices to protect at a time.
ExpressVPN is a premium provider, so privacy and security don’t suffer. A no-log policy will follow you around, while its RAM servers, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch will be your loyal guardian angels. Don’t mind ExpressVPN’s higher initial price, however.
If you see it, it means you haven’t perhaps used our link. Click the blue button and snag an exclusive 68%+ discount on this awesome VPN. If you dislike it, get a refund in 30 days. Nothing to lose – lots to gain.
See Price at ExpressVPN
3. Private Internet Access – Cheapest VPN for streaming Netflix freely
This provider’s affordability and prowess in unblocking Netflix anywhere are constant. Everything else can be negotiated. Or perhaps, there’s another thing; unlimited simultaneous connections. You can use it to unblock Netflix on unlimited devices at a time, at school or at work.
Private Internet Access isn’t as speedy as NordVPN but it’s close enough. Besides, it also packs unrestricted bandwidth and a network of over 30,000 servers. PIA’s tentacles reach deep into security, with features like Multi-hop, MACE, and the Shadowsocks Proxy.
PIA is ideal to get over censorship and “kill” firewalls in seconds. We especially love its SOCKS5 addition, which can speed up torrenting and add a layer of stability. Private Internet Access lacks a Firestick TV app but you won’t be using a VPN on Fire TV at school.
Let’s not forget this VPN’s privacy and security are admirable too, as praised by many, including our experts.
Finally, the American giant costs very little for its size. Its 2-year plan steals the show, with 2 free months, and a price of about two quids.
See Price at Private Internet Access
Can I Unblock Netflix With a Free VPN?
In 9 out of 10 cases, you can’t. Free providers lack the firepower to bypass Netflix’s security measures. You’ll either be locked out of the website or see the famous proxy error, which… well, is basically the same. Free VPNs frequently come with annoying data caps.
While only a few are unlimited, they’re intentionally unoptimized for streaming, so they won’t work. A few examples, such as Windscribe and PrivadoVPN can be tested. Just bear in mind they’re capped at 10 GB of monthly bandwidth, which is very little, broadly speaking.
Considering you want to watch in HD. According to Netflix’s Help Center article, data consumption can go up to 1 GB per 20 minutes for the highest possible quality on tablets and phones. Bumping up the quality to 4K consumes up to 7 GB per hour.
You can always drop the quality to the lowest setting; a bad idea if you really want to enjoy. Though, if you get even a somewhat stellar free VPN, it’s still naturally slower, so you’ll have to deal with the low quality AND occasional buffering.
Both are, you’ll agree, immersion-breaking.
Conclusion
Our guide has hopefully taught you how to get Netflix unblocked no matter the circumstances. Accessing it is efficient if you opt for a reputable VPN. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access are famous choices but of course, you’re free to pick any other.
Remember that these providers offer a user-favorable refund policy.
You can be refunded at any moment in the first 30 days if you make that decision. Getting over the Netflix block is risk-free and requires merely a few minutes of your life, providing days’ worth of blockbusters and popular shows/series in return.
Watch Netflix anywhere with NordVPN