How to keep Netflix unblocked using a VPN for Netflix: Best methods for any user

Ever open Netflix, search for a movie everyone’s talking about, and realize it’s not available in your country? That’s geo-blocking at work. Netflix shows different libraries based on location, and some content is locked behind regional licensing rules.

The good news is you have options. A VPN for Netflix can help keep Netflix unblocked by changing your visible location. You can also switch Netflix regions while traveling, or watch Netflix offline when streaming isn’t possible. This guide breaks down the safest and easiest ways to access the content you want, no matter where you are.

How to unblock Netflix on Mac using VPNs

A VPN for Netflix is your best option when you try to watch a movie or TV show that's not available in your location. 

When you turn on a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a server in another country. This process is called geo-spoofing. Netflix then thinks you're in a different location, even though you're still using your Mac at home.

On Mac, the best way to stream Netflix with a VPN is through a web browser like Safari or Chrome, not the Netflix app. The app is much better at detecting VPN traffic and is more likely to block playback.

If Netflix detects VPN use, you may see an error message saying you're using a proxy or unblocker. There’s no need to panic. This doesn't mean your account is blocked, but that Netflix recognized the VPN server. If this happens:

• Try disconnecting and reconnecting the VPN.

• Switch to a different server in the same country.

• Close and reopen your browser before trying again.

If streaming still doesn’t work, Netflix offline viewing is another option. You can download shows and movies in advance while connected to your home region, then watch them later without an active Netflix connection (works only on iPad and iPhone).

Steps to watch Netflix with a VPN safely

Here's how to watch Netflix safely with a VPN:

1. Choose a reliable VPN for Netflix that works with streaming platforms.

2. Install the VPN on your Mac and sign in.

3. Connect to a server in the country where the Netflix content is available.

4. Open Netflix in a web browser like Safari or Chrome instead of the app.

5. Sign in and start streaming as usual.

To avoid low video quality, playback errors, or buffering, always connect to high-speed servers. A good VPN regularly updates its servers to keep streaming smooth and stable.

If you come across a proxy or error, switch to another server in the same country or reconnect to the VPN before refreshing the page.

Offline viewing is also an option on iPad and iPhone. Download Netflix movies on your tablet or smartphone and then watch them later when you're traveling to a place where the show is unavailable. Changing your Netflix region with a VPN is also helpful when traveling and trying to access content from another country.

Note: Make sure not to use any of the Netflix apps — go online instead. This is because it’s much easier for Netflix to detect whether you’re connecting via VPN when you’re on their app. If you get any problems connecting, just restart the VPN, and it should use another server then.

How to watch Netflix offline legally on a Mac

Watching Netflix offline on a Mac is a bit challenging. Netflix doesn't allow downloads on Mac computers. 

Netflix downloads are supported on:

• iPhone and iPad

• Android phones and tablets

• Amazon Fire tablets

• Chromebooks with the Google Play Store

But there's a workaround if you want to watch Netflix offline on your Mac. You can use QuickTime screen mirroring. Here's how:

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac with a USB cable.

2. Open QuickTime Player.

3. Go to File > New Movie Recording.

4. Click the arrow next to the record button.

5. Select your iPhone or iPad as the camera.

6. Play the downloaded Netflix title.

7. Your Mac will show the device screen in real time.

Offline viewing is a great option, especially while traveling and not having a steady connection. But using a VPN is still the best option to keep Netflix unblocked and access content from other countries as long as you have internet access. 

If you run into trouble with offline downloads on iPhone or iPad, the iPhone Help Assistant is a handy GPT assistant that helps diagnose the issue based on your specific device and iOS version.

Best VPNs to unblock Netflix securely

By now, you might be wondering what are those magical Netflix VPNs that are able to go around content restrictions regardless of where you are and not even slow down in the process. 

So here are the top three that reliably unblock Netflix at any time, but also have somewhat different, unique value propositions. 

Price: NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the VPN clients to get Netflix unblocked. It has 7,400+ servers in 118 countries and can reach great speeds no matter where you’re trying to use it from. Its server power means you'll be able to pass Netflix's blockers without much trouble. On the plus side, you'll get features like a double-IP change for an extra layer of security. 

Another thing that makes it a powerful VPN for Netflix is its affordability. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can sign up for a two-year discount right off the bat for around $3 a month (there are also frequent additional promotions available).

Flexibility: ClearVPN

ClearVPN is a great choice if you want Netflix unblocked without dealing with complicated settings. It’s a VPN for Netflix that focuses on simplicity, speed, and one-click shortcuts, so you don’t have to think about servers or technical details. You just choose what you want to do, like watching Netflix from another country, and ClearVPN handles the rest in the background.

For example, to watch Netflix UK with ClearVPN: 

1. Open the app.

2. Go to Streaming services.

3. Select Netflix UK from the list of streaming services.

4. Wait for the connection before continuing. 

Speed: ExpressVPN

Another great VPN for Netflix is ExpressVPN. It has servers in 105 countries and 24/7 customer service should you need any help. 

Other premium features include private DNS, network lock, and VPN split tunneling, where you can, for example, funnel your Netflix traffic through the VPN, but have everything else work as usual. 

But what you actually pay for with ExpressVPN is speed. Regardless of where you are, this Netflix VPN is able to reach 30+ Mbps download speeds, which is more than enough to watch Netflix in the highest quality.

Why Netflix restricts content and how licensing works

Netflix doesn’t change its library by country to annoy users, but because of licensing rules that restrict Netflix content. Every movie or TV show has a copyright owner, and the rights to stream those titles are sold separately in each country. For example, Netflix might be allowed to show The Office in the US, but not in Germany or France.

To make sure a show is only available where it's licensed, Netflix uses geo-blocking. This is a location-based system. Each time you open Netflix, it checks your IP address, which is linked to your internet connection, to see which country you're in. If you're in the US, the show appears, and you can watch it. If you're in Germany, it won't show up.

This is also why Netflix spends so much money on its own original content. Netflix Originals are usually available worldwide on the same day because Netflix owns the rights and doesn't need separate deals for each country.

So if you travel abroad and a show you were watching suddenly disappears, this is the reason. Many people look for ways to get Netflix unblocked by using a VPN for Netflix or by changing Netflix regions to access the libraries they're missing.

How to change Netflix region and watch Netflix content from other countries

You need a VPN for Netflix to change Netflix region. Netflix will think you're watching from another country and unblock that country's library. 

Here’s how to change your Netflix region step by step:

1. Choose a reliable VPN for Netflix that supports streaming (like ClearVPN). 

2. Install the VPN and sign in.

3. Connect to a server in the country whose Netflix library you want to access.

4. Open Netflix in a web browser like Safari or Chrome.

5. Refresh the page or sign in again.

6. Browse the library.

To check that the Netflix region has changed:

• Search for a movie or show only available in that country.

• Notice changes in the homepage categories and recommendations.

• Compare the available titles with your usual library.

How to unblock Netflix using VPN: Final words

As you can see, even though Netflix is trying to section off geographical content and block subscribers from accessing certain movies and TV shows across borders, the leading VPNs like NordVPN, ClearVPN, and ExpressVPN make watching anything you want possible. 

Best of all, you can use ClearVPN absolutely free for seven days through a trial of Setapp, a platform with more than 250 top Mac apps curated to cover all possible use cases, from editing photos (Luminar Neo) to managing menu bar icons (Bartender) to typing faster (KeyKey Typing Tutor). Try every Setapp app at no cost today and find your infinite well of productivity in no time.

FAQ

How does a VPN for Netflix help keep Netflix unblocked in different countries?