(No matter where you are — unlock global content with just one tool)
I Never Realized How Much I Was Missing on Netflix
For the longest time, I thought Netflix was Netflix. Wherever you are, open the app, press play, and that’s it. But here’s the thing Netflix doesn’t show the same content in every country. In fact, what you see in your region might be just a fraction of what’s available worldwide.
A movie that’s trending in the US? Might be completely invisible in the UK. A Japanese anime that’s blowing up online? Only available in Japan. It’s not about your account — it’s about where Netflix thinks you are.
The good news? You can change your Netflix region in minutes and unlock content from anywhere — safely, legally, and without changing your actual location.
Let me show you how I do it. And more importantly, how you can do it too.

Why Netflix Libraries Are Different Around the World
Let’s clear one thing up: Netflix isn’t trying to hide content from you. The reason for these regional differences comes down to licensing rights.
Netflix buys distribution rights for shows and movies by country. So a title might be available on Netflix in Germany but not in Canada — simply because someone else owns the streaming rights in that region. That’s why every country gets its own version of Netflix, with a unique library of content.
Right now, Netflix operates in over 190 countries, and each of those has its own catalog. Your access depends on one thing: your IP address, which reveals your location.
How to Trick Netflix (Legally) with a VPN
Here’s where things get fun.
If Netflix checks your IP address to decide what to show you, what happens if you change your IP address?
That’s exactly what a VPN (Virtual Private Network) does.
A VPN lets you reroute your internet connection through a secure server in another country. So when you connect to a VPN server in the US, Netflix thinks you’re physically there even if you’re sitting on your couch in Paris, Sydney, or Buenos Aires.
The result? Netflix loads up the US library, just like that.
What Does a VPN Actually Do?
- Encrypts your internet traffic, so your ISP (internet provider) can’t see what you’re doing
- Hides your real IP address and replaces it with the one from the VPN server
- Lets you choose your virtual location – like switching your digital passport
- Bypasses geo-blocks, giving you access to global content
But not all VPNs work with Netflix — and definitely not the free ones.
Netflix actively blocks many VPN servers. That’s why I always recommend using a premium VPN that actively supports streaming and refreshes its IP addresses to stay ahead of the detection game.
The VPNs That Actually Work With Netflix
Here’s what I personally recommend (and yes, I’ve tested them all):
🟢 Try NordVPN – 77% off + 3 months free
NordVPN is fast, reliable, and has special servers optimized for Netflix in the US, UK, Japan, and more. It’s my go-to.
🟢 Try Surfshark – 87% off + 3 months free
Super affordable, lets you connect unlimited devices, and works with multiple Netflix regions.
🟢 Try ExpressVPN – 73% off + 4 months free
Lightning fast, perfect for 4K streaming, and super easy to use on any device — even smart TVs.
🟢 Try CyberGhost – 82% off + 2 months free
They label their streaming servers, so you know exactly which one to pick for Netflix.
🟢 Try PIA – 85% off + 2 months free
Huge server network and great for both streaming and privacy.
🟢 Try Proton VPN – 70% off
Swiss privacy tech meets smooth streaming — I’ve had solid results with Netflix Japan and UK.
🟢 Try IPVanish – 83% off
Simple setup and strong performance in the US.
How to Change Your Netflix Region in 3 Simple Steps
I’ve done this dozens of times on different devices, and I can tell you — changing your Netflix region with a VPN takes literally under 5 minutes. Here’s the basic process that works on pretty much everything.
✅ Step 1: Get a Reliable VPN That Works With Netflix
You want a VPN that’s fast, private, and not blocked by Netflix. Stick with premium services — free VPNs simply don’t cut it (more on that later).
🔗 Some solid picks:
- NordVPN – 77% off + 3 months free
- Surfshark – 87% off + 3 months free
- ExpressVPN – 73% off + 4 months free
✅ Step 2: Connect to a VPN Server in the Region You Want
Let’s say you want to access the US Netflix library.
Just open your VPN app, search for a US server, and connect.
Netflix will now think you’re in the United States.
Want Netflix Japan? Connect to a server in Tokyo.
Netflix UK? Try a London server.
You get the idea.
✅ Step 3: Open Netflix and Start Watching
Once you’re connected to the VPN server, head over to Netflix.com or open the Netflix app.
You don’t need a new account. You don’t need to log out.
Just refresh the app (or browser) — the Netflix catalog should now reflect your new virtual location.
🔁 Want to switch again?
Disconnect from the current VPN server, connect to another country, and refresh Netflix. That’s it.
How to Set Up a VPN on Any Device
Depending on what you use to watch Netflix, the setup might look a little different. Here’s how to make it work on everything from your laptop to your smart TV.
💻 On Windows or Mac
This is the easiest option.
- Download your chosen VPN app from their official site
- Log in and choose a server in the country you want
- Once connected, open your browser and go to Netflix
- Enjoy the region-specific catalog
🛑 Tip: If you’re not seeing the right content, try clearing your browser’s cache or use incognito mode.
📱 On iPhone or Android
- Install the VPN app from the App Store or Google Play
- Open the app, sign in, and pick a server
- Allow VPN permissions if prompted
- Open your Netflix app — it should now reflect the new region
📌 Netflix is pretty strict on mobile — if it doesn’t work right away, try force closing the app or reinstalling it.
📺 On Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
If you have Android TV or Amazon Fire Stick:
You’re in luck. VPN apps like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are available right in the app store.
- Install the app directly on your TV
- Sign in and choose a server
- Open the Netflix app and start browsing international content
If you use Apple TV, Samsung, LG, Xbox, or PlayStation:
These devices don’t support VPN apps natively. You have 2 options:
Option 1: Use Smart DNS (Easier, but Less Secure)
Services like:
- 🧠 MediaStreamer by ExpressVPN
- 🧠 SmartPlay by NordVPN
…allow you to change your Netflix region without encrypting your whole connection.
You’ll get faster speeds, but no VPN-level privacy. Still, for streaming, it works great.
Option 2: Set Up the VPN on Your Wi-Fi Router (Full Control)
This is the ultimate setup if you want every device in your home to use the VPN — even those that don’t support apps.
How it works:
- Install the VPN directly on your router
- Every device that connects to your Wi-Fi will be protected
- Netflix will treat all traffic as coming from your chosen VPN region
🧰 Tip: ExpressVPN makes this super easy with their custom firmware
🔗 Try ExpressVPN – router-ready setup
Troubleshooting Netflix VPN Errors (Like M7111-5059)
Sometimes Netflix catches on and throws an error like:
“You seem to be using a VPN or proxy. Please turn it off and try again.”
Here’s how I fix it every time:
- Switch to a different server in the same country
- Clear browser cache or restart the Netflix app
- Make sure your VPN has DNS Leak Protection enabled
- Use obfuscated or masked servers, available in VPNs like:
Still stuck? Contact your VPN’s 24/7 support chat — they usually have a list of servers that are currently working with Netflix.
Where’s the Best Netflix Library in the World?
Now that you can switch Netflix regions on demand, the obvious question is:
Which country has the best Netflix?
It depends on whether you care more about quantity or quality.
🌐 Countries With the Most Netflix Titles (2025 Data)
According to recent data, some smaller markets actually have bigger libraries than the US.
| Country | Total Titles |
|---|---|
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 8,272 |
| 🇱🇻 Latvia | 8,092 |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | 8,071 |
| 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 7,000+ |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 8,467 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 6,753 |
Surprised? The US doesn’t even crack the top 3. That’s because licensing works differently in each region, and in some countries, Netflix can acquire more rights for less money.
🎬 Countries With the Highest-Quality Netflix Libraries
Quality is a whole different story.
According to studies that measured average IMDb ratings, award counts, and viewer reviews, these countries had the best content overall:
- 🇯🇵 Japan — consistently ranks #1 in quality (anime + high-rated cinema)
- 🇨🇿 Czech Republic — amazing film library, top IMDb scores
- 🇰🇷 South Korea — strong mix of dramas and Netflix Originals
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom — lots of BBC titles and prestige content
- 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇷🇺 Russia — high average IMDb ratings
Is the US Netflix Still Worth It?
Definitely. The US Netflix still has the most popular exclusives, premieres, and original content. It’s also where shows drop first, and the selection is still massive — over 5,800 titles.
But here’s the catch:
Some critically acclaimed American shows aren’t even on US Netflix because they’re licensed to Hulu, HBO Max, or Peacock.
That’s why you might find a US series available only on UK or German Netflix.
And that’s exactly why I use a VPN — to hop between countries and access everything.
Tools to Help You Find Movies by Region
So how do you know where a specific show or movie is available?
I use these tools all the time:
🔍 uNoGS.com
Unofficial Global Netflix Search. Enter a title, and it shows you which countries have it.
Bonus: You can filter by genre, year, language, IMDb score, and more.
🔍 JustWatch.com
Tells you which platforms and countries stream a particular title — not just Netflix.
Final Comparison: Best VPNs for Netflix in 2025
Let’s break it down. These are the top VPNs I’ve tested specifically for Netflix streaming:
| Feature | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year plan) | $4.49/month | $3.09/month | $1.99/month |
| Netflix Libraries Unlocked | 54+ | 55+ | 47+ |
| Speed Protocol | Lightway | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | WireGuard |
| Devices Allowed | 14 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Smart DNS | Yes (MediaStreamer) | Yes (SmartPlay) | Yes |
| Works on Routers | Yes (custom firmware) | Yes (manual setup) | Yes (manual setup) |
| Obfuscated Servers | Always enabled | Optional (needs to be toggled) | Yes |
| Refund Policy | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
🔗 Get the deals:
- Try ExpressVPN – 73% off + 4 months free
- Try NordVPN – 77% off + 3 months free
- Try Surfshark – 87% off + 3 months free
A Few More Worth Considering
If you want more options:
- Try CyberGhost – 82% off + 2 months free
- Try PIA VPN – 85% off + 2 months free
- Try Proton VPN – 70% off
- Try IPVanish – 83% off
Each of these also works well with Netflix, especially CyberGhost, which clearly labels its streaming servers.
One Netflix Subscription, Every Region
Netflix is a global platform. But unless you live in multiple countries (or have a VPN), you’re only seeing one part of the story.
For me, using a VPN turned Netflix into a worldwide library with access to content from Japan, Korea, the US, the UK, and beyond. It also boosted my privacy, especially when streaming on hotel Wi-Fi or public networks.
And it cost me less than a coffee a month.
If you want the full Netflix experience — not just the limited catalog in your region you don’t need to wait or travel. You just need the right tool.
🛡️ Your passport to global streaming:
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- ExpressVPN
…and a few clicks.
Happy streaming 🙂