Netflix shows different content depending on your country, and you can change which country Netflix thinks you're in

Netflix's library varies by location. A show available in the UK might not exist in the US version, and vice versa. If you want to watch content from a different country's Netflix, you need to change your location. The most straightforward way is to use a VPN (virtual private network) — software that routes your internet through a server in another country, making Netflix think you're there.

Before you start: Netflix's terms of service say you shouldn't use a VPN to access content outside your actual location. Netflix actively blocks VPNs, and if they detect one, they'll show an error message instead of letting you watch. Some VPNs still work, but this is a cat-and-mouse situation — Netflix patches them regularly. The other option is to actually change your account's registered country, which is permanent and affects billing, but doesn't require a VPN.

Key Takeaways

  • A VPN makes Netflix think you're in another country, but Netflix blocks most VPNs and may show an error message when it detects one.
  • You can permanently change your Netflix account's country through account settings, which changes your billing address and library, but requires no special software.
  • Changing your country through account settings takes effect immediately, but you cannot change it again for at least a month.
  • Netflix's content library is genuinely different in each country — the same show may not exist in multiple regions.

Using a VPN to watch Netflix from another country

A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and sending it through a server in the country you choose. When you connect to a VPN server in the UK, Netflix sees a UK IP address and shows you the UK library. To set this up, you first download a VPN app, create an account (most charge a monthly fee), and then open the app before you launch Netflix.

The catch is that Netflix has invested heavily in blocking VPNs. When Netflix detects a VPN connection, it displays the message "You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy" and won't let you watch. Some VPN services claim to still work with Netflix, but Netflix regularly updates its detection, so any VPN that works today may not work next month. If you try a VPN and Netflix blocks it, you'll need to either disconnect the VPN and use your actual location, or try a different VPN service.

If you do find a working VPN, the process is simple: open the VPN app, select the country you want, wait for it to connect (usually 5 to 10 seconds), then open Netflix. You'll see that country's library. Close the VPN or disconnect from it, and Netflix reverts to your actual location's content.

Permanently changing your Netflix country through account settings

You can change your Netflix account's registered country without a VPN. This is a permanent change that affects your billing address and the content library you see. To do this, go to your Netflix account settings, find the "Membership" or "Account" section, and look for "Country" or "Region." Click to change it, select your new country, and confirm. The change takes effect immediately.

The important limitation: Netflix won't let you change your country again for at least a month, sometimes longer depending on your region. This is a deliberate restriction to prevent people from switching constantly. So if you change from the US to the UK, you're locked into the UK library for at least 30 days before you can switch back. Your billing address also updates to match the new country, which may affect your payment method or the price you pay (Netflix costs different amounts in different countries).

To change your country, you'll need a payment method registered to that country — a credit card with a billing address there, or a local payment method like a UK debit card. If you don't have one, you can't complete the change through this method.

What happens to your account when you change country

When you change your Netflix country, several things shift at once. Your content library updates to show only what's available in that region. Your billing address changes to the new country. If Netflix charges different prices in different regions, your subscription price may go up or down. Any downloads you've made stay on your device, but you can't download new content that isn't in your new country's library.

Your viewing history and saved shows stay with you — they don't disappear when you change countries. However, some shows you were watching may no longer be available in the new country's library, so you won't be able to continue them until you change back.

Why Netflix content is different in each country

Netflix doesn't own most of the content on its platform. It licenses shows and movies from studios, production companies, and distributors. Those licenses are sold by region — a studio might sell the UK rights to one distributor and the US rights to another. Netflix can only show content in countries where it holds the license. That's why The Office is on Netflix in some countries and on Peacock (NBC's streaming service) in others.

Original Netflix content — shows and movies Netflix produces itself — is usually available everywhere, but even that has exceptions. Some originals are licensed to other platforms in specific regions, or Netflix made a deal with a local broadcaster that restricts where it can stream.

Checking what's available in another country's Netflix

Before you change your country or connect a VPN, you can see what's in another region's Netflix library using a website like JustWatch or Unogs. These sites let you search for a show or movie and see which countries' Netflix libraries have it. Type the title you're looking for, select the country, and you'll see whether it's available there and when it's leaving (if there's an expiration date).

This is useful if you're trying to decide whether changing your country is worth it. If the show you want is only in one country's library and leaving in two weeks, you might decide it's not worth locking yourself into that country for a month.

Troubleshooting when Netflix blocks your VPN

If you connect a VPN and Netflix shows the unblocker message, you have a few options. First, try disconnecting the VPN and reconnecting — sometimes a different server in the same country will work. Second, try a different country within the same VPN app; Netflix might block one country's servers but not another's. Third, try a completely different VPN service, though this costs money and there's no may provide it will work.

If none of those work, your VPN isn't currently compatible with Netflix. You can either wait to see if the VPN service updates its technology to bypass Netflix's detection, or switch to permanently changing your country through account settings instead. Keep in mind that if you change your country and then want to change back, you'll have to wait at least a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix from another country?

Free VPNs exist, but Netflix blocks them very quickly. Even if one works today, it probably won't work next week. Paid VPN services have more resources to update their technology, but Netflix still blocks most of them eventually. There's no may provide any VPN will work with Netflix.

If I change my country, do I lose my watch history?

No. Your watch history, saved shows, and profile stay with you when you change your country. The only thing that changes is which content is available to watch and your billing address.

How long do I have to wait before changing my country back?

Netflix requires at least 30 days between country changes in most regions, though some countries have longer waiting periods. Check your account settings to see the exact date you can change again.

Will changing my Netflix country change my subscription price?

It may. Netflix charges different prices in different countries. When you change your country, your next billing cycle will use that country's price. Some countries are more expensive than others.

Can I watch Netflix from a different country while traveling?

Netflix's terms say you should only watch from your registered country. If you're traveling and try to watch, Netflix may ask you to verify your location or show a message that you're outside your home country. Using a VPN to bypass this violates Netflix's terms, though enforcement varies.