How to Use VPN with Netflix [2024]? Step-by-Step

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become an essential tool for maintaining online privacy and security, but they have another use — bypassing geographically restricted content on streaming services such as Netflix. In this guide, we’ll explain how to use VPN with Netflix step by step and provide some insight into the benefits of using a VPN with streaming services.

Enjoy effortless online privacy with a VPN & guard your identity with a single app

• Surf the web without being tracked

• Hide your IP address and encrypt your sensitive data

• Get alerted of data breaches targeting your personal information

• Massive 3,200+ high-speed servers fleet in 100+ countries

• Change digital locations to access websites while travelling

3200+ Servers

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What is a VPN?

Although VPNs have become popular mainly for their online privacy and security benefits, their ability to change your IP address and mask your physical location has opened up new possibilities for consumers looking to access region-specific catalogs on streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. 

Netflix and geographical restrictions

Like many other streaming and video-on-demand services, Netflix imposes geographical restrictions on some of its content. These restrictions are usually the result of a lack of licensing agreements or copyright restrictions in certain parts of the world. As a result, some movies and TV shows may not be available in all countries and regions.

When you log in on Netflix, the platform reads your IP address and offers you a catalog of content available in your region. By using a VPN, however, you can temporarily change your IP address and make it appear as if you were logging in from a different country.

How to use VPN with Netflix: Step-by-step

Finding and installing a VPN to use with Netflix is simple. All you have to do is follow the steps below. 

Step 1: Find a VPN that works well with Netflix

To start bypassing regional restrictions on Netflix, you’ll need to find a VPN client that works well with Netflix. In other words, you need to find a VPN that will allow you to choose a server location where the content you want to watch is available, and that will not slow down your streaming speed.

First, narrow down your search by looking for reputable VPN providers with a good track and a successful track record when it comes to unlocking regionally restricted Netflix content. Then, compare the prices and device availability if you want to stream movies and TV shows on both mobile and desktop.

Our recommended VPN, Surfshark, is available on all devices and operating systems, and it’s got several pricing plans, going for as low as 1.99$ as of December 2023, depending on subscription length. For a more in-depth view of the costs involved with using a VPN, you can check our dedicated guide.

Enjoy effortless online privacy with a VPN & guard your identity with a single app

• Surf the web without being tracked

• Hide your IP address and encrypt your sensitive data

• Get alerted of data breaches targeting your personal information

• Massive 3,200+ high-speed servers fleet in 100+ countries

• Change digital locations to access websites while travelling

3200+ Servers

Get Started

Step 2: Register and download the VPN client

Once you’ve found a reliable VPN provider, you need to register an account and download the VPN client itself. If you’ve chosen Surfshark, simply head over to the provider’s website and click on the Get the Best VPN button, as shown below:

Then, you’ll be taken to a new page where you’ll have to choose your subscription plan to register an account:

Once you’ve chosen your subscription plan and registered an account, head back to the main Surfshark page and scroll all the way down, where you’ll find links to VPN clients for all platforms, as shown below:

Then, simply click on the platform of your choice, and you’ll be taken to a new page where you can find some more information about the VPN client and a direct download link. For Windows, for example, it should look like this:

Alternatively, you can log into your account via my.surfshark.com, click Home, then Apps & Extensions, and then download the app for the platform of your choice, as shown below: 

Step 3: Connect to the appropriate server 

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the VPN client, you’ll be ready to connect to a remote server and start streaming locked Netflix content. 

When you launch the client, you will typically find a Connect or Turn On button somewhere in the main user interface. If you’ve chosen Surfshark, you’ll find a list of available servers on the left (as shown below). Simply choose the server location and click on the Quick connect button in the lower right corner.

If you’ve downloaded the Surfshark mobile app, you can connect by pressing the Quick connect button (as shown below). For more info, you can read our detailed guide on how to get a VPN on iPhone.

Step 4: Launch Netflix

Once the connection to the remote server has been established, you can launch Netflix. The platform will automatically recognize your new IP location, and you should have access to the previously locked content.

How to use VPN with Netflix: A conclusion

Downloading a VPN client is one of the most efficient ways to bypass geographical restrictions. By following the guidelines above, you’ll be able to find and install a reliable VPN client and access the entire Netflix catalog on desktop and mobile devices alike.

Remember, however, that Netflix itself imposes some restrictions on VPN usage in general, so you won’t be able to watch live events and use a VPN if you’ve subscribed to an ad-supported streaming plan.

FAQs about how to use VPN with Netflix