Netflix US has some obvious advantages over its Canadian counterpart, with popular shows such as The Office being available to viewers in the United States only. Fortunately, you can get around these restrictions by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and connecting to a US-based server. In this guide, we’re explaining how to watch Netflix US in Canada with a VPN on a number of devices and giving a recommendation as to what kind of VPN you should get.
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
What is a VPN?
Definition
There are both free and premium VPN services.
Netflix Canada vs Netflix US
Although not at the very top in terms of catalog size, Netflix Canada offers viewers a pretty decent streaming repertoire. However, with some iconic TV shows such as The Office and movies such as Sin City being available only in the US, Canadian viewers might find themselves disappointed when they start looking for a new show to binge.
These restrictions arise from the difference in law between the two countries, as well as Netflix’s own licensing and distribution policies. Additionally, Netflix sometimes streams shows produced by local companies and country-specific media networks, so such shows may not be available globally like, for example, most of the Netflix originals would be.
When you log in to your Netflix account in Canada, the platform can see your IP address and thus offers you a catalog of content available in Canada specifically. However, by using a VPN, you can temporarily change your IP address and trick the platform into thinking you are logging in from the United States.
How to Watch Netflix US in Canada
Changing your region on Netflix and accessing the Netflix US catalog in Canada with VPN is more straightforward than it seems, and you can do it on virtually any device, even gaming consoles.
Since Netflix is mostly VPN-friendly, you can use a number of VPN clients to achieve the same goal and unlock your desired streaming content.
Our recommended VPN is Surfshark, as it is available on desktop and mobile devices alike and features over 3,200 high-speed servers in more than 100 countries. If you are looking for a long-term solution, Surfshark pricing plans go for as little as $1.99 a month as of December 2023. For a more detailed look into the costs of using a VPN, you can take a look at our dedicated guide.
Other solid VPNs include:
- NordVPN;
- ProtonVPN;
- Hotspot Shield.
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
How to watch Netflix US in Canada on desktop
Streaming Netflix’s US exclusives in Canada on a desktop can be done in six easy steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN service that works with Netflix, such as Surfshark;
- Download and install the VPN client;
- Launch the client and connect to a US-based server;
- Log in on Netflix;
- Look for US-restricted content and select the show or movie you want to stream;
- Click on the Watch Now button to check whether everything is working as intended.
Note
How to watch Netflix US in Canada on mobile
Connecting to Netflix US on mobile is just as easy. Simply:
- Sign up with a VPN that works with Netflix;
- Download the VPN app (Surfshark is available on iOS and Android, and you check our dedicated guide on how to get a VPN on iPhone);
- Launch the app and log in;
- Connect to a US-based server;
- Launch Netflix and try streaming some restricted content.
How to watch Netflix US in Canada on a console
A lot of viewers prefer using their consoles when streaming from Netflix, and fortunately, you can access a VPN network from your Xbox and PlayStation, too.
Setting up a VPN on a console is a bit more difficult since you cannot install a client directly on them. Instead, you can:
Install a router VPN
Installing a router VPN enables all devices connected to your home network to be channeled through a VPN, even your smart TVs and gaming consoles.
The installation process is a bit complicated. You will need to:
- Sign up with a VPN client;
- Download the VPN configuration file for the specific server you want to connect to (you can see the Surfshark video guide below on how to do that);
- Log in to your router (type in 192.168.1.1 in the browser);
- Find the VPN tab in the interface;
- Click on the Add profile button;
- Upload the VPN configuration file you downloaded in step 2;
- Click on the new Activate button.
Note
Create a hotspot
Creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for your console is a bit easier, but you will need a Windows PC with at least Windows 7 and hotspot support.
To create a hotspot, simply:
- Sign up with a VPN and download the client;
- Go to Network & Internet Settings;
- Click on Mobile hotspot;
- Toggle the On switch;
- Click on the Edit button;
- Create a name and a password for the new hotspot;
- Go back to Network & Internet Settings;
- Click on More network adapter options;
- Find the new hotspot network and enable other devices to connect to the new hotspot (this step might vary for each individual, so you can check the Surfshark video guide below on how to do it).
Conclusion
Netflix US has some popular streaming exclusives not available for the Canadian audience, but you can work around these restrictions by downloading a VPN. By making use of the tips provided above, you’ll be able to temporarily change your IP address and access regionally restricted media on Netflix US on your desktop, phone, and gaming console.
Keep in mind, however, that signing up for a VPN is not going to unlock additional content in your Netflix library. It will merely allow you to access media that users with the same subscription plan as you can access in the United States.
FAQs about watching Netflix US in Canada
Can you watch Netflix US in Canada?
Yes, you can watch Netflix US in Canada by using a VPN and connecting to a US-based server.
Does Netflix allow VPN?
Yes, using a VPN with Netflix is allowed, although there are some restrictions you have to keep in mind. For example, watching live shows is not allowed with a VPN.
Do you need a Netflix subscription to use Netflix with a VPN?
Yes, you will need to pay for a Netflix subscription if you want to stream movies and TV shows with a VPN.
Does American Netflix work in Canada?
You can access the American Netflix catalog in Canada by using a VPN such as Surfshark.
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
