The Netflix US catalog features some titles that are not available in the UK, such as The Machinist. Luckily, you can bypass these restrictions and access the entire Netflix catalog by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). In this guide, we’ll explain how to watch Netflix US in the UK by using a VPN on desktop and mobile devices, as well as smart TVs.
Enjoy effortless online privacy with a VPN & guard your identity with a single app
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Surf the web without being tracked
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Hide your IP address and encrypt your sensitive data
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Get alerted of data breaches targeting your personal information
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Massive 3,200+ high-speed servers fleet in 100+ countries
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Change digital locations to access websites while travelling
What is a VPN?
Definition
Since they can mask IP addresses, VPNs have a lot of uses in the streaming community, most notably by providing users access to geo-restricted content. By using a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country, bypassing content restrictions and accessing parts of the Netflix library otherwise unavailable in your region.
Netflix geographical restrictions
As mentioned, Netflix implements geographical restrictions on parts of its catalogs due to licensing and copyright limitations. That means that certain movies and TV shows are not accessible in all countries and regions.
When you log in on Netflix, the platform pinpoints your location based on your IP address. Consequently, the media catalog you are presented with features only the content available in your region.
By connecting to a VPN server, you route your internet traffic through another server, tricking Netflix into believing you are accessing its platform from another country. For example, if you’re from the UK and connect to a US-based VPN server, you’ll technically be accessing the platform from the United States, gaining access to the Netflix US catalog.
Note
How to Watch Netflix US in the UK
Changing your Netflix region with a VPN is straightforward, and you can do it on all devices, even smart TVs.
Although most premium VPNs are going to work with Netflix, our recommended choice is Surfshark. Surfhsark is available on desktop and mobile devices and features a list of over 3,200 high-speed servers in more than 100 countries, including, of course, the United States. It’s also got several pricing plans, so you can subscribe for as low as $1.99 a month as of December 2024. For more info about the costs of using a VPN, you can check our dedicated VPN pricing 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
How to watch Netflix US in the UK on desktop
Accessing Netflix’s US exclusives in the UK on a desktop is simple, and you can do it in seven easy steps:
- Sign up with a VPN that works with Netflix, such as Surfshark;
- Download and install the VPN client on your computer;
- Launch the client and find a US-based server to connect to (if you choose Surfshark, the server list will appear on the left side when you open the main user interface);
- Connect to the server;
- Log in to Netflix;
- Look for some US-restricted content;
- Click on the Watch Now button to test whether everything is working fine.
Note
How to watch Netflix US in the UK on mobile
Connecting to Netflix US on mobile is simpler than doing it on a desktop. Simply:
- Sign up with a VPN that works with Netflix, such as Surfshark;
- Download the VPN app (Surfshark is available on both iOS and Android);
- Launch the app and log in;
- Use the app to connect to a US-located server;
- Launch Netflix and try streaming some restricted content.
How to watch Netflix US in the UK on a smart TV
If you have a newer smart TV that has access to the Google Play Store, you can download and install a VPN client on your TV directly. If not, you can connect to a VPN on your mobile or computer and then create a hotspot for your TV.
Another option would be to set up a general router VPN, allowing all devices connected to the same network to be channeled through a VPN. Surfshark users can set up a router VPN connection, but be sure you check your router settings before committing to any premium VPN plans since not all models allow VPNs.
Can you use a free VPN to watch Netflix US in the UK?
In theory, you can use a free VPN to access geo-restricted content on Netflix. However, it may not be the most reliable or effective solution.
For one, free VPNs usually have a restricted number of available servers, so it’s not guaranteed you’ll find one based in the US. Moreover, they might throttle your bandwidth and destroy your streaming experience. In addition, a lot of free VPNs come with data caps. In other words, you might be able to stream a movie for a minute before having to pay for a premium solution.
Most importantly, however, a lot of free VPNs carry some security risks and have no customer support, so your data might end up logged and sold.
Conclusion
Downloading a VPN client is one of the easiest ways to bypass geographical restrictions on platforms such as Netflix. By following the guidelines outlined above, you’ll be able to find and install a reliable VPN client and access the entire Netflix catalog on desktop and mobile devices, as well as your smart TV.
FAQs about watching Netflix US in the UK
Can you watch Netflix US in the UK?
Yes, you can watch Netflix US in the UK by using a VPN.
Does Netflix allow VPN?
Yes, using a VPN with Netflix is allowed, although there are some restrictions that apply to streaming live events and watching content on ad-supported pricing plans.
What VPN works with Netflix?
There are a number of VPN clients that you can use to enjoy geographically restricted content on Netflix. We recommend Surfshark.
How to get American Netflix in the UK?
You can unlock the American Netflix catalog in the UK by using a VPN such as Surfshark.
Is it legal to use VPN when watching Netflix?
Yes, using a VPN when watching Netflix is legal.
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
