Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services right now on the planet. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that it is the King of the streaming services with 203.67 million paid subscribers and growing each day.
If you are in the UK, you would have noticed that many of the shows aren’t available to you, and at the same time, your friends in the U.S can see them on their Netflix account. Despite there being 9.1 million Netflix users in the UK, only 44% of the entire Netflix library is available to UK residents. But from a legal aspect, Netflix has no other option than to impose geo-restrictions on the content they have to offer.
Due to licensing agreements, the content available on Netflix in the US can’t be the same as that in the UK. Yet, there are methods to watch American Netflix in the UK, but the most effective way is using a VPN for Netflix.
If you’re interested in learning about how to watch US Netflix in the UK, make sure you read all the way till the end.
Get American Netflix in the UK using a VPN (With Video Tutorial)
You can follow these steps to get American Netflix in the UK without any restrictions:
- Get the subscription to ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Launch the VPN app and enter your login details.
- After logging in, connect to a US Server location.
- Visit the Netflix website or app, and enjoy the US content library in the UK.
Bonus: Watch American Netflix in the UK with ExpressVPN MediaStreamer
If you purchase ExpressVPN, you will receive its Smart DNS service called “MediaStreamer” for completely free. It is like hitting two birds with one stone.
The smart DNS service allows the user to whitelist their IP address with ExpressVPN and use a specific DNS IP address from ExpressVPN to access streaming services that were blocked initially on their Smart TVs. Since there is no encryption involved here, a Smart DNS service is supposed to be faster than a VPN service.
Here’s a video tutorial to help you set up the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer feature on Windows:
How to get American Netflix in the UK using Smart DNS?
Smart DNS is more useful though it has its strengths and weaknesses. Since it doesn’t provide the 256-encryption, that means your connection is not secure from prying eyes.
Therefore, if you are not concerned with security and privacy as much as speed, in that case, Smart DNS can be a useful solution.
ExpressVPN MediaStreamer is a Netflix-compatible Smart DNS that works for streaming US Netflix in the UK. If you purchase ExpressVPN for $6.67/mo , you’ll get the MediaStreamer feature for free.
Note: I only recommend Smart DNS as the second option if you’ve had a bad experience with VPN service for any reason.
How to Change DNS on a Windows 10 PC
To change DNS manually on a Windows 10 PC, follow these steps:
1. Ask your VPN provider the DNS address that can help you bypass Netflix’s geo-blockers. After that, launch the “Control panel” and click on ‘Network and Internet.’
2. Next, click on the option that says ‘Change adapter settings.’
3. Now, depending on whether you’re using a wired or a Wi-Fi connection, choose from the options listed below:
- ‘Local Area Connection’ > right-click > ‘Properties.’
- ‘Wireless Connection’ > right-click > ‘Properties.’
4. Now, right-click on the ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and select its ‘Properties.’
5. Finally, type in the DNS address (8.8.8.8, for example) and restart your PC.
How to Change DNS on a Mac
1. If you know what DNS address to use, click on the Apple logo, and open up ‘System Preferences.’
2. After that, click on the ‘Network’ icon > select your connection (Wi-Fi or Wired) and then click on ‘Advanced.’
3. Now, look for the DNS tab > click the ‘+’ button to add a new DNS address.
4. Next, type in the DNS address you want to use
5. Finally, click ‘OK.’ and restart your Mac.
How can you trick Netflix into thinking you’re in America?
When you try to access Netflix, it checks your IP address location using the IP location website. Once the website confirms the location against the IP, Netflix will show the content library accordingly. If the location comes up as the US, then the US content library is presented, and if it is the UK, then the UK content library is presented.
A VPN will mask your real IP address with one of its own IP address from your select region. Once you connect to a US-based server from the UK, your real IP is covered with a US-based IP from a VPN server located in the US.
Now, when you try to access Netflix and check your IP address location, it will come up as US, making Netflix think that you are coming from the US and presenting you the US content library. With a VPN, you can also get the best Netflix movies in Norway.
Things to consider while choosing a VPN for Netflix
Few things are essential to consider when choosing a VPN for Netflix or any other streaming service. We have listed them for you so that you can always make the right decision for yourself.
- Reliably and consistently unblocks Netflix.
- Fast enough to stream in HD
- Cost-effective
- Fast, competent customer service
- Strong digital security and privacy protections
- Works on popular devices
- Money-back guarantee
Best VPN To Watch American Netflix in the UK
A couple of months back, I was in the UK, and I tested some VPNs to see if they can actually let me access US Netflix. I found these VPNs to be working remarkably well in my testing process:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the expensive VPNs in the world, but its cost justifies its performance. It has been one of the best VPN providers of the work for quite some time now. Needless to say that this VPN works exceptionally well for changing the Netflix region.
If you need a VPN with a fast speed that can get you uninterrupted streaming on 1080p and HD quality video for unblocking Netflix, then you can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN.
With a VPN server network of over 3500 servers worldwide, you will be able to access Netflix US in the UK and unblock Netflix UK from anywhere around the globe.
One of the main thing which makes this provider stand out from the rest is, its Smart DNS called “ExpressVPN MediaStreamer” which is included with all the premium VPN subscriptions. This Smart DNS service will also let you access streaming content at high speed, without connecting the VPN and using your own IP address. It is completely free of cost, and only purchasing a VPN subscription will enable us to use this Smart DNS feature.
You will be getting two different ways to access Netflix US in the UK with ExpressVPN. The more, the merrier, Right.
However, you will have to increase your budget to afford this VPN as it costs $6.67/mo. Those who can afford ExpressVPN should be their top choice for US Netflix in the UK.
You can read the ExpressVPN review and explore more about the provider.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a low-priced, friendly VPN solution to get American Netflix in the UK. Don’t worry; its low-price subscription doesn’t mean the service is lacking in any way from the other providers. It allows bypassing restricted Netflix content in a single attempt after connecting to one of its many US servers.
Using the Surfshark application was an enjoyable experience, with all the different features right at your fingertips. I found it delivering high speeds for HD-quality streaming on Netflix, but the quality was not always the same and faced some fluctuations between 1080p and 720p on a few occasions. The entire network of servers is 3200+ servers in 65 countries. With such a vast network, it was possible to access multiple different Netflix regions by changing the server in Surfshark.
Furthermore, you can acquire Surfshark for $2.49/mo. Frankly, there are hardly any VPN providers that offer top-grade performance for Netflix at such a low cost.
You can read the Surfshark review and explore more about the VPN provider.
3. PureVPN
PureVPN has been one of the oldest operating VPN providers in the business. It has one of the largest VPN server networks in the world. With over 6500+ servers in 140+ countries, you will never run out of the servers for the connection.
It has servers in 13 different cities in the US, so if any service is not working for you, you can jump to another server. Although there has been some drawback with such an extensive network and with PureVPN, it was buffering.
While most of the streaming experience was smooth and without any friction, on rare occasions, we experienced buffering issues for about a few seconds during the streaming.
Due to noticeable buffering issues, we have assigned the third spot to PureVPN. Nevertheless, it is still one of the best VPNs to unblock Netflix shows in different regions with a good streaming quality.
You can read the PureVPN review and explore more about the provider as it is also one of the best choices for accessing Netflix US in South Africa.
VPNs That Fail to Unblock American Netflix in the UK
If you are wondering about how to get American Netflix in UK free, then let me stop you; by telling you that I tested dozens of mostly free VPNs, I found the following 10 providers that failed to unblock U.S Netflix in the U.K:
- Turbo VPN
- OperaVPN
- Unlocator
- Buffered
- GetFlix VPN
- OverPlay
- HideIPVPN
- Browsec VPN
- Hola VPN
- TunnelBear VPN
So, if you are thinking about getting the job done with a free VPN provider, then you couldn’t deceive yourself any more than this. With that being said, what you should do is check out a list of recommended servers offered by paid VPN providers to watch American Netflix in the UK.
Why Is American Netflix Blocked in the UK?
Every TV show and movie that Netflix offers is made available in a region after licensing agreements with production studios and distributors.
In these agreements, it is specified which regions Netflix can stream a given show or movie. This is why some titles are only accessible from specific regions and can’t be watched anywhere else.
What makes American Netflix different from the UK?
US Netflix has a massive library and ranks first when it comes to the total number of titles available in a country. As you can see in the image, there is a huge difference of over 3,700+ titles between the two. In other words, Netflix UK holds only 35.27% of what is available on Netflix US.
This is the simple reason why most Netflix subscribers want to have access to Netflix US.
Though you can gain access to all American titles while sitting in the UK for that, you need a VPN service to unblock Netflix TV shows and movies in the UK.
What Shows Can I Watch on American Netflix?
Netflix U.S offers some of the most memorable shows on the planet. To give you an idea, here are some of the many titles that you can only watch on American Netflix:
| Movies | TV Shows |
|---|---|
| The Blair Witch Project | Love Daily |
| Radium Girls | My Dead Ex |
| Gothika | Money Talks |
| Enter the Dragon | The Unsettling |
| Cool Hand Luke | Man with a Plan |
| The Haunted Hathaways | LEGENDS OF THE HIDDEN TEMPLE |
| London Heist | The Messengers |
| Playing for Keeps | Bunk’d |
| The Con Is On | NCIS |
| Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike | Liv and Maddie |
How to Unblock American Netflix in the UK on Devices
Netflix offers dedicated apps for the vast majority of devices and operating systems out there. Here I’m going to show you to watch US Netflix in the UK on your smartphones and smart TVs.
For Android and iOS
- First, go to the App Store or Play store.
- Then, download and install the ExpressVPN apps.
- Launch the ExpressVPN app and enter your login details.
- Now, connect to a USA server of ExpressVPN.
- Open the Netflix app and stream your favorite US-content on iPhone/Android.
Android Phone and Netflix US
We tried to access a famous Netflix US exclusive show, “Money Talks,” but couldn’t access it in the UK without VPN.
We connected ExpressVPN to one of its servers in the US.
We were successfully able to access the show, which we couldn’t before.
iPhone and Netflix US
We tried to access a famous Netflix US exclusive show, “Man with a plan,” but couldn’t access it in the UK without VPN.
We connected ExpressVPN to one of its servers in the US.
We were successfully able to access the show, which we couldn’t before.
Note: To set up a VPN for American Netflix on Smart TVs is a little complicated. If you have an Android-based Smart TV, then the method described above should work for you.
For Smart TV and Apple TV
The process of setting up a VPN is different for other types of Smart TVs. You can find a Samsung VPN setup here. Moreover, Apple TV users can see this method for Setting up a VPN on Apple TV.
Is it Illegal to Get American Netflix in the UK?
No, it is not illegal to get American Netflix in the U.K. I say this because U.K has no restrictions on VPN usage, unlike some countries that follow strict censorship laws. Speaking of which, North Korea and Iraq have strict censorship laws that ban VPN usage. So, if you use a VPN in any country with strict censorship rules and regulations, you can get into a lot of trouble.
FAQ
Now we’ll check out some frequently asked questions.
How to unblock U.S Netflix on Android by changing DNS
Follow these simple steps:
- Find a DNS address that can unblock Netflix U.S from Google and copy it.
- Access Wi-Fi settings on your Android device > tap and hold the Wi-Fi connection that you’re connected to and access its configuration options.
- Next, Tap on ‘Modify Network.’
- After that, checkmark the box right beside the Advanced Options and tap on the ‘Static’ option under IP Settings.
- Finally, paste the U.S DNS address you copied earlier in the appropriate field.
How to get American Netflix in the U.K for free?
To get American Netflix in the U.K for free, you’ll need a free VPN like Windscribe or ProtonVPN. But do keep in mind that paid VPNs will offer better performance.
With free VPN providers, you will have to constantly worry about limited bandwidth, servers, data transfer, continuous disconnection, and lack of technical support. These things will definitely worsen your streaming experience. One of the most important reasons not to trust free VPNs with your online protection is that they are known to sell your personal information to different authorities.
Is it possible to change my country on the Netflix app?
In the Netflix app, there is no option to change your country. This because the Netflix app will automatically adjust your country according to the server you’re connected to.
Wrapping Up
American Netflix is the subject of envy of all streaming enthusiasts in the UK. The good thing is, it is very much possible to unblock your favorite version of Netflix in the UK with the help of a VPN.
My recommended choice is ExpressVPN because of providing reliable, uninterrupted, and trustworthy services for streaming blocked content worldwide, especially Netflix US in the UK. When it’s about entertainment, we all want what is best, right? Therefore, the right choice here is ExpressVPN. For a limited time, you can get its 12 + 3 months free plan for just $6.67/mo .
If you are not a heavy streamer and looking for cheaper than ExpressVPN, you may turn towards Surfshark and PureVPN. Even though their quality is not the same as ExpressVPN, they tend to do the job just fine.
To watch Netflix in other regions, check out these guides:
In my experience, well-known VPNs struggle with keeping Netflix accessible because way too many users are connecting from the same IP and it looks suspicious so it get’s blocked. Yes, they might be able to restore the access in some time but in my opinion it’s way more convenient for such things to use less known VPNs. Smaller crowd = less issues.