Netflix and Traveling: Can You Use Your Netflix Account in Another Country?

Changes To Expect When Using Netflix Abroad

Netflix may have a global presence, but the viewing experience is far from uniform. When watching Netflix overseas, you might experience changes to the following:

Available movies and TV shows: Netflix’s content library varies by country due to regional licensing agreements and rights. If you cross the border into Canada from the US, you’ll lose access to some titles but also gain access to new ones.

Maturity ratings: If you’ve enabled parental controls, a difference in maturity ratings between your country and destination can shrink or expand your content library.

Downloads: Some downloaded titles may not be accessible outside your home country.

Why Does the Netflix Library Differ Internationally?

Netflix content libraries differ because of regional licensing agreements. Sometimes, the streaming service buys the rights to distribute a movie or TV show in a specific country or region.

Content producers then require Netflix to geo-restrict the title, allowing them to sell the same content to other distributors and maximize revenue.

In addition to licensing, Netflix content has to comply with local government policy. Some countries ban violent and LGBTQ content, forcing Netflix to remove it from its catalog.

How to Access My Netflix Library Abroad?

While Netflix will automatically serve you the content library available in the country you’re visiting, there are workarounds you can use to access your original Netflix library.

Use a VPN

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, spoofs your location allowing you to access any Netflix version.

It works by routing your data through an encrypted tunnel, masking your actual IP address, and providing you with a new virtual IP address.

To watch Netflix US, you must connect to an American VPN server. Some VPN providers support obfuscation, which allows you to bypass VPN blocks like the Great Firewall of China and unblock various content.

You can watch Netflix with a VPN on most primary streaming devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

Use a Smart DNS Proxy

A Smart DNS routes your DNS queries to a proxy server location. However, a Smart DNS doesn’t change your IP address. It also doesn’t encrypt your traffic. This makes it faster and ideal for streaming.

Another advantage of Smart DNS is that it works on devices that don’t support VPNs, such as Apple TVs, Xbox, and Samsung/LG smart TVs.

Will Netflix Password Sharing Rules Prevent You from Using Your Account Overseas?

The new Netflix password won’t affect your ability to use your account in a different country. The only caveat is that you need to connect your Netflix device to your home network at least once every 31 days.

Past that, you’ll need to ask the main account holder or someone back at home to re-register your device. This will allow you to use your account for an additional 7 days.

Alternatively, you can update your primary location and avoid the password-sharing prompts altogether.

Is It Legal to Watch American Netflix in a Different Country?

You won’t be breaking any laws when streaming American Netflix with a VPN outside the US. If Netflix detects that you are using a VPN, your catalog will be limited to Netflix originals – movies and TV shows for which Netflix owns the global rights.

Wrap Up

Your Netflix account works seamlessly in another country without the need for adjusting settings or special tools.

However, to view your home country’s Netflix library while abroad or to circumvent Netflix’s geographic restrictions, you’ll require a premium VPN or Smart DNS service.