How to change the region of Netflix: 3 easy methods

Have you ever clicked on a movie title you were dying to watch, only to see the dreaded message: “Title not available in your current region”? It is incredibly frustrating to know the content exists on Netflix, just not for you.

I’ve been there. I pay for a full subscription, but I often feel like I am only getting half the library compared to users in the US or Japan. Fortunately, you do not have to move to another country to fix this.

1. How to change the region of Netflix by using VPN: 4 easy steps

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is widely considered the most effective way to solve this problem. It works by masking your real IP address and replacing it with one from a country of your choice.

Here is the exact process I use to unlock new content:

1. Subscribe to a premium VPN. In my testing, free VPNs rarely work because Netflix easily detects and blocks them. You need a reliable service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
2. Install the app. Download the official client for your specific device (Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS) and log in.
3. Connect to a target server. Open the server list and click on the country that has the movie you want. For example, choose a UK server to watch British exclusives.
4. Open Netflix. Once the VPN app says “Connected”, open Netflix and browse.

If you still see your old library after connecting, do not panic. I found that Netflix sometimes caches your location. You just need to force-close the app completely and reopen it to make the change register.

Pro Tip: 

Use a Dedicated IP if you are blocked If you find that standard VPN servers are constantly getting blocked, I highly recommend looking into a Dedicated IP. Many top providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN now offer this feature for a small extra fee.

Unlike standard servers where thousands of users share the same IP address (which makes it easy for Netflix to detect and blacklist), a Dedicated IP belongs only to you.

It looks much more like a legitimate home connection to Netflix’s systems. If you have tried everything and still cannot access the content, purchasing a Dedicated IP is often the most effective final solution.

2. Why Netflix restricts content by location

You might wonder why Netflix does not just show everyone the same movies. It is not because they want to restrict you. It comes down to licensing agreements.

Movie studios sell copyrights separately for each country. For example, Netflix streams Studio Ghibli films (like Spirited Away) in almost every country worldwide, except in the US and Japan, where other companies hold the exclusive local licenses.

This system is known as geo-blocking. It forces Netflix to check your IP address and lock the library to your physical location.

3. Alternative methods to change Netflix region (No VPN)

If you cannot install a VPN app on your work computer or want to avoid encryption slowing down your speed, there are two solid alternatives.

3.1. SmartDNS services

SmartDNS is excellent for streaming because it reroutes your location data without the speed loss of encryption. Popular services include Smart DNS Proxy or the MediaStreamer feature from ExpressVPN.

While specific setup steps vary depending on the provider you choose, the general process typically involves these four simple steps:

1. Authorize your IP: Log in to your provider’s dashboard and “whitelist” your current IP address so their system recognizes your connection.
2. Get the DNS addresses: Note down the specific DNS server numbers provided by the service.
3. Update device settings: Go to the Network or Wi-Fi settings on your device (TV, Console, or PC) and manually enter the new DNS numbers.
4. Restart: Reboot your device to apply the changes and unlock the new library.

3.2. Browser extensions and proxies

These are lightweight add-ons for Chrome or Firefox that act like a “mini VPN” just for your browser window. Reliable options include Wachee or Windscribe.

How to use them quickly:

1. Install the extension. Add the extension to your browser from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
2. Select a location. Click the extension icon, choose a country from the list (e.g., Japan), and toggle the switch to “On”.
3. Refresh Netflix. Reload your browser tab to see the new content library.

I once tried using a free proxy to watch an anime series. It worked for about 10 minutes before buffering endlessly. From my perspective, these extensions are great for a quick 5-minute check, but for binge-watching, a dedicated SmartDNS or VPN is much more stable.

4. Step-by-step guide for desktop and mobile

The process varies slightly depending on whether you are using a computer or a phone with location services.

4.1. Changing region on Windows and macOS

On desktop computers, Netflix relies almost entirely on your IP address.

1. Close the Netflix browser tab or app completely.
2. Open your VPN desktop client.
3. Select a country like “Japan” and click Connect.
4. Open Netflix again and search for your title.

4.2. Changing region on Android and iOS

Mobile devices are trickier because they often use GPS data alongside your IP address.

1. Log out of the Netflix app to clear the current session.
2. Clear cache in your Android settings or close the app entirely on iOS.
3. Turn on Airplane Mode briefly to disconnect from local cell towers.
4. Connect to VPN via Wi-Fi.
5. Open Netflix and log back in.

5. How to watch foreign Netflix on Smart TVs and consoles

This is where many users get stuck. Most Smart TVs from Samsung or LG and gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox do not support VPN apps natively. You cannot just go to the app store and download one.

5.1. Configuring SmartDNS on Apple TV and Xbox

You will need to go into your device’s Network Settings and manually enter a new “DNS Address” provided by your SmartDNS service. This tricks the device into thinking it is elsewhere without needing an app installation.

5.2. Setting up a VPN on your home router

This is a “blanket solution.” By installing the VPN directly on your router, every device connected to your Wi-Fi appears to be in a different country. This covers devices that cannot run apps, like your smart fridge or older TVs.

Important Note: 

While this sounds convenient, be aware that it affects everyone in your house. A family member in the next room will also be browsing from that virtual location. 

Additionally, running a VPN requires significant processing power. Most standard home routers are not built for this, so you might notice a significant drop in internet speed for all your daily activities, not just streaming.

5.3. Using Amazon Fire Stick or Android TV

If you have a Fire Stick or a TV running Google TV (Android TV), you are in luck. These devices allow you to download VPN apps directly from their respective stores. This makes them the easiest way to stream content on a big screen without messing with complex network settings.

6. Troubleshooting common Netflix streaming errors

Even with the best tools, you might encounter specific error codes. Here is how to change the region on Netflix while avoiding these common blocks.

6.1. Fixing the m7111-5059 “proxy detected” error

This is the most common error message. It means Netflix has detected that you are using a VPN or proxy. To fix this, follow this sequence:

1. Disconnect from your current VPN server.
2. Clear data. Remove browser cookies or clear the Netflix app cache to wipe old location data.
3. Switch server. Connect to a different server in the same country (e.g., switch from “London” to “Manchester”).
4. Retry. Reload Netflix.

6.2. Solving buffering and low video quality

If your video is pixelated or keeps stopping, the distance to the server is likely the problem. Try these adjustments to boost your speed:

1. Pick a closer server. If you need a US IP, choose “New York” (East Coast) instead of “Los Angeles” if you are in Europe.
2. Change protocols. Go into your VPN settings and switch from OpenVPN to WireGuard or Lightway. These modern protocols are significantly faster.
3. Restart the router. Sometimes a simple reboot clears network congestion.

6.3. What to do if content is missing audio or subtitles

You might successfully unlock the library, but find that the audio is in a language you do not speak. Netflix shows audio and subtitles relevant to the region you are in. Here is the trick to fix it:

1. Go to Account. Open Netflix in a browser and select “Account”.
2. Edit Profile. Click the arrow next to your profile name.
3. Change Language. Set the “Display Language” to English.
4. Save. This forces Netflix to prioritize English assets globally, even if you are browsing the Japanese library.

7. Crucial limitations you must know

Before you start, there are two legal and technical realities to keep in mind.

7.1. The EU digital portability regulation explained

If you live in the European Union, how to change the region of Netflix works differently due to local laws. 

New regulations force Netflix to show you your home library when you travel within the EU, regardless of your IP address. To see a different library, you must connect to a server located outside the EU, such as in the US, Canada, or Asia.

7.2. Netflix terms of use and account safety

While using a VPN is not illegal in most countries, it is technically against Netflix’s Terms of Use. In practice, Netflix typically blocks the specific IP address of the VPN server rather than banning the user account itself.

7.3. Netflix in restricted regions (China, Russia, and others)

While this guide focuses on changing libraries, it is important to know that in some countries, Netflix is completely unavailable.

Imagine traveling for business when the highly anticipated Stranger Things 5 finally premieres in November 2025. If you are in China, Russia, Crimea, North Korea, or Syria, you will not just face a “missing library” issue. You will face a complete blackout.

In these regions, the Netflix website and app simply will not load due to government firewalls or sanctions.

The solution: Obfuscated servers

If you are in these locations, a standard VPN connection often fails because of heavy internet censorship (like the Great Firewall of China). 

You must look for a VPN that offers “Obfuscated Servers“ (sometimes called “Stealth Mode”). This technology hides the fact that you are using a VPN, making your streaming traffic look like regular web browsing to bypass strict detection.

Critical travel tip: 

Always download and install your VPN app before you arrive in these countries. I learned this the hard way: once you are inside the border, the VPN websites themselves are often blocked, leaving you with no way to get the tool you need to watch your show.

8. FAQs about how to change the region of Netflix

9. Conclusion

Unlocking the full potential of your streaming subscription is easier than it seems. Once you know how to change the region of Netflix, you gain access to thousands of new movies and shows without paying extra.

To summarize, the best methods are:

• VPN App: Best for ease of use on phones and laptops.
• SmartDNS: Essential for Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
• Router Setup: Good for covering the whole house.

The joy of finally watching that one show your friends in other countries are talking about is well worth the few minutes of setup.

For more tips on getting the most out of your subscriptions, visit the Streaming Unlock section at Safelyo.