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Does Private Internet Access (PIA) Work With Netflix?

Of course. Private Internet Access (PIA) is a leading VPN provider capable of giving you access to restricted Netflix libraries. Like its major competitors, it boasts a large server network. Also, it has decent speed capabilities, making it reliable for streamers.

Despite everything going for it, my team doesn’t recommend PIA to those looking to use a VPN solely to unblock Netflix. To know the reason why, continue reading this article.

Private Internet Access (PIA) Netflix Servers

Private Internet Access is one of the most established VPN providers. Naturally, it maintains a huge network that consists of more than 3000 servers. In theory, all of these locations can bypass Netflix’s localized geo-restrictions. However, sad to say, this is not the case.

All of PIA’s native applications give you the option to pick a server via a list or search bar. Once you’ve selected the right location to pair to, just click or tap the connect button. The entire process is an absolute breeze and can be done by just about anyone.

What Netflix Libraries Can You Access With Private Internet Access (PIA)?

Every Netflix library is unique. Some are regarded to be superior to others because they’ve got a larger selection of interesting content. With that said, here are the most popular Netflix libraries that Private Internet Access users try to unlock:

US

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Netflix USA is a great place to look for generally any movie, sitcom, drama, reality show, and documentary that’s produced in the United States. Besides having loads of English-language content, the library is also filled with titles in other languages like Spanish.

PIA has many servers in the US because it’s based there. My experience with using most of these servers has been good. All have been able to grant me access to Netflix. Half of them didn’t cause my internet speeds to drop, letting me stream movies seamlessly.

France

France has an interesting library that’s packed with both English and French content. You won’t get disappointed when checking it out. That’s because finding something new and interesting is always guaranteed. And do not worry as everything that’s not in English has subtitles available.

PIA has one VPN server in France. Although it doesn’t cause your internet connection speeds to drop significantly, it’s unable to consistently unlock Netflix. Out of five tries using it, I’ve only successfully got into Netflix France two times, which is rather unfortunate.

UK

The United Kingdom’s local take on Netflix is one of the world’s best. It’s where many famous shows first premiered. Moreover, the library has an incredibly wide selection of content that is not shown anywhere else. On top of that, it also plays host to lots of international stuff.

In the entire UK, there are five Private Internet Access servers. Each one can provide you with access to Netflix. However, the rate at which they do this consistently varies greatly. Thus, it’s best that you immediately bookmark a good server once you experience using it.

Canada

Canada is a bilingual country with a large foreign-born population. As a result, its Netflix library is one of the most unique in the world. Browse it and you will find a show or movie in whatever language you can think of. Making things better is the fact that everything has English subtitles.

You can pair your device to a total of five Canadian PIA servers. Luckily, all of these locations unlock Netflix reliably. That said, don’t forget to connect to the server that’s nearest to you so you can avoid experiencing sluggish internet speeds.

Australia

Australia’s rendition of Netflix surprisingly has loads of local exclusive content. It also has many blockbuster hits, dramas, and documentaries. Now if you’re wondering, yes, there are lots of international titles to choose from. For avid movie buffs, this is something great.

There are a total of three Private Internet Access servers in Australia. Between them, the best to use is the one located in Perth. Aside from being incredibly fast, it’s also capable of accessing Netflix with consistency that’ll suffice your needs.

Japan

Netflix Japan is the type of library that people without a VPN could only dream of viewing. It has a wide range of anime shows and movies to choose from. There are also local dramas and movies. Of course, you’ll also find no shortage of content made in other countries.

An amazing thing is that PIA maintains a server that’s optimized for streaming in Japan. Using it, you’ll have no problems with getting over Netflix’s restrictions in the country. Since the VPN server is optimized for streaming, it only moderately hampers your connection speeds.

Other Must-See Netflix Libraries

Below are some other countries with Netflix libraries that are worth checking out using PIA:

  • New Zealand
  • The Philippines
  • India
  • Germany
  • The Netherlands
  • Taiwan

Please note that the level of reliability that Private Internet Access’ servers have in each of these countries varies. Needless to say, reports state that PIA was able to unlock the local versions of Netflix in these places.

How To Use Private Internet Access (PIA) With Netflix

You most probably think that a complicated process must be undertaken to utilize Netflix with PIA. In truth, you can unlock the streaming platform using the VPN very easily. All that’s necessary is for you to follow these step by step instructions:

1. Install Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access’ application has to be installed on your device for you to use it. Before doing this, you’ll need to buy a subscription then create a user account on the provider’s website. Fortunately, the entire registration process is quick and easy to do.

Once PIA’s app is downloaded onto your device, it should install automatically. Of course, this depends on the OS you’re using. Needless to say, the VPN service provider could also be installed manually too. Moreover, doing it across all platforms is incredibly easy.

2. Pick A Server

Connect to a Private Internet Access server after the service is set up on your device. For those who don’t know what to pick, go with the country that’s got a Netflix library you want to unlock. Furthermore, keep in mind that the further the server, the more likely it’ll slow your internet.

3. Open Netflix

After successfully connecting to a server, you may now open Netflix. You should be greeted with a different homepage as you’re browsing a different library. See what’s new and unavailable where you’re currently based. Don’t rush yourself unnecessarily with selecting a title.

4. Start Watching

Following everything that’s stated above, the only thing left to do is start watching. Enjoy the experience and remember not to deactivate PIA. When that’s done, what you’re watching is instantly going to get cut as Netflix will detect you’re accessing a restricted library.

Private Internet Access (PIA) Netflix Error, Blocked, Slow, or Not Working?

Like I said earlier, Private Internet Access tends to suffer from periods of downtime wherein its servers cannot unlock Netflix. When that happens, you’ll not be able to watch what you want to. Thankfully, there are two workarounds to this problem.

The first thing you could do is connect to another server in the same country and try accessing the library you want to watch again. If that doesn’t work, try checking if the title you wish to watch is shown elsewhere. Finally, you can also give updating PIA’s app on your device a shot.

Does Private Internet Access (PIA) Work With Netflix?

Without a doubt. Private Internet Access works quite well with Netflix. This is due in large part to its large network of servers. Moreover, the VPN service provider has fairly decent speed capabilities allowing it to pave the way for an enjoyable viewing experience.

Sadly, my team cannot recommend PIA as a daily driver for unblocking Netflix. Why? Because it isn’t as reliable as many of its competitors.

By: Erwin Caniba
Eric is the co-founder of VPNOnline. He has been an avid user of VPNs since 2012. He has tested all of the major VPN providers and shares his findings on this website. Follow Eric on Facebook.