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How To Get American Netflix In UK

Want to know how to get American Netflix in UK? The only thing you’ll need is a virtual private network, more popularly known as a VPN. We recommend that you purchase either NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. How come? We shall dwell on the details later.

 

With that said, here’s how to bypass Netflix USA’s geo-restrictions in the UK using a VPN:

1. Get A VPN

First, you’ll need to get a VPN. To have the best possible experience, we recommend that you use NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN.

All of these providers can unblock Netflix USA consistently. They’ve also each got great speed capabilities. Finally, all of them shall keep your digital life fully secure without breaking the bank.

2. Install It

Purchase and install your chosen provider. Simply download its application from its website or your device’s app store. Installation should then begin automatically for most devices.

3. Connect To A US Server

After getting your VPN of choice, open its application and connect to a US server. Always choose a server that’s closest to you as it’ll likely be faster than more distant servers.

4. Open Netflix USA And Start Watching

Open Netflix and start enjoying its US library. Be sure to prioritise watching exclusive content to make the most out of your VPN.

How To Watch American Netflix In UK

 

 

There are two ways to watch Netflix USA while in the UK.

First is using a VPN, which is our recommended method. The second is via a proxy. We don’t recommend unblocking Netflix with the help of a proxy because it’s unreliable and only works locally on the browser level.

Virtual private networks are remarkably more reliable than proxies. With the right VPN provider, you’ll seldom run into connectivity or streaming issues. More importantly, it’ll be possible to reap the benefits of using a VPN on most, if not all, of your devices.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually very easy to unblock US Netflix using a VPN. Practically anyone can do it without hiccups. The only thing they’ll need is to follow these steps:

Step 1: Get A VPN To Watch American Netflix In The UK

To kick things off, you’ll need to choose and purchase a VPN. Among hundreds of options, we recommend getting NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN. How come? Let’s talk about each provider in greater detail to fully understand why they’re worthy of our recommendation.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN screenshot

NordVPN is the favourite VPN of many online security experts. Using it, bypassing Netflix USA’s restrictions becomes easy. Making things better is that the provider operates a total of 1970 servers all over the United States. Hence, you shall never run out of connectivity options.

The security record of NordVPN isn’t flawless. A few years ago, the provider got hacked. During the incident, a lone attacker managed to infiltrate a single rented server. Fortunately, no private user info got stolen. If anything, the only real damage done was to NordVPN’s reputation.

Don’t think that NordVPN can’t keep you safe though. After the breach, its developers made sure history won’t repeat itself. They have created an exclusive VPN protocol that is based on WireGuard. Additionally, they’ve established a bug bounty program and have equipped their VPN with all the security features average consumers would want.

Below is a table breaking down NordVPN’s pricing schemes in the United Kingdom:

  NordVPN
Subscription Lengths 1 Month (£8.84/Month)
  1 Year (£3.64/Month)
  2 Years (£2.74/Month)
Highest Price Per Month £8.84
Lowest Price Per Month £2.74
One Year Price £43.68
Special Offer 68% off for a 2-year plan 58% off for a 1-year plan

 

2. Surfshark

Surfshark screenshot

Surfshark doesn’t break a sweat when unblocking Netflix USA but it does have a smaller network than its two major competitors. The VPN service provider operates a mere 1700+ servers. Needless to say, it has more than enough servers in the US to meet all your needs when it comes to unblocking Netflix in the United Kingdom.

You’ll be glad to know that Surfshark provides top-notch online security. Its apps are loaded with all the latest VPN features that you’d deem necessary. Moreover, every leading VPN protocol is supported. Last but not least, each of the provider’s servers is RAM-based, and thus, not able to track, gather, and store your logs.

There’s a native Surfshark application for Windows, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, iOS, and macOS. You may also utilise browser extensions for Firefox as well as Chrome. On top of that, there’s the option to install the provider on a wide selection of routers that you can install it on.

Check out the table below for Surfshark’s pricing schemes in the UK.

  Surfshark
Subscription Lengths 1 Month (£9.17/Month)
  6 Months (£4.60/Month)
  2 Years (£1.76/Month)
Highest Price Per Month £9.17
Lowest Price Per Month £1.76
One Year Price £55.2
Special Offer 81% discount for a 2-year subscription 50% discount for a 6-month subscription

 

3. ExpressVPN

Expressvpn-screenshot-new

ExpressVPN has long been regarded to be the gold standard for VPNs. It provides practically instant access to Netflix USA and many of the platform’s other libraries. While doing that, the provider also keeps its subscribers 100% safeguarded from any lurking malicious parties.

ExpressVPN’s server network consists of over 3000 servers. A large chunk of which are located in the United States. If you’re wondering, all these US servers are capable of working around Netflix’s geoblocks. Also, they’re fast with some even barely making an impact on the original internet speeds of subscribers.

Safety is something that ExpressVPN takes very seriously. Over the years, the provider has proven its trustworthiness by subjecting itself to regular independent audits. Additionally, it upgraded its network, which is now 100% RAM-based. That said, one thing ExpressVPN doesn’t have is a set of exclusive features that will keep its subscribers fully protected.

Here’s a table showing everything you need to know about ExpressVPN’s prices:

  ExpressVPN
Subscription Lengths 1 Month (£9.51/Month)
  6 Months (£7.34/Month)
  1 Year (£6.11/Month)
Highest Price Per Month £9.51
Lowest Price Per Month £6.11
One Year Price £73.32
Special Offer 50% off for a 1-year subscription

 

Step 2: Install The VPN On Your Device

 

After getting a VPN, the next step is to install its application on your device.

VPN installation is so easy nowadays. Even little children or anyone else who isn’t tech-savvy can get the job done. If anything, this is great since everyone shall get the opportunity to unblock Netflix US in the United Kingdom and surf the web without any dangers.

For Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, iPhone, Firestick, Chromecast with Google TV, etc.

To install VPNs on Windows, Mac, or Linux devices, you’ll need to download your VPN’s app from its website. Following that, there’ll be a prompt making you choose between manual or automatic installation. By selecting manual, you’ll get to choose the file location of your VPN.

  • App Store

It’s easier to install VPNs on iOS, Android, and streaming devices like Chromecast with Google TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick. Simply head to the respective app stores of these devices then search for your VPN provider’s application. Hit the download button and wait for automatic installation to start.

For those wondering, our three recommended VPNs all have applications for every mainstream operating system. Hence, you won’t get left out regardless of what device you’re using.

For Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, etc.

Nearly all top-tier VPN providers have an extension for at least one mainstream browser. While this is great, we don’t recommend using VPN browser extensions over apps. The reason why is because they only work on the browser level. Moreover, they’ve often got fewer features.

  • Firefox Add-Ons and Chrome Web Store

Go to Firefox add-ons or Chrome Web Store to download your VPN’s extension for each web browser. As with app store installation, everything should push forward automatically after you hit the download button.

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark each have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. As such, users of both browsers can go for one of the three without any worries.

 

For Xbox, Playstation, Wii, Apple TV, Smart TV, etc.

Many smart TVs and gaming consoles lack VPN applications. Despite that, it’s still possible to use a virtual private network with them.

  • Router

Pairing your device without a VPN application to a configured router is the only way to utilise a virtual private network alongside it.

The level of difficulty that comes with installing a VPN on capable routers varies from provider to provider. With that said, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are all easy to install on routers.

Step 3: Connect To A US Server

 

Now that your preferred device has a VPN on it, the next thing you must do is connect to a US server. Doing this should be an easy and straightforward process regardless of what provider you have picked out.

It’s not uncommon for VPNs to have locations within the same country that are much faster than others. Sometimes, besides being faster, these servers are also more capable of bypassing Netflix USA’s geo-restrictions. Thus, it’s best to wisely choose the VPN you’ll pair with.

NordVPN US Servers

 

As mentioned earlier, NordVPN operates 1970 servers in the United States. Each one reliably works around Netflix USA’s restrictions without causing internet connection speeds to drop significantly. This makes them perfect for anyone in the UK trying to access Netflix US.

 

Surfshark US Servers

Surfshark currently has more than 500 servers in over 20 American cities. Thus, despite it being smaller than NordVPN and ExpressVPN, it’s more than capable of providing you with places to connect to.

 

ExpressVPN US Servers

ExpressVPN hasn’t disclosed exactly how many US servers it has. However, it’s widely known that the provider maintains a lot of locations in more than 20 cities across the United States.

As you might have expected, all of these servers have no issues granting you access to Netflix US. More importantly, they don’t bring about massive connection speed drops.

 

Step 4: Open Netflix and Enjoy Its US Library

When you’re done connecting to a US server, the only thing left to do is open Netflix and enjoy its US library. To know if you’ve successfully unblocked the streaming platform with your VPN, check out its homepage, which should greet you with the #1 title in the US today and the like. Moreover, you may also search for Netflix US exclusives like Spotlight, Superbad, or Stargate.

Keep in mind that even providers like Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN can sometimes get detected by Netflix.

When that happens, you will be met with an error screen telling you that you’re using a VPN. It’ll not be possible to go continue watching whatever you’re currently watching at the moment.

Fortunately, there are several ways to continue streaming your desired content even after Netflix detects that you’re using a VPN. Let’s discuss each one in detail below:

1. Change User Profile

The first thing you should try is changing your user profile. Often, this workaround resets Netflix and allows you to continue watching what you want. Needless to say, it doesn’t always work. In addition, it may mess up the watch list of the other profile you’re using.

2. Sign Out Then Sign Back In

Another possible workaround you can try is signing out of Netflix and then signing back in. Like the previous method we discussed, this too resets Netflix. Its rate of success isn’t that high but it’s still definitely worth a shot.

3. Transfer To Another US Server

One final thing you can do to get around Netflix USA’s blocks is to move to another server. Just make sure the location you’re transferring to is in the United States and you’re good to go.

 

FAQs

Is Netflix Different In The US and In The UK?

Yes. Netflix US is different from Netflix UK. While at first glance the platform’s local version in each country looks the same, a quick browse will show their dissimilarities. As a general rule, Netflix in the UK has more TV shows while Netflix has more blockbuster movies in the USA.

Why Can't You Access Netflix's US Library In The UK?

Licensing restrictions are why you can’t access Netflix’s US library in the UK. These restrictions dictate which shows and movies can be aired in a certain country.

If a movie or series is available in the US but not the UK, that means Netflix UK hasn’t bought the rights for that piece of content. Hence, the only reliable way to view it on the streaming platform is through a VPN.

How Does A VPN Let You Access Netflix's US Library?

Each IP address has a country code that Netflix uses to block or reroute network access. A VPN alters your IP address and its country code, fooling Netflix into thinking you’re elsewhere. Due to that, you will be able to access the library of wherever Netflix believes you are presently located.

Is It Illegal To Watch American Netflix In UK?

No. It’s completely legal to watch American Netflix while you’re in the UK. In fact, using a VPN is not prohibited at all in the country.

Needless to say, it is discouraged because virtual private networks frequently interfere with the activities of corporations and government agencies.

How To Choose A VPN To Access American Netflix In UK?

Selecting a VPN to access American Netflix in the United Kingdom is a breeze. However, doing so can be rather confusing due to the sheer amount of options out there. With that being said, all you need to do is consider these factors before making a purchase:

  • Unblocking capabilities
  • Network size
  • Speed
  • Pricing

By getting a provider with decent unblocking capabilities, a large network, and quick servers at a reasonable price, you’re certain not to have any regrets. Nevertheless, if ever you do, most VPNs maintain a 30-day money-back guarantee for easy refunds.

 

Summing It Up

I’d like to end this article with a quick recap. As you probably already know by now, unblocking Netflix USA in the UK is beyond easy. Even kids and old people can do it without encountering any issues. All that’s necessary is to follow these steps:

  1. Get a VPN (preferably NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN)
  2. Install your VPN
  3. Connect to a US server
  4. Start your Netflix and enjoy the US library

Remember that no VPN can flawlessly unblock Netflix USA. Even the most capable providers can sometimes suffer from periods of downtime wherein they get detected by Netflix. For that reason, it’s best not to be worried if ever you end up being blocked. After all, the only thing you will need to do to continue watching freely is to use the workarounds discussed earlier.

{Please also check our other articles on how to get American Netflix in Canada, Australia, Ireland, and Europe. You may also want to watch Netflix in China, Canadian Netflix, Japanese Netflix, or UK Netflix in the US.}

 

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.