Thinking About Changing Your Netflix Region Without a VPN? Here's How

Part 1: Netflix and Geo-Restrictions

Netflix offers subscribers a wide range of content, but their library varies per region due to licensing and copyright agreements. The service price sometimes costs less in other countries, which is why using VPNs to save money on subscriptions are highly popular.

Using VPNs and other methods to change your region is not illegal, but it violates Netflix's Terms of Use. If you're caught using VPNs or other means to bypass their geo-restrictions, Netflix can suspend or terminate your account. This is why you should always take caution when navigating the streaming giant's Terms of Use.

Part 2: Will Netflix Ban My Account If I Use a VPN?

If you're wondering if Netflix bans accounts that use VPN, the answer is “No, they don't”. On the other hand, Netflix will block access to content if it detects that you're connected to VPN. If this happens, simply turn off your VPN or try connecting to different servers on your VPN and retry.

Part 3: Can You Change Your Netflix Region Without a VPN?

There are multiple ways to change your location on Netflix without a VPN, whether you're on your computer, iPhone, or Android. You can use a smart DNS service, a Proxy Server, or a Tor browser to connect to a country you want to access. Follow our guide below to change country on Netflix now without a VPN.

Method 1: Using a Smart DNS

Utilizing Smart DNS to change country on Netflix without VPN actually works in the same way. This is because Smart DNS re-routes your connection through a server in a different country. Keep in mind that Smart DNS is still a service and will require a subscription from a Smart DNS provider.

Step 1: Find and select a DNS Server address from different online DNS providers. In this example, you'll see using SurfShark.

Step 2: Register your IP address on your selected provider and obtain the appropriate DNS Server Address on your account.

Step 3: Open Networking settings on your computer, iPhone, PlayStation, or Xbox and find DNS Settings (the image below is an example for the Windows system).

Step 4: Input your DNS Server address. Click Ok once done and restart your computer. The DNS address should activate once you reconnect to the internet.

Pros

• DNS servers are faster than a usual internet connection, so you can enjoy streaming at high connection speeds.
• DNS Servers don't encrypt your traffic or hide your IP address.

Cons

• DNS doesn't carry your information, as the server side will only see the IP address where the query came from, which hackers can manipulate.

Method 2: Using a Proxy Server

Proxy Servers work the same as VPNs as it routes traffic to a third-party server. However, like DNS, Proxy Servers don't encrypt data but can mask your IP address. Here are the steps to watch NetFlix with a Proxy Server.

Step 1: Search for Proxy Settings on your computer.

Step 2: Choose between Automatic or Manual proxy setup.

Step 3A: For Automatic proxy setup, turn on Automatically detect settings and Use setup script. Afterward, enter the Script address and click Save.

Step 3B: For Manual proxy setup, click Use a proxy server. Input Address and Port numbers. Click Save afterward.

Note

To change Proxy on mobile phones, change your phone's proxy settings. Your Netflix app will automatically copy your phone's proxy settings if done correctly.

Pros

• Proxy Servers mask your IP address retaining anonymity.
• Proxies improve web browsing performance, especially when downloading large files.

Cons

• Proxy Servers don't encrypt data.

Method 3: Using a Tor Browser

For the unfamiliar, Tor is an open-source network that encrypts your connection while stopping trackers from following your activity. Here are the steps to start using Tor Browser to watch Netflix without a VPN.

Step 1: Download and install Tor Browser.

Step 2: Launch Tor Browser and click Connect.

Step 3: Go to Netflix.com and log in to your account.

Note

Tor Browser is available across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Pros

• Tor is completely free to use.
• Your browsing history automatically gets deleted.

Cons

• You can't control the region you have access to, so your Netflix content is not guaranteed to have what you're looking for.

Conclusion

Changing your Netflix region with or without a VPN certainly has its perks. This is because you can watch your favorite series unavailable to your country to maximize your streaming access. Choosing a country with a lower subscription price also saves you money.

While it's not illegal to change your Netflix region, it does violate the streaming giant's Terms of Use. You should always research and know the pros and cons when circumventing Netflix's terms so your account doesn't get suspended or terminated.