Can I Use My Netflix Account Overseas?
Last updated August 4, 2021
Yes – Netflix is available in more than 190 countries, which means you can watch it abroad as well. However, knowing that you can use your Netflix account overseas is one thing – knowing how that works is a whole different story. That's why our team has put together this short and helpful guide on using your Netflix account abroad, answering all your questions and doubts. So, let's dive right in, shall we?
Is It Possible to Use a Netflix Account Overseas? How Does That Work?
Yes, it’s possible to use your Netflix account when traveling abroad. There are no special settings to tweak, and you don’t have to make any changes to your account. Instead, this media streaming service will recognize your IP address and adjust its content accordingly.
As you cross country borders, Netflix will identify your location based on your Internet data. So, when you open Netflix on your device, you will be notified of the following types of changes:
- A New Selection of TV Shows & Movies: Each country has a different version of Netflix, so expect a different selection of movies and TV shows as you go overseas. Some countries are more limited than others in this regard.
- Changes to Maturity Ratings: Netflix will present maturity ratings and classifications based on the country you’re in. If you have parental controls set up, those will be adjusted, making some titles unavailable (if the maturity ratings are different).
- Changes to Your Downloaded Files: If you plan on downloading movies and TV shows for offline viewing, those videos might become unavailable. That depends on the availability of those titles in the country where you plan to travel to.
Will You Get to Watch the Same Content as Before? – And Why Not?
Yes and no – because that depends on the size of Netflix’s library in your destination country. If that library has all the titles you’ve watched at home, you'll get to continue watching those. And if they aren’t available in your destination country, they will simply vanish from Netflix.
The reason why Netflix offers country-based libraries is due to licensing and broadcast rights. That mainly applies to titles not produced by Netflix, such as Hollywood movies and TV shows produced by American TV networks. When it comes to Netflix-produced content (originals), they are mostly available across all the 190+ supported countries.
Is There a Way to Change a Netflix Region Manually?
Yes – there is a way to change a Netflix region manually. However, that must be done using a specialized application. We are talking about VPN services that can change your IP address and trick Netflix into thinking you're elsewhere. This comes in handy, especially if you plan on using your Netflix account overseas, without any disruption.
Keep in mind that not many VPNs have the power to unblock Netflix from abroad. Therefore, we recommend checking our guide to the best VPNs for Netflix. You’ll also want to check our guide on how to use a VPN to watch Netflix from other countries.
Is There a Way to Change a Country on a Netflix Account (Permanently)?
Yes – you can change a country on your Netflix account, which is something you should do if you’re moving to a new country. This will help you use your Netflix account overseas without issues while being billed in the local currency.
To change a country on your Netflix account, first cancel your Netflix subscription (which will let you use it for the remainder of your billing period). Then, reactivate Netflix in the new country, and you will then be billed in the currency of the country you sign up in. That’s it!
Can You Share a Netflix Account With Friends Across Different Countries?
Yes – it’s possible to share a Netflix account across individuals in different countries. That has been an option for many years now and probably won’t change in the future. However, keep in mind that password-sharing is against Netflix’s Terms of Use, which means that your account might be terminated at some point.
In case you didn’t know, Netflix has started testing warnings for people borrowing login info. This appears to be a way for Netflix to prevent password-sharing practices, but we're yet to see the outcome of that action. In other words, there's nothing to be worried about right now – but be aware of the consequences of password-sharing.
That would be all there's to know on using your Netflix account overseas. If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to post a comment below. Lastly, thank you for reading!
