How to Watch Netflix Through a VPN in China
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in the world, and much of its popularity can be attributed to its large catalog of content that is suitable for all ages and tastes. Whether you’re traveling to China or already live there, you can access all of Netflix’s content through one of the many VPNs. In this article, we’ll teach you how to do just that.
Use A VPN To Access Netflix In China
While it’s not illegal to access Netflix in China, it is strictly restricted by the government. But that doesn’t mean that it’s easy for users to do so. Despite the fact that Netflix doesn’t have any offices or official positions in China, the country has effectively banned the service. But all this changes when you use a VPN.
As we’ve mentioned, Netflix is known for having a large collection of movies and TV shows that are suitable for all ages. But the service also has a lot of content that is censored or unavailable outside of China. While in most places you would have to ask the network for specific shows and movies to be able to watch them, with a VPN you can connect to a server located anywhere in the world and gain access to Netflix’s entire catalog, no matter where you are in China.
Install And Run A VPN App
Installing a VPN app is pretty straightforward. All you need is a mobile device and you’re good to go. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can connect to a server of your choice and begin to use it just like any other app on your phone. There are dozens of reputable VPN apps available for download and use on all platforms (iOS, Android, and Windows).
Some of the more popular ones that allow you to connect to Netflix and other sites banned in China include:
- IPVanish
- ExpressVPN
- VyprVPN
- Wirecutter VPN
- TunnelBear
- Private Internet Access
- Freenet VPN
- SurfEasy
- L2TP/IPSec
- Barefoot VPN
- NordVPN
- CyberGhost
Choose A VPN That Provides An Offshore Server
In most cases, you won’t have to worry about purchasing a premium account on a VPN to access Netflix. However, there are a few instances where you might have to pay a little more for this feature. Some of the more popular VPNs with an offshore server include:
- NordVPN
- Barefoot VPN
- ProtonVPN
- Ocean VPN
- HTTPS Security
- CyberGhost
- Private Internet Access
Use The Right DNS Servers
To gain full access to Netflix, you will need to use the right DNS servers. The DNS servers act as sort of a digital street name for websites that you visit. If you don’t have access to these servers, you will experience a lot of latency when browsing the web. The worst case scenario is that you might start experiencing loading issues when a lot of people are browsing at the same time.
Luckily, there is an easy solution to this problem called VPNs with DNS servers. With these types of VPNs, all you need to do is connect to the server, and you’re good to go. You will have no issues accessing anything on the site no matter where you are in the world. Some of the more popular VPNs with DNS servers include:
- VyprVPN
- NordVPN
- HTTPS Security
- ProtonVPN
- SonicWALL VPN
Use A VPN To Unblock Websites
There’s another benefit to using a VPN in China, and that’s being able to unblock websites. If you visit a website that is banned in China, you will most likely see warning messages about the site being banned. But if you try to access that site via a VPN, the blockers will disappear, and you will be able to gain full access to the content you’re trying to see.
In most cases, you shouldn’t need to use a VPN to unblock websites, but it’s still a best practice to do so. This is especially important if you’re using a public Wi-Fi in China. Even if you don’t have any personal information to protect, using a VPN to hide your identity while browsing the web still makes a lot of sense. The only caveat is that you might need to use a different DNS server to unblock the site you’re trying to reach. In most cases, you can find the right DNS servers for unblocking websites on the VPN’s website, and it’s usually pretty simple to use them. Some of the more popular DNS servers for unblocking websites include:
- OpenDNS
- Unified VPN DNS
- DynDNS
Use A VPN To Change Your IP Address
One of the most useful and unique features of a VPN in China is the ability to change your IP address. If you’re using a VPN to access Netflix, you will most likely start noticing some slowdowns and stutters whenever a lot of people around you are using the service at the same time. This is because Netflix uses your IP address to identify you when you log in, and if you’re in China, your IP address can be traced by the government. To work around this, you can change your IP address via a VPN, and again, no one will be able to track your activity because your VPN will retain the information.
To change your IP address, simply type in the IP address you want in the field below. You will then be asked to confirm. Once you’ve entered your new IP address, you can safely close the VPN app and log back in to Netflix.
While it’s not illegal to use a VPN in China, it’s strictly restricted by the government. But that doesn’t mean that it’s easy for users to do so. Despite Netflix not having any official offices or employees in China, the country has effectively banned the service. But all this changes when you use a VPN. With a VPN, you can connect to a server located anywhere in the world and gain access to Netflix’s entire catalog, no matter where you are in China.