Unblock US Netflix in Canada
Netflix is one of the most popular online streaming services around, providing users with movies, documentaries and television shows to watch on demand. The service launched in Canada 2010 and has gone on to enjoy great success, attracting millions of subscribers throughout the country.
However, users in Canada are automatically restricted to the Canadian Netflix region, which features a different range of content from the main United States region. Canadian users may, therefore, wish to access US Netflix, but find that region switching is not possible with the service. Fortunately, solutions to this problem are available.
Netflix Region Detection
Upon registration, Netflix customers are directed to the content library for their region, with no apparent ability to switch. A user’s region is detected through information such as IP address and DNS settings. So, for example, a Canadian customer will have a Canadian IP address and only be able to access the Canadian content library.
As a result, Netflix region switching can only be achieved by tricking the service into thinking a customer is based elsewhere in the world. A number of services can obscure a user’s true location and make it appear as if they are based elsewhere, meaning a Canadian user can appear as if they are in the US and access the US Netflix library. A site specialised on unblocking content in the US is www.WatchoutsideUS.com.
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VPN Services to unblock Netflix Canada
Another option users have when trying to access the US Netflix region is Virtual Private Network services. VPNs work by encrypting a user’s internet data, tunnelling it through a server elsewhere and allocating the user with the IP address of that server. This tricks Netflix into believing the user is in the server’s location.
Unlike with Smart DNS, while connected to a VPN service, all internet traffic is encrypted and anonymised, giving extra security. However, a negative is that it slows down internet connections. It is essential that users check that the VPN service they have chosen is able to provide access to servers in the US and provide reliable speeds. Good examples include ExpressVPN and VyprVPN.
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VPN Setup
In most instances, VPNs will be more expensive, work on a slightly smaller range of devices and have a more complicated setup process. Nevertheless, the added security provided can be useful and VPNs have numerous other uses, which may make them a better all-round option than Smart DNS.
Individual VPN providers will provide setup information on their websites. Generally, the setup process will require the installation of specialist client software. Upon loading up the software, users must locate a US-based server, connect to it, and then load Netflix in order to access the US catalogue.
Smart DNS Services to unblock Netflix in Canada
Arguably the best method available to Netflix customers based in Canada, who are looking to access the US content library, is to make use of a Smart DNS service. Smart DNS technology was designed with online streaming in mind and does not cause an internet connection to slow down, while setup and region-switching is usually simple.
Smart DNS works by re-routing a user’s DNS queries through a server elsewhere in the world. This tricks supported websites and services, like Netflix, into thinking the user is in the location of the server. Non-supported websites and services are unaffected, meaning emails or unrelated browsing is not impacted.
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Smart DNS Setup
There are numerous Smart DNS services available to Canadian Netflix users, which will provide access to the US region. Popular examples include Unblock-Us and Unlocator. Smart DNS technology is available on a wide range of devices and operating systems, including computers and games consoles.
After signing up for a service, customers will be provided with new DNS settings, which must be manually entered onto the device being used to watch Netflix. Individual Smart DNS services will provide setup tutorials for devices. After changing the settings, users can enter their Smart DNS account, choose the US region and then load Netflix.