Unblock US Netflix in the UK
Netflix launched in the United Kingdom in 2012 and has since developed great popularity, with more than three million subscribers throughout the country. The service allows its customers to stream television shows, films and documentaries on demand, on a wide range of different devices.
Licensing regulations and other factors mean that the UK Netflix has a different content library from other regions, including some exclusive content. However, Netflix prevents users from manually switching region, meaning that those outside of the UK need to find a way to bypass the blocking process in order to access the exclusive content.
Region Detection
Regardless of which device a user chooses to access the service from, their Netflix region is detected automatically, with no ability to change it. In order to detect the correct region, Netflix makes use of information such as a person’s IP address in order to identify their location.
As a result of this detection process, in theory, nobody based outside of the UK can access the UK region’s content library. Yet, a number of solutions are available to customers wishing to unblock the region, and these work by making it appear as if their internet connection is actually originating from inside the UK. A site specialised on unblocking content in the UK is www.WatchoutsideUK.com.
Virtual Private Network to unblock Netflix UK:
Another option available to Netflix customers is a Virtual Private Network service. VPNs work by encrypting all of a user’s internet traffic and feeding it through a server located elsewhere. The user then adopts the IP address of that server, making it appear as if their internet connection is originating from there. Generally, VPNs require the installation of specialist client software in order to access their network of servers.
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In order to unblock UK Netflix through this method, users will simply need to find a VPN which provides UK servers. Examples include ExpressVPN and VyprVPN. A VPN offers superb security and protection from snooping or ISP interference. That said, it is worth noting that they can cause significant slowdown and will not work on all devices.
Pros and Cons of VPN
+ Provides excellent levels of security and protection, preventing online eavesdropping.
+ Client software makes it simple to use.
+ Has a number of additional uses, besides unblocking geographically restricted streaming media.
+ The best method available if your ISP applies DNS hijacking techniques.
– May cause a significant drop in internet speed due to the encryption process.
– As all traffic is affected, some local websites may stop working while connected to an overseas server.
– Compatible with a much smaller range of devices than Smart DNS technology.
Smart DNS to unblock Netflix outside UK
One method which can be utilised to unblock UK Netflix is Smart DNS. Put simply, Smart DNS technology works by re-routing a user’s DNS queries through a proxy sever elsewhere. This tricks websites into thinking the user is in the location of the proxy server. The proxy server only supports certain websites and services and other browsing is not affected. Setup is usually simple and only requires registration and a change of DNS settings.
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To access UK Netflix, users must identify a Smart DNS service which offers support for both Netflix and the UK region. Examples include Unlocator and Unblock-Us. A major plus point for Smart DNS technology is that it was designed with streaming media in mind, and does not significantly affect internet speeds.
Pros and Cons of SmartDNS
+ Offers great internet speeds, meaning it works brilliantly with streaming media services like Netflix.
+ Cheap and easy to use, with a simple setup process and no software to install.
+ Re-routing only takes place on supported websites, so other browsing is not affected.
+ Compatible with a wide range of different devices, including computers, tablets, phones, Smart TVs and consoles.
– Does not offer the same levels of security and privacy as a Virtual Private Network service.
– If your ISP applies DNS hijacking methods, the proxies may not work.