Unblock-Us SmartDNS No Longer Unblocks U.S. Netflix, But NordVPN Does

At a Glance

While Netflix users outside of the United States pay a fee comparable to what U.S. Netflix viewers pay, they lack access to many of the movies and television shows available on Netflix in the U.S.

For a long while, almost all smartDNS and Virtual Private Network (VPN) services provided reliable access to the U.S. Netflix streams from other parts of the world. Then, Netflix caught onto this trick and began blocking smartDNS technology and VPN users from their streams.

Ever since then, it’s been a back-and-forth game of virtual whack-a-mole between the streaming giant and the smartDNS and VPN providers.

Why Did Unblock-Us Stop Working With Netflix?

Once upon a time, the Unblock-Us smartDNS service offered a reliable way of accessing U.S. Netflix content. Sadly, the service no longer can offer this access, and doesn’t even mention the possibility on their website. Many other SmartDNS and VPN services have followed their lead and no longer claim to offer U.S. Netflix access.

However, one VPN provider still offers solid internet access to U.S. Netflix streams. That service is NordVPN.

NordVPN has the ability to make it appear as if users from outside the United States are actually located within U.S. borders. It does this by routing your internet connection through a VPN server located in the States and assigning your connected device an IP address identifying it as a U.S.-based connection.

By doing this, Netflix sees you and your device as being located inside the U.S., and it allows you access to its U.S.-based streaming library, even though you may actually be located in London, England.

About Netflix

Netflix is arguably the best-known streaming service in the world. It allows internet users to view full-length films and television series episodes on their desktop, mobile devices, streaming, or other connected machines.

The service offers its content in SD, HD, and 4K formats. Viewing resolution is determined by the user’s subscription level, the device being used, and internet connection speeds.

Netflix is available to most of the world. However, it limits internet access to its content on a geographical basis. This means that movies and series available in one country are not necessarily available to viewers in another country,

Why Does Netflix Geographically Restrict Its Content?

Netflix doesn’t restrict viewing of its content to certain regions of the globe out of spite. It is required to do so, thanks to the contracts it signs with television and movie studios.

Content providers don’t believe one price fits all and instead cling to the old-fashioned, pre-internet method of selling content, which is on a country-by-country basis.

These content contracts require Netflix to ensure that the contracted-for films and shows will only be accessible from designated regions. This means that even though they are merely across a river from each other, viewers in Detroit, Michigan in the U.S. and viewers in Windsor, Ontario in Canada may have completely different Netflix viewing options.

How Do Content Geographic Blockades Work?

When your computer, smartphone, tablet, game console, or other online-capable device connects to the internet, it is assigned an IP address.

That address uniquely identifies your device, much like a mailing address identifies your home. This provides a way for other devices on the internet to identify which device made an information request, telling it where to send the reply.

Each country has been assigned a particular range of IP addresses for use inside of their borders. This means an IP address can also be used to identify a device’s geographical location.

If Netflix or another streaming company detects that your IP address isn’t one of the millions of addresses assigned for use in the United States, it will block the device from accessing its U.S. servers.

How Can I View U.S. Netflix If I’m Blocked?

If you want to binge on your favorite U.S.-based Netflix series or films, you need to connect to the service from inside the United States. Or, you need to appear to be connecting from inside the United States.

A VPN can temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your device, making it appear to the rest of the connected world that you are located somewhere in the 50 states or Washington D.C.

A quality VPN provider – like NordVPN – will have numerous server farms located around the globe, the United States included. Netflix fans around the globe can connect to one of those U.S. VPN servers, making it appear as if they are located stateside.

Then, Netflix servers will see you as using a United States-based IP address and will happily throw open their content vaults for your enjoyment. Although, they may be silently judging you when they ask eight episodes in, “are you still watching Fuller House?”

Which VPN Should I Use to Unblock U.S. Netflix?

If you’re an online video viewer, you likely know that the faster your connection speed is, the better your viewing experience will be. Fast download speeds equal little to no buffering, no pauses for your device to catch up, and a smooth 4K streaming experience.

This means that you need a VPN provider that offers a comprehensive global server network that delivers fast, low-latency connections, with servers located in the same country where your favorite Netflix content resides. (Yep, all of what I’m sharing with you will help you watch Netflix content in nearly any area of the world.)

As I previously mentioned, Netflix and other streaming services will block access to their servers if they see you are using an IP address that belongs to a SmartDNS server or VPN service. When this happens, your VPN provider needs to have the resources and stick-to-it-ness to set up new IP addresses to restore access.

Fret not, movie fans – there is one provider that provides top-notch access to the U.S. Netflix, no matter where you’re really located.

NordVPN

NordVPN delivers reliable access to U.S. Netflix streams from nearly anywhere around the globe. However, your access is not limited to U.S. content, as NordVPN has servers stationed around the globe, meaning you’ll also have access to Netflix and other online services nearly anywhere on earth.

Read the full NordVPN review here.

1. Connection Speed

When you’re researching VPN providers for use with any streaming service, connection speed is one of the top considerations. This is especially important if you have a 4K-capable device and streaming service, which Netflix certainly is.

Although Netflix is viewable when you’re connected at slower speeds, your viewing experience is greatly improved if you have more bandwidth.

Netflix recommends the following connection speeds:

• 3.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for 720p HD quality
• 5.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for 1080p Full HD quality
• 15 Megabits per second – Recommended for 4K/Ultra HD quality

As you can see, the connection speed requirements for “Ultra HD” (4K) content is three times that required for 1080p HD video.

Luckily, depending on your normal internet connection, NordVPN easily supplies fast streaming speeds like this. (For a more enjoyable viewing experience, use a wired Ethernet connection or a 5GHz wireless router.)

NordVPN provides some of the most reliably fast connections I’ve ever tested. At my house, the service delivers connection speeds that are easily faster than are required for 4K video streams.

NordVPN never throttles your connection bandwidth and never restricts your fun by imposing daily or monthly data caps on your usage. As long as your internet service provider allows you to stay connected, NordVPN will happily hang in there.

2. Multi-Platform Support

Netflix seems to be available on every internet-connected device. From your smartphone to your gaming console to your smart TV to your internet-connected refrigerator, it’s available wherever you go.

NordVPN has you covered when it comes to supporting your favorite devices. The provider offers native apps for Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Windows, Amazon Fire and Chromebook device platforms.

Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect and enhance your in-browser viewing, and the service is also compatible with numerous routers.

NordVPN also offers a SmartDNS service, which allows devices that don’t support VPN apps, like the Apple TV, gaming consoles and other set-top boxes, to access international Netflix streams. However, the service doesn’t offer encryption for your connection like the VPN service does.

Users can simultaneously connect up to six devices using a single set of login credentials.

3. Customer Support

I have used NordVPN for a few years now, and during that time I have seldom experienced any issues with the service. However, when I have had a support question, the provider’s support staff has been ready, willing and able to offer aid.

NordVPN customer support is available 24/7, with always-on live support chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, email support and a searchable support library.

4. Global Server Coverage

This article focuses on accessing the U.S. Netflix content library, but Netflix is available in many countries around the globe. This means you can take advantage of a VPN’s global server network to access Netflix content in other regions.

NordVPN has the globe covered, thanks to its 5,600+ servers, which are located in 60+ countries around the world.

5. Pricing

NordVPN is one of the cheapest providers around, so you’ll have no financial worries when it comes to investing in this VPN for your Netflix streaming needs.

NordVPN is a risk-free proposition thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Visit the NordVPN website.

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