You can use a VPN to watch Netflix, but is it legal?

If you live outside the US and love to stream your favorite movies and TV shows on Netflix, you might be wondering as to how to access the Netflix US library. Not surprised really, as it boasts the most extensive catalog of available content as compared to other regions.

Due to content licensing agreements, you’ll get a restricted library on Netflix when you access the streaming service from anywhere besides the US. Fortunately, one of the most effective ways to get around the blockades put in place by Netflix is to use a VPN that works with Netflix.

While the tool provides a higher degree of privacy and security online, it can also be used to trick Netflix into thinking that you’re living in the US. How do you ask? By giving you an American IP address and encrypting all your Internet traffic.

However, the gray area with regards to using VPNs to access another country’s Netflix may lead you to question, “Is it illegal to use Netflix with a VPN?” Fret not, as that’s precisely what we’ll be discussing in this article.

Without further ado, let’s get started:

Why Netflix restricts content in your region?

Imagine this scenario: you hear about a specific movie or TV show on Netflix, but fail to come across it once you log into your account. Why? This happens because of what’s known as geo-restrictions. Netflix has to honor the licensing agreements it has with television and movie studios, after all.

Consequently, you’ll find much of the American content is region-locked and unavailable. When you access Netflix, you’re automatically going to be redirected to your country’s library. Ultimately, your IP address determines whether or not you can watch everything the streaming service has to offer.

So, is it illegal to watch Netflix with a VPN?

The short answer: No, it isn’t. Unless you’re living in countries like Iran, Russia, or China which have explicitly deemed VPNs illegal, it isn’t a crime to watch Netflix using a VPN service. After all, you’re paying for your subscription and aren’t watching the content illegally.

Nonetheless, the streaming service doesn’t exactly encourage the use of these tools – this is evident from the recent VPN block! Even though what you’re doing isn’t illegal, you could be violating Netflix’s Terms of Use.

As such, they reserve the right to restrict or terminate your use of their services. So, if you want to use a VPN for watching US Netflix, it should be so in your own will. As far as legality is concerned though, it’s completely fine, and you have nothing to worry about.

Which is the best Netflix VPN?

With Netflix working aggressively to block the use of VPNs, you should know that not all of them will actually work with the streaming service. Only a handful of names in the VPN industry are capable of helping you get around these restrictions, and one of them is PureVPN.

For more information, we’d advise that you take a look at this PureVPN review Netflix.

Based in Hong Kong, the VPN provider has an extensive network of 2,000+ VPN servers in 141+ countries, including dedicated servers for Netflix streaming. This not only ensures accessibility to Netflix US from any corner of the world but also the fastest speeds for a seamless streaming experience.

To make the decision-making process easier for you, PureVPN also comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee – regardless of the subscription you choose. So, you have plenty of time to test out the service and see whether or not it fits your Netflix streaming needs.

How to Use a VPN to Access US Netflix?

Now that you know why Netflix restricts content and about the legality of VPNs, let’s check out the steps you need to follow for unrestricted access to US Netflix:

First of all, you’ll need to subscribe to a reliable Netflix VPN like PureVPN.
Then, download and install the VPN on your streaming device. You’ll be glad to know that PureVPN offers apps for all major platforms.
Now, log into PureVPN using your credentials.
Go to the Popular Websites tab and choose US Netflix.
Visit the Netflix website and stream away!

Wrapping Things Up

To sum it up, there’s nothing legally wrong if you watch US Netflix using a VPN and you’ll not be thrown in jail for doing so. Since your Netflix account could potentially get suspended or terminated though, you should proceed at your own risk. That said, if you’re using a VPN which is fully compatible with Netflix (go through this detailed PureVPN review), you’ll probably won’t have to worry about this at all.