Don’t you just hate it when you want to watch particular Netflix shows but can’t? You always get the same annoying warning all the time: This content is not available in your region. VPN services are always the best way to go when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions like these. Unfortunately, both entertainment companies have been cracking down VPN sites and blocking DNS users who are trying to figure out how to bypass geo-restriction.
Luckily for all of us, there is still a way around this problem. Most Netflix and Hulu subscribers are experiencing this too, so you’re not alone. You don’t have to move to another country just to know how to bypass geo-restriction. All you have to do is subscribe to the best VPN service.
What are geo-restrictions?
I think we have all been through this frustrating experience. You might have tried to unsuccessfully access a website to view particular content. In my case, Instagram music isn’t available in our country so I can’t use that feature. Websites like those are censoring their contents and geo-restricting it so that only the people whose IP addresses are located in a specific country will be the only ones who can access those.
The best and most popular method of bypassing geo-restrictions and censorships is through a VPN. It lets you choose a server located in a country that you want to appear in. For example, if your favorite show is not available for viewing in your country, you can choose a server located in the country where it is available. Since VPN services assign a different IP address to you, you will appear as if you are living in that country. Therefore, you can now access the content that you like. The best part about it is that no one will know your real identity and location.
Netflix and Hulu are not blind to such activities, and that is why they are upping their security by banning users with the same shared IP address who are trying to access their library. It is easier to track down users with the same IP address and block them all in just one go — problem solved. The user will obtain a new shared IP address, which Netflix or Hulu will block again, and this cycle will go on and on. So how do you unblock Netflix?
How to bypass Netflix geo-restriction
To put it simply, the root of the problem is the shared IP address that Netflix and Hulu will constantly keep blocking. Knowing how to bypass geo-restriction will be a bit tricky. So to avoid getting blacklisted again and again, here are some of my suggestions:
Get a dedicated IP address.
A dedicated IP address is an IP address that is assigned to you and only you, so make sure that the VPN service you are subscribed to offers one. Usually, requesting for a dedicated IP costs a bit more than your usual monthly plan, but it is worth a try since you will not have to be assigned a shared IP address anymore.
A dedicated IP address will not be the same as a shared IP. A shared IP address enables you to switch servers multiple times, as many times as you like. On the other hand, a dedicated IP address will only let you use one server from one country, so choose your server wisely. This will affect the services that you will be able to avail in the future. You can consider the restrictions and the censorships when choosing which country that you want your IP address to appear in.
Host your VPN at home
If you know your way around all things tech and don’t want to get a dedicated IP address, you can also install a web-hosting service in your home by yourself. After setting it up, you will have your own private VPN server hosted in a data center with more speeds, and you can even share it with other devices.
You can set up your VPN to work in your router and connect your devices to it. Then you can watch shows as if you are in your home in the country of your preference. Your upload speeds would depend on your home internet connection. It would also give you access to another country’s library as if you were just sitting at home watching it, which is pretty sweet.
Other VPN benefits
Aside from knowing how to bypass geo-restriction, here are other VPN benefits you can get:
- Improved privacy and security through data encryption
- Complete anonymity while browsing the internet by hiding your IP address
- Remote access to networks and increase productivity
- Sharing files with a group through P2P
- Bypass internet filters and access any content
- Prevent bandwidth throttling and improve network performance
- Save money on monthly subscription
So you see, getting a VPN is like hitting eight birds with one stone. Not only do you get around the Netflix geo-restriction, you also get other security benefits.
Conclusion
Let’s face it: unless you are actually paying for a real Netflix or Hulu subscription, there is no way you can watch videos on both websites for free. Using a VPN service will already cost you a monthly subscription plan, plus requesting for a dedicated IP address could also cost you a bit more. So you might want to crush any expectations that you are skimping the subscription costs by using a VPN, because you’re not. You’re just learning how to bypass geo-restriction.
Learning how to bypass geo-restriction in Netflix will not be easy. Getting around their crackdown against VPN services could be a little tricky too. But by using the best VPN service and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can totally do it. Plus, getting a VPN is an investment because it has so many more benefits other than that. It protects your privacy, keeps you anonymous, and prevents cybercriminals from victimizing you. So you’re really going to get value for your money through it.
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