How to Watch Netflix & Disney+ From Other Countries (A 2025 Step-by-Step Guide)

Let's be real. You've been there.

You see everyone on social media raving about a new show. You grab your snacks, fire up Netflix, and... nothing. You search for it, and it's just not there.

What gives?

Welcome to the frustrating world of geo-restrictions.

The short version is this: Your Netflix and Disney+ subscriptions don't show you everything on the platform. They only show you the movies and shows they have the license to broadcast in your specific country.

This is why US Netflix has a massive library that's the envy of the world, while other countries get different (and often smaller) catalogs. The same goes for Disney+, which has a "Star" section in places like the UK and Canada with tons of R-rated movies (like Deadpool and Logan) that you just can't find in the US library.

So, how do you get around this? How do you "teleport" your device to another country and unlock that content?

You need a VPN. And this is the easy, no-B.S. guide on how to use one.

First: How Does This Even Work? (The 30-Second Explainer)

Don't worry, we're not doing a tech-deep dive. Here's all you need to know:

Every internet connection has an IP address, which is like your internet's "zip code." It tells websites like Netflix exactly where you are in the world.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a simple app that masks your real "zip code" and gives you a new, temporary one from anywhere you choose.

So, you can be sitting in your living room in Chicago, but with one click, you can tell your VPN to connect to a server in London. As far as Netflix is concerned, you are in London.

Magic.

The 4-Step Guide to Unlocking Global Streaming

This looks like a lot of text, but the entire process takes less than 60 seconds once you're set up.

Step 1: Get a VPN That Actually Works for Streaming

This is the most important step. I'm going to save you a ton of time: Your free VPN will not work.

Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are in a 24/7 war with VPNs. They know people do this, and they actively block the IP addresses from cheap or free VPN services.

You need a paid, premium VPN that is fast enough for 4K streaming and smart enough to stay one step ahead of the blocking. When you're shopping, look for services that specifically advertise:

• Fast streaming servers
• A "No-Logs" policy (meaning they don't track what you do)
• A money-back guarantee (so you can test it risk-free)

Check out our VPN reviews to find the best options for streaming.

Step 2: Install the App and Log In

This is as simple as it sounds. Once you've signed up for a service, download their official app on your computer, phone, or tablet. Log in with the credentials you just created.

Step 3: Connect to a Server in Your Target Country

This is the fun part. Open your VPN app, and you'll see a list of countries.

• Want to watch US Netflix? Connect to a server in the "United States."
• Want to watch BBC iPlayer or UK Disney+? Connect to a server in the "United Kingdom."
• Want to check out Japanese-exclusive anime? Connect to "Japan."

Just click the location and hit "Connect." Wait a few seconds for it to turn green or say "Connected."

Step 4: Go Incognito and Start Streaming

Now, before you just open Netflix, do this one crucial thing: Open a new "Incognito" or "Private" window in your browser.

Why? Because your browser loves to "cache" (or remember) your old location, and this can confuse things. An Incognito window starts you off with a fresh, clean slate.

In that new private window, go to Netflix.com or Disneyplus.com and log in as you normally would.

That's it.

You'll immediately be browsing the content library of the country you connected to. Search for that show you were missing—I bet you'll find it.

A Special Warning About Hulu

Okay, so Netflix and Disney+ are pretty easy. You use your one account, and the library just changes based on your IP.

Hulu is the exception. Hulu is a pain.

Here's the deal: Hulu is a US-only service.

The Catch: A VPN can get you a US IP address, but Hulu also requires a US-based payment method to sign up.

What this means: If you don't have a US credit card or a US PayPal account, a VPN won't help you create a new Hulu account. This guide is really for people who (ahem) already have a Hulu account but are traveling abroad and want to keep watching.

"Help! It's Not Working!" (Easy Troubleshooting)

So, you did everything right, but Netflix still says "You seem to be using a proxy" or the show still isn't there.

Don't panic. This is a normal part of the cat-and-mouse game. Here's what to do, in this order:

1. Try a Different Server. This is the #1 fix. The "New York" server might be blocked, but the "Chicago" or "Dallas" server might work perfectly. Just go back to your VPN app, disconnect, and connect to a different city in the same country.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache. If Incognito isn't working, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. That old location data is sticky.
3. Ask Customer Support. You are paying for a service. All the top VPNs have 24/7 live chat. Send them a message: "Hey, what's the best server for watching US Netflix right now?" They'll give you a direct answer.

The "Am I Going to Get Banned?" Question

I know what you're thinking. "Is this... allowed? Is Netflix going to cancel my account?"

Here's the honest answer: It is technically against Netflix's Terms of Service. They'd prefer you didn't do it.

But in reality? No one is getting their account banned for this. Netflix and other services have been aware of this for over a decade. Their only move is to block the VPN server, not to punish you, the paying customer.

The absolute worst-case scenario is you'll see an error message, and you'll have to... just try a different server.

So, that's it. You're now a global streaming expert. Go find that show you've been dying to binge.

Happy streaming!

Want to find the best VPN for streaming? Check out our VPN comparison tool to compare features and prices.