A smart TV makes it easier than ever to access a variety of apps, but is it possible to change the Netflix region on your smart TV? We already know it is possible to change the Netflix region on iPhone, but what about a smart TV?
Generally, a smart TV will offer features based on your region. So you're going to have to essentially 'fool' your smart TV into thinking that it is in a different location.
Just how easy is it to fool your television? We aren't exactly talking about the need for David Blaine levels of illusion here. And there are options which might allow you to access an alternative region from your own. Here are your options.
How To Change Netflix Region On Smart TV
There are a few different options to try, if you are desperate to watch a movie or show that isn't available in your region. But before we examine those options, there is an elephant in the room. Netflix, of course, doesn't want anyone to change region. Changing your region does violate the Netflix terms of use (see point 4.3). So do bear that in mind.
On the other hand, changing your region isn't, in most places, illegal. But depending on where you are reading this from, the tools you will use to change your region may be illegal. There are certain countries which have banned the use of proxy servers or VPNs. So make sure you check before doing anything. We don't want you to go to jail.
But assuming you are living in a place where you won't be breaking any laws, and assuming you're willing to break those terms and conditions, here are your options.
VPN
The first, most well-known option is to try using a VPN service. A VPN works by redirecting your traffic via a server located in a different part of the world. So Netflix will communicate with wherever that server is located, rather than your actual location.
Depending on the type of smart TV you have, you may be able to download a VPN app directly. Alternatively, you might want to install the VPN onto your router. It can be expensive to buy a router that allows you to do this, however.
Finally, you could connect your smart TV to your computer using an ethernet cable. Your TV will then share your computer's internet connection, and its VPN.
But a note of caution: Netflix is getting wise to people using a VPN to try to access extra content. And if they do detect that you are using a VPN, don't be surprised to see yourself being blocked from accessing Netflix.
Is there any way to change the Netflix region without VPN? Keep reading to find out!
Smart DNS
Similar to a VPN, using smart DNS is an alternative option. Much like a VPN, this reroutes your connection through a DNS server in another location. It is less secure than a VPN, as it does not encrypt your traffic or hide your IP address.
To use this, you would need to change the IP address on your smart TV, normally via the settings menu. You then need to replace the existing IP address with the IP address of whichever Smart DNS service you wish to use.
Proxy Server
Last, but not least, is a proxy server. Again, this works very similarly to the previous two options. And while this won't encrypt your data, it will mask your IP address.
There are two main types of proxy servers – a web proxy, which you enter via a website, or as a browser extension. You may or may not be able to download one onto your Smart TV, depending on the make and model.
Note also, that if a proxy server is described as ‘transparent’ or ‘anonymous’ then it isn't going to work. This is because it tells Netflix you are using a proxy server, and Netflix will restrict your content. That sort of defeats the purpose of using it in the first place.
Why Would I Want To Change Netflix Region?
Famously, watching Netflix doesn’t mean that you can watch all its content. You may well be logging in to watch a specific film or tv show that's caught your attention, only to find it isn't there. Why might that be?
Well, it's all to do with licensing agreements, which mean that certain content is restricted to certain regions of the world. Without bogging you down in complex legal jargon that we don't fully understand, it comes down to who owns the broadcast rights for that content in different parts of the world.
For example, Netflix may own the rights to broadcast a particular show in North America, while another company might own those rights in Europe.
If Netflix doesn’t own those rights where you live, then that content won’t be available in your region. And this is why being able to change regions has been so popular for users. Doing this has the potential to grant you access to content that wouldn't normally be available to you in your region.
This is something known as geoblocking, where access to content is limited based on your geographical location. It's increasingly common, as businesses seek to maximise profits by controlling content and prices as much as they can.
If this is the situation in which you find yourself, then you've got the opportunity to change your smart TV region by following the steps we've outlined above. But be aware that Netflix is always trying to prevent people from accessing content they shouldn't. So don't be surprised if you find Netflix trying to make this harder for you in the future.
- Read More: How To Fix Netflix Error Code NW-2-5: What Is Error NW-2-5 On Netflix And How Do I Fix It?
Could I Just Change The Smart TV Region?
If setting up any of the options we've listed feels like too much of an effort, you might be contemplating changing the region your Smart TV is set to. After all, this just requires you to tweak a few settings on the TV. Easy, right?
Well, yes and no. Because while this will change the region your TV thinks it's in, it still won't let you access a different region for Netflix content. And this is because Netflix will be able to identify which server your television is connecting to. Which will be the local server for your region, regardless of what your television believes.
You'll still need to mask your IP address. And the most effective ways of doing that are the methods we described earlier.