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Lately, it feels like our paychecks aren’t covering everything we need or want. Inflation is hitting most of the country pretty hard, so it’s even more annoying when companies like Netflix impose a password-sharing ban that makes it difficult to split the cost of the service with loved ones. Even more infuriating is the high price tag now associated with the streaming service’s plans. If you want commercial-free access, it’ll run you $20.00/mo, and that’s before adding on the $8.00/mo for an “extra member.”
But thanks to NordVPN, you can now bypass that tricky little “extra member” fee and continue to split the cost of a membership with up to 60 devices. (That’s not a typo, we said 60.) The best part? It won’t cost you anything extra. Nord is giving Meshnet to everyone for free. Once configured, you have the ability to share a single IP address between all those devices. What?! This is wild. Let’s get into it.
Netflix isn’t a fan of virtual private networks (VPNs) and has expressly outlined in its terms of service that your account can be suspended or deactivated if you’re caught sharing passwords with members outside of your household or accessing geo-restricted Netflix content. But rest assured, it's not illegal to stream content in the U.S.
In our testing, we found that, yes, NordVPN unblocks American Netflix as well as other countries’ Netflix libraries with its vast server network. The VPN app works if you’re outside of the country trying to keep your traffic encrypted and watch content or if you’re trying to connect to a non-U.S. server to watch geo-restricted content.
Either way, we found NordVPN allows you to do this with fast connection speeds and no buffering. While it’s free to use Meshnet to bypass the password-sharing ban, you’ll still need a NordVPN paid account to access various worldwide servers for geo-restricted content.
If you’re inside the U.S.A. and want a VPN on your devices for security, NordVPN runs while you’re streaming Netflix. This is the primary criticism against Netflix’s war on VPNs — the streaming service blocks VPN usage even if the user isn’t violating terms of service.
High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
Loads of servers for multiple connection options
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
Too many confusing plans
Nord may help you access geo-restricted content on Netflix, but it’ll also provide you with a host of benefits. If you’re accessing Netflix from home, you can beat internet service provider (ISP) throttling by connecting to NordVPN, and if you want to stream while you’re out of the house, security is a top priority! Wherever you are, you’ll want to know how to watch Netflix with a VPN. Here are some of the benefits.
There’s a lot of literature online about Netflix’s decision to ban password-sharing. When it was first announced, people wondered how it would work and how it would be enforced. We now know Netflix makes you log into the service from your home location once every 30 days.
If you have a family member who “lives with you” but doesn’t actually reside in your dwelling unit entirely throughout the year, you can add an extra member to your account. This is meant to cover kids at college or perhaps a parent or sibling who lives across the country.
To add an extra member, you cannot have a Netflix account with ads or one paid for by a third party. The extra member has to reside in the same country as you, and they have to be invited to your account after you purchase their slot.
While these rules were meant to discourage password sharing or recoup some fees from people who share, they put an extra strain on individuals who were splitting the cost of the service. Members found violating these policies may have their accounts suspended or canceled completely.
Meshnet is, for all intents and purposes, exactly what it sounds like — it meshes your network together. It’s an encrypted tunnel through which you can route your internet traffic that connects to the same IP address.
What that means is that it makes your online activity look like it’s coming from the same place. It doesn’t matter if you live across town or across the globe, you’ll still be able to appear like you’re sitting in the same living room as the Netflix account holder.
To use Meshnet, you have to:
There’s nothing more frustrating than reading about a cool new technology and then not being able to make it work. If you’re struggling to unblock Netflix with NordVPN, check out the following troubleshooting techniques.
There are no streaming-optimized servers on NordVPN because of the SmartPlay feature built into the VPN service itself. SmartPlay is a Smart DNS technology, and domain name servers (DNS) are like the phone book of the internet. It converts domain names, like Netflix.com, into IP addresses that the internet can read.
Smart DNS technology switches the DNS to IP addresses that aren’t blocked by streaming sites by encrypting your traffic and hiding your true IP address. Think of it like getting an Unknown Number on your caller ID. You know the caller is using a phone number to connect, but you just can’t see it.
So, if you can’t connect to Netflix using your current server, try a different one. The SmartPlay feature automatically reconfigures your traffic. For best results, try to use a server close to you physically unless you’re accessing geo-blocked content. Considering NordVPN offers over 5,000 blazing-fast servers, you’re likely to find one that works.
| Netflix library | NordVPN servers |
| United States | 1,970+ servers in 16 locations |
| Canada | 480+ servers in 3 locations |
| United Kingdom | 580+ servers in 4 locations |
| France | 230+ servers in 2 locations |
| Japan | 160+ servers in 2 locations |
| Australia | 190+ servers in 5 locations |
| Germany | 240+ servers in 2 locations |
| Italy | 90+ servers in 2 locations |
| The Netherlands | 170+ servers in 1 location |
| Learn more | See NordVPN Plans Read Our NordVPN Review |
Cookies and other cached data from websites are stored in your browser’s cache. This data is used to load web pages faster by remembering information like text and images. But when something changes, like your location, it can cause the page to not load at all. So if your cache says you’re in Pennsylvania, but your IP address is pinging from London, there’s a chance Netflix won’t load.
Clearing your cache can reset the information Netflix is reading and allow you access. We have an entire guide dedicated to showing you exactly how to clear the cache in your browser, but you can always do a quick internet search if your specific browser isn’t listed.
NordVPN provides specific DNS servers for your use when connected to its VPN service. If you want to configure these manually, NordVPN has a page explaining how to configure DNS servers within your specific operating system. You can manually set your DNS in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS with NordVPN’s guides.
If you’ve tried all of this and it’s still not working, reach out to customer support on NordVPN’s website. The support agents are helpful and understand that sometimes technology can be frustrating. Chatting with support may take longer than troubleshooting on your own, but they have access to problem-specific tools to help you fix your issue.
So if you exhausted all the methods above and still couldn’t unblock Netflix, it may be worth it to try a different VPN service. You’ll still be able to use NordVPN’s Meshnet feature for free to bypass Netflix’s password ban, and you may find another reliable VPN that offers the ability to access Netflix libraries if NordVPN can’t do that for you.
If you’re wondering what other VPN services are good for Netflix, consider ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA).
In our testing, yes, NordVPN worked with Netflix. But since Netflix is constantly scanning to check for VPN usage, it may beat NordVPN from time to time. Don’t worry; the VPNs are always fighting back and figuring out new ways to beat Netflix.
If NordVPN doesn’t work with Netflix when you try, use one of our methods above to help you unblock the streaming giant. If you want to learn more about our NordVPN experience, you can check out our NordVPN review for speed tests, WebRTC leaks, and other helpful information.
Netflix is trying to block every VPN. Top-tier VPN services like NordVPN have methods to get around the Netflix blocks, but since it’s a constant back-and-forth struggle, sometimes Netflix may succeed in blocking NordVPN. If this happens, try one of our methods for unblocking Netflix or give it some time. NordVPN should get the upper hand again soon.
NordVPN’s Meshnet service should help you bypass Netflix sharing bans. By sending all your data through the same encrypted tunnel, Meshnet makes it look like you’re sitting in your parent’s living room while you’re really backpacking through Thailand (or sitting on your couch a block away). Just be careful; if Netflix figures out what you’re doing, there’s a chance you’ll lose your account.
Whether you’re the kind of person who needs episodes of Community streaming to fall asleep or are just catching up on Bridgerton, having unrestricted access to Netflix is a must wherever you are in the world. Or maybe your nana can’t wait to catch up on Black Mirror but doesn’t have it in her fixed income to pay for her own subscription. Meshnet can help you get around that pesky password-sharing ban. And if you need to unlock geo-restricted content, try one of NordVPN’s 5,000+ servers in 60 countries. Whatever you need it for, NordVPN has a way.
If, for any reason, NordVPN just doesn’t work or you prefer another service, check out our best VPNs for Netflix guide to find one that’s right for you. You’ll still need Meshnet to get around the password-sharing ban, but you’ll likely be able to unblock Netflix with one of our top-rated VPNs. Whatever you choose for your VPN needs, we want to wish you happy streaming!
High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
Loads of servers for multiple connection options
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
Too many confusing plans
