How to Use Netflix on the Apple TV 2 From Outside the US

November 2, 2010
by Thomas Fals

So you have gotten hold of one of the new Apple TVs, and you are sitting comfortably in your couch ready to watch Netflix – only to find out that the service is blocked from usage outside the US.

Fortunately there is a way round this problem. I have written articles on how to use Netflix on the iPad and iPhone already, and both approaches make use of a VPN connection. VPN stands for private virtual network and it basically connects you to a server in the US making Netflix think you are located within the US. A VPN service is not free, but it is a small and very helpful investment. The best VPN service I have come across after trying a few is Hide My Ass .

The Apple TV however, is different from the iPad and the iPhone as it does not have a VPN client build in. Instead we need to use a router that can connect directly to VPN. Not many routers can do this, but I have come across the ASUS RT-N16 that will allow you to do just that. As a matter of fact Hide My Ass recommends the router for their network, so that works out pretty sweet.

 

How to Watch Netflix on the Apple TV with VPN

So that is basically it – you need a VPN account from Hide My Ass and get an ASUS RT-N16 . After that it is simply a matter of joining the network you set up from your Apple TV and change the location to the United States.

Remember to use a 5 digit zip code when signing up for Netflix. If you have a 4 digit zip code just put a zero in front. Otherwise just pick a random set of numbers.

Use Netflix on the PS3 and Xbox 360 Outside the US

As a side note it is worth mentioning, that this will make all devices on your network capable of using Netflix – not just the Apple TV. Even the PS3 and XBOX 360 you have sitting around will now be able to connect to Netflix even though you are not in the US.


Posted on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010, filed under: Apple, Apple TV, Netflix, Tutorial.

  • juaramillo

    Hi, thanks for this information.
    I have one question for you… PPTP or Open VPN?

    Thanks.

  • thomasfals

    You can choose between PPTP or Open VPN.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=625621104 Patrick Wieghardt

    Is there a way of sharing an internet connection through another computer (ethernet, airport) connected to Strong VPN?

  • kaavbaai

    wouldn't this be an easier (and cheaper) way around it? http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1451303 see the last comment so far (by hidemynet).

  • thomasfals

    I can not speak for computers running windows, but internet sharing on OS X does not allow a vpn connection to be shared.

  • thomasfals

    If it works. However you will run into problems with “home sharing”, and you will be unable to stream content from itunes as well as the remote app on iPad and iPhone will stop working. Also Internet sharing on OS X does not allow for sharing of a VPN connection – how it works out on a PC I would not know.

  • Sunbernt

    What do you belive is pros and cons about Open VPN vs PPTP?

  • thomasfals

    To be honest I am actually not sure on that one. Try asking the question in the Strong vpn forum.

  • http://twitter.com/SabaiTechnology William Haynes

    Thanks for the blog post. We just had someone looking at our routers who had read it. We have the best customers in the world! – William Haynes, Sabai Technology

  • http://twitter.com/JMandersonBM John H B Manderson

    Works like a charm on the WII too, and iPhones/iPads.

  • http://twitter.com/renewuttke René Wuttke

    Wow. I am exactly searching for this solution. I also use Strong VPN but a AirPort Express at the moment. I am currently considering what is the best way to get Netflix on my TV. What box etc. I have not much interest in Apples stuff though, since I do not want to get through the trouble of getting an US account and the cards.

    I actually own a PS3 and an XBOX 360. The 360 will need a US XBL Gold account for streaming to work. I got the PS3 to connect to the US-PSN (by using my PC as a tunnel, Windows 7 this also works on OSX with a little extra software), but the Netflix application apparently checks the serial of the PS3, since it denied me the connection.

  • http://twitter.com/renewuttke René Wuttke

    Wow. I am exactly searching for this solution. I also use Strong VPN but a AirPort Express at the moment. I am currently considering what is the best way to get Netflix on my TV. What box etc. I have not much interest in Apples stuff though, since I do not want to get through the trouble of getting an US account and the cards.

    I actually own a PS3 and an XBOX 360. The 360 will need a US XBL Gold account for streaming to work. I got the PS3 to connect to the US-PSN (by using my PC as a tunnel, Windows 7 this also works on OSX with a little extra software), but the Netflix application apparently checks the serial of the PS3, since it denied me the connection.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IWHE4E72F5NNGWRWX732JEPHAU Sammy

    question for you if you don't mind. so you have 2 different routers in your house? do you then need 2 separate cable or DSL connections? I assume not but can you just step back and explain that piece please?

  • thomasfals

    I have 2 routers since I had one from a previous setup. All you need though is one router with dd-wrt and a internet connection.

  • http://twitter.com/tech_freek mark brown

    Thank you because of this blog i got one of these routers and it works super duper great!! Had the apple tv since the day it was out and enjoyed watching netflix, hulu, abc player…. But was tired of watching on my iphone 4 ipad 3G or my mac…. I wanted it on my tv… Thanks to sabai technology my dream has come true!! Us netflix on my 50 inch tv WITHOUT a computer!!

  • http://twitter.com/tech_freek mark brown

    @sammy i got 2 routers the one that i have and still using and the one from strong vpn (purchace at Sabaitechnology.com)… all i needed to do is plug the new vpn router in my current router via LAN… Now the vpn router has internet you put your strong vpn credentials reboot and your good to go… Now i got to different wireless hotspots on the same cable modem… dont need to seperate internet subscribtion… Everything that connects to my regular router is just like usual and everything that connect to the vpn router is virtually in th us!! Simple has that!!

  • thomasfals

    Hi Mark – good to hear you could use the guide. It is a shame to have the Apple TV and not being able to use Netflix. Glad it worked out as it should.

  • MartinGroenbaek

    Hey Thomas,

    Thanks a lot for your article – just what I needed!

    I don't get why it's not possible to send internet into ex. a Mac Mini, via Ethernet cable, buy a StrongVPN connection and then internet share the connection via wifi.. But that's just my lack of knowledge.

    Anyway, any recommendation of which router, from Sabai Technology, I should get? As long as it says “StrongVPN” I'm good to go?

    I am moving back to DK, from Hawaii, in a months time, and I just want my Apple TV to continue with Netflix! :)

    Best regards,
    Martin Grønbæk Lauritsen

  • thomasfals

    Hi Martin

    Well the thing is that I hear mixed reports on the sharing of VPN. Some claim that it works but I have never seen proof. Mostly I have read about people complaining that they can't share the VPN connection trough internet sharing. Personally I spend a whole sunday trying to make it work but I gave up. A side effect of getting it to work would be that the Apple tv is no longer on the same network as your other machines. Then the remote app as well as home sharing will stop to work. If you load VPN on the router instead you will still have these features intact. As far as the router goes you should be fine with any of their offerings, but have a talk with them as I can see they have added a new router since last time I checked.

    On a side note there is not reason to come back to Denmark now – too cold:)

  • MartinGroenbaek

    Hi again,

    Just a final comment: If my Mac mini is connected with a cable, and then I use the mini's wifi antenna to transmit internet throughout my house, then all devices would be connected to my Mac mini's network, hence home sharing, remote app, and what not, should work fine, right?

    But then again, if it's not possible to share a VPN connection through the Mac Mini, then the entire conversation is irrelevant! :)

    I think I'll have to test it when I get to DK. Start by buying a StrongVPN connection, and see if I can get it working with internet sharing. If not, when I'll buy a router from Sabai Technology.

    Ohh A final question: Do you have any problems concerning internet speed when you have a VPN connection going? Does Netflix load fast enough or is the movie pause occasionally to buffer up?

    Thanks again for the article.

    /martin

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Simon-Soholm/871690283 Simon Søholm

    Hej Thomas

    hvis man køber den smarte router, så har jeg lige et par spg som du måske kan hjælpe mig med. Kobler jeg den så til min alm wireless router/modem? den skal jeg helst have kørende da jeg også har kabeltv og internet over denne i Schweiz? Det er det eneste jeg er lidt nervøs for inden jeg bestiller denne vanvittige smarte router og åbner en account hos strong VPN.

    På forhånd mange tak

    simon

  • thomasfals

    Hejsa

    Du kan blot koble den på det eksisterende udstyr du har. Jeg har selv en tvungen router fra mit selskab der sidder først i kæden. Tal evt. først med William fra Sabai om dit setup – han er rigtig hjælpsom.

  • sunz10

    Hi i have difficulty too access netflex via apple tv as our ISP supports PPPoE not PPTP so i am stuck any way around to overcome this issue? ta

  • thomasfals

    I am not sure on this one. Try asking the 24/7 support at the Strong vpn site. They can help you or sure.

  • nbl

    Hi Martin – this is great advice and worked fine fior me in New Zealand. I can get Netflix content to my computer using the Strong VPN, no problem.

    The issue now is my Apple TV 2 does not have a Netflix menu option. It looks like this has been reoved for units sold outside the USA.

    How do I get Netflix back on the Apple TV 2 so I can connect a VPN router?

    Thanks

    Any

  • nbl

    Hi Martin

    THis is great advice. I got the Strong VPN and now can access Netflix on my coputer from outside the USA – no problem.

    I now want to watch on my TV but my Apple TV 2 does not have a netflix option. It looks like the Plle TV 2 units sold outside the US do not have a Netflix menu option.

    How can I add Netflix to my Apple TV 2?

    Thanks

  • nbl

    Hi Martin

    Thanks for this, it works great. I can now view Netflix on my computer from outside the USA. Now I want to view it through my Apple TV2 using the VPN router but there is no Netflix option in the Apple TV2 menu.

    It appears the Apple TV2 units sold outside the USA have the option removed. Do you know how I can add it back in?

    Thanks

  • thomasfals

    You don't need to ask the same question 3 times:) Go to the settings menu and change location to the US. Now you will have Netflix in the menu under internet.

  • Flemming

    Just wanted to say thanks for this article. I ordered one of the routers after reading this and we love it. Both our Wii and Apple TV 2 now streams Netflix. Super awesome – cheers

  • Fbsantos

    Guys,

    I'm moving to Brazil in 2 weeks, will this work down there? I'm currently in the US. Also, they have a special price for strong vpn for Brazil, should I get that one ($90) or just stick with the standard? Thank you

  • thomasfals

    You should be fine with the regular one. You want to connect to a VPN server located in the US not in Brazil.

  • Isnox

    If I use this solution, will that mean that ALL my traffic goes through VPN? Can I use the above mentioned Sabai router to use my regular internet connection (without the Strong VPN), instead of always having to use strong VPN? Best would be an on/off option where I can decide if I want to use VPN or my regular connection. Is that possible?

  • thomasfals

    Yes all traffic will go trough VPN. However it might be possible to create an ip-table in the router to only direct traffic for netflix through VPN. It is very tricky though and I would suggest you talk to Sabai and ask if they can make such a setup.

  • CashMan

    Hey thanks for the Tutorial!

    Before I order Sabai Router.. How do I extend the range of the wifi router? And will all internet surfing work the same as it is with the Strong VPN , or should i get a different internet line for this setup?

    Pls advice !

  • thomasfals

    I have no idea on how to extend the range of the wifi router you are getting. I guess it depends on what router you are looking to buy etc. Your net traffic will all be routed trough VPN. Talk to Sabai to ask what speeds they are getting on the routers. I know they keep adding new ones and get higher and higher speeds for each model.

  • Danny

    Hej, fedt hvis det virker!
    Men kan man bruge både den nye router og ens gamle?
    Jeg tænker bare at normalt så taber man meget i internethastighed med en VPN service.
    Så kunne jo være smart hvis man kan skifte mellem den gamle og nye router, hvis det altså kan lade sig gøre??
    Hvad med din internethastighed på den nye router, kan du mærke at den er faldet?

    Mvh.

    Danny

  • thomasfals

    Du kan sagtens have 2 routere i dit setup. En vpn service vil formentlig altid være langsomere end din normale forbindelse. Hastigheden afhænger meget af hvor meget ram der ligger i routeren – derfor vil der være store forskelle på hastighed. Tal med Sabai for at få de sidste nye tal på hvad de kan presse ud af deres routere.

  • http://twitter.com/nikolajr Nikolaj Rasmussen

    Hej.
    Hvordan betaler du Netflix, PayPal?
    Har prøvet, men min PayPal siger jeg ikke bor USA… duh :)
    Skal man så lave en fake PayPal konto? Har Googlet rundt, men kan ikke finde noget.

    Hvad gør du?

    Dbh.
    Nikolaj

  • thomasfals

    I use a Danish Visa. Make sure that you use the same US zipcode for the signup as you use when entering your payment details.

  • http://twitter.com/nikolajr Nikolaj Rasmussen

    thanks!

  • Natasha

    If I buy a router from Sabai, can 2 computers share the connection from the router? Also is there anything else that I need to do on my part once I purchase the router? You mentioned ordering the VPN lite, but isn't it already installed in the router? A little confused! I'm not that savy with computers
    Thanks for your help

  • thomasfals

    Hi Natasha. If you only need to watch Netflix on your computer, then you don’t need to buy a router. All you need to do is register for an account with Strong VPN. If you don’t feel comfortable with the setup you can ask their live support. You only need the router if you want to watch Netflix on an Apple TV outside the US. Then you need to register an account with Strong VPN and order the router from Sabai. If you order the connection first and then the router I am sure Sabai will set it up for you.

  • thomasfals

    Thats great news Flemming – glad to hear it worked out for you

  • salaschristian

    My last post about an easier and much cheaper way to get Netflix on the ATV2 outside of the US was never published.

    I wonder if you make any money from redirecting people to buy these expensive routers and setup accounts for the VPN thing?

    Interesting…

  • salaschristian

    If I'm wrong I'm sorry and I apologize from now but I did put some time into writing my other comment to try and help others the way I thought you were trying to do here (and the way I was luckily helped before buying this router and so forth) and it's not there. I can't think of any other reason though.

    Anyways, I'll try again when I get home (I don't have all the info with me here). Maybe it just got lost in the “Your post needs to be approved before…” process.

  • dg

    Thanks for your helpful article! But I'm wondering… any reason why the Sabai hardware might NOT work in Mexico (Telnor!)… replacing the standard “Infinitum” router? And a related (VPN) question: If I sign up with StrongVPN now, for my Mac and iPad, then add the Sabai component later, is that going to be a problem? Many thanks from Baja…

  • thomasfals

    Hi there. I am not familiar with Telenor or their setup. However, most ISPs have their own routers or cable modems. Simply put the Sabai router after your ISPs router and you should be fine. You could also ask if they have had customers using Telenor before. Setting up the VPN first on your iPad or Mac should not be a problem.

  • Wamino

    Hi thomasfals,

    I have a Canadian Netflix account…and i want to use it while I am outside canada. Ofcourse, whenever, i try to use it via the Apple TV, it keeps telling me that i can not using from my current location, since I am not in Canada.

    My questions are:

    - Does StrongVPN and sabai router provide/support Canadian VPN IPs?
    - Can I use the Sabai router with my current ExpressVPN service, which provides Canadian VPN IPs?

    Would really appreciate your response on the above

  • thomasfals

    Strong VPN has servers located in Canada too. Just take a look at their website. I do not know if the routers works with ExpressVPN. Sabai calls them Strong VPN routers because they have been prepared for that, but try writting them and see what they say.

  • Anhphan81

    Hi Thomasfals. If I want to watch netflix from PS3, do I need a Sabai router as in Apple TV? Do strongvnp and Sabai router work in Vietnam? Thanks!

  • thomasfals

    Since the PS3 can not connect to VPN on its own you need a router to do that. It should work just fine – perhaps have a talk with Sabai and ask them although I am sure you will have no problems.

  • Jimmi

    Hej Thomas.
    Har et par enkle spørgsmål!!

    Hvis jeg vil se netflix på mit fjernsyn, kan jeg så oprette forbindelse på min Iphone 4 og sætte den til mit fjernsyn??
    Jeg har også AppleTV og overvejer at køre det igennem denne, hvis det ikke er for svært.
    Det jeg blandt andet er i tvivl om, at hvis jeg følger din vejledning og bestiller et modem fra Sabai, kan jeg så nøjes med dette modem til alt min trafik i hjemmet eller kan/skal jeg beholde mit trådløse modem fra Yousee ved siden af??

    Ser frem til dit svar.

    På forhånd tak.

    Jimmi

  • thomasfals

    Du kan ikke sætte din iPhone til dit tv og se Netflix den vej. Der findes et kabel der kan lave video ud fra iPhonen, men det kræver at applikationen understøtter dette hvilket Netflix ikke gør. Hvis du vælger en router fra Sabai er du stadig nød til at have det udstyr du har fra din udbyder og så koble routeren til denne.

  • Lchu80

    Hi Thomas,

    This is by far the most informative forum on this topic. Do you know if other DD-WRT enabled router and access points also work? Noticed Buffalo has a few models too WZR-HP-G300NH, WHR-HP-G300N and WHR-HP-GN.

    Thanks,

    LC

  • thomasfals

    I have no experience with the mentioned models so I would not know.

  • william

    i am using strong vpn on the computers in my house thanks to your excellent posts. but i just got apple tv and what i don't understand is if you get a DD-WRT enabled router does that mean that you can also have multiple vpn connected devices at the same time? two apple tvs in different parts of the house for example?

  • thomasfals

    Hi William – glad you could use the info. If you have a DD-WRT enabled router all devices connecting to it will be routed trough the VPN tunnel and be able to access Netflix and so forth. Instead of connecting to VPN on the devices the router will do it for all.

  • Sridiyer

    Thanks, This was a fantastic solution

  • Flashgirl

    That's good to hear it works on the Wii.
    I've been trying to figure out the best solution for watching my media on my tv. I'm in Canada, already have strongvpn, w. Apple Airport router.

    I have a Mac desktop, PC laptop, a Wii and an iPhone. I like gaming, so I was considering buying an older XBOX or PSP for an extended media server for movies/music to my TV – but this solution looks good.
    Can I ask you what is the best setup for me to watch Hulu, Netflix through my Wii (possibly new xbox/psp), my Mac and iPhone? I can already watch Hulu, Netflix, BBCplayer on my laptop, I just need to get it all on my TV!!

    MANY thanks for this great post and any HELP is so appreciated!!! :D
    Andi

  • Flashgirl

    I would like to hear the outcome of this! – Please let me know if you figured this out – I have virtually the same setup, but am considering an xbox or psp, and now it sounds like that won't work….I do have a Wii, have set it ti US and I have strongvpn and a US Netlix account working. I'm doing this from my laptop PC, but also have a desktop Mac w. airport express wifi….
    Any solutions for me? (pls email me at: flashgirlx@rogers.com)
    Thanks!
    Andi

  • Flashgirl

    Hi! I have a Wii, strongvpn, pclaptop, mac desktop and iphone, can you explain your setup to me?
    Thanks so much!

  • Mike

    Dear Thomas

    How does one connect such a Sabai router to an existing network?
    I have a speedtouch modem plus time capsule with 2 iMacs,2 MacBook pro's, 2 iPads and 4iphones
    As suggested I ordered à VPN package and netflix account. Netflix works fine on all devices except for Apple tv2.

  • thomasfals

    Hi – there are many ways to set this up. Have a talk with William from Sabai and he will guide you.

  • Mike

    Thanks for your comment. I'll keep you posted

  • Herby2u

    Thanks for this info. I live in Singapore and of course Netflix is blocked. Quick question. The strong VPN is a yearly subscription. I assume that I don't need toorder until I actually receive the Sabai router correct? Also, howdo you know if you need open VPN or the other protocol? Thanks in advance.

  • thomasfals

    Hi there – you can wait for sure. Take a look at this page to compare the protocols. Personally I have the PPTP version http://strongvpn.com/compare.s…

  • POLO!

    Hello Thomas & other readers … 
    Like many others I wanted to watch Netflix on my Apple TV2 from Denmark. Since I've already invested in 2 time capsules so really don't want to spend $200 on another  router (preconfigured dd-wrt). I wanted it to work without additional purchase of hardware and yesterday I found a way to do that. It worked like a charm and therefore I'm here to share with you guys. For this to work, all you need is a VPN account and a Mac connected to internet via Ethernet running OSX. Connect to VPN on your Mac and then activate “Internet Sharing” in System preferences – Sharing”. Here you will share your connection from VPN to other computers using AirPort. Once this is done you can connect your Apple TV2 wirelessly to your shared VPN connection and access Netflix & others similar websites without any problem. Share your experience here!
    Windows users, I'm testing a similar solution and will be back soon :-)

  • Creecher4

    I have an Apple and am trying to connect to netflix from the UK.  I have a valid VPN connection to the US, but when I try to connect to Netflix -after reseting my browser and deleting the cache- Netflix still says I am outside of the US.  Do you have any suggestions?

  • Yoe

    Can I use the Apple Airport Express to setup a VPN network?

  • thomasfals

    No the Airport Express can not create a VPN connection

  • Mark George

    Are you saying that I must have a different router?  The reason I asked is that I just moved and changed cable companies here in Germany and had a lot of trouble with initial connectivity and finally the tech had to spend 2 hours reconfiguring the router to get it working correctly, I am afraid if I connect another router that did not come from my cable company it will not work.

  • thomasfals

    You will have to keep the router from your ISP to have connectivity to the Internet at all. Behind that you will put the new router and set it up according to this guide: http://forum.hidemyass.com/sho…

  • Nvialis

    Hi Thomas, I am in Switzerland, and I just bought the Apple TV. Unfortunately I realize I can have access only to swiss movies, which are not my favorite… I saw your process of getting VPN and opening a Netflix account. But will it work if I don't have a US credit card nor a US address to open the account on Netflix? If you could give me some tricks, I would realy appreciate…

    Cheers,

    Nicolas

  • thomasfals

    Hi Nicolas

    You don't need a US credit card to open a Netflix account (99% of foreign card work). Just make sure that you are connected with VPN once you sign up. Netflix does not need a US address if you just use the streaming version.

  • Jim

    Hi thomas,
    I live in Canada and previously used Netflix Canada with my appletv. I wanted the benefits of the us catalogue too, and so I bought hidemyass VPN. With my ddwrt router this allows me to flawlessly connect to Netflix US with my laptop, desktop, iPad and iPod. However my appletv will occassionally still insist it is in Canada even when I am pulling a us ip address.

    Can you advise what would cause this and how I can get my appletv to see the light? Jim

  • thomasfals

    Hi Jim

    I have heard of this happening from time to time for some users. Did you remember to set your location to the US and also restart the Apple TV? Keep it unplugged for at least 10 seconds and restore power.

  • Steve

    One problem, you make no mention about how to get the netflix icon to show on the apple tv menu. It should show under Internet, but does not show up on mine. Why?

  • thomasfals

    Go into settings and change country to United States under itunes account and it will show up.

  • Phil

    The post is really useful however I still have a couple of questions. How will I need to set up the router so that it connects through my VPN? Does the  ASUS RT-N16 router come with a set up guide for VPNs. And also you mentoined something about hooking it up to another router? How would I go about doing this? I am completely useless when it comes to computer stuff like this…  I am currently working on a macbook but i could get access to a windows computer for the access. Also do I constantly need to have computer running to connect to my vpn or will the router take care of it?

    Thanks already! Phil

  • thomasfals

    Hi Phil

    The setup guide for the Asus router is here: http://vpnfreedom.com/vpn-rout…

    You don't have to hook yet another router up to the Asus (I just had one a spare one that I use for my non VPN needs). You can set this up from both a Mac and a PC. The router will handle the connection so your computer does not have to run in order for this to work.

  • Edward Greer

    Great Post!  I am moving overseas and will be using this to setup my network.  The only difference is that I'd like to use the dd-wrt router to just pass its connection on to my airport extreme in bridge mode.  My airport extreme would then be my router for connecting devices.  Any thoughts on the feasibility of this?
     
    Thanks

  • thomasfals

    Hi Edward – that should be doable. I don't see why that would not work.