How to Use Netflix on the iPad From Outside the US

April 19, 2010
by Thomas Fals

So recently I got myself an iPad brought over to Denmark by a friend of mine. Armed with a couple of US gift cards for the iTunes store I soon got access to the app store and the large amount of apps ready for the iPad on launch day.

One of these apps was the Netflix app. For those who don’t know, Netflix is an online streaming service that gives users access to a large amount of movies and tv-shows. Sort of like Blockbuster on steroids – but without the late fees.

But Wait I can’t see the Netflix app in the App Store?

That is because the app is only available in the US version of the App Store. In order to get access to it you need to change your account to an US account. Apple will check your credit card to see if you are from the US or not when signing up for the US store. Thankfully you can also get access by using a US iTunes giftcard as payment instead of a credit card. All you need to do is go to eBay and get a giftcard and redeem it: Get a giftcard here.

Anyhow, since Netflix is provided for US customers only the app can’t be used from Europe. To the rescue comes our good old friend VPN. After doing a bit of research I came across Hide My Ass VPN.

Setting up the connection is pretty easy. Go to Settings > General > Network > VPN and put in your account info from Hide My Ass and off you go. Here I have chosen the San Francisco connection – once you have ordered the connection here you will receive a mail with all the info for the servers with username and password.

Netflix for iPad works if you set up a VPN connection on the iPad

As a sidenote this works for the ABC app, Pandora radio too – basically it works for all apps restricted to use in the Usa only. So you are in Europe, Asia or anywhere else outside the us then VPN is the way to go.

Get the Hide My Ass package here.

Extra info for the Netflix signup: Install the app from Hide My Ass on your computer and connect to a VPN server in the US before you start the sign up process for Netflix. When you need to input a zip code simply use a 5 digit zip code – any will do.  Sign up for Netflix here


Posted on Monday, April 19th, 2010, filed under: iPad, Netflix, Tutorial.

  • http://twitter.com/tasslehof David adlington

    How did you get a netflix account without a us credit card?

  • thomasfals

    Hi David – I used a Visa card issued here in Denmark. I also used my friends address in the US for sign up.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4FJWKBQPQMOYZGQTYWQPNLLOZM Tfamily

    but when you sign up using a credit card outside usa they ask for you to type in the american zip code etc..to relate to that credit card. its seems impossible to me.. and we even have a legit usa address but no usa credit cards and live in canada…. sad

  • thomasfals

    If you live in canada why don't you just use canadian netflix? http://www.netflix.ca/

  • http://twitter.com/rpl rpl

    Hi

    I really like that you provide some details on your netflix outside the us experience, but I'm wondering if you ever had any problems with not having a real us postal address. How do you prevent them from sending stuff in the real world if you're only interested in their bits…?

  • thomasfals

    I use my friends real address in the US. However, I just don't order any dvds to be sent out to the physical address.

  • http://www.facebook.com/Gobini Kristoffer Gandsager

    Hi
    Thanks for the guide. Do you need to use a US creditcard with NetFlix for this to work?

  • thomasfals

    I have used my Danish credit card without problems. I have however heard of some people having problems signing up with a non US card. Trial and error is the way to go.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rob-Jensen/100001578738787 Rob Jensen

    Hi, do you know if there is à similar solution for The Apple tv?
    I just bought one in THE US, but my Netflix does not work on that. Is there à way to setup the VPN in the router, instead of the device?

  • thomasfals

    Hi rob. We are in the same boat as I have a new Apple TV as well. There should be an option for loading vpn in the router and route only Netflix traffic trough vpn for all devices in the household. I will write an article this week if I succeed.

  • mrluv

    I'm using Netflix on my iPhone 4 in Denmark via VPN and it works like a charm. I use the VPN connection on my mac as well. I just ordered an Apple TV and my idea is to connect to netflix using my mac to create a wireless network which shares the VPN connection. In this way I hope that my Apple TV “thinks” it is located in the US… You can try that…

  • thomasfals

    That was my first thought as well, but vpn does not work via internetsharing in os x. I am working on another approach though and I will post an article on it this week.

  • http://www.facebook.com/amgra77 Alejandro Moreno

    Man i read your article while on the bus, and as soon as i got back home, i gave it a try and now i am a happy man, thank you very much.

  • thomasfals

    Hi Rob – I have now written an article about VPN routers and netflix http://thomasfals.com/how-to-use-netflix-on-the-apple-tv-2-from-outside-the-us/

  • thomasfals

    Great to hear Alejandro – happy viewing :)

  • Havdaddy

    I'm wondering if you had any luck getting the router issue to work? I'm trying to use netflix on my Tivo box and it's not working. I'm military stationed in Japan and want to stream the netflix content over my Tivo. However, when I attempt to stream, it gives me an error stating (for licensing purposes, of course) that it's not available outside the US. Thanks in advance for your help.

  • thomasfals

    Hi there – you might wanna take a look at this post http://thomasfals.com/how-to-use-netflix-on-the-apple-tv-2-from-outside-the-us/

  • http://twitter.com/SH0P4YOU SHOP4YOU

    Does this works only when connected by WiFi or also for 3G Network?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kristian-Nedergaard-Bakdal/672981027 Kristian Nedergaard Bakdal

    I've just tried and unfortunately it seems you need a US card now, or at least during the payment phase they ask for a Billing Zip Code which has to be US…

  • thomasfals

    I seem to hear mixed reports on this. Some people seem to have problems and some don't. Did you use a Visa Dankort? I used a Visa Electron from Nordea with no problems.

  • thomasfals

    VPN on the iPad will work trough 3g, but you connect to VPN inside the router then you of course have to be connected to it in order to route your traffic trough VPN.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kristian-Nedergaard-Bakdal/672981027 Kristian Nedergaard Bakdal

    I tried Visa/dankort, Master Card (credit, not debit), and a Amex all from Danske Bank.

    All of them without luck

  • thomasfals

    Hmm thats a bummer – not really sure if there is a way around this. I can't remember the sign up process but you did use a US zipcode right?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kristian-Nedergaard-Bakdal/672981027 Kristian Nedergaard Bakdal

    It seems they don't check the billing zip code. So it just has to correspond to the us zip code you type in on the address page.

    It works, at least during the trial period, I'm not sure what'll happen when they try to charge the card

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-de-Beer/100001747378878 Mark de Beer

    Can you stream from the iPad to an Apple TV(gen2)?

    Netflix is one of the menu items but a VPN on a (gen2) AppTV will not work :-(

  • thomasfals

    Video from the Netflix app on the iPad can not be streamed via Airplay. Instead read the article on how to use Netflix on the Apple TV here: http://thomasfals.com/how-to-u…/

  • http://twitter.com/mr_internet Loren

    You my friend Rock… I have been trying EVERYTHING for years (sad but true) but to no avail as the IP spoofing sites/ anonymous programs do not work.
    This opens a lot of other service as well like Hulu, Boxee etc, stuff we not in the US miss..

    Ref the question about streaming ipad to apple tv V.2, it has been done now but not for the general masses, the easy fix is imminent.

    Thanks again

    PS you should set up a link as a referral from strong vpn, so you can get some much needed cred, it asks when you sign up who refered you but none of your details here seemed for you seemed to work.

  • thomasfals

    Hi Loren – thanks for the positive feedback. VPN is the only proper remedy for this problem, and as you mention it works for a long range of other country specific services too. Glad to hear you finally got things working.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6XU6FW3ERCNO6S37SYBSX6FIAQ Norjufri

    Can you describe the picture quality of Netflix movies when streamed over VPN? I heard that VPN actually slows down connection speed so you won't be able to get crispy clear quality for the movies. How to fix this problem?

  • thomasfals

    The actual connection speed depends on a lot of factors such as your own connection, your routing, your hardwares ability to route vpn traffic. That said I am satisfied with the quality – of course we are not talking HD streaming. An actual review is hard to give as I do not know your taste or criteria.

  • http://twitter.com/vpntraffic vpntraffic

    hi, you can order us vpn at http://www.vpntraffic.com

  • Vladan

    Hi Thomas,

    Many thanks for a very helpful post. Would you please let me know how you were able to purchase a $10 package. I could not find that package on Strong VPN's website.

    Thanks again!

  • thomasfals

    Once you click on packages then ignore the region select and choose “Click here to se all of our packages”. On this list you will see the option at the top.

  • PressureFM

    Hej Thomas,

    Synes umiddelbart ikke jeg kan se den “Lite Open or PPTP” for $10 om måneden på deres hjemmeside men kun en “Lite Open” eller læser jeg det forkert?

    Til gengæld kan jeg finde en “4 City Special Open or PPTP” for $85 om året, som dækker over følgende byer: San Francisco, New York, Miami, London, Livingston, Manchester, Rugby, Maidenhead, Nottingham.

    Kan den bruges?

  • thomasfals

    Hejsa – ja den kan sagtens bruges. Grunden til jeg anbefaler den anden er, at man kan se om det er noget for én uden at binde sig for 1 år i første omgang. Desuden har den den største fleksibilitet i typen af forbindelser. Klik på “packages” og led derefter efter “Click here to see all our packages” så vil du finde den omtalte pakke. Den valgte 4 city special er også et rigtig godt bud.

  • Ruibiks

    Hello, dows this work for pc version also? and isn´t there any danger of netflix sending mail with my credit card information for the us adress?

    Thank you!

  • thomasfals

    Hi there – there is no such thing as a PC version of an iPad. I am not sure what mail Netflix will be sending you – they might try to mail some direct mail and marketing, but nothing important I think.

  • Nam

    Is it possible to send the video feed to an apple TV via airplay from the iPad?

  • thomasfals

    No, as I wrote in the comments further up: “Video from the Netflix app on the iPad can not be streamed via Airplay. Instead read the article on how to use Netflix on the Apple TV here: http://thomasfals.com/how-to-u…“

  • Tamaraburwell

    I do not have an ipad I have a pc can I use my pc with an internet key in Italy? I have a netflix account already?

  • thomasfals

    I am not sure what you are asking, but yes you can use Netflix in italy on your PC if you connect via a VPN connection.

  • Rasmus

    Works like a charm – Dane living in Ireland, streaming Netflix from US.

    The internet sure is an amazing thing :D

    Next question – is it possible to stream this signal to a TV?

  • thomasfals

    There is an AV cable for the ipad so you can connect it to the tv. However, the app has to be written to take advantage of this and the Netflix app can only send audio. If you want to Netflix on your TV I guess you have to either connect a laptop to the tv or use a ps3, apple tv or roku box. http://thomasfals.com/how-to-u…

  • Rasmus

    Was thinking about the Apple Tv as an option, but would like to avoid setting up an extra router, with a constant vpn connection. Had hoped
    there was some way to stream the signal from the iPad to the tv wireless.

    Guess i'll buy an AppleTv box, and then hook up a spare Router, and bridge it – and then i should be able to use this for the various wireless devices – including the AppleTv (with the XBMC/Boxee hack). This should work right?

  • thomasfals

    I think that would do the trick yes.

  • Mpenny

    Thanks for the great info. Quick question–is it possible to register for one of these USA-based vpn networks while outside of the US?

    I am from the US and am planning to travel internationally, and may want to use my streaming netflix account, but I am not sure if I will have the time & would rather just buy vpn access if the need arises rather than purchasing in advance and not needing it. Thanks!

  • thomasfals

    You can buy the VPN connection from any location you want.

  • Adam

    Hi excellent article. Opens even more usefulness to the iPad! Firstly is there any way round not having a US zipcode for signing up to Netflix?

    Also being from the UK what method of getting the US Netflix app would I have to use?

    Again many thanks for the article.

  • thomasfals

    Just use a fake US address when signing up. Make sure you use the same zip code from your signup when you enter your credit card info. For more info on how to get the app follow the steps here as the same applies for the iPad app: http://thomasfals.com/how-to-u…

  • VPNAdvice

    So can you register for a Netflix account, can you pay with a non-US card? Did you tried this?

  • Mpenny

    thanks!

  • Guest

    I did it on my PC and it works fine, thanks.
    I have a problem on my iPad though, I cannot download the Netflix app on the Italian iTunes Store, and cannot change my iTunes area to the US.
    Do you know where can I find the Netflix app ?
    Thanks
    Daniele

  • thomasfals

    Take a look at this post as the approach is the same for the iPad http://thomasfals.com/how-to-u…

  • REAL6

    Came across your site. Nice write up. Going to try this now. I want to know, it is possible to have this on 3 different computers here in Denmark. My laptop, at work and my desktop at home? or is it confined to a single computer? Tak

  • thomasfals

    Sure you can use it on multiple devices – but I don't think they can all connect at the same time. Never tested it though.

  • Damonerush

    Now that I have VPN and gift card, and registering for netflix.  Netflix is asking for credit card info.  What to do???

  • thomasfals

    You just need to sign up for Netflix on their website. As described in the end of the article make sure to use a Us address if they ask for one.

  • Tom

    I'm living in the Netherlands and I asked on the VPN strong website if I could get the 7$ dollar package for Netflix as well, the support hotline said yes. Is this correct?

    Btw, can I get this Netflix on my xbox 360 through a VPN network as well?

    Thanks in advance.

  • thomasfals

    Hi Tom. If they say so I am sure you can. As far as I know the Xbox does not have vpn client build in and you will need to get a router with vpn like described here: http://thomasfals.com/how-to-u… This will enable you to connect the Xbox to vpn as well.

  • Pit4544

    I am trying to steam from IPAD Netflix to the Apple TV but only the sound works. is there another way to stream than setting up a router with an US IP?

    I have tried Arirflick but it does not work. I think the solution would be an Ipad HDMI cable, though this solution is not optimal?

    1. Would it work?
    2. Is there a better solution apart from the router?

  • thomasfals

    I have not tried the hdmi cable solution, but I guess it would work. Apart from that I have not come across any other solutions.

  • Kathy

    We are in the U.S. and will be moving to Pakistan and would like to watch netflix on our computer and ipad. We already have the netflix account and have downloaded the netflix app. on the ipad. I have two questions:

    1. Should we wait and get the VPN service once we are in Pakistan?
    2. What Strong VPN package should we buy?

    Thanks

    Kathy

  • Paola G.

    Will this work with iPad 2? Thanks!

  • thomasfals

    Yes it works on any iPad

  • Gert Colpaert

    Hi,
    I have a Belgian iTunes account now with lots of apps and music. When I create a new US account, do I lose all my apps and music bought on iTunes with my Belgian account? Can I still sync my iPad with my computer, then?

    What if I buy a new apple tv (g2) and create an US account on it, will my Belgian iTunes account sync with the ATV?

    Actually, my question/problem is very simple. I would like to have the US options (especcially Netflix) on a ATV2 in Belgium. Is that possible?

    Thanks in advance for you answer
    G.

  • thomasfals

    You will not be creating a new account but simple change the country of your account. So you will not lose any content you have bought or downloaded as Apple will still look at you as the same ID – now simply with access to another region.

  • Iben1988

    Hej thomas

    Jeg har et spørgsmål… Jeg er i USA nu og er blevet afhængig af netflix… Og jef vil meget gerne kunne se der når jeg kommer hjem til dk igen om 6 mdr… Jeg har en konto ved netflix og jeg har app'en på min iPad 2… Men nu betaler jeg jo netflix med et us debit card.. Men når jeg kommer til dk vil jeg jo kun have et dansk kort… Vil de godtage det.???

  • thomasfals

    Hej Iben

    Det kan jeg godt forstå. Der er ingen problemer I at skifte over til et dansk kort når du kommer hjem. Jeg bruger selv et Visa kort fra Nordea uden problemer. Du skal dog være forbundet med VPN som beskrevet i artiklen.

  • Iben1988

    Hej igen
    Tak for hjælpen… VPN er ikke en app vel..??

  • thomasfals

    Nej VPN er en teknologi. Du købet et abb. til en konto og indtaster din kontoinformation som beskrevet i artiklen.

  • Navytorres

    Thomas,
    The giftcard should be starting from a specific ammount or no matter?

    Thanks in advance
    Navy

  • thomasfals

    You can use any amount. But if you want to buy som additional apps get a card with a little value.