How to Unblock Geo-Restricted Streaming Services From Anywhere?
Streaming services have revolutionized how we consume media, offering everything from blockbuster movies to niche television series at the click of a button.
However, one frustrating obstacle that millions of users face is geo-restriction. This issue arises when content is limited based on your geographical location due to licensing agreements, copyright laws, or regional broadcasting rights.
Popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer often segment their libraries, meaning what’s available in one country may be entirely absent in another.
If you’re seeking ways to unblock geo-restricted content, this guide will provide you with comprehensive, practical, and ethical solutions to access your desired media without compromising your privacy or security.
Quick Steps: How to unblock geo-restricted streaming services in your country?
A VPN is the most popular tool for unblocking geo-restricted content. It masks your IP address by routing your internet connection through a server in a location of your choice.
- Choose a reputable VPN provider (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or CyberGhost).
- Download and install the VPN application on your device.
- Launch the VPN and select a server in the country where the service is available. Like BBC iPlayer is available in the UK, connect the UK VPN server.
- Connect to the server and access your streaming platform.
Why can’t I get access to some streaming services in my country?
Streaming platforms enforce geo-restrictions using IP address detection, which identifies your location based on the internet service provider (ISP) you use. If your IP address is associated with a country where a particular service or content is not available, access will be blocked.
Streaming platforms do not own all the content they provide. Instead, they often license shows, movies, and other media from production studios or copyright holders. These licenses typically include geographic restrictions.
Copyright laws differ from one country to another. Streaming services must comply with these laws to avoid legal disputes, which may lead to restricting content in regions where they cannot secure proper rights.
Some governments impose restrictions on foreign media, either for cultural reasons, censorship, or to promote local content. Streaming platforms may be required to exclude or modify certain content to comply with these regulations.
Not all streaming platforms are global. Some services cater only to specific regions due to their primary audience, logistical challenges, or strategic focus.
How to bypass geographical restrictions to get access to a streaming service from anywhere?
To get access to any streaming service which is geographically restricted in your region, you need to bypass geographical restrictions it has because you can’t get access to the device without doing so.
We recommend you make use of a good VPN because it has been proven that VPNs are the best way of bypassing restrictions quickly as well as safely. You must employ the VPN on your device and then connect it to a server in any country where the service is available.
Doing so will assign your device an IP address of the country of which server it has been connected to. This is how the streaming service will read your location to be of that country where the service is available due to the fake IP address and thus allow you access to the service.
The VPN in use also masks up the original IP address of the device which is of a country where the service is geographically restricted, so that the original physical location cannot be known.
So this is how you can make use of a VPN on your device and unblock any streaming service (having geographical restrictions) from wherever you are located and thus stream on it without any hindrance.
Which streaming services can I unblock with a VPN?
Most major streaming services can be unblocked with a VPN, including:
- Netflix: Access libraries from different countries.
- Hulu: Available primarily in the U.S. and Japan.
- Disney+: Unblock regional exclusives.
- BBC iPlayer: Watch content from the UK.
- Amazon Prime Video: Access different international catalogs.
- HBO Max: Enjoy content from the U.S. catalog.
- Other Platforms: Peacock, ITV Hub, Paramount+, etc.
Can I use a VPN on all my devices?
Yes, most VPNs support multiple devices and platforms, including:
- Computers (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Smartphones (iOS, Android)
- Streaming devices (Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV)
- Smart TVs
- Gaming consoles (via router setup)
Some VPNs even allow unlimited device connections.
What should I do if my VPN doesn’t work with a streaming service?
If your VPN fails to unblock a streaming service, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Switch Servers: Connect to a different server in the same country.
- Clear Cookies and Cache: Prevent the platform from detecting your actual location.
- Enable Obfuscation: Some VPNs offer this feature to bypass detection.
- Contact Support: Many VPN providers offer 24/7 assistance for server recommendations.
How does split tunneling improve streaming?
Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection. For streaming, it offers benefits like:
- Improved speeds for non-VPN traffic.
- Access to local websites while streaming geo-restricted content.
What’s the difference between regional streaming libraries?
Streaming platforms often have region-specific content libraries due to licensing agreements. For example:
- Netflix US: Largest library with many exclusive titles.
- BBC iPlayer (UK): Access to British TV shows and live sports.
- Hulu (US): Exclusive access to many American TV shows and originals.
Using a VPN allows you to access these regional libraries from anywhere.
How can I pay for streaming services that require a local payment method?
To subscribe to services requiring local payment methods, you can:
- Use a gift card for the streaming service (e.g., Hulu, Netflix).
- Create a virtual payment method or use PayPal registered in the target region.
Can I unblock streaming services on a Chromebook?
Yes, most premium VPNs offer apps for ChromeOS or browser extensions for Chrome. Follow these steps:
- Install the VPN app from the Google Play Store or Chrome Web Store.
- Log in and connect to a server in the desired region.
- Access your streaming platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some streaming services geographically restricted?
Some streaming services are geographically restricted because services want to keep the content offered exclusive. They sign agreements of copyright and licensing for the same.
How does the streaming services find out the location of the devices trying to access them?
The services find out the location of the devices trying to access them by checking the IP address of the devices because IP addresses are unique addresses of the devices which are assigned to them based on their physical location.
Do streaming platforms detect and block VPNs?
Yes, many streaming platforms have advanced VPN detection systems to block access from known VPN servers. Premium VPNs continuously update their servers and employ advanced features to bypass these blocks.
Can I configure a VPN on my router?
Yes, configuring a VPN on your router provides VPN protection for all connected devices. This is particularly useful for devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as smart TVs or gaming consoles. Check your VPN provider’s setup guide for your specific router model.
How does clearing cookies and cache help with unblocking?
Cookies and cache store location data from previous browsing sessions. Clearing them ensures the streaming service doesn’t detect your actual location when you connect using a VPN.
Conclusion
It is common for streaming services to have geographical restrictions and this leads to inaccessibility of the services to people present in the regions where they are geographically restricted.
However, it is possible to get to such services even from the regions where they are restricted by making use of a VPN on the device with which the service needs to be accessed.
Out of all the VPNs available at present, we suggest you to use ExpressVPN because it has been found out that this VPN is completely reliable and performs it’s functions really well.