While Americans enjoy a massive content library, we Canadians get the short end of the stick. And some of the titles you watch in the US are not always available in Canada.
It can be frustrating not to be able to watch some of the trending shows in North America. If you are a US resident traveling up north, you may also find yourself unable to stream some of your favorite content while in Canada.
Just to put it into perspective, American Netflix has over ±5600 movies and TV shows, while in Canada, you can only access a total of ±5400 titles.
That’s a huge difference!
It’s even more so when you consider some of these titles are TV shows with over a hundred episodes.
But while Netflix geo-blocks are a pain in the ass, with the right tools, you can easily circumvent them and watch American Netflix in Canada.
It’s quite easy actually, and in this guide, I’ll show you how to do it.
Method #1: Using a VPN for American Netflix (Recommended)
Netflix uses your IP address to impose content restrictions.
With a VPN, you can hide your Canadian IP and obtain a virtual American IP, making it appear as if you are streaming from the US.
But Netflix is getting tougher and now employs robust security measures that detect and blacklist VPN IPs. As such, choosing the right VPN is critical if you want to access the American Netflix library.
In this tutorial, I’ll be using NordVPN as the provider offers streaming optimized US servers that not only work reliably with Netflix but also provide fast speeds.
To access American Netflix, you’ll need the following:
- An active Netflix account.
- A compatible VPN service – I recommend NordVPN.
If your Netflix account is currently working, you should be able to access American Netflix without much of a hassle.
Here is a quick walkthrough:
- Set up a VPN service on your device.
- Launch the app and log in.
- Select a server in the US – Important!
- Click to connect.
- Now launch the Netflix app (or open Netflix on your browser).
That’s it!
You should now be able to access US Netflix.
Method #2: Using Smart DNS
Smart DNS allows you to access Netflix and other restricted streaming sites such as Disney Plus and HBO without speed loss.
However, you should bear in mind that Smart DNS services do not mask your IP address or provide online anonymity.
And due to its lack of encryption, it leaves you susceptible to hackers and other malicious individuals.
So, if you are looking for a secure way to access American Netflix, this might not be it.
How Smart DNS Services Work?
A Smart DNS service works by changing your DNS settings to match those of the provider, enabling your traffic to be routed through their servers.
It’s compatible with almost any device, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that do not have built-in VPN functionality.
How To Access American Netflix in Canada With Smart DNS?
Again, to access American Netflix in Canada with Smart DNS, you’ll need an active Smart DNS subscription. And not just any Smart DNS service, but one that works with Netflix.
Setting up Smart DNS may take a bit longer compared to VPNs.
However, it’s not very complicated, and the whole process can be completed within minutes.
Below is a step by step guide on how to set up Smart DNS on your device.
- Go to your device’s Wi-Fi settings.
- Click on the network you are currently connected to.
- Open the “DNS settings” field (“IP settings” in some devices).
- Next, choose “Enter Manually” and clear the Canadian DNS server IP address.
- Now get a US DNS server IP address from your Smart DNS provider – I recommend ExpressVPN (Mediastreamer Smart DNS).
- Enter the DNS server IP address and click OK.
- Restart your connection and log in to Netflix.
The setup process may vary slightly from one device to the next, but the steps above should get you across the finishing line.
Does American Netflix Work in Canada?
American Netflix does not work in Canada due to geographical content restrictions.
And as mentioned earlier, the company actively enforces these restrictions.
This has rendered many unblockers moot, leading to a public perception that accessing American Netflix from outside the USA is no longer possible.
But can you watch American Netflix in Canada?
Absolutely.
With the right VPN or Smart DNS service, you can reliably unblock US Netflix not just from Canada but also from any other location around the world.
What Devices Support American Netflix?
In the United States, you can use Netflix on a wide variety of devices ranging from computers to smartphones, tablets, and TVs.
It is also compatible with lots of streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Nvidia Shield TV, and Google Chromecast.
The list is endless.
While some of the streaming devices may not support VPNs or Smart DNS, you can always set up these geo-unblocking tools on your router.
Other solutions include installing a VPN on your PC and sharing the connection via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Why Choose American Netflix in Canada?
If Canadians do get Netflix too, why all the fuss about US Netflix?
Well, it all comes down to the content disparity.
The American Netflix version has a massive content library, and due to licensing and copyright limitations, not every title is available in Canada.
US exclusives like Dexter, The West Wing, Private Practice, The Twilight Zone, Parks and Recreation, Haven, and Portlandia are all missing in Canadian Netflix.
These are just some of my favorites. There is so much more.
And when it comes to adding new shows, Americans also get the better deal.
While most Netflix originals will drop on the same day, American residents often get newer episodes that have yet to make it onto the Canadian version.
How Do I Get US Netflix on My TV?
There are many ways to watch US Netflix on your TV, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a smart TV to do it.
That said, with a smart TV, the process is much easier.
Most smart TVs come with the Netflix app right out of the box, and you don’t need to add another device.
Simply look for the Netflix app and log in to start streaming.
If the app is not available, you can try searching for it on the app store.
But what if you don’t have a smart TV?
How then do you get Netflix on your non-smart TV? All you need is a device that has the Netflix app.
Some of the devices you could use are:
- Plug and play streaming devices – Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Firestick
- Game Consoles – PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360
- Smartphones and tablets
- Computers – Mac, Windows
Connecting any of these devices to your TV should be a piece of cake.
I recommend using plug and play devices like Roku, Chromecast (read how to use NordVPVN on Chromecast), and Firestick since they give you a more stable and permanent setup.
They also come with a remote, which makes them much more comfortable to use.
Again, with a computer or mobile device, you can connect to your TV and use it as a display for content playing on the device. You can do so via mirroring or through a wired connection.
How to Cast Netflix From Your Phone to TV?
TVs with Chromecast built-in allow you to cast from your mobile device to the TV.
Currently, only Sony, Toshiba, Philips, Sharp, Polaroid, Skyworth, Soniq, and Vizio TVs come with Chromecast built-in.
All these brands are available in Canada and if you are using one, you should be good to go. Otherwise, you’ll need to invest in a Google Chromecast to enjoy the functionality.
Here are the steps you should follow to cast Netflix from your mobile device to your TV:
- Launch and sign in to the American Netflix app on your mobile device (To do so, you’ll need to set up a VPN on the mobile device).
- Next, select the Cast icon in the right corner of the screen.
- Select the TV you want to cast to.
- Once the connection is active, go back to your smartphone’s Netflix app and press play.
Your movie or TV show should now play on your TV screen.
Besides, you can now use your mobile device as a remote.
How Do I Know I Am Getting American Netflix from Canada?
We’ve seen how to get American Netflix in Canada, but how do you know you are actually getting American Netflix?
The best way to confirm whether you are accessing US Netflix is by searching for a US exclusive title.
One of the TV shows you could look for is Parks and Recreation, which is only available on American Netflix.
If you can view it, then you are connected to Netflix USA. Stream away!
Conclusion
Netflix is a hard nut to crack. Their geo-blocks are some of the most robust and can be hard to bypass. However, that’s not to say it can’t be done.
With a bit of simple VPN trickery, you can circumvent the restrictions and access American Netflix in Canada.
But remember, you’ll need to select your VPN carefully.
Personally, I recommend NordVPN because it offers fast connections and reliably unblocks Netflix.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and that it was helpful to you. If you have any questions, do let me know in the comment section below.
Also, remember to share this post with your friends and get them streaming too.