Using a VPN is the fastest and easiest way to watch Crave TV in USA and anywhere else in the world.
Specifically, I unblock Crave in the US with NordVPN since it provides faster Canadian servers for seamless streaming.
You can also try alternative methods to unblocking Crave (which I discuss in the rest of this piece), but they’re not as straightforward as using a VPN.
This guide dives into everything you need to know about watching Crave on your mobile, PC, and smart TV devices from the US or anywhere else.
Why Isn’t Crave Available in Your Region?
Crave is exclusive to Canada and can only be streamed there.
Geo-restrictions make it impossible for servers from other countries to access the channels and content on the streaming service.
Crave also maintains that offline downloads can be watched when you’re outside Canada.
The downside is that these offline downloads aren’t kept in your account forever, expiring just 48 hours after viewing them the first time.
Crave will delete that offline download from your account after 30 days if you don’t watch the downloaded videos.
This makes it challenging for people in the USA and other parts of the world to access Crave shows, movies, and series.
Likewise, if you’re a Canadian traveling overseas, you won’t get access to all the Crave content you were following back home.
You don’t have to travel back to Canada before you can use Crave, though.
Read on to find out how you can stream all the Crave content anywhere.
Easiest Way to Stream Crave From the USA – Use a VPN
The geo-restriction around Crave means you need to be in Canada to stream the service.
Connecting to Canadian servers tricks the Crave systems into thinking your device is accessing the platform from Canada.
Thus, you get access to content initially unavailable to you.
I’ve detailed below how to do that on mobile, PC, smart devices, streaming devices (like Roku and Apple TV), and gaming consoles.
Watch Crave on Mobile From the USA
Here’s how to access CraveTV on your Android or iOS devices from within the USA.
In subsequent sections, I discuss how to download the mobile app (when outside Canada).
- Download the Crave app (check subsequent sections for tutorials on this).
- Disable location services on your device.
- Sign up for a preferred VPN provider. I recommend NordVPN, which is also the one I use in this guide.
- Connect to a Canadian server.
- Launch the Crave TV app and sign up if you haven’t already.
- Start streaming your content without restrictions.
One of the ways that Crave keeps the service locked to Canada is by allowing only Canadian-issued cards on the platform.
You can get around that with alternative payment methods, which I’ve discussed in the sections below.
Watch Crave on PC From the USA
I tried accessing Crave on my PC from outside Canada, and I got hit by the geo-restriction pictured below.
If the same has happened to you, follow the guide below to unblock access and watch Crave on your PC.
- Install a preferred VPN extension in your browser. I have the NordVPN extension for my Google Chrome browser.
- Log in to your VPN and choose a Canadian server. NordVPN allows you to pick a fast Canadian server from the Quick Connect screen.
- Once connected, launch Incognito Mode and open the CraveTV website in your browser [https://crave.ca/en/].
- Sign in to an existing Crave account or subscribe if you’re new to the service.
- You can now stream any show or other content on Crave.
Watch Crave From Smart TVs in the USA
You can watch Crave from an Android Smart TV and select non-Android smart TVs.
For Android Smart TVs:
- Change your Google Play Store region to Canada.
- Install your preferred VPN on your router. I’ve included a NordVPN router guide below.
- Connect to a Canadian server.
- Connect your Android smart TV to the router.
- Access the Google Play Store to download Crave.
- Login to your Crave account with your credentials.
- Stream your content without restrictions.
Your preferred VPN to watch Crave must have router software, and your router must also be compatible to use this method.
Otherwise, check subsequent headings for how you can stream Crave TV on your Smart TVs without needing a router setup.
For non-Android Smart TVs:
- Install your preferred VPN on your router. Connect the router to a Canadian VPN server.
- Connect your smart TV to the router network.
- Download/access the Crave app from your smart TV.
- Login with your account credentials.
- Stream Crave without restrictions.
Crave doesn’t currently support all smart TVs.
This approach only works if you’re using any of the following smart TVs:
- Samsung Smart TV with Smart Hub (2017-2021).
- LG Smart TV.
- RCA TV (running on webOS TV).
- Roku Smart TVs.
Watch Crave on Gaming Consoles From the US
You can stream Crave on PlayStation 4 (PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro), PlayStation 5, and Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and Xbox Series X) from Canada.
Outside Canada, here’s how to stream Crave content.
For PlayStation:
- Install your preferred VPN on a supported router.
- Connect to a Canadian server.
- Connect the PlayStation device to the router.
- Access the PlayStation Store from your device.
- Download Crave normally and log in.
- Stream content like you’re in Canada.
You can’t create a Crave account on the PS4 or PS5 gaming consoles.
Create an account via the official Crave website and log in with your credentials on the gaming console.
For Xbox:
- Install your preferred VPN on a supported router.
- Connect to a Canadian server.
- Connect the supported Xbox device to the router.
- Go to the Xbox “Store” page. Select “Apps.”
- Search for the Crave app if it’s not already in your featured app section. Download the app for free.
- Launch the app and log in with your credentials after downloading.
- Stream Crave content seamlessly.
You can’t create a Crave account on Xbox devices, either.
Setup an account from the official Crave website (if you don’t have one already) and log in with your credentials on Xbox.
Don’t forget to connect your PC/mobile device to a Canadian server to set up your account on Crave.
Watch Crave on Streaming Devices (Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Firestick) From the USA
Crave is available via some streaming devices.
This is a great option for users who don’t have a smart TV or can’t download the app on their Smart TVs.
The list of supported streaming devices includes:
- Chromecast.
- Roku.
- Amazon Fire TV.
- Apple TV.
Here’s how to watch Crave TV on anyone of these streaming services when you’re outside Canada:
- Connect to a Canadian server.
- Connect your streaming device to your TV.
- Select Crave from the list of apps.
- Setup the internet on your streaming device (if you’ve not already done that). Connect to the router with a VPN.
- Stream Crave without restrictions.
3 Best VPNs to Stream Crave in the USA
Not all VPNs will unblock access to Crave or give you the best experience when streaming content outside of Canada.
I recommend NordVPN throughout this guide due to the unique features that make it suitable for this task.
It’s also in the excellent company of Surfshark and ExpressVPN, which are equally great for streaming Crave outside of Canada.
Here’s why.
NordVPN – Best for Streaming Crave From Multiple Servers
Out of NordVPN’s 5400+ global servers, the company maintains 480+ Canadian servers and continues to add to that.
This allows you the freedom to connect to any and unblock Crave TV from a preferred Canadian location.
Canadian Crave users traveling to other countries can even get other state-specific content since they can connect to a server in their home or close to it.
NordVPN is optimized for speed, eliminating lags and buffering for the best experience when streaming Crave.
On top of that, you get NordVPN’s DNS and IP leak protection to ensure that Crave never knows you’re streaming out of location.
Otherwise, your account may get banned from the platform.
You can try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days, during which you can get a full refund if you don’t like the service.
Sounds like a good deal to enjoy all those shows you’re missing out on.
Surfshark – Best for Streaming Crave on Unlimited Devices
Surfshark allows you to connect to servers in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to unblock Canadian content like Crave.
It might not have the number of servers you get with NordVPN, but it’s worth the price.
This VPN is also optimized for speed, so you stream Crave faster.
An automatic kill switch means DNS leaks are contained since the VPN terminates your connection when your internet goes off.
Crave never finds out you’re streaming its content from any other location.
You’ll also appreciate public Wi-Fi protection which comes into play if you’re streaming or downloading Crave content over public Wi-Fi.
This protects you against anyone snooping around your internet data to steal sensitive information.
Perhaps the best thing about Surfshark is how a single subscription allows you to unblock and stream Crave across unlimited devices.
You don’t need to log out of your Android app to use the VPN on your PC or other devices in the home.
As a bonus, Surfshark doesn’t set you back too much – and you can still get the 30-day risk-free trial to test it out before committing fully.
ExpressVPN – Best for Streaming Crave Fast
ExpressVPN might be more expensive than the others on this list, but it has always been known for its speed, reliability, and unblocking abilities.
You need the unblocking abilities to continuously stream Crave from anywhere.
Since it’s optimized for speed, you don’t have to worry about buffering or lags when watching your favorite show with this VPN, either.
ISPs can throttle your internet speeds when you’re using up a lot of bandwidth, like streaming a lot of Crave TV.
ExpressVPN bypasses throttling by hiding your traffic when streaming Crave so your ISP doesn’t know what you’re doing.
Although ExpressVPN may cost more out of the box, it allows you to try the service for 30 days.
If you don’t like what you get, you can request your money back and try out any other VPN provider on this list.
Go here to try ExpressVPN free for 30 days before making a final decision.
How to Stream Crave With SmartDNS in the USA?
You can stream Crave with either a dedicated SmartDNS service or a DNS service supplied by a supported VPN provider.
I recommend this method for smart device owners who can’t directly install VPNs on their units.
That would include non-Android smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
You can also use SmartDNS if your router doesn’t support VPN software installation.
In any of those cases, follow the guides below.
Use SmartDNS Standalone Service
- Go to the SmartDNS website and purchase a SmartDNS plan for a Canadian IP.
- Download Crave onto your streaming device if not already available.
- Request SmartDNS configurations from the service.
- Access your streaming device’s SmartDNS settings.
- Input the new SmartDNS details into your streaming device.
- Launch the Crave app.
- Stream your content without restrictions.
Use SmartDNS From VPN Providers
How to Download Crave App on Your Mobile Devices in the USA?
If you’re outside Canada, you won’t see the Crave app in your iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
This isn’t because the app isn’t available on those application stores, but they’ve been limited to the Canadian versions of both app stores.
Here’s how to download the Crave app successfully on iOS or Android devices.
Download Crave App on iOS
- Disable location services from your device settings.
- Connect to a Canadian server via your VPN.
- Once connected, go to Settings again. Click on your account.
- Select “Media & Purchases.”
- From the pop-up, choose “View Account.”
- Select “Country/Region.”
- Select “Change Country or Region.”
- Choose “Canada” from the list.
Once the region changes, you can now use the iOS App Store like you’re in Canada.
With your VPN still enabled, search for Crave to download and install the app on your iOS device.
Changing your country/region could result in losing your iCloud Music Library since Apple maintains that on a per-region basis.
I recommend exporting all your playlists or making sure they’re saved on other devices, so you don’t entirely lose access to your music files.
Download CraveTV App on Android
- Disable location services on your Android device.
- Launch your VPN app. I use NordVPN on Android too.
- Connect to a preferred Canadian server. NordVPN’s Quick Connect helps you choose the fastest server.
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap the account icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings.”
- Select “General.”
- Choose “Account and Device Preferences.”
- You should see the “Switch to the Canada Play Store” option if your VPN works right.
- Add a payment method for the new country to continue.
This change is usually instant, but Google maintains that it might take up to 48 hours in some cases.
Once effective, you can now access and download Crave from your Play Store.
Google doesn’t allow users to change their Play Store location anyhow and will only allow you to switch back after a year.
Make sure you’re comfortable seeing Canadian content and using Canadian billing methods for a year to use this option.
How to Pay for Crave in the USA Without Canadian Bank Account Details?
Earlier, I mentioned that you might face payment challenges using a non-Canadian payment option.
You can get around that by choosing alternative payment methods instead.
On the payment page, Crave allows you to use gift cards.
Since these gift cards aren’t tied to any location, you’re in luck.
Here’s what you have to do:
- Purchase a Crave Gift card from the official store.
- Enter your gift card details on the payments page.
- Continue to your CraveTV account.
Crave sells its gift cards via some partner vendors but always check the site first to see if there are any discounts on the card.
You could get up to a 25% discount (or more) when you look for such deals on the Crave platform first.
Besides the initial signup, you can continue making subsequent payments for your Crave account with gift cards.
If you choose the annual plan, you only have to do this once, and you’re set for the year.
What to Do When Crave Isn’t Working With Your VPN?
If you’re trying to unblock access to Crave with a VPN outside Canada and it’s not working, troubleshoot the issue with any of the recommendations below:
1. Choose a Premium VPN Provider
Free VPNs and freemium VPNs don’t often offer reliable Canadian servers nor DNS leak protection, which makes it impossible to unblock CraveTV in the USA.
Even with some paid VPNs, you might not get a whitelisted Canadian IP address to unblock the service.
I recommend an affordable VPN provider like NordVPN (which you can use on six devices simultaneously) or Surfshark (which offers unlimited multi-logins) for the best experience.
Free VPN services are also notorious for having their servers blacklisted by streaming platforms.
The recommended premium providers constantly add new servers and replace the backlisted servers, giving you continuous access to your favorite online platforms.
2. Switch VPN Servers
There’s a chance that the server you chose might be blocked.
With NordVPN, that’s not an issue since you can choose from any of the 480+ Canadian servers and connect again.
Simply leave the Crave app/screen, disconnect from your current server, and choose another Canadian server to solve this issue.
3. Disconnect and Reconnect Your VPN
The automatic kill switches on VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark will shut down the internet once the VPN connection is interrupted.
This prevents DNS leaks that would have enabled Crave to know you’re changing your IP address to access its platform.
This failsafe may also cause your streaming to stop temporarily.
When that happens, disconnect from the VPN server and reconnect your device.
Crave is none the wiser, and you can pick up from where you stopped.
4. Check if Crave Is Down
This is rare, but Crave itself might be unavailable.
You could ask around with friends who also use Crave or check social media platforms to see if anyone else is discussing the downtime.
You can also use a downtime detection service (like https://downdetector.com/) to know the platform’s current status.
If it’s a general problem, all you can do is wait for their engineers to bring systems back up.
5. Use Incognito Mode
I access services I want to unblock on PC from Incognito Mode (or Private Mode/Private Browsing on other browsers) since this version of my browser doesn’t contain cookies or any cached information.
Even when your VPN works, browser cache and cookies may include location information that interferes with the secure connection, and lets Crave know you’re outside Canada.
I suggest using private browsing modes if you’re having issues streaming content via Crave, even after using a reliable VPN.
Otherwise, you can stay in your regular browser/ device usage mode and try the option below.
6. Clear Cache and Cookies
Cache and cookies store information about your device and user preferences for a smoother experience.
Some of this information can also inform Crave’s servers that you’re not in a Canadian region.
Get around that by clearing your device or browser cache before connecting to Crave.
Depending on what browser you have or device (smart TV, Android, etc.), look up the relevant guides to clearing your cache.
What Devices Can I Watch Crave With in the US?
You can watch CraveTV in USA on mobile devices (iOS and Android), your PC, smart TV, and gaming consoles.
You can also access the service via streaming platforms, such as Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
A complete list of all devices you can access Crave TV with in the USA is provided in the table below:
| Platform | Devices |
|---|---|
| Mobile | iOS 11 and later |
| Android 7 (Nougat) and later | |
| Windows Mobile 8.1 | |
| PC | Windows 8.1 and later |
| Mac 10.11 and later | |
| Browsers | Firefox 88 and later |
| Chrome 68 and later | |
| Edge 16 and later | |
| Safari 10 | |
| Android TV | OS 7 and later |
| Xiaomi Mi Box 3 | |
| Nvidia Shield | |
| Gaming Console | PlayStation 4; PlayStation 4 Pro; PlayStation 4 Slim |
| PlayStation 5 | |
| Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X. | |
| Streaming Devices | Roku |
| Amazon Fire TV | |
| Apple TV | |
| Chromecast |
Note that the above aren’t the only devices you can stream CraveTV on.
However, these are the devices that work best in the US.
FAQ
Can I Unblock Crave With a Free VPN?
Free VPNs may not offer Canadian servers or have blacklisted Canadian servers that won’t get you access to Crave.
These free VPN providers are also poor in speed and security, so you don’t get the best experience when streaming Crave via their services.
On top of that, free VPN providers are notorious for harvesting and selling user data to the highest bidder.
Considering how affordable NordVPN and Surfshark are, especially with the extended deals, free VPNs aren’t worth the stress for streaming Crave.
Can I Watch Crave for Free in the US?
You can watch free trailers on Crave in the USA after unblocking with a VPN or any other preferred method.
To watch the whole movie, show, or series you’re interested in, you must create an account with Crave and subscribe to a plan.
What Shows Are on Crave?
Crave packs exciting shows for a niche service.
Some of the hottest shows on Crave are:
- Billions.
- Flight Attendant.
- Industry.
- Euphoria.
- Your Honor.
- The Undoing.
- Tokyo Vice.
- Julia.
- Law and Order.
- Killing Eve.
- The Gilded Age.
- Chernobyl.
- A Criminal Affair, and much more.
There are also a lot of movies and documentaries to watch on the service.
Simply search for your favorite shows or browse the extensive library to discover something new.
Can All VPNs Unblock Crave in the USA?
Crave can only be unblocked by VPNs with access to multiple Canadian servers and a reliable connection.
The VPNs that can unblock Crave also need robust DNS and IP leak protection so that the Crave systems don’t catch up and boot you off the platform.
I recommend NordVPN, which offers all of that and faster streaming speeds for a smoother watching experience.
Is Crave Available Anywhere Outside Canada?
Crave is a Canadian exclusive streaming service for now, and it doesn’t look like this will change anytime soon.
You need a VPN with reliable Canadian servers to unblock access to Crave content and stream as much as you like.
You can download Crave TV content on the mobile app and watch it outside Canada.
These downloads are kept in your mobile app for 30 days if you don’t watch them or 48 hours after watching.
Now That You’ve Unblocked Crave
You can now travel out of Canada and keep up with every scene of your favorite Crave content as if you were back home.
Non-Canadian residents can also get in on the fun to satisfy their cravings.
All the VPNs recommended here are great, but my personal preference for unblocking content remains NordVPN.
If you’re skeptical about spending your money on the service, follow this link to try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days and enjoy exclusive discounts.
