How to Watch NOS outside the Netherlands
Besides RTL and NPO, NOS probably is Netherland’s most popular streaming channel. However, as is the case with most streaming apps these days, NOS is geo-blocked abroad.
In case you’re a Dutch ex-pat living in the USA, Australia, Canada, or South Africa, you will be presented with an error message whenever you try to access NOS’s live stream.
You might be wondering whether there’s some kind of workaround that enables you to bypass these regional restrictions. Well, luckily, there is.
Quick Guide
Time needed: 5 minutes
In order to watch your favorite Dutch streaming channels while abroad, you will need a VPN. A virtual private network allows you to spoof your online location. Thus, access any site or app you want. Here’s how it’s done.
- First, sign up with a reputable VPN service provider.
While free VPNs might sometimes work, they’re not worth the hassle.
- Next, download and install the VPN app on your streaming device.
VPN apps are available on PC, Mac, Android, iOS, and FireStick.
- Once that is done, launch the VPN application and sign in.
You will be presented with a list of global VPN servers.
- Connect to a Dutch VPN server.
Once the connection is established you will appear as if you’re located in the Netherlands.
- Finally, head over to the NOS website or launch the NOS app.
Say goodbye to those annoying error messages.
Watching NOS Abroad – Detailed Tutorial
The quick how-to we listed above sums up all the necessary steps you need to take. From here on out, we’ll go more into detail on what you need to get past geo-blocks.
What’s Required:
To unblock NOS abroad, you’ll need everything on the list below:
- An NPO account
- A VPN subscription
- Your streaming device.
Can I Watch NOS outside the Netherlands?
Unfortunately, NOS is not available outside Holland. Whenever you try to watch a NOS live stream while abroad, you will be presented with one of the following geo-errors instead:
- “Vanwege uitzendrechten is het niet mogelijk om deze uitzending buiten Nederland te bekijken. We verwijzen je graag door naar de livestream van BVN. BVN toont een uitgebreide selectie van de tv-programma’s van NPO. Start hier de BVN livestream.”
- “Dit programma is niet (meer) beschikbaar (12).”
The first one basically translates to you not being able to watch the NOS stream due to broadcasting rights being limited to the residents of the Netherlands.
This is where a VPN comes into play. It enables you to get a Dutch IP address even while you’re traveling to another country.
What Is a VPN?
VPN simply stands for “virtual private network.” By using a VPN, you can establish a secure, encrypted tunnel that protects all of your browsing activities online. It is mainly intended to be used as a cybersecurity tool.
But a VPN’s benefits don’t stop there. Not only does it prevent eavesdroppers from spying on what you do online, it also enables you to spoof your location. Thus, tricking streaming channels to “think” you’re located in a region where they are available.
A quick Google search will reveal hundreds of different VPN service providers. As with any other services you can subscribe to online, some are reliable while the majority are not.
Picking the right VPN provider is the most important step. Look at various reviews and try reading forums and Reddit threads to not which VPN suits you the most.
In terms of accessing geoblocked channels such as NOS, ExpressVPN tops our list. They have been around for quite a while and are considered one of the best in the business.
We’ve accumulated the top VPNs you can turn to watch NOS from anywhere in the world in the list below.
- Best for streaming and privacy
- High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
- Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- 24/7/ live chat support
- 3 extra months free on annual plan
- UltraHD streaming
- Free Smart DNS proxy
- Unblocks all major streaming services
- Limited Time 72% Discount
- Unlimited VPN connections
- Over 1000 servers
- Ad-blocking feature available
- User-friendly application
- Exclusive Smart VPN feature
- Standalone Smart DNS subscription available
- Extra security features
- Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- Split-tunneling available
How to Get the NOS App on any Device outside Holland
NOS itself doesn’t have a dedicated streaming app. Instead, you will either need to head over to the NPO website or download the NPO app from Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
In case you’re attempting to watch NOS on your PC or Mac, follow these steps:
- First, launch your VPN app and connect to a Dutch VPN server.
- Next, visit https://www.npostart.nl/live/npo-1
- Finally, watch NOS live stream from anywhere in the world.
Many apps on Google Play Store are only available in certain regions. To get the NPO app on your Android device, follow these instructions.
- Launch the VPN app on your Android device.
- Connect to a Dutch VPN server.
- Complete these instructions to switch your Google Play Store region to the Netherlands.
- Download the NPO app from Google Play Store.
- Stream NOS on your Android device.
Similarly to Android, you need to switch your App Store region to the Netherlands first in order to download Dutch-exclusive apps on your iPhone or iPad.
- Change your App Store country to Holland.
- Download and install the NPO app on your iPhone/iPad.
- Connect to a Dutch VPN server.
- Watch NOS on your iOS device.
Get NOS Anywhere – FAQ Section
If you have more questions, we highly suggest you check the following:
Is NOS free?
Yes, NOS, as well as NPO, is a free streaming service. However, there is a premium subscription plan (NPO Plus) that has plenty of perks. This includes no ads while watching on-demand content and early access to various programs.
Do I need an NPO account to watch NOS?
No, you do not need to sign up for an NPO Start account. If you do, you get to create multiple profiles and recommendations based on your viewing habits.
Can I use a free VPN to access NOS from abroad?
There might be some free VPNs that can unblock NOS. However, all of the ones we tried either didn’t work or were too slow.
Why can’t I find live streams on the NOS website?
The NOS website does not offer a live stream feature. You need to visit NPO instead.
Unblock NOS outide the Netherlands – Final Thoughts
While the instructions we listed above might seem overwhelming at first, they are easy to follow. Once you’re set, you will be able to access any geo-restricted channel you want from anywhere you want. Do you still have questions? Get in touch with us in the comment section below.
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About The Author
Charles
Streaming gadgets geek. Interested in every little thing there is to know about bypassing regional restrictions. An avid believer in the right to protect online privacy. Charles has also reviewed plenty of VPN service providers and knows how to separate the good apples from the bad ones.
