How to Get American Netflix in South Africa?
Unblock and watch Netflix in South Africa using VPN or Smart DNS Proxies
Watch American Netflix in South Africa using VPN
When you visit the Netflix website, your ZA IP address gets detected. You’ll see this message “Sorry, Netflix is not available in your country yet.” A VPN service allows you to change your local IP address and acquire an IP address in a country where Netflix is available. Change your IP address to an American, Canadian, or UK IP address. Skim through VPN’s other features.
- If you choose a US VPN server, you can access all channels that are geoblocked outside the USA. (Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, WWE Network, Crackle, Pandora, CBS All Access, FXNow..)
- Not only does VPN change and hide your IP address, it encrypts all your traffic too.
- It’s simple to install VPN on iPhone, iPad, Android, PC, and Mac. There are VPN apps you can download and use which make setting up VPN easy.
- DNS Hijacking and Transparent Proxies have no effect on VPN.
- Most streaming devices do not have VPN clients i.e. are not compatible with VPN. Set up VPN on a VPN enabled router and connect your device to it. This applies to Nexus Player, Apple TV, Xbox, Smart TV, Blu-ray Players, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku.
Only settle for fast and reliable VPN providers. When you search for VPN providers online, you’ll find many that promise no bandwidth limit and fast streaming. Unfortunately, this is not always true. Find a VPN provider, like ExpressVPN, that guarantees your money back if you are not satisfied with its services within 30 days.
- 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
American Netflix in South Africa Unblock using Smart DNS Proxies
In order to access Netflix in South Africa, you have to mask your IP address i.e. hide your true location. Smart DNS enables you to do that. When your streaming device is set up with Smart DNS, you can access any Netflix version you want on it. Choosing the American Netflix version is preferred because of its superior library of movies and TV shows. A lot of people are using Smart DNS to unblock Netflix because of its many advantages.
- Smart DNS allows you to switch between different versions of Netflix. Watch US Netflix, UK Netflix, or Canadian Netflix using the same Smart DNS configuration.
- Smart DNS does not consume your Internet speed. This allows you to stream your favorite movies online using your full Internet speed.
- All your streaming devices are compatible with Smart DNS. Watch Netflix on iPhone, iPad, Android, Chromecast, Nexus Player, PC, Apple TV, Xbox, or any other devices connected to the Internet.
- Local IP addresses do not get changed when using Smart DNS. Continue to access all ZA websites and services.
- Most ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in South Africa don’t apply DNS Hijacking or Transparent Proxies. Make sure the same applies to your ISP because such policies can make Smart DNS inefficient.
To test the Netflix library in South Africa, try the 7-day free trial of Unlocator, they do have DNS codes for 159 online channels from all around the world. You can also check their setup videos and screenshots.
Unblock and Watch Netflix in South Africa – Useful Info
Netflix is available on almost all streaming devices.
- PC/Mac
- iPhone/iPad/Apple TV
- Google Nexus Player/Chromecast
- Amazon Fire TV/Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Roku
- Smart TVs (Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Vizio, Toshiba, Philips)
- Blu-ray Players
- Xbox One/Xbox 360
- Playsation (PS3/PS4/PS Vita)
- Android Phones and Tablets
- Wii/Wii U
- Nintendo 3ds
- TiVo
- Boxee Box
Along with Netflix, you can unblock other US-only channels and streaming services from around the world.
- Hulu Plus
- WWE Network
- CBS All Access
- HBO Go
- FXNow
- M-go
- Lifetime
- WatchESPN
- Fox Soccer 2go
- NFL Game Pass
- NHL GameCenter
- Crackle
- Pandora
- BBC iPlayer
- BEIN Sports
- Now TV
- UFC
- NBA
- Uvideo
Change Netflix region to USA Watch Netflix USA in South Africa
So there you have it. Unblock and watch Netflix and other geoblocked content in South Africa. Some people do face some issues when they use Smart DNS or VPN for the first time. If you are one of them, do leave a comment. I’ll gladly help you out with watching Netflix in South Africa using Smart DNS or VPN.
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About The Author
William Reeves
A technical wizard of 10 year experience. Certified in Linux, Ethical Hacking and all sorts of technical stuff . I did work on projects around the world worth millions of dollars. My aim is to free you the reader from location restrictions and protect your privacy.
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Hi I have a LG smart TV and are using SurfShark VPVN on my Huawei B525 router (LTE). I can access US Netflix on all my devices (PC/laptop/ipad and a Samsung TV in the bedroom. However if i access Netflix on the LG it slows down the internet connection making it unusable. I have reset the LG to factory settings and tried to change the service area but i am restricted to the African continent. How can i change the region to the US?
Your LG Smart TV region should theoretically have no effect on the Netflix content you get while being connected to a VPN. Have you tried configuring SurfShark’s Smart DNS service directly on your Smart TV instead of using their VPN?
I bought Express VPN, but Netflix on my pc, smart tv, and Xbox, are now blocked.
Blocked as in you’re getting the Netflix proxy error?
Hi
Does ExpressVPN work with fibre routers or only LTE? I am clueless when it comes to computer networking, but guess a physical connection such as fibre makes geotagging easier and more difficult to get around than wireless connections. What can I do to use my fibre connection but still access US Netflix?
In short, no matter what technology is used, the same rules apply. You get an IP and that IP is geotagged, using a VPN will get you a new public IP. It will certainly work on any of your devices. If you want to set it up on the router itself then the router has to have a VPN setup option
Hello. I have a South African Netflix account. If I get a VPN account, can I still access Netflix USA with my SA credentials? Or would I need a new Netflix US account? And what would be the best VPN to use for Amazon Prime Video and Netflix USA from South Africa? Thank you for your advice…
Hi Alan. You can use your SA Netflix account to access American Netflix in South Africa with the help of a VPN. There’s no need to create a new Netflix account.
Hi
Just taken out a 100meg uncapped fiber product with Vox . I have Avira paid antivirus that offers a VPN with the subscription. I have a Samsung 4K wife smart tv and an Lg smart tv and 1 android box . Will I be able to watch Netflix US with that VPN?
Hello Steve. I’m not sure whether you can actually use Avira VPN to watch American Netflix abroad.
Hi ..I have telkom LTE and a hisense tv connected to my laptop. will i be able to use express vpn to watch american netflix with this??
If you set up the VPN connection on your laptop and share its Internet connection with your Hisense Smart TV, then yes, you should be able to watch American Netflix on it.
Hi – I have a Samsung cell phone & tablet, an LG TV, NORDVPN, and a Google Chromecast PLUS a fibre Optic Router from WebAfrica. I would like to subscribe to US Netflix but not sure whether I will be able to use VPN app on my cell phone or tablet and CAST onto my LG TV via Chromecast. The Router will have a SA IP address – does this matter?
Hello Kris. I am afraid the Fibre Optic router you are using won’t let you set up Smart DNS proxies or VPN on it. You will have to purchase a secondary router and connect that router to your current modem using an Ethernet cable. Once that is done, set up VPN or Smart DNS on the secondary router and connect your streaming devices to it.
Hi I have installed Express VPN and switched to USA on VPN. Nothing seems different on Netflix, how will I know I am on the USA site?
Try looking for a TV series called ‘Star-Crossed’. If you can find it and stream it, you have successfully switched your Netflix region to USA.
I found the series but Netflix says “You seem to be using an Unblocker or Proxy. Please turn it off….”
Try connecting to another American VPN server from within the ExpressVPN app.
OK thanks 3rd attempt worked, tried Dallas 2 (did not work) but San Francisco did.
That’s great to hear! Happy streaming.
Hi looking for some guidance. I purchased AVG Secure VPN before reading this article. After reading this article I played around with the AVG settings and changed my country to USA Chicago. Will this work? I also tried to setup my D-Link Router but being non-technical struggled to find the Destination IP and gateway settings. Is that the same as Destination Network Address and Gateway IP Address? Then lastly how will I know if this worked, will I see anything different on my Netflix?
Hello Wayne. If the VPN app is installed on the same device you intend to watch Netflix on, there’s no need to make any configurations to your router.
Hi, I have installed the express VPN on my Mac but I still cannot stream Netflix US; it provides me with an error message saying that I am using a Proxy. what does this mean ?
Hi Jennifer. Simply connect to a different American VPN server from within the ExpressVPN app and you should be good.
Hi all
I am in South Africa, I have Netlix, Telkom 10mbs adsl and Hisence Smart Tv. I would like to get ExpressVPN to watch Netflix USA however, im not sure if I meet the criteria. Also if anybody is using ExpressVPN in South Africa, what is your experience like? Also how much is ExpressVPN costing you in Rands? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
Hi
I would like to add the VPN to my router so my imported Roku and all our streaming devices cab access international content.
How do we achieve this?
can I install it on a Hisence Smart TV also?
Hi Lizette. Yes, you can use the guide above to get American Netflix on your Hisense Smart TV as well.
hi. i was told that opera has a free built in vpn. will that do or do i have to sign with a vpn provider for a fee?
Hi Mark. Opera VPN is no longer operational I am afraid. Finding a free VPN that actually works with Netflix is easier said than done.
Hi all,
I am wanting to get Netflix US here in South Africa on my Samsung SmartTV.
Should I use the Smart DNS, Unlocator or VPN, Bullet VPN? How would I then go about using either one?
Thank you.
Hello Lena. You can either use Unlocator or BulletVPN to get American Netflix on your Samsung Smart TV. Once you sign up with either service, you will be provided with Smart DNS proxies that you need to setup on the Smart TV. Check this guide for more info https://thevpn.guru/best-samsung-smart-tv-vpn-install/
Interesting article. You wrote: “Most ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in South Africa don’t apply DNS Hijacking or Transparent Proxies. ” You don’t happen to know which ISP don’t apply this? My existing one does. Would love to see such a list if you have one. Thanks
Hi, these service providers all charge in $. Is there anyone who charges in R’s?
Hello Elouise. Most VPN service providers charge in US dollars I am afraid. You should still be able to use your South African credit card to sign up with any of them though.
Hi there,
I am interested in signing up for Netflix. I am in South Africa and I have a 58cm Sinoteq Smart TV. Will I be able to connect without problems? If so, can you give me directions on how to go about it?
Thanks for your answer to my email address.
Just downloaded and started using ExpressVPN. When attempting to use Netflix I get the error message
“Whoops, something went wrong…
Streaming Error
You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again. For more help, visit netflix.com/proxy.”
Help?
Hello Monique. Try connecting to a different American VPN server. That should fix the issue.
Hi William,
I’m with purevpn (also triev vpnvanish). The connection download speeds are less than 1 MBs. I have a 100 MBs fibre connection. So I can’t stream anything as it is to slow – any ideas on what I’m doing wrong?
I am on expressvpn trial, I now want to buy but only have SA credit /debit card. Will they accept and convert zar to dollar?
Hi Carol. There shouldn’t be any issue with signing up with ExpressVPN using your SA credit card.
hi. once you have VPN. how do you get it on to the apple tv?
thanks
Hi Karen. Unfortunately, VPN cannot be directly configured on Apple TV. You either have to setup VPN on your router or use this workaround https://www.unblocknetflix.co.uk/vpn-setup/setup-configure-vpn-network-sharing-pc-mac/
Hallo, so I have tied with SmartDNS, but I get an error that I am sitting behind an unblocker. on all my devices. not sure what to do
Hi there I have an apple TV and recently my Netflix defaults to USA Netflix and I am unable to watch Hulu and Netflix on the same tv so I have the Apple TV in my room streaming Netflix and the Apple Tv in the lounge streaming Hulu which is not ideal . I am currently signed up with Unotelly. Would Unlocator perhaps allow me to watch both on one tv?
Hi Nix. Unlocator currently supports both American Netflix and Hulu. There is also a bypass feature that allows you to watch your local Netflix region while being able to unblock other geoblocked streaming channels simultaneously.
Hi Guys,
I have written some python / bash script to connected my VPN and maintain the VPN, set up checks to keep my VPN connected and to randoms the connection to one of fifteen servers that the my VPN provider has. This is all configure to run of a Raspberry Pi 2. It not great coding it just works for now. Have to sit down some time and perfected it some time.
Hi, ive been using Unotelly for more than a year to watch US Netflix and it was great however about 2 months ago i noticed that most of the content is no longer available even though it still shows the same, the majority of titles i click on dont work. Does this mean i am now limited to SA Netflix content because it picked up i was using Unotelly and how do i get around this? Im about to cancel as it is now…would appreciate any feedback
Hi Cesar. I have not tested Unotelly recently so cannot confirm whether it is working or not. However, if you’re looking for a Smart DNS proxy service that works in South Africa, give Unlocator a try. You can sign up for a free one week trial to test their service.
How exactly do you get Unlocator to work? cause netflix still gives an error and says im using an unblocker…
Hello Liam. Contact Unlocator’s support. They should be able to help you out.
Good evening Isso. I am in South Africa. I have put in the primary and secondary DNS on my PS3, created a new user on the console and setup a US Netflix account. I have also created a new “US” PSN account. I can download US PlayStation apps as well as view titles in US Netflix. When i select an episode NOT available in South Africa, loading gets to 25% and stops with no error message. If i select an episode that is available in South Africa i can watch it without a problem. I have rebooted my PS3. Please advise on what I need to do to access content. Thank you.
Hi Gerrard. Which Smart DNS/VPN provider are you using to watch American Netflix on your PS3?
I tried your suggestion however does not work with Telkom ISP
Hi there
So I’ve signed up for Unlocator, used the provided DNS and put it into my smart TV as per the instructions. And I changed the TV’s region to US.
The only difference was that I could now see all the new US content, but when I click on it, it says “you are trying to use a proxy unblocker”. I also noticed that under my Netflix settings it says I’m in SA, even though my TV is set to US and I have access to US apps. So now what could I do to fix this? Is there a way to change the settings on Netflix website or app?
Secondly, I tried to sign up for Hulu Plus and it says my Visa and Mastercard aren’t recognised (since it wants US-based banking details). Is there a way to get around this?
Thanks.
Hi. Regarding Netflix, get in touch with Unlocator support, they should be able to help you out. As for Hulu, I’m afraid these limitations have recently been imposed by Hulu and there is no way around them. You’ll need an American credit card to sign up.
Hi
Netflix is working successfully with Unlocator. But I think the DNS has slowed down the connection speed drastically. The speed is fine when I connect on other devices, but as soon as I go on Netflix, it’s under 1 mbps. This results in constant buffering, which is extremely annoying. Is there anything I can do to speed up the connection?
Hi,
I have been reading all the Q & A so if i understand it right.
1. Sign up for the free trial netflix.
2. Sign up for this DNS unlocator
3. This gives you a DNS / IP address to use?
4. Connect your LTE router (Telkom isp) to your PC – log into your router and change the DNS?
5. Reconnect your router (which is wifi)
6. Connect your Roku streaming stick to your smart TV
7. Watch Netflix?
Have i got the order right?
Hi. Yes, that is correct. However, for the Roku to work, you also need to block Google DNS on router level. Please see this article for more info https://thevpn.guru/block-google-dns-router-roku-chromecast-unblock-american-netflix-outside-usa
Unlocator doesn’t unblock Netflix. ExpressVPN didn’t either, and slowed streaming down to a crawl…
Just tested both services and they are working like a charm. Check support for assistance.
Hi I am watching US Netflix with Unotelly successfully on my iMac, however can’t access it through my AppleTV or IPad. So now I have to mirror my iMac to watch it on the TV. So frustrating. I can’t figure out what setting is different between my iMac and the other devices?!?
Hi Tracy. Each device functions in a different manner and thus you might be able watch American Netflix on one device but not on another. You might give Unlocator a try as I’ve been successfully using their service on both Apple TV and iPad.
Im from R.S.A and signed up for Netflix and as all S.A Users it suxs so I use Unotelly to bypass vpn and all I have had is issues. 1st my card didnt work then duplicated Invoices after an apology they gave me a month free 2 weeks in I cant use USA or UK login so I logged out and tried again and now im blacklisted and customer care suxs the take forever.So I signed on to Smart DNS trial and with less afford im watching netflix again if UK work and my trial ends im paying for smart vpn thanks guys your product works a 100% AND I can pay with my bank card awesome I like smart dns thx
Hi, I signed up for Netflix SA and my free trial is about to come to an end. I plan to cancel the subscription before it starts charging as i am not impressed by the amount of content available. I want to go the route of Netflix USA and will follow your guide to do so.
my question is, Am i to cancel my Netflix account that i signed up with in SA and create a new one for the American version?
Hi Daryn. No need to cancel your Netflix SA account. You can use it along with VPN or Smart DNS to access US Netflix in South Africa.
Thanks for the quick response.
ill be sure to give you feedback on my success or failure following your instructions.
It would appear that Netflix has bettered unlocator in blocking content in South Africa…..
Hi Francois. I’m constantly testing Unlocator and can verify that their DNS still unblock US Netflix. Do get in touch with their support team if you are having issues.
Just tested both services and they are both working. Try sending an email to support for a fix.
I use my Wii, set to UK & DNS 204.232.178.48 & 104.238.141.64. my neflix now says im using a DNS proxy. What to do now? try change DNS setting?
Hi Howard. Head over to Unlocator and create a free trial account. Once done, use Unlocator DNS to bypass the Netflix proxy error.
Hi, tried it. Doesnt work. I’ve got a USA netflix account with Wii set to UK region. Unlocator mentions maybe change Netflix account from region USA to region USA1?
Hi guys and gals. I need help. I used unotelly to get my new DNS settings for my xbox 360. Netflix worked 100% after that. The day after the installation I tried to get into Netflix again and it didn’t work. It showed the “movies and tv” tab that showed that it picked it up as an “american” account, which is good, but as soon as I chose to sign in on my xbox live account using my gamertag, so that I can actually open Netflix, it instantly removes the “movies and tv” tab which means it is back to SA and I can’t connect to the US Netflix. How can I fix that? Is it a problem with my gamertag location settings or what? Please help!! I need to watch series. Haha
Hi, im currently running Netfix US on an apple tv. Im also using the DNS that is supplied by my unotelly account for the apple tv device. this DNS seems to be blocked by Netflix, and then i have to use the secondary DNS provided which gets blocked too. So i end up having to alternate between the primary and secondary DNSs to get Netflix to work… im not at all interested in Netflix South Africa. Any thoughts to resolve this?
Hi Oliver. It could be that your ISP is using transparent proxies or DNS hijacking intermittently and thus your inability to use Smart DNS on a constant basis.
Hi there will this work on a Samsung Smart Tv? Telkom is my service provider.
Hi. Yes, you could use Smart DNS to unblock American Netflix on your Samsung Smart TV.
Do you have to leave your VPN on the entire time you are on netflix or just when you start it/ sign up? I am currently using a VPN for Spotify, the VPN app is called “Tunnel Bear” and with Spotfiy I only have to activate the VPN every 15 days when Spotify does a check and says that the service is not available in SA. The reason I am asking is because the App does not give me unlimited data, only 500mbs a month, however this isnt an issue as I only need it when I launch Spotify once every 15 days, thereafter I can just leave it off. Will it be the same for Netlfix ?
Hi. With Netflix, you have to leave the VPN on as long as you are watching a video. Given the ‘very’ limited data you get using your current VPN provider, I’d suggest using a VPN provider with no data caps like ExpressVPN.
Hello there. I’ve tried the Unlocator option without success. Do you know if Neotel, my ISP, is DNS highjacking?
Hi. That could very well be the case. The other cause could be that your ISP is using transparent proxies. As far as I am aware, many ISPs in South Africa do use transparent proxies.
Hi there. So if I change the DNS setting on my router, do I also have to change the DNS settings on my Apple TV or should I leave that as is and just change my location settings to USA under Region Format and Itunes?
If you do the router that is enough
And yes you need a region where the Netflix app is available, but does not have to be USA
Hi, I, great article. I run plex at my house and have Telkom ADSL 10mb line. I just bought a amazon fire tv box. I can not seem to get it to work as every time I try and play some thing it says error license. I have a hide.me VPN which I set to the US but it still doesnt work. I changed the DNS settings on the Amazon but that didn’t work… any advise here?
Hi can I watch bbc in south africa with my fire stick?
Yes that would work.
Hi, thanks for the very useful article. I’m still a bit confused and not sure which option to go for. I have Telkom ADSL and want to setup Netflix on my Xbox 360. Please can you let me know if I should go for smart DNS or VPN?
Thanks!!
You could try Smart DNS. Unlocator do offer a free 7-day trial. Sign up. Obtain the primary and secondary DNS codes and set them up on your Xbox. Let me know how it goes.