How to Watch Rakuten TV Anywhere in the World
Do you want to stream Rakuten TV in your region? Rakuten TV is a streaming service that offers movies and TV series from broadcasting companies all over the world. The channel is expanding its global reach, but it’s still restricted to certain countries.
Rakuten TV is not available outside its supported regions, which makes a total of 42 countries. But how can 153 unsupported regions catch up to the best Rakuten originals and HBO content? The answer lies in this guide. Here’s how you can watch Rakuten TV anywhere in the world.
Get Rakuten Anywhere – Quick Guide
Time needed: 5 minutes
We won’t take too much of your time. To unblock Rakuten TV in your region, follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to a VPN service.
ExpressVPN is highly recommended due to its speeds and the fact that it has servers in Japan.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
Dedicated clients are available on Android, iOS, PC, Mac, as well FireStick.
- Sign in with your VPN account and connect to a Japanese server.
You’ll receive a Japanese IP address in the process.
- Launch Rakuten’s website or application.
If you don’t know how to get the app, follow the walkthrough below.
- Sign in with your Rakuten TV account.
Learn how to create one in the step-by-step guide below.
- Watch Rakuten TV anywhere.
Enjoy top content from Warner Bros and Disney wherever you are.
Rakuten TV Anywhere – A Detailed Walkthrough
Let us show you what Rakuten is all about, what mechanisms it uses to block your access, and how you can bypass them in this in-depth guide:
What You Need
To unblock Rakuten TV in your region, you’ll need everything on this list:
- Rakuten TV account.
- Rakuten TV subscription for full access.
- A VPN subscription.
- Rakuten TV-compatible device.
Rakuten – A Semi-Global Channel
The FCB sponsorship will give the channel the brand awareness they are looking for. Rakuten is an outstanding channel that’s looking to rival the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in terms of global reach.
So far, it’s doing a good job. With more than 7 million users, Rakuten is looking for global exposure, as they are now present in 42 different countries.
You’ll find the service available in Spain, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Austria, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Switzerland, Japan, and more.
Rakuten TV offers the latest Hollywood blockbusters, the most popular TV series, and the best films from independent filmmakers. But if you’re outside the regions mentioned above, your access will be instantly terminated.
Just like any streaming service, Rakuten TV will look up your IP address and pinpoint your location. Once it figures out that you’re in an unsupported area, this error message will show up:
“We are deeply sorry, but Rakuten tv is not available in your country.”
It doesn’t stop here. If you want to access the Japanese version of the channel, which is arguably the richest in terms of content, this error appears:
- “海外からのアクセスのため、動画を再生できません.”
The message above translates to “The video cannot be played because it is accessed from overseas.” Yeah, geo-restrictions can be frustrating, especially when you can’t even create an account from abroad.
If you attempt to do so, you’ll get yet another message blocking your way:
- “You can’t register an account in rakuten.tv”
The guide’s title is pretty clear. You can watch Rakuten outside these countries, but it’s not applicable without some extra help.
With a VPN and by following the steps above, you’ll be streaming Rakuten TV no matter where you physically reside.
Rakuten TV – A Fully-Global Streaming Service
At the moment, Rakuten TV is available in Japan, the UK, and a host of European countries. In order to access Rakuten’s services outside those countries, you must hide your real location by using a Virtual Private Network.
This means that your IP address must signal the location of one of the countries mentioned above. For example, if you want a get a taste of the Japanese version of Rakuten, you’ll have to sign for a VPN. Why? Because unless you have a Japanese IP address, you won’t be able to access exclusive content.
But that’s like a quarter of what a VPN is capable of. You can also benefit from the following:
- Improved Internet Security: When you connect to the network through a VPN, your data is secured and encrypted. This protects your browsing information from hackers and malicious attacks. With a VPN, you can change your TV region in order to access the TV offered in that region.
- Better Performance: The bandwidth and efficiency of the network are generally increased upon setting up a VPN.
- Access Restricted Content: With a VPN, you have the power to bypass any geo-restricted website of any country regardless of your current location.
- Safe File-Sharing: A VPN allows you to share large files securely with a VPN connection.
- Money-Saving: With a VPN you can easily connect to a server in the location where the item u want to buy is at a lower price.
Not All VPNs Are Equal!
You should know that not all VPN providers can get the job done, especially those that offer their services for free.
Not only can’t they access the channel, but these providers are unreliable and can cause privacy breaches as they sell your data to sister companies.
It doesn’t stop here. We tested top providers in the industry and Rakuten blocked our attempt every single time. All we got out of the channel was this blocking message:
“Oops! There’s been an error! You can not access Rakuten TV through anonymous VPN/Proxy.”
This defense mechanism has been implemented by a lot of streaming services nowadays. Therefore, choosing the right VPN is absolutely crucial.
With ExpressVPN, you can access the entire Internet without restrictions. ExpressVPN guarantees bypassing geo-restrictions of all kinds while maintaining the highest levels of security.
Make sure to check out other VPN service providers that can unblock Rakuten TV in your region in the table 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 Create a Rakuten TV Account Anywhere
To watch Rakuten TV’s content, you must first get yourself an account. (Please note that we’re using the Japanese version as an example. You can sign up with any Rakuten TV region if you want).
Here’s how you can create a Rakuten TV account:
- First, connect to a VPN server in Japan.
- Head over to https://tv.rakuten.co.jp/
- On the top right of the page, click on Log In. (Use translate if you don’t know Japanese).
- Now, select Create a new Rakuten membership (free).
- Submit the necessary information.
- You now have a Rakuten TV account.
How to Get Rakuten TV on Any Device Anywhere
Rakuten TV supports a lot of streaming devices. However, getting the app might be quite difficult in an unsupported country. Don’t worry! We’re here to help:
If you happen to use an Android mobile, tablet, or a Sony Bravia TV, you can get Rakuten TV by following the steps below:
- Download and install the VPN on your Android device.
- Sign in and connect to a Japanese server.
- Change your Google Play Store country to Japan and download Rakuten TV.
- Sign in with your Rakuten account.
- Watch Rakuten TV anywhere.
On iPhone and iPad, here’s what you need to do:
- Get the VPN app and connect to a server in Japan.
- Switch your Apple Store region to Japan and download the Rakuten TV app.
- Launch the channel and sign in.
- Start watching.
To get Rakuten TV on your Xbox One, the following steps are required:
- Set up a VPN connection on your router (Japanese server).
- Turn on your Xbox and change your Store’s region to Japan.
- Download the Rakuten TV application.
- Launch the channel and sign in.
- Stream top shows and movies wherever you are.
Do you like to watch your videos on the big screen? Well then, if you have a Samsung Smart TV, here’s how you can get Rakuten TV:
- Install the VPN on your router and establish a connection to a Japanese server.
- Switch your Samsung Smart TV store’s region to Japan.
- Download and install the Rakuten TV application.
- Activate the app.
- Sign in and start streaming.
Getting the Rakuten TV app on Chromecast in an unsupported country is nearly impossible. However, you can do this instead:
- Set up a VPN connection on your router.
- Download the Rakuten TV app on your Android or iOS mobile.
- Activate Rakuten TV and sign in.
- Play a video and hit the cast button.
- Stream on your TV using Chromecast anywhere.
On PC and Mac, the process is pretty simple. All you have to do is the following:
- Install the VPN on your desktop device and sign in.
- Connect to a Japanese server.
- Head over to https://tv.rakuten.co.jp/
- Sign in with your Rakuten TV account.
- Stream your favorite content wherever you are.
Rakuten TV – Frequently Asked Question
Do you want to know more? Check what other users are asking in this FAQ section below:
Can I Watch Rakuten TV for Free?
Rakuten TV is a subscription-based service, which means you’ll have to pay a monthly fee to access its content.
However, there’s a free section you can enjoy by simply creating an account. Other than that, you can benefit from a 7-day free trial if you’re a new user.
What Devices Can I Watch Rakuten TV on?
You can stream Rakuten TV’s content on the following devices:
- Xbox One
- Android TV
- Smart TV
- Windows PC
- macOS
- Chromecast
- Android
- iOS
What Can I Watch on Rakuten TV?
Rakuten TV aims to rival the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. To do that, it made deals with several broadcasting companies to get titles such as the following:
- Matchday
- Hurricane
- Game of Thrones
- Ballers
- The Deuce
- Westworld
- The Vampire Diaries
- American Horror Story
- Divorce
- Glee
- New Girl
- Arrow
- Fortitude
- Veep
- Scrubs
- Friends
Is Rakuten TV Supported on Smart TV in Europe?
Rakuten TV undertook a dramatic step of growth and became more prominent across the devices of main Smart TV manufacturers in Europe.
You can find Rakuten TV’s button on the remotes of several Philips and Samsung Smart TVs in the region.
Do I Need an Account to Watch Rakuten Free TV?
Yes. The account is totally free. Once you have one, you can watch Rakuten Free TV with ease.
Can I Use the Same Account in Any Region?
No. If you sign up to Rakuten TV France, for example, your account will be French. Trying to sign in using the same account in the UK, for instance, will only redirect you to the French version of Rakuten TV.
Are There Ads with Rakuten Free TV?
Yes. If you want to watch Rakuten Free TV, some ads will pop up while you’re streaming.
Watch Rakuten Outside Japan
Rakuten, the e-commerce giant has recently rebranded its video-on-demand services, which are available in many European countries and Japan.
But that’s it, you won’t be able to access it anywhere else. However, a VPN would allow you to experience what Rakuten has in-store wherever you are.
Take our word for it, sign up for a VPN, and get Rakuten anywhere. If you have any more questions, kindly drop them in the comments below.
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