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Unblock Netflix At School Today With These Easy Steps

Most schools ban Netflix on their networks, which is a shame given how much educational content is available for students and faculty alike. In this article, we show you how to get Netflix unblocked at school. It’s surprisingly easy and requires you to simply install the right VPN. We review the best providers for accessing Netflix in school below!

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Netflix is one of the most influential services for streaming content. With over 260 million subscribers as of 2024, the service is used by 5% of internet users worldwide. Unfortunately, Netflix is often blocked on school premises. This is partially because academic institutions believe that on-campus internet should be restricted for educational purposes only. However, there are still ways to get Netflix unblocked at school – and below, we’ll be discussing just that.

Why is Netflix content blocked at school?

Netflix unblocked for school is a topic that raises several important considerations. For one, schools want to make sure that students are focusing on their studies and not getting distracted by movies and TV shows during class. It’s easy to get sucked into a binge-watching session on Netflix, Facebook, Hulu, etc., which can take away from learning and doing schoolwork.

Also, streaming videos uses up a lot of the school’s internet bandwidth. Schools need their internet connection for educational purposes, like online lessons, research, and accessing learning resources. If too many people are streaming Netflix, it can slow down the internet for everyone, making it hard for teachers and students to get their work done.

Additionally, schools have to consider what’s appropriate for students to watch. Not all content on Netflix is suitable for all ages, and it’s difficult for schools to monitor what every student is watching. By blocking Netflix, they can help ensure that students aren’t accessing content that might not be age-appropriate.

So, while it might be frustrating not to have access to Netflix unblocked for school, these rules are in place to help create a better learning environment for everyone.

How to unblock Netflix on a school computer

A VPN will help you overcome your school’s firewall and grant you access to Netflix in several ways. Firstly, strong security features will allow you to bypass the firewall itself. Encryption protocols like SSTP are fully equipped to pierce through even the toughest firewalls, including the Great Firewall of China. In other words, you will be able to access Netflix as though you were sitting in the comfort of your home. A VPN’s ability to bypass censorship blocks will grant you access to any website restricted or blacklisted on campus.

If your school unfairly blocks Netflix, use these VPNs to bypass network restrictions:

  1. NordVPN 🏆 Best Netflix Unblocker – NordVPN makes short work of most schools’ network restrictions, allowing you to securely and anonymously unblock Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, or whatever else you want.
  2. Surfshark – Every server just works to unblock Netflix, share a single subscription among unlimited devices.
  3. ExpressVPN – Built for speed and smooth streams. One-button interface.
  4. CyberGhost – Special profile tailored to unblocking restricted streaming sites.
  5. PrivateVPN – Lightweight software. Highly secure self-owned server network.
  6. AdGuard – VPN with Ad-blocking, anti-malware, IP spoofing, and more.

In addition to overcoming website blocks, a VPN will grant you relatively consistent access to virtually any country’s Netflix catalog, no matter where you are physically located. Netflix’s licensing contracts with content creators are made with specific geographical locations in mind. For example, if a broadcasting rights holder wishes to air the film or series in America only, Netflix is obligated to respect this agreement. With a quality VPN, however, you can mask your real IP address, connect to a foreign server of choice, and access any country’s catalog as long as the VPN provider has servers in said location. This is a major-added benefit of using a VPN to bypass a school firewall.

Here’s an example of how to get Netflix unblocked for school with a VPN:

  1. Install the VPN software on your computer. To watch Netflix on a school Chromebook, you’ll need to pick a VPN provider that has an app on the Google Play Store (most do).
  2. Open the VPN app and select a server from the list.
  3. Switch the VPN on. There’s usually a power button you can click to make this happen.
  4. If Netflix doesn’t work with the VPN, try a different server or switch to a proxy server.

The ExpressVPN Windows app showing all the servers

In this article, we’ll help you overcome school firewall blocks that prevent you from enjoying Netflix’s content. We’ll explain how a VPN service can help beat censorship blocks, IP bans, and more. Furthermore, we’ll specify what features to look out for, and give you some of our top VPN recommendations with readers-only special deals.

How to choose the best VPN for watching Netflix in School

Choosing a suitable VPN service is necessary to have an optimized experience of watching Netflix in school. Otherwise, you can get into trouble or waste your money on a service that can’t provide you with a safe and user-friendly experience.  Before subscribing to any VPN plans, make sure that the VPN benefits from these factors:

  • Location Coverage: Having access to a VPN service with servers in many countries can help you find and watch any content that is restricted to a certain region. Moreover, a wider location coverage will increase the chance of accessing servers near your location. As a result, you’ll lower latency and higher connection speed.
  • Performance and Reliability: The performance and reliability of the VPN service are among the most critical factors in making Netflix unblocked at school. Streaming content, especially high-quality content, requires a reliable and fast connection.
  • Security and Privacy Measures: You shouldn’t use any VPN services that can potentially put your privacy in danger. To protect your connection from snooping and other threats, ensure your VPN is equipped with strong AES-256 encryption, a Kill Switch feature, IP leak protection, and more.
  • Compatibility: To have the freedom to watch Netflix on any device, such as different kinds of phones, laptops, tablets, and more, you should find a VPN service that is compatible with popular devices and operating systems. Some VPNs even offer browser extensions that make using them easier and more accessible.
  • Free Trial: You won’t know if the VPN service is of quality or not if you don’t get the chance to try it. The best VPN services often offer a Free Trial period to test the services. Make sure to take advantage of this option to find the best possible VPN for watching Netflix.

Comparing the best VPNs to watch Netflix unblocked at school

VPNs
Average Speed
191.4Mbps
191.25Mbps
181.11Mbps
137.62Mbps
94Mbps
Countries
60
100
94
91
63
Servers
5400
3200
3000
9022
200
Uptime
99%
99%
99%
100%
99.9%
Log Policy
Logs Present
Logs Present
Logs Present
Logs Present
Logs Present
Live Chat Support
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
Optimized for Torrenting
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Streaming Unblocked
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
Free Trial
30 Day Free Trial
7 Days Free Trial
30 Day Free Trial
24 Hours on Desktop and 48 Hours on Mobile
7 Days Free Trial
Money Back Guarantee
30 Days Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
45 Day Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Connections
6
Unlimited
5
7
10
Works in Your Country
Best Price
$2.99/month
$1.99/month
$6.67/month
$2.19/month
$2.00

Netflix is always on the lookout for IP addresses that are generated by VPN providers. This means that your average free subscription will be no good for the task. Below, we cover the best VPN services for overcoming school firewall blocks on Netflix while providing you with a smooth, speedy streaming experience:

1. NordVPN

Works in United States
4.5 / 5
NordVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
5400
Speed
Average of 191.4 mbps
Countries
60
Devices Supported
Up to 6
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Days Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
Standard at $2.99/month
Plus at $4.49/month
Complete at $5.49/month
Apps Available
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Optimized servers for unblocking Netflix
  • Mind-boggling number of servers
  • No IP/DNS leaks found
  • Extra-secure Double VPN for data encryption
  • Money back guarantee policy
Cons
  • Not much
  • Can’t specify City or Province in App

NordVPN is our top choice for users wanting to bypass Netflix restrictions. With a server network of more than 5,800 servers in 59 countries, you can easily get an IP address from any country. This will allow you to access Netflix (almost any catalog) even if your school’s firewall blocks access on campus.

NordVPN also has different specialty servers that aid in overcoming firewalls. These include obfuscated servers, which hide the fact that you are using a VPN, and double VPN, which adds an extra layer of encryption to your connection. Speed, bandwidth, and server switching are all unlimited, so you will never experience a slowdown or interruption while using Netflix.

NordVPN’s service also majorly focuses on security. The provider uses the industry’s gold standard 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered nearly unbreakable. Encryption protocols include OpenVPN’s UDP and TCP, as well as lightning-fast L2TP. In addition, NordVPN’s zero-logging policy is one of the most complete in the industry – it stores no logs on anything from traffic to bandwidth and browsing history. These advanced security features make NordVPN one of the most reliable services for bypassing VPN blocks, even on university premises with tough firewalls.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Works in United States
4.4 / 5
Surfshark
Top Features
Number of Servers
3200
Speed
Average of 191.25 mbps
Countries
100
Devices Supported
Up to Unlimited
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
24 Months at $2.69/month
1 month at $17.69/month
12 Month at $4.09/month
Apps Available
Surfshark Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Unblock 15 international Netflix libraries, including the US and Japan
  • Every server is a speciality server
  • Clean, dead-simple app interface makes constant security a no-brainer
  • Absolutely no logging of connection data, IP addresses, bandwidth used, or traffic
  • Get help any time of day via email, phone, or live chat
Cons
  • Overall, not much to complain about
  • Young VPN still has plenty of room to grow in terms of advanced functionality

Surfshark’s only been around a couple of years now, but they’ve raced to the fore as one of the best ways to access Netflix on any network. Your school’s Wi-Fi restrictions won’t know what to do with Surfshark’s obfuscated traffic, which comes standard on every one of their 800+ servers. What’s more, no more picking around for the right server and settings to beat Netflix’s VPN ban; they all work.

In total, Surfshark can reliably unblock 14 international Netflix libraries. That number is expected to grow along with their server network, which furthers its reach constantly. We love how snappy and responsive they are, allowing for buffer-free streams even on highly restrictive school networks.

And with modern encryption and protocols (usually OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec paired with a 256-bit cipher), you get the best network penetration while remaining utterly anonymous.

3. ExpressVPN

Works in United States
4 / 5
ExpressVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
3000
Speed
Average of 181.11 mbps
Countries
94
Devices Supported
Up to 5
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
12 Months at $6.67/month
6 Months at $9.99/month
1 Month at $12.95/month
Apps Available
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
  • SPECIAL OFFER: 3 months free (49% off – link below)
  • Fastest servers we have tested
  • Torrenting/P2P allowed
  • Keeps no logs of personal data
  • Great support (24/7 chat)
Cons
  • Priced slightly higher

ExpressVPN delivers one of the fastest connections on the web.

Whether you are streaming from school or your home, you will not experience delays or speed caps while connected. One of the main reasons for this is that ExpressVPN has an impressive server network of 3,000+ nodes in 94 countries – a massive span that equips users with tons of connection options. Additionally, the provider offers unlimited bandwidth with all subscriptions and places no speed caps.

There are dedicated apps available for Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, Chrome, Apple TV, and many more devices.

In addition to its speed, ExpressVPN is one of the most secure services available. With 256-bit AES encryption, it would take a supercomputer millions of years to crack, which makes it ideal for getting Netflix unblocked. The no-logging policy ensures that no logs on traffic, DNS requests, IP addresses, or browsing history, are stored. This will make you virtually untraceable online, whether it’s from your ISP, school network, or the government. Additional security features include a DNS leak test and an automatic kill switch, both of which will ensure that your connection is never unencrypted and, in turn, unsafe.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Works in United States
4.1 / 5
Cyberghost
Top Features
Number of Servers
9022
Speed
Average of 137.62 mbps
Countries
91
Devices Supported
Up to 7
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
45 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
Best Value at $2.19/month
6 Month Plan at $6.99/month
Monthly Plan at $11.99/month
Apps Available
CyberGhost Pros & Cons
Pros
  • SPECIAL OFFER: 79%OFF
  • Special profile designed for torrenting privately
  • Jurisdiction in Romania
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
  • Some streaming sites cannot be unblocked

CyberGhost is one of our top recommendations due to its combination of advanced features and ease of use. Unlike many other services, CyberGhost requires no complicated set up – upon launch, you can choose from 6 pre-configured profiles depending on your needs. These include “surf anonymously” and “unblock streaming”, both of which are good for bypassing firewall blocks and unblocking Netflix. Extra customization toggles include “extra speed” and “block online tracking”, protecting your privacy and giving your connection a speed boost. CyberGhost allows you to establish 5 simultaneous connections, so you can stream Netflix content at school whether you are browsing from your computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

In terms of security, CyberGhost offers some of the strongest features on the market. With a server network of 6,000+ servers in 87 countries, you can get any IP address you want. The military-grade 256-bit AES encryption keeps you protected online, and with encryption protocols like UDP and TCP, the speed will not be affected. In addition, the no-logging policy is one of the best we’ve seen, covering almost everything, from IP addresses to timestamps. It doesn’t even store your e-mail address. Finally, the automatic kill switch an in-built DNS leak protection ensures that your Netflix connection is shut off if the VPN connection drops. This protects your school from knowing that you are trying to access the streaming service at school.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. PrivateVPN

Works in United States
4 / 5
PrivateVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
200
Speed
Average of 94 mbps
Countries
63
Devices Supported
Up to 10
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
36 Month Plan at $2.00/month
3 Month Plan at $6.00/month
Monthly Plan at $9.90/month
Apps Available

PrivateVPN, as suggested by the name, is one of the most secure services on the market. The used encryption standard is 2048-bit AES-256, where each key has more possible combinations than there are atoms in the universe. In addition, PrivateVPN’s solid no-logging policy covers everything that could aid a third party, including your school, in keeping track of your activities online. These features will allow you to bypass Netflix blockers, keep your data secure, and overcome any school’s firewall. PrivateVPN’s service is available for all major systems, including smartphones, PCs, and tablets; this will allow you to enjoy Netflix, no matter what device you are browsing from.

PrivateVPN may not have the biggest network on the market (150 nodes in some 60 countries), but it does offer servers specially configured to unblock specific streaming sites. And yes, this includes Netflix, making PrivateVPN a purpose-built solution to unblocking your favorite shows and movies, even in school. What’s more, there are no restrictions on bandwidth nor speed caps, ensuring buffer-free streams each time you connect. All in all, streaming Netflix from any location, including your school campus, will be a breeze with PrivateVPN.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. AdGuard VPN

AdGuard VPN Logo 2023

AdGuard VPN emerges as a fresh contender in the VPN domain, delivering a seamless online experience.

Whether you’re browsing from a café or your living room, AdGuard ensures consistent connectivity without hiccups. A significant factor behind this is AdGuard’s robust server infrastructure, boasting over 1,000 servers across 65 locations, providing users with a plethora of connection choices. Plus, with its competitive pricing and a commendable free plan, AdGuard ensures you get value without compromising on speed or security.

Dedicated applications are available for various platforms, ensuring a wide range of devices are covered.

Beyond its user-friendly interface, AdGuard stands tall in the security department. With its advanced encryption and the default kill switch feature, users can trust their online activities remain private. The company’s commitment to not logging any user data further solidifies its stance on privacy. This means your online footprint remains invisible, be it from ISPs, regional restrictions, or prying eyes. Get AdGuard VPN, and experience a blend of speed, security, and simplicity.

Read our full AdGuard VPN review or try our exclusive AdGuard Promo Code for 83% Off : “addictivetips83”

7. PureVPN

Works in United States
4.3 / 5
PureVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
6500
Speed
Average of 90.54 mbps
Countries
78
Devices Supported
Up to 10
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
31 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
Most Recommended at $2.08/month
12 Months at $3.24/month
1 Month at $10.95/month
Apps Available

PureVPN is one of our top choices for getting Netflix unblocked due to its diverse set of features and low price. To start with, they’ve got a network consisting of nodes in 140+ countries. This will give you the ability to get virtually any IP address you might want and, in turn, unlock most of the world’s unique Netflix catalogs. PureVPN also has dedicated streaming servers that guarantee a lightning-fast connection with no buffering or delays. Backing this up is unlimited bandwidth, server switching, and zero speed caps.

PureVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is all but impossible to crack. Encryption protocols include OpenVPN’s fast UDP and TCP, and an even faster L2TP/IPSec, ideal for streaming Netflix content even on slower connections. Additionally, PureVPN offers the proprietary Ozone feature, which adds even more security to the service and protects your identity at all times. Finally, PureVPN employs a tough no-logging policy that ensures none of your data is stored in the provider’s database.

Read our full PureVPN review.

Is using a VPN for unblocking Netflix legal?

From piercing through firewalls to violating licensing agreements, you are probably wondering whether using a VPN is legal. Despite Netflix’s efforts to block IP addresses that associated with VPN services, using a VPN to bypass this block is not illegal. While using a VPN to access Netflix is in violation of their service’s user agreement, it is highly unlikely that your account would get suspended over this. In most cases, users get a “proxy error” message stating that you must reconnect before proceeding to the website. With one of our recommended providers, this is unlikely to happen, but it is probably the worst consequence you stand to face.

When it comes to school premises, VPNs are not illegal, either. Certain websites may be blocked using a firewall because some schools want to restrict internet usage to educational content only. Depending on the school policy, using a VPN to bypass the firewall could get you into trouble with your school. As with so many things, what may not be illegal in society at large may still be punishable by your school, so make sure you exercise due diligence in reading up on your institution’s rules and assessing the risks involved accordingly.

RELATED: PureVPN not Working with Netflix? Try These Alternatives

How to unblock Netflix in school without a VPN

If you don’t want to use a VPN service for some reason, there are other methods that will make Netflix unblocked at school. However, these methods are usually less reliable than VPNs and you may not be able to use them in every situation. To find out how to watch Netflix on school computer without using a VPN, check out these methods:

1. Use your Personal Hotspot

If Netflix is blocked with your school network, you can take advantage of your mobile’s personal hotspot feature to share your mobile data plan with other devices. Here are the simple steps to do this:

  1. Turn on your Mobile Data option on your phone.
  2. Enable the Personal Hotspot on your mobile phone.
  3. Now go to the device that you want to watch Netflix on and connect it to your Mobile Personal Hotspot.

This method uses mobile data and since streaming Netflix uses lots of data, we don’t recommend it to somebody with a limited data plan.

2. Tor browser

Tor Browser is a free browser that lets users access the internet without restriction. To use Tor Browser and make Netflix Unblocked at school, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official website of Tor Browser.
  2. Tor Browser is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Click on the Download button of your preferred version. 

Download Tor

  1. Install the browser on your device before going to school because the Tor Browser website might be blocked at school.
  2. Enter Netflix’s website address in the search bar, and the browser will route the traffic through different servers to unblock it for you. Note that the Tor Browser can be slow, and it may not be enough for high-quality Netflix streaming.

3. Google Translate trick

There is an unexpected trick to make Netflix unblocked at school no VPN, and it involves using Google Translate. Here are the steps:

  1. Open Google Translate in your preferred browser.
  2. In the left box, pick a language that is not English as the source language, such as Spanish.

Select Spanish in Google Translator

  1. Enter Netflix.com in the left box.
  2. Now, Google Translate will offer you a link on the right text box. Click on it to visit the website without restriction.

visit the website

4. Use a web proxy

There are many proxy services out there, both free and paid, that can help you get rid of blocked websites like Netflix in your school. You can utilize a web-based proxy or set one up on your PC. Proxy services offer an IP address and port number that you can use in your device’s proxy settings. This way, your traffic will pass through the proxy provider’s servers and then reach out to the destination website, which results in staying anonymous and unblocking the restrictions.

There are some proxy services that offer browser extensions. So, it’s as easy as installing an extension on your browser, activating it, and typing “Netflix.com” in the address bar. Free proxies usually can’t handle high-quality streaming, and you may need to subscribe to a paid proxy service to have the best experience.

Conclusion

Now you know how to bypass your school’s firewall to access Netflix, and which VPN providers have strong enough features for the task. Not only will you be able to unblock Netflix, but enjoy the myriad of other benefits that come with using a VPN service. Leave us comments on what you are going to use your VPN for below!

FAQ

Do I have to pay for a VPN to watch Netflix?

Generally, yes. Although there are free VPNs available, we don’t recommend you use one. They’re often riddled with ads and will sell your browsing habits to make up for the fact that the service is free. Stick to one of the VPNs we recommend above; most are free during the trial period.

What are the best VPNs to unblock Netflix at school?

Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and AdGuard are a few examples of VPNs that have the potential to unblock Netflix at school.

Can I watch Netflix unblocked at school without a VPN?

A VPN is your best bet, but there are other ways. A remote access program lets you use your home computer from your school computer, enabling remote Netflix streaming via your home’s internet. Or, use your phone’s mobile hotspot feature to disconnect from the restrictions set by your school’s internet.

How to get a FREE VPN for 30 days

If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.

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