So Netflix is now officially launched in Qatar after years of wait, but within a month it has proven to be a big disappointment compared to the US/UK editions. In fact, as shared in the graphic below, only 18% of the TV shows/movies are available in Qatar compared to US version.
But one good thing is that even if you sign up for Netflix in Qatar, you can watch US Netflix in Qatar, albeit using a small hack shared below.
We all love the English content Netflix has, right from the sitcoms to the reality TV series, to iconic series like “Orange is the New Black”, and Netflix specials like “The House of Cards” etc
After my personal experience in Doha, I scouted for a hack to get netflix Qatar access, and I’ve found a very simple solution to address this, valid not only for Qatar but anywhere in the world, and not only for Netflix but also for Hulu, beginning at just $3.33/month.
Getting straight to the point, the best way to get netflix Qatar access is to get a VPN service (I use IP Vanish), which is as easy as a single click and a 3 second wait to enter the entertaining world of Netflix from your couch. In layman terms, a VPN service is basically showing netflix that you are logging in from the United States, and not Qatar. And voila, you get the access.
While doing this, I have also compiled a quick list of best VPN services for getting netflix Qatar access below. For those interested in details, may learn more about VPN here, or can get a detailed summary prepared by me for best VPN service here.
The 3 step process is quickly explained below:
1. Sign up to any VPN service from the list below (recommended to be the fastest and easiest, after trying myself) and install their software.
Please note: Depending upon the region, some of the above may not work, but one of them will definitely work.
2. Open the software and connect to any location in the United States.
3. Log on to US Netflix and enjoy!
A quick summary table comparing these services for your ease:
If you are still not completely sure, why not try a one month service and see it for yourself.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some countries where the internet is very heavily controlled may block the websites of VPN providers. That is why I have given you a carefully chosen list of 4 VPN providers, one of which will definitely work and also that these are the best priced ones in the market. In the rare case that none of these are working, please write to me in the content with your current country and I'll reply to you with a solution within 24 hours.Do share your experience and feedback of the process of getting US Netflix in Qatar access through this little hack.
Also see, how to access netflix from other countries in Asia.
Karanpreet Bindra
Karanpreet, thanks for the article, I’m a Canadian expat living in Doha for the last 6 months, and expect to be here for another 18. About the vpn – have you any experience configuring routers to work with IP Vanish? I’d like to use the vpn for all my home devices, so the most seemless way to go would be to have the router manage it. I have the service provider supplied fibre router, but I fear that some of the settings require for vpn set-up may not be accessible. I’m just wondering if you, or someone you know, has been able, or not, before I try myself.
Cheers.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your reply. It makes a lot of sense to get it configured in the router itself. However, not all routers are supported to be configured for an in-built VPN. In case you are fairly tech savvy, you can go for a ‘Open VPN’ type and select between 2 technologies: 1.DD-WRT and 2.Tomato. You’ll have to manually install this firmware on your router (if supported) or buy a pre-configured router. The IP Vanish router list is here
Else, simply take the IP Vanish package and use it across devices (from the same account and for the same price). Get IP Vanish here. Hope this helps. Wishing a happy expat life in Doha.
Hi Karanpreet, i downloaded ipvanish and would like to access Netflix US using my wii. I could only see the ip address but in order to use it with the wii i also need the DNS codes. Any idea how to do this?
Many thanksxx
Hi Dior,
There is a work around on this. Start using Overplay Smart DNS (checked today morning only).
Good luck. Feel free to write back.
Karan
Hi
Thank you for this.
I live in a Tower complex. Ezdan Towers. Can this service work there?
Regards
David
Hi David,
Yes, it will surely work. You can also try the Overplay Smart DNS which is able to bypass Netflix’s new DNS detection feature.
Karan
What do you think of smartDNSProxy. I was using them with good success in Qatar until PalPal cancelled a contract in Turkey. Now I can’t get hold of them because the sites are blocked in Qatar. Any suggestions
Use amongst he 4 I suggested. Those work for now.