Planning a trip and wondering “can you use Netflix while traveling?” The answer is yes, but with important caveats. Netflix works in over 190 countries, but the streaming giant has implemented strict traveling rules in 2025 that affect what you can watch and where. Understanding how to use Netflix when traveling requires knowing about location verification, the “I’m Traveling” feature, Netflix travel code limits, and Netflix traveling rules. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to maintain seamless access to your favorite shows while on the road.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Netflix handles your account when you leave home
- How to use the “I’m Traveling” feature effectively
- How to maintain Netflix access during long trips
- Tips for smooth streaming while traveling
- The best offline viewing solutions
1. How Netflix Handles Your Account When You Leave Home
When you leave your primary residence, Netflix’s system immediately begins tracking several signals to determine whether you’re temporarily traveling or permanently sharing your account.
Location Signals Change Your Available Catalog
Netflix uses your IP address to determine your location and adjusts the content library accordingly. When you travel to a different country, your selection of TV shows and movies changes because licensing agreements vary by region. Content available in the US might not be licensed for viewing in Japan or Europe. Additionally, maturity ratings differ between countries, potentially affecting what content appears based on your parental control settings.
Home Location Verification
Netflix treats your home Wi-Fi as your account’s main base, requiring devices to connect to that Wi-Fi at least once every 31 days. This policy primarily affects TVs and streaming boxes rather than mobile devices. Your phone and tablet can travel more freely, but if you’re using a smart TV or streaming device at a vacation rental or hotel, you may encounter verification prompts.
Download Playback Rules Overseas
Downloaded content on your devices may not be available while in a different country due to regional licensing restrictions. Some titles you downloaded at home might become unplayable abroad, and certain titles have annual download limits. Understanding Netflix offline playback limits helps you plan your offline viewing strategy effectively.
2. How to Use Netflix During the Trip
When Netflix detects you’re overseas, it may prompt “Are you traveling?” Understanding this feature is crucial for smooth streaming while away from home.
What is the “I’m Traveling” Feature?
The “I’m Traveling” option confirms a temporary location change, and Netflix may send a verification code to your email or phone to complete the process. This tells Netflix your location change is legitimate and temporary, not permanent account sharing. The Netflix travel code limit means codes stay valid for 14 days for TV viewing and 30 days for mobile devices.
How to Use “I’m Traveling”
When you see the prompt asking if you’re traveling, simply tap “I’m Traveling” to confirm. Netflix will send a verification code to your registered email or phone number. Enter this code to verify your temporary location change. Your account remains active with access to the local content library for your current location.
If You Don’t See the Prompt
If you aren’t prompted automatically, sign out and sign back in to refresh your device’s region info, clear your app cache (especially on Android) to reset region-related restrictions, restart your device after connecting to local Wi-Fi, or use a consistent device to avoid triggering location flags.
3. How to Maintain Netflix Access When Traveling
For extended trips or frequent travelers, maintaining proper Netflix access requires proactive planning.
3.1. Maintain Home Country Access With Periodic Check-Ins
For trips lasting under a month, Netflix is relatively forgiving, but you must connect to your home Wi-Fi at least once every 31 days to maintain your household status. This requirement is particularly important for smart TVs and streaming devices. Mobile devices have more flexibility, but regular check-ins prevent account restrictions.
For Long-Term Travel: If you’re traveling for several months, ensure someone at home logs into Netflix on your primary TV or device at least once per month using your home Wi-Fi. This signals to Netflix that your household remains active.
3.2. Configure Your Account for Second Homes or Frequent Trips
If you regularly travel to a second home or frequently visited place, you need to log into your account at least once per month at that location. After consistent monthly logins, Netflix may recognize this location as part of your Netflix Household, reducing verification prompts.
For Standard and Premium subscribers traveling abroad for over 30 days, consider purchasing an extra member slot ($8.99/month for ad-free). This allows you to maintain a separate profile at your travel location without triggering household restrictions. Purchase the extra member slot before your trip and use the new profile only when at your new location.
4. Tips for Smooth Netflix Streaming While Traveling
Implementing these strategies ensures uninterrupted Netflix access during your travels.
Wi-Fi Optimization
When streaming at hotels or vacation rentals, connect to the strongest available Wi-Fi network. Test your connection speed using a speed test app. For HD streaming, you need at least 5 Mbps, while 4K requires 25 Mbps. If hotel Wi-Fi is unreliable, consider using your mobile hotspot for important viewing sessions.
Offline Download Strategy
The most reliable way to watch Netflix while traveling is downloading content before your trip. However, official Netflix downloads have significant limitations. For unrestricted offline viewing, use a professional Netflix Downloader like CleverGet Netflix Downloader.
Unlike official Netflix downloads that expire and may become unavailable in certain countries, CleverGet creates permanent offline files that work anywhere, anytime, without internet connectivity or subscription verification.
Using Airplane Mode to Prevent Unwanted Region Refresh
When watching previously downloaded Netflix content (whether official downloads or files from CleverGet), enable airplane mode on your device. This prevents Netflix from detecting your new location and potentially restricting your downloaded content. Airplane mode is particularly useful when crossing borders frequently or island-hopping through multiple countries where each new IP address would refresh your content library.
Managing Multiple Devices
Use a consistent device to access Netflix and avoid switching devices too often, as this can trigger location flags. If you must use multiple devices, ensure they’re all properly verified with your account before traveling.
Data Usage Management
When streaming on mobile data while traveling, adjust your Netflix playback settings to conserve data. Go to Account > Playback Settings and select “Low” (0.3 GB per hour) or “Medium” (0.7 GB per hour) instead of “High” (3 GB per hour for HD, 7 GB for 4K). This prevents expensive roaming charges and ensures you don’t exhaust limited international data plans.
5. Conclusion
Using Netflix when traveling abroad in 2025 is entirely possible with proper preparation. Understanding Netflix traveling rules, particularly the 31-day home Wi-Fi requirement and regional content restrictions, prevents unexpected access issues. The “I’m Traveling” feature provides legitimate temporary access, with Netflix travel code limits of 14 days for TVs and 30 days for mobile devices.
For short vacations under a month, simply use the “I’m Traveling” verification when prompted and enjoy access to local content libraries. For longer trips or frequent travelers, maintain home access through monthly check-ins or consider adding extra member slots for separate locations.
The most reliable solution for uninterrupted viewing is downloading content before your trip. While Netflix’s official download feature works for basic needs, CleverGet Netflix Downloader provides superior flexibility with permanent, DRM-free downloads that work on any device without expiration dates or regional restrictions. Combined with airplane mode to prevent unwanted region refreshes, offline downloads ensure you never miss your favorite shows, regardless of Wi-Fi availability or location changes.
Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, working remotely in Europe, or taking a family vacation, these strategies ensure Netflix remains your reliable entertainment companion throughout your travels.
