Watch Amazon Prime US

If you have tried to access the vast content available on the Amazon Prime Video US library, you may have encountered messages like “This title is not available in your location” or “This item is not available in your country.” These restrictions are imposed due to licensing agreements, limiting access to specific regions. Fortunately, we’re here to tell you how to change country on Amazon Prime Video using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Using a VPN, you can reroute your internet traffic through an intermediary server in the desired region. This process masks your true location, tricking Amazon into believing you are accessing their service from an eligible country.

Not only does a VPN allow you to access content from other countries, but it also provides an additional layer of security. Your online activity will be encrypted, safeguarding your data from prying eyes, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

In this tutorial, we will walk you through a step-by-step process, making changing your location on Amazon Prime Video easy. Additionally, we will address common troubleshooting issues that you may encounter along the way.

How to change Amazon Prime Video country

Amazon allows you to change the region associated with your account by entering an address associated with the new region. Bear in mind, this changes the country for your entire Amazon account, including the store you use to shop for physical items.

However, changing your account region is not necessary for unblocking Amazon Prime Video content. As long as you’re connected to a US VPN server that unblocks APV, you will have access to the US library, even if your account region is set to another country.

That being said, if you do ever want to change your region, it’s a relatively straightforward process. While logged in to your Amazon account in a desktop browser, go to Accounts & Lists > Your Content and Devices > Preferences and click the downwards arrow to the right of Country/Region Settings to view your current country.

Amazon settings.

Hit Change and enter the new address you’d like to associate with your account.

Country settings.

Finally, click Update, and you’re done.

Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video US: NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024 unblocks amazon prime videoTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our recommended VPN for unblocking Amazon Prime Video. It’s an extremely fast and reliable service that’s ideal for streaming HD video. Plus, its network of servers spans 60 countries, so if there’s content from other regions you’d like to unblock, you’ll likely find a server that can help. BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Hulu are just a few of the other streaming services we know NordVPN reliably works with.

Better still, NordVPN’s service is private and secure. The company never logs personally identifiable information, plus it secures your data using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.

If you’re worried about a VPN being too complex to use, NordVPN has you covered there too. It’s super simple to set up and has apps for all major operating systems. Plus, if you need any help, 24/7 live chat customer support is just a click away. Simply choose a subscription term and submit payment. A 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try the service risk-free. This is also ideal if you are only looking to unblock digital content for a short period of time, for example, if you’re away on vacation.

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

NordVPN speed test data

No valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)354 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)262 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)284 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend

BEST VPN FOR AMAZON PRIME VIDEO US:NordVPN is fast, reliable, and great at unblocking geo-restricted sites. It comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

NordVPN Coupon
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

How to unblock Amazon Prime Video US with a VPN

The steps to watch Amazon Prime Video US content with a VPN are straightforward.

Here’s how to change country or location in Amazon Prime:

  1. Sign up with your chosen VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN, but we’ve also had success unblocking Amazon Prime Video US with these reliable alternatives: Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and PrivateVPN.
  2. Download and install the relevant desktop VPN app and connect to a US server (or other country if you want a different catalog).
  3. Log in to your Amazon Prime Video account in a desktop browser (see below sections for details).
  4. Search for your desired US digital content. When you find the title, it should have a Watch Now button below the title and blurb.
  5. Click this button and you should be able to enjoy your movie or TV series.
  6. If you encounter any issues, try clearing your cache and cookies. If problems persist, you will need to reach out to customer support for technical assistance.

If a VPN is unsuccessful, the Watch Now button may be displayed, but trying to play the content will result in a proxy error.

The above steps should allow you to access content in APV’s standard US library. However, if you want to purchase additional content (shows and movies that cost extra in the US), you will need a US payment method. A workaround for this is to purchase an amazon.com gift card and use that to make the payment.

If a VPN is unsuccessful, the Watch Now button may be displayed, but trying to play the content will result in a proxy error.

The above steps should allow you to access content in APV’s standard US library. However, if you want to purchase additional content (shows and movies that cost extra in the US), you will need a US payment method. A workaround for this is to purchase an amazon.com gift card and use that to make the payment.

Changing Amazon Prime Country (Video)

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Amazon Prime Video for a month, with no restrictions. This is great if you want to stream a specific show or continue watching one while traveling abroad.

There are no hidden termsjust contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How to unblock Prime on mobile

If you want to unblock Amazon Prime Video on a mobile device, you can use any of the VPN recommendations on this page. We have picked providers that have VPN apps for both iOS and Android devices. This means that you can connect to a server in the USA, or elsewhere, to regain access to your Prime Video account while abroad. To make things absolutely clear, we have explained the entire process below.

Here’s how to unblock Prime on mobile:

  1. Subscribe to one of our recommended VPNs for Prime. Our first choice is NordVPN, a reliable VPN for Prime, especially on mobile.
  2. Download the VPN app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  3. Log in to the VPN app using your credentials.
  4. Use the app to connect to a VPN server in the country you require.
  5. Launch the Amazon Prime Video app, or navigate to the Prime Video website in your browser.

If your VPN fails to work with the Prime Video app, it is possible that you may need to disable your GPS settings. This could be feeding the app conflicting location data. If the Prime Video app is stubborn and refuses to work with the VPN, log in to the service in your browser instead.

If required, you can opt to load the desktop version of the Amazon Prime site. This is useful if the mobile version automatically launches the mobile application (or tries to force you to download it). To switch to the desktop version of the site, simply open your browser’s settings, scroll down, and put a tick in the box that says Desktop site.

How to change Amazon region on a Smart TV

If you want to change the Amazon region on a smart TV you have a few different options available to you. Some smart TVs allow you to connect to the Android Play Store to download apps. If you’re fortunate enough to have this type of advanced Smart TV, you may be able to install the VPN onto the Smart TV itself. Please bear in mind, however, that this is a rarity.

Most Smart TV users will need to share their VPN connection from a Mac or Windows computer. You can do this physically using an ethernet cable, or by setting up a virtual wireless hotspot on your VPN-connected computer. We have guides for setting up a virtual wifi hotspot on both Windows and Mac.

Alternatively, you could opt to use the Smart DNS service provided by our top 3 recommendations. Smart DNS allows you to spoof your location by altering the DNS settings on your Smart TV. The DNS settings can be configured from within the smart TV’s menu using the details provided by your VPN on its website. This will proxy your DNS requests and make it appear that you are in a different location.

Just bear in mind that the complementary Smart DNS service provided by most VPNs will only give you a few locations to pick from (usually only the USA). Thus, if you need to connect to a different location, setting up a virtual hotspot is your best option.

Finally, you can opt to connect to the VPN on a VPN-compatible router. By connecting to your VPN at the router level, every device in your home – including your Smart TV – is automatically protected by the VPN. The advantage of this method is that you do not need to worry about doing anything on your Smart TV.

Amazon.com versus primevideo.com

When we test VPNs with Amazon Prime Video, we access the streaming media service through the amazon.com website. The other way to watch Amazon Prime Video content on desktop is through the primevideo.com website. However, this appears to work in a similar way to the mobile apps and only shows you your home library of content.

For example, even when we connected to a US server and changed our account region to United States, a search for Mad Dogs (which we could watch through the amazon.com site) came up with nothing on the primevideo.com site.

Prime Video search.

It’s unclear why this happens and what Amazon is doing behind the scenes, but what we can assume is that it uses different detection measures on the amazon.com site than it does on the primevideo.com site and mobile apps.

That being said, if your account was originally registered in the US with a US payment method, the primevideo.com site and mobile apps should still show you the US library. And connecting to a US VPN server should give you access to that library no matter where you are.

Note that for other local versions of Amazon, you may have a different experience. For example, in Canada and Australia, you can no longer watch Amazon Prime Video through the amazon.ca and amazon.au sites respectively. Instead, you’re redirected to primevideo.com.

One local version that appears to continue to work in the same way as the amazon.com site (allowing you to view shows through the main Amazon website) is the UK version (amazon.co.uk).

Can I use a free VPN to unblock Amazon Prime Video USA?

A quick Google search will bring up a ton of free services, and like anything you don’t have to pay for, these can be seriously tempting. However, we recommend steering clear. Free VPN services likely won’t be able to deliver the video streaming experience you’re looking for. They typically don’t have the ability to unblock Amazon Prime Video US in the first place, and even if they do, you may have to suffer with a slow, unreliable VPN connection. These services tend to have too many users crowding a small number of servers, so much so that you may even have to join a queue to connect.

Apart from being a poor choice for online streaming, free VPNs have a less-than-stellar reputation on the privacy and security front. Many monitor user activity via tracking cookies and sell the collected data to third parties. At the very least, you’ll have to endure ads, either from the VPN provider themselves or advertisers they cut deals with.

VPN users assume their security is improved with the software, but this isn’t always the reality. Some VPN apps have been found to carry malware, many leak data, and some don’t even encrypt internet traffic. At least with a reputable paid service, you know the basics are covered, and you can be confident that it’ll provide the experience you’re looking for.

How we test and recommend VPNs for Prime Video

At Comparitech, we understand the importance of thorough testing and research. That’s why we have meticulously examined various VPN services and methods to ensure we provide you with the most reliable and effective techniques for changing your location on Amazon Prime Video.

Not all VPNs are the same, which is why we test market-leading services to see how they compare. We test each provider’s apps for IP and DNS leaks to ensure the VPN is providing the privacy it claims. We also look under the hood to check the encryption is implemented to a high standard. This means you can use the VPN to secure your data against snooping and surveillance.

Next, we test the VPN’s speeds to check it is suitable for streaming in Prime Video and other popular services. We also check that it is able to access Netflix and other streaming platforms from abroad. Finally, we analyze the VPN’s features to ascertain how useful it is and whether it is good value for money.

Below, we have included a list of criteria we looked for when recommending VPNs for Prime Video:

  • Fast global server network that works with Prime Video
  • Secure VPN protocols with watertight AES encryption
  • Apps for all platforms with advanced features like a kill-switch and obfuscation
  • Excellent reliability and ease of use
  • 24/7 customer care and a money-back guarantee to trial the service
  • Extras such as a free Smart DNS service, ad blocking, and malware protection

For more information on how we test and recommend VPNs, please check out our in-depth methodology article.

What are some popular titles available on Amazon Prime Video US?

The Amazon Prime Video US library includes more than 16,500 movies and 2,000+, including plenty of original programming. Here are some popular shows and movies available (note that these are not all US exclusives):

  • Wrath of Man
  • Encounter
  • Grey’s Anatomy
  • The Green Knight
  • The Handmaid’s tale
  • The Wheel of Time
  • The Expanse
  • South Park
  • The Office
  • Supernatural
  • The 100
  • Marie Antoinette
  • Invincible
  • Harlem
  • Cruel Summer
  • Dune
  • Reacher
  • Mr and Mrs Smith

Note: Access to particular titles is dependent on location. If you connect to a US server for American Amazon Prime, you will be able to watch the shows listed above. However, if you connect to a server in another country, like Canada, or The UK, the digital content library will differ.

See also:

Change country to watch Amazon Prime Video FAQ

Is membership sharing allowed with Amazon Prime Video?

Yes, but only in some regions. If you’re in the US or UK, you can share your membership with one other adult in your household. To do this, you need to link your Amazon accounts together. Log in to your Amazon account and go to Accounts & Lists > Your Account. Under Shopping programs and rentals, select Amazon Household. Select Add Adult and follow the prompts.

Yes, you could feasibly link your account with someone outside your household, but bear in mind that this involves sharing your payment information with that person.

What about letting your kids have access to your account? You can also add up to four teenagers and four pre-teens to your Amazon Prime account.

Does Amazon Prime Video USA have profiles like Netflix?

Yes, it does. This feature was added to the Amazon Prime service in July 2020 and you can now create up to six profiles per account. Now multiple users can have a personalized profile, which includes saved lists and tailored recommendations. A profile-specific “continue watching” feature means each user can continue where they left off in a show or movie, even if another user is watching the same one.

Can more than one TV or device in the home stream Amazon Prime Video?

Yes. In one household, you can stream up to three different titles simultaneously. However, if you want to stream the same title, the limit is two devices at a time.

How do I change the country on a Fire TV Stick?

To change the country on a Fire TV Stick, you first need to change the country for your Amazon account. Here are the steps:

  1. Log into your Amazon account.
  2. Go to Accounts & Lists > Manage Your Content and Devices > Preferences.
  3. Click the arrow that’s to the right of Country/Region Settings and you will see your current country.
  4. Select Change, then enter the address you’d like to have associated with your account, and hit Update.
  5. A notification will pop up. Select learn more, then click Update your default Kindle Store or Transfer your Kindle account to.
  6. Now on your Amazon Fire TV, go to Home > Settings > My Account, and choose Deregister.
  7. Finally, you’ll need to register your device by re-entering your Amazon account info for your new country.

And that’s it. Your Fire TV account will now be associated with the new address.

How do I change the language on Amazon Prime?

If you need to change the language on your Amazon Prime Video account, simply head to the Prime Video website. Now, open the Accounts and Settings page and click on the Language tab. Here, you can select your desired language from the list.

Alternatively, if you do not use the Prime Video website in your country (some countries like the UK do not) head over to Amazon’s main website instead. Once there, hover your cursor over Account & Lists and click Your Prime Video. Now, click the gear icon in the top right of the screen. Choose Settings and then Language. Here you can pick from a list of available languages.

In which countries is Amazon Prime Video available?

In 2016, Amazon Prime expanded the availability of its Prime Video service globally. It is now available in over 200 countries and territories around the world. Thus, the streaming service is now available everywhere apart from mainland China, Iran, North Korea, and Syria.

That said, each country’s catalog of titles differs and when you leave your home country on vacation, it is possible that the catalog will be smaller (or different). When traveling abroad, you can check the Watch While Abroad section to see what titles remain available.

Will Amazon Prime block me for changing my region?

We haven’t heard any reports of users being banned for streaming Prime Video with a VPN active. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, no major streaming service does this.

If Amazon realizes you’ve changed region using a VPN, it’ll simply display an error and stop you from watching anything. Of course, this isn’t guaranteed to happen – if your VPN has servers specially optimized for Prime Video, you’ll likely be able to fly under the radar entirely.

Will changing my Amazon Prime region cause buffering?

If you’re experiencing buffering when you try to stream, it’s likely that your connection speeds aren’t high enough. You can resolve this issue by lowering the video quality, closing any other apps that are using the internet, or pausing the video and waiting a while (though this last option is just a temporary fix).

VPNs are great for regaining access to your usual services while traveling but they do reduce your speeds slightly, which can cause buffering if you’re already on a very slow connection. We’d recommend using a server that’s relatively close by and switching to the WireGuard protocol if possible. You might also want to contact customer support since they’ll be able to tell you if something is misconfigured on your end.

Will changing my Amazon home country impact other Amazon services?

Yes. If you change your Amazon home country, it will impact other Amazon services that you use, such as your Prime membership and Kindle books.

Can I use my US Amazon account in UK?

Yes, you can use your US Amazon account in the UK. Your account settings will allow you to change your country selection, so that you can browse, search and buy items from the Amazon store in the UK. Note that prices and availability may vary between countries.

Why are certain shows only available on Amazon US?

It may be that you travel abroad (outside the US) only to find you can no longer stream your favorite Amazon US TV show. Or perhaps you’re located outside the US and simply can’t find a particular show on your version of Prime Video. Whatever the case, this is all due to licensing restrictions

If a certain show is only available on Amazon US, that’s likely because Amazon doesn’t hold the rights to show it in other countries. Instead, the rights may well belong to other broadcasters. To respect such agreements, Prime Video ensures the content is region-locked outside the US.

What internet speed is needed to watch Amazon Prime?

To get the most out of your Amazon Prime Video experience, it’s a good idea to have a steady internet connection with at least the following speeds:

  • Standard Definition (SD) content: 1 Mbps download speed
  • High Definition (HD) content: 5 Mbps download speed
  • Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4K content: 15 Mbps download speed

Remember, these figures represent the minimum requirements. Faster internet speeds can enhance your streaming experience. And if you’ve connected several devices to the same network, all using the internet simultaneously, you might need even higher speeds to ensure smooth streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

What to do if your Amazon Prime region isn't changing?

If you find yourself having trouble changing your Amazon Prime region, don’t worry. Some helpful steps you can take should put you on the right track. 

  1. Firstly, ensure that the VPN you use has servers in the country you want to switch to. For example, if you switch to US Amazon Prime, ensure your VPN has US servers. 
  2. Next, before accessing Amazon Prime, it’s a good idea to clear your browser cache and cookies. This can help avoid any potential issues arising from stored data. 
  3. If you’re still having difficulties, try logging out of your Amazon account, then connect to a US server on your VPN before logging back in. This should help to reset any location-based restrictions that may be causing the problem. 
  4. If you’ve tried everything and you’re still experiencing issues, don’t hesitate to contact your VPN support team for additional help. Their team of experts will be happy to assist you further.

If your VPN isn’t working to change your Amazon Prime region after the above troubleshooting, you should also consider the following things:

  • Check your internet connection is strong enough to stream video
  • Check that you haven’t exceeded your limit of simultaneous device connections
  • Check that your browser or Amazon Prime app is up to date