Geo restrictions have become rather commonplace on the internet, blocking users from accessing otherwise freely available content based on their location. This move is quite common in streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify, which opt to block certain content from users entirely.
This is quite problematic, and users might find themselves at a loss here. Fortunately, there exist two solutions, of varying difficulty – tailored for all operating systems – including Apple’s own Macs.
How to access restricted content on your Mac
The Easy Way
The most straightforward way to deal with content blocking is to simply use a VPN. Also known as a Virtual Private Network, VPNs let users mask their IP addresses and ‘pretend’ that they are from another geolocation entirely – thereby bypassing the regional restrictions imposed by streaming sites.
VPNs vary in their usability, quality and assurances. Even more so on Macs, where having a working VPN can greatly affect your workflow. For this particular example, we will be using VeePN, a free VPN for macOS.
To use it, simply download and install the dmg file and hit install by double clicking it, and follow the instructions. VeePN is compatible with most major versions of macOS, ranging from Sonoma (14) to OS X El Capitan (10.11). However, it is generally recommended to use the latest version of macOS compatible with your device for best results.
VPNs are usually compatible with all Macs, including the Mac Mini and Macbook Air/Pro.
The Hard Way
The hard way revolves around finding alternatives to popular streaming sites. Try switching to a different provider for your streaming needs, or even better – consider making an offline library of sorts.
This method naturally involves a lot more effort, but being able to store massive files onto your PC locally and stream it as and when required is quite the rewarding task.
