Today, we’re going to talk about something different. Instead of movies, this blog will be dealing with how to access Netflix from Russia. Now Netflix has been in Russia for some time now. However, due to current political conditions, Netflix is now inaccessible in Russia and more apps, payment gateways are following with each day. While it may not be a biggie for non-Russians, the innocent civilians of Russia, who have already paid for Netflix and other services, are now facing a blackout of apps.
So if you’re in Russia and wish to access apps you have already subscribed to or are using, or want to get in touch with someone you love far away in Russia, this blog will aim to answer those situations.
How to Get Netflix in Russia | Watch Netflix in Russia After the Ban
If you are somehow stuck in Russia and have nothing to do with the Russia-Ukrain war, then this trick is for you. Since Netflix has blocked its availability in Russia, fans from around the world are searching and asking how to get Netflix in Russia.
The answer to this is with a VPN. A VPN lets you bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite content online. Just follow these simple steps to stream Netflix in Russia.
- Get ExpressVPN for Netflix (30-day money-back guarantee)
- Download the VPN app on your device of choice
- Connect to a US server/IP address from the list
- Open mygiftcardsupply.com on your browser and search Netflix or click here
- A Netflix gift card will cost you around $30 which you can redeem in your Netflix account
- Enter your details, email address, name, Russian phone number
- Select Bitcoin as the payment method
- Done, you can now open your Netflix account and watch it in Russia
Note: To access Netflix in Russia, you have to use a workable VPN service, without a VPN you won’t be able to watch Netflix.
The History of Netflix
Now Netflix needs no introduction at all. It is one of the biggest subscription streaming service companies, and with the launch of Netflix Originals, it has also become one of the biggest production companies. However., very few people know how it started.
The service is native American and always has been. The idea for Netflix as a brand was perceived by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings back in 1997 during one of their carpools in California. The original Netflix was founded as a DVD rental service, except the rental DVDs would arrive in the customer’s mailbox. By September, the brand had moved to a monthly subscription model, which soon turned into a flat-fee unlimited-rental model. Fast forward a few years and a bunch of obstacles and the company had gone public by 2002. Fast forward to 2006, and Netflix had introduced a new movie-recommendation algorithm.
However, the genesis for Netflix happened in 2007 when the company decided to move to a streaming media model, thus becoming one of the first, if not the first VoD company. By early 2010s, Netflix had started to expand to other regions including Europe. By 2013, the company stepped into originals as well and the rest is history.
Netflix Revenue
The company is not just a billion dollar company, it’s a multi-billion dollar company, reporting USD 29.7 billion revenue in 2021 with a net income of USD 5.116 billion. The company has at least 221.8 million subscribers as of 31 December 2021. The company is 115th on the fortune-500 companies list and almost operates all over the world (190 countries until the current situation).
In Russia, Netflix has nearly 1 million subscribers,s and is earning millions of dollars in subscription renewals.
Why Is Netflix Blocked In Russia?
To be honest, there are many reasons for which Netflix has shut down its operations in Russia. Bit by bit, we are seeing all service providers exiting Russia in one form or another and it was only a matter of time before Netflix did the same.
Things started heating when Netflix said it would cut ties with at least 20 Russian propaganda channels. On 28th February, 2022. On March 4, 2022, in less than 5 days after the announcement to not carry Russian propaganda channels, Netflix confirmed it has halted all the productions, acquisitions and projects in Russia, and by March 6, 2022, it was confirmed that the company would halt its operations in Russia.
The blockage is primarily due to the fact every major Western website, service, app, company, and brand is now showing solidarity with Ukraine and since Netflix is a US-based company, it was only a matter of time before Netflix would pause its operations in Russia.
Another major reason why Netflix had to block its services in Russia was that most payment gateways like PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and others are also blocked in Russia, meaning users will not be able to pay for their monthly subscriptions anymore. So to be fair, there was no point in Netflix continuing their operations in Russia when users can’t even receive subscription fees.
Are Payment Methods Aldo Blocked In Russia? Payment Gateway Block In Russia
Sadly, yes, all major payment methods are blocked in Russia. PayPal Inc. first made the announcement of not accepting new Russian users by 2nd March 2022. On Saturday, 5th March, the company announced they’re completely shutting down their services in Russia.
Visa and Mastercard have come up with similar announcements during the past weekend and have completely shut off their services from Russia in the light of current affairs.
Based on the blockage of both payment methods/payment gateways and VoD channels, it is safe to assume crypto is the only way people can buy VPNs, which they can then use to buy gift cards and then claim the cards to prolong their VoD/Netflix subscription.
VoD Channels Blockage In Russia | Movies Blockage In Russia
Of course this blockage is now exhibiting a classic snowball effect as other VoD channels and even production companies and studios have now halted the releases of their movies in Russia. Companies like Warner Bros, Disney and Sony, all have confirmed they will not be releasing their movies in Russia. Since HBO is owned by Warner group and Disney owns Marvel, all the blockbuster superhero movies and TV shows on those platforms are now also blocked in Russia along with movies that were scheduled for a theatrical release. Some of the AAA TV shows and movies include:
- Batman
- Moon Knight
- Turning Red
- Morbius
- The Lost City
- Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Other blocked media include:
- Sputnik (YouTube)
- Zato
- Anna K
- Nothing Special
- Channel One
- NTV
- Russian Orthodox Church
What’s The Future? What To Expect?
We don’t know about the future of streamers in Russia, If you are wondering how you can watch Netflix in Russia then the answer is with a VPN. Get the best Netflix VPN to unblock geo restrictions and watch Netflix in Russia.
Wrap Up
So there you go. One by one, slowly but surely, every app, website, VoD service and payment option is being blocked in Russia and until the war is over and peace establishes between the two countries, it seems like VPN is going to be the only solution for people stuck in Russia or the innocent Russian civilians who don’t want war or blockage – just cease-fire, peace, serenity, Netflix and chill.
