It’s been a long time coming, but it is finally official. Netflix, last night (6th January 2016), announced the expansion of the brand to an additional 130 countries across the globe, including South Africa. Here is our article on how to setup Netflix in South Africa.
Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings, during his keynote address at CES 2016 affirmed the news: “Today, I am delighted to announce that while we have been here on stage at CES, we switched Netflix in Azerbaijan, in Vietnam, in India, in Nigeria, in Poland, in Russia, in Saudi Arabia, in Singapore, in South Korea, in Turkey, in Indonesia, and in 130 new countries.”
Why the Limited Service?
It is worth noting, however, that the service isn’t on par with its U.S. counterpart, instead offering a somewhat watered down experience, with upgrades to be executed in the coming months. One of the main contributing factors in this slightly diluted package lies in licensing. As it turns out, other pay-TV broadcasters and video streaming services already own the rights to stream the latest episodes for specific shows as they’re released.
The great news for many South Africans, despite the setback, is that it is no longer required to be routed via a VPN to spoof a U.S. IP address, and makes it easier to use on mobile networks using dynamic IPs. No doubt there’ll be tug-of-war on licensing with the likes of Naspers in the near future.
Step 1: Line Speed
It’s all well and good going through all the below steps in signing up and then falling short when you’re geared to relax and enjoy when nothing works. The most important information to know is whether you’re able to stream the service in the first place.
Via their website on proposed line speeds, Netflix has suggested a minimum of 0.5MB/s to stream. Although this may be the case, using a line speed in this region will require some buffering beforehand and only SD quality. Most of us looking to sign-up for Netflix will be looking at the HD option, which has a suggested requirement of 5.0MB/s connection and 25MB/s for UHD if you’re one of the lucky few to own a UHD TV.
Regardless of your line speed, latency is also very important when streaming on the fly. An average ping of below 20ms will be more than ideal, although anything below 50ms should suffice. It isn’t always necessary to use an ADSL line or any other fixed line, although those will provide the most stable speeds and latency. There are times when a 3G connection will do, depending on your network, coverage, and access quality. For a more stable connection, an LTE modem is more than ideal.
Step 2: Viewing Equipment
Netflix allows users to view on a multitude of devices. In-home options include your SmartTV, or via your PlayStation, Xbox, Chromecast, Apple TV, Smart Blu-ray and DVD players, and even a few set-top boxes, amongst others. While on the go, you’re able to stream via the applet on your iPhone, iPad, Android smartphone and tablet (provided it’s supported), and Windows Phone devices. For the simpler option, users can always just log on to their account using their PC or laptops via the Netflix website.
Note: For certain, older Android smartphones, the app won’t be available on the Google Play Store. Instead, you’ll have to download the app directly via the website.
We’ve attached the list of all supported Android devices here.
Step 3: Sign-Up
To start off, you’ll need to visit the website. There isn’t much to view on the landing page, unless you’re all about the Terms and Conditions before signing up, which is important in this case.
Once you’ve created your account by entering your email and password and confirming your registration, you’re set to choose your package and payment options. Netflix South Africa does have the option of using the service for free for the first month before your first payment.
Step 4: Package and Payment
There are three packages to choose from: Basic, Standard and Premium. In summary, the Basic package only streams on one device in Standard Definition, whereas Standard offers HD streaming on two devices simultaneously. The Premium package allows for UHD streaming on up to four devices at a time. The payments are in U.S. Dollars at 7.99, 9.99, and 11.99, respectively.
There are two payment options, straight via your credit card (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) or via PayPal. It is also worth noting that you’re able to cancel your package whenever you choose, with streaming turned off at the end of that month. There aren’t any duration or contracts to sign into in order to enjoy the service. Payments will be deducted on the same day of the month of your original sign-up.
Step 5: Enjoy Netflix
Once that is completed and accepted, you’re free to start browsing and viewing your favourite shows. And that’s how to setup Netflix in South Africa.
Step 6: Watch Netflix from other countries (optional)
If you’d like to unlock Netflix for other regions, you’ll need a VPN. Surfshark offers great options to unblock streaming services.
Will probably get Netflix very soon. DSTV must be feeling the pressure.
Good news for people that don’t have local Netflix because streaming content online is much more convenient than watching DVDs etc. However, the new regions of Netflix will have a maximum number of 500 unique titles which is very low compared to US Netflix (5000 titles). If you want to get a good value for your money, you can use services like Unotelly and access all regions of Netflix. You get about 1000% more content with a minimum cost.
Must I have a modem to watch Netflix on my TV
Depends if your TV is smart or not. Otherwise you can just download the app.
does Netflix needs me to buy a decoder? where can I buy one if so
No, you don’t require a decoder. All you need to have is a Netflix-enabled device – like a PC or a Smart TV or Smart Blu-ray player.
Do I need wifi to watch Netflix on my Smart tv set?
Yes, you’ll need some form of Internet connectivity to stream the content.
Can I set up Netflix on a Raspberry Pie? If so, how do I go about?
Yes, this is very possible. The easiest I would say it to install Android on your Raspberry Pi, and from there you can download the Netflix app. Of course, you’ll need a few accessories and Internet connectivity. It should take 10-20 minutes to setup and be up and running.
I have WiFi but not a smart tv… can u install Netflix I not pls advise how to go about it.
You could install the app on your smartphone, and then link to the TV via HDMI.
can i be able to connect netflix on the old model t v
It depends on what type of connectivity your TV has. If you’re able to connect your PC/laptop or phone to the TV, then it is possible if your TV can’t install the app.
Note you can get S-Video cables for your smartphone as well if it’s not HDMI.
Hi i got dstv.but the prices getting higher every. month.who can i contact to installing it for me Netflix.
Hi I want to get Netflix but dnt know wat and how to go about it
Hi. You’ll need an Internet connection firstly – hopefully uncapped. Then you’ll have to sign-up for an account on Netflix using your credit card. The biggest issue is whether you have support for the app on your smart TV, otherwise you’ll only be able to view by connecting your PC/laptop to the TV and stream from the browser.
Hi. You don’t get a separate connection to install Netflix. You can sign-up via your browser by paying with your credit card. If your smart TV supports downloading the Netflix app, then you can view directly from your TV. Alternatively, you can connect your PC/laptop to your TV and stream from the browser.
If i do not have a wifi connection it absolutely means i cant not watch some movies on netflix
You could either use your phone as a WiFi hotspot if you have sufficient data, or use a modem in your laptop and connect that to your TV.
How much on an average per month does one spend on netflix? we buy data and we subscribe as well? sounds almost expensive…
Do Netflix have sport channels becoz I’m addicted to soccer
No, they don’t.
Hi i wish to know how do i get a giftcard fir netflix as i have no credit card please
Hie do paypal work for Netflix please
Whuch app di you get live sport please
Good Morning I am “Old School” hand have recently acquired internet connectivity at home. I have 50 up and 50 down unthrottled and uncapped, but I am struggling to download the Netflix App onto my Smart TV. can you help
Please help.
I’ve only had one month trial period and already the wife and I are addicted, thanks.
Now you have a problem with my banking details and you want my security number, well at 75 years of age i don’t know what that is. Help
kind regards.
Billy
Hello, I have moved from housing in the same town of George, South Africa two weeks ago. My server has changed from Telkom to Clearview George. My E-mail and banking details have stayed the same and I do not manage to get connected to Netflix. Help please. Thanks
I have purchased a new Smart Tv in south africa to watch Netflix but have no idea how it all works , costs and what data usage I need to watch 3 to 4 hours night. I get 20 gigs data pm at present should I need more or is it better to get Uncapped Data?
Hi Neville. It’s preferable to get an uncapped package, as viewing could always escalate, especially during this next 3-week period.
From my experience, streaming 720p Netflix for 3-4 hours per day can easily exceed 40GB monthly.
However, you are able to reduce the quality of the stream in the settings to save on data usage.
If you have the Telkom LIT package, they have an included bundle of 50GB only used for YouTube, Netflix, DStv and Showmax. (DStv quality not great).
hi i need to connect to Netflix
Hi Netflix can you host a movie night event for me and my friend please
So far, out of all the streaming platforms I have tried (including the free ones), I like Netflix the most. I actually use it with a VPN to get more content when connecting to the US server. Surfshark works pretty nicely for me, but I’m sure you could find more VPNs with the same feature for streaming.
Do we not need a media box to stream ?