Watch Canal Plus in the USA - How to Make it Work in 2024

If you’re wondering how to watch Canal Plus in the USA, stick around.

The platform is only available in France, and it uses strict geographical restrictions to make sure no one can access it from abroad.

When you try to visit it, you hit a Content not available in your region roadblock. I’ll show you how to get past it with a VPN.

And if you’ve tried VPN and it didn’t work, hang out for a bit longer, and I’ll let you in on some bonus info to keep your US location on the down-low.

In this article:

• Why Can’t I Access Canal Plus in the USA?
• How to Watch Canal Plus in the USA
  • Option 1: Connect to a French VPN Server
  • Option 2: Connect to an Obfuscated VPN Server
  • Option 3: Create Your Own French VPN Server
• Best VPNs for Watching Canal Plus in the USA
• How to Sign Up for Canal Plus in the USA
• Extra Tips to Make Sure Your VPN Works

Why can’t I access Canal Plus in the USA?

Canal Plus is only available in France, so if you try to view it abroad, you’ll get error messages or redirects. To overcome it, you’ll have to use a VPN connected to France.

Aside from the error message in the screenshot above, you could also get This page isn’t working. canaplus.com is currently unable to handle this request. HTTP ERROR 500.

That’s most likely because the streaming service is trying to fight off VPNs in an attempt to enforce its geo-block.

But with the right tools and configuration, it’s still possible to watch Canal Plus from the USA.

How to watch Canal Plus in the USA

To watch Canal Plus abroad you have to make it seem you’re located in France. For that, you’ll have to connect to a French VPN server.

This will mask your USA IP and make it seem you’re accessing the web from France.

Because Canal Plus can be difficult to access, even with a VPN, I’ll give you 3 configuration options.

Option 1: Connect to a Fench VPN server

This method is the simplest and you’ll likely get the best connection speeds for streaming if you use it.

The downside is that not all VPN servers will work on Canal Plus, so you may have to try out a few different servers to get to one that actually works.

Here’s what to do:

1. Select a VPN provider:
   For Canal Plus, I recommend NordVPN. It’s the only option I tried that consistently allows you to navigate Canal Plus and access its content without errors.
2. Install the VPN:
   Download and install the VPN application on your device.

3. Connect to a French Server:
   Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to a server located in France to obtain a French IP address.

4. Access Canal+: Visit the Canal+ platform, log in, and you should have unrestricted access to its content library.

Option 2: Connect to an obfuscated VPN server

Platforms like Canal Plus that try to block VPNs will blacklist some servers and known VPN ports, or even use deep packet inspection to detect VPN usage. 

So if you tried connecting and got an error message, connect to an obfuscated server. These servers use extra layers of protection to make it seem like you’re accessing the web directly, not with a VPN.

The downside of this is that because of the increased encryption, your connection may be slower.

Here’s how to do it in the NordVPN app:

1. Enable obfuscated servers:
   In the NordVPN app, find the Specialty server option.

2. Connect to an obfuscated server:
   Hover over obfuscated servers and click on the ellipsis to see obfuscated server locations. Select France and connect.

3. Stream Canal Plus content:
   With the obfuscated server, you should be able to access Canal Plus without further restrictions.

Option 3: Create your own French VPN server

If you have a friend or relative back in France, you can use their help to establish a VPN connection to one of their devices.

This method is most likely to work because you’ll browse the web using an actual French IP that’s not linked to any known VPN.

Even more, you don’t need to buy a premium VPN for it. You can use NordVPN’s Meshnet feature, which is available for free.

Here’s what to do:

1. Disconnect from your VPN.
2. Set up Meshnet:
   On both devices, open the NordVPN app. Go to Meshnet and toggle On the button next to Connect this device to your virtual device network.

2. Connect your devices:
   Through Meshnet, select Link devices and pick your friend’s device from the list.

3. Route your traffic:
   Opt to route your internet traffic through your friend’s device, effectively using their French IP address.
4. Access and stream Canal+:
   Navigate to Canal+ and enjoy streaming as if you were in France.

Think of NordVPN’s Meshnet as a secret tunnel that connects your computer directly to a friend in France. It’s like having a private bridge where you can cross over the internet’s usual borders, and appear as if you’re browsing from your friend’s living room in Paris.

This nifty trick is perfect for when traditional VPN paths are blocked, and you need a more under-the-radar route to your French content.

Best VPNs for watching Canal Plus in the USA

Below I’ll explain a bit more why NordVPN is my top choice. I’ll also give 2 alternative VPN options that work with Canal Plus if you think NordVPN isn’t for you.

All 3 have extra layers of protection to help bypass the stringent blocks on Canal Plus.

NordVPN – obfuscated servers and Meshnet

NordVPN is using obfuscation methods and is adept at circumventing VPN blocks on Canal Plus.

With over 230 servers in France, including in Paris and Marseille, it provides ample options for a French IP address.

Even more, with its Meshnet feature you can create your own VPN connection that is more likely to remain under the radar.

NordVPN

Unlock Canal+ in the USA with NordVPN’s French servers. Stream securely now.

Check price Visit website

ExpressVPN – built-in obfuscation on all servers

ExpressVPN operates servers in Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Alsace. All are equipped with automatic obfuscation. 

This feature is seamlessly integrated into their service, so you don’t need to do anything to activate it.

It’s also worth noting that ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market right now, which is essential for buffer-free streaming on Canal Plus.

ExpressVPN

Stream Canal+ effortlessly in the USA with ExpressVPN’s obfuscated servers. Connect today.

Check price Visit website

Surfshark – 2 different obfuscation modes

Surfshark boasts servers in Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille among its 76 French server options. 

Unique to Surfshark is the fact that it has two obfuscation modes: Camouflage mode and NoBorders mode.

Camouflage mode effectively masks VPN traffic as regular internet traffic when using the OpenVPN protocol. NoBorders mode is designed to function in restrictive regions.

Surfshark

Access Canal+ with Surfshark’s Camouflage mode. Seamless streaming from the USA awaits you.

Check price Visit website

How to sign up for Canal Plus in the USA

To sign up for Canal+ from the USA, besides a working VPN connection, you’ll need a French address and phone number. If you do not have access to any, you can obtain them online.

Here’s what to do:

1. Head to Canal+:
   With your VPN active, visit the Canal Plus website and click on the S’abonner button in the top right corner.

2. Choose your plan:
   Skim through the subscription options and click Découvrir l’offre to get a detailed view.

3. Confirm your choice:
   After reviewing what each plan offers, click Sélectionner to proceed with your chosen subscription.
4. Pick subscription duration:
   Decide how long you want to enjoy Canal+ and click Choisir to set the subscription period.

4. Create your account:
   Enter your email, create a strong password, agree to the terms, and click Suivant to move forward.

5. Verify email:
   Check your email for a confirmation code. A heads-up: mine was hidden in the Spam folder, so peek there if it’s not in your inbox.

6. Personal details:
   Fill in your full name, a French address, and a ZIP code—random French ZIP codes can be sourced online from sites like geonames.org.
7. Enter a French phone number.
   If you have a French number or a friend/relative to borrow it from, it’s the best idea. But if you don’t, this step can be a tad tricky. If you’re using online services like mytempsms, omit the +33 prefix, start with a ‘0’, and paste the rest of the number to the box. That’s the only way it worked for me. On the bright side, I didn’t have to verify my phone number in any way.
8. Payment information:
   Lastly, enter your payment details to seal the deal and enjoy Canal+ without restrictions.

Extra tips to make sure your VPN hooks you up with Canal+

So you’ve got your VPN, but Canal+’s still playing hard to get? Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to make sure nothing else on your device gives away your US location.

➡️ Block browser location tracking

This works the same on PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. It will prevent your browser from storing your US location.

• Open browser settings > Locate privacy section > Set location settings to ask or block > Clear cookies and cache.

➡️ Disable GPS and location services

• Android: Go to Settings > Tap Location > Toggle off Use location.
• iOS: Open Settings > Select Privacy > Tap Location Services > Toggle it off.

➡️ Limit ad tracking

• iOS: Go to Settings> Tap Privacy > Select Apple Advertising > Enable Limit Ad Tracking.
• Android: Go to Settings > Tap Google > Select Ads > Turn on Opt out of Ads Personalization.

➡️ Review app permissions

• Android: Go to Settings > Tap Apps & notifications> Select Permission Manager> Adjust location permissions.
• For iOS: Open Settings > Tap on each app > Set location access to Never or While Using the App.

➡️ Adjust time zone to match France

• PC (Windows): Start menu > Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time > Disable Set time zone automatically > Select (UTC+01:00) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris. For
• Mac: Apple menu > System Preferences > Date & Time > Unlock settings > Time Zone tab > Uncheck automatic setting > Choose Paris.
• Android: Settings app > System > Date & time > Disable Automatic time zone > Select time zone > GMT+01:00, West Central Africa.
• For iOS: Settings > General > Date & Time > Disable Set Automatically > Time Zone > Enter Paris > Select Paris, France.
• For Smart TV (may vary on different models): Menu or Settings on remote > System or General settings > Time or Clock settings > Time Zone > Choose GMT+1, CET, or Paris.

Wrapping up

To watch Canal Plus abroad you may need a little bit of know-how, but this article lays it all down so you can easily get started.

Enjoy your curated slice of French media, courtesy of Canal Plus and a little internet savoir-faire.

If you’re having any trouble, leave a comment below.

---