Watch The Criterion Channel Outside The US

Content Verification Date: October 12, 2026

The Quick Guide to Watch The Criterion Channel Securely

  1. Create a free Unlocator trial
  2. Configure your device to use Unlocator Smart DNS or VPN
  3. Go to the website of The Criterion Channel or use their app if supported.
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Watch The Criterion Channel

The Criterion Channel is a streaming service dedicated to bringing some of the finest films in cinema history directly to your screen. Launched by the renowned Criterion Collection, the platform offers an impressive selection of classic movies, independent films, international cinema, documentaries, and carefully curated collections. From timeless masterpieces to hidden gems, The Criterion Channel is a must-have for movie enthusiasts looking for something beyond mainstream entertainment.

However, there’s a catch. The Criterion Channel is officially available only in the United States and Canada. This means that viewers residing outside these regions may encounter geographical restrictions when trying to access the service.

Fortunately, Unlocator offers Smart DNS and VPN solutions designed to help users manage geographical streaming restrictions while maintaining a secure and convenient streaming experience.

Watch The Criterion Channel Outside the US and Canada Using Unlocator Smart DNS

Like many streaming platforms, The Criterion Channel uses geo-blocking technology to restrict access to its content based on geographical location. Due to licensing agreements and distribution rights, the service limits its availability to viewers in the United States and Canada.

The platform can use your IP address to determine your approximate geographical location. Therefore, when someone attempts to access The Criterion Channel from a country outside its supported regions, they may find that the service is unavailable.

This is where Unlocator Smart DNS comes into play.

Unlocator Smart DNS is designed to help users manage geographical restrictions by rerouting specific parts of their internet traffic associated with location detection. Unlike a traditional VPN, Smart DNS does not encrypt your entire internet connection or replace your public IP address.

As a result, Smart DNS can offer several advantages for streaming, including minimal impact on connection speeds and the ability to access local internet services without routing all traffic through a remote server.

Another major benefit is compatibility. Unlocator Smart DNS can be configured on a wide variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, and streaming media players.

Setting up Unlocator Smart DNS is straightforward. First, create your Unlocator account. Next, follow the appropriate setup guide for your device and configure its DNS settings. Once everything is ready, launch The Criterion Channel and check whether the service is accessible.

Keep in mind that streaming compatibility can vary depending on the platform’s current geo-blocking measures, your device, and your subscription.

Access The Criterion Channel Abroad With Unlocator VPN

Another option for accessing The Criterion Channel while traveling abroad is Unlocator VPN.

Unlike Smart DNS, a VPN redirects your internet traffic through a remote server and encrypts your connection. This provides an additional layer of privacy and security while also allowing your public IP address to reflect the location of the VPN server.

For example, connecting to a VPN server in the United States gives your connection a US-based public IP address. This can be useful when accessing streaming services that determine regional availability through IP-based location checks.

However, streaming platforms may also employ technologies that detect and restrict VPN connections. Consequently, using a VPN does not guarantee that The Criterion Channel will work from every location.

Getting started with Unlocator VPN is simple. First, sign up for Unlocator and download the VPN application on your preferred device. Unlocator provides applications for popular operating systems, including Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

After installing the application, sign in to your Unlocator account and connect to a server in the United States or Canada. Once connected, open The Criterion Channel website or application and sign in to your streaming account.

With Unlocator VPN, you can also benefit from encrypted traffic and improved online privacy while browsing or streaming.

The Following List of Devices Work With Unlocator Smart DNS and The Criterion Channel

For a full list of compatibility between Unlocator Smart DNS, channels and devices please see our Channels & Devices Page