How to Watch Crave in the US
If you want to watch Crave in the US, you’ll need to bypass its Canadian-only restrictions – typically by accessing the service as if you’re in Canada. This can be done using a VPN, such as Hide Expert VPN, which lets you connect through Canadian servers to stream Crave content wherever you are.
What is Crave and where is it normally available?
Crave is a Canadian streaming service offering shows from HBO, Showtime, Starz, and original Canadian content. It is officially available only in Canada, so direct access from the US is blocked by default.
Why Crave is restricted in the US
Crave restricts streaming to Canada because of licensing agreements. These deals let Crave show certain movies and series only inside Canada, blocking access from US IP addresses. If you try to visit Crave from a US location, you’ll likely see an error or be unable to sign in.
How to watch Crave in the US: step-by-step
- Get a Canadian IP address: The most common method is to use a VPN with servers in Canada. This reroutes your internet traffic, making it appear as if you are browsing from Canada.
- Subscribe to Crave: You need a valid Crave subscription. Crave may require a Canadian payment method or address, which can be a hurdle for non-residents.
- Connect to the VPN: Open your VPN app and select a Canadian server. For example, Hide Expert VPN offers Canadian locations for this purpose.
- Clear cookies and cache: Before visiting Crave, clear your browser cookies and cache to remove location data that might reveal your real region.
- Log in and watch: Go to the Crave website or app, log in, and you should be able to stream as if in Canada.
For more details on accessing region-locked streaming sites, see our guide on what to do when an item isn't available in your country.
Technical and account requirements
- Reliable VPN with Canadian servers: Not all VPNs work with Crave, so choose a service known for streaming access.
- Crave subscription: You’ll need to sign up with a Canadian billing address and payment method. Some users use Canadian prepaid cards or ask friends in Canada to help.
- Compatible device: Crave works on desktop browsers, mobile apps, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Ensure your device supports the Crave app or website.
- App store region: If you want to use the Crave app, your device’s app store may need to be set to Canada to download it.
Tips for a smooth streaming experience
- Choose a fast, stable VPN server in Canada to avoid buffering.
- If Crave doesn’t load, try switching to a different Canadian server or clear your cookies again.
- Keep your VPN and device software up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
- If you get an error about location, double-check your VPN connection and consider restarting your browser or device.
By following these steps, you can watch Crave in the US with minimal issues. A VPN like Hide Expert VPN helps you access Canadian content securely, but having a valid subscription and the right device setup is just as important for success.