How to Watch The CW in Australia [2025 Guide]

Australian viewers can access The CW’s geo-blocked content using a VPN service to obtain a US IP address. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to unblock The CW in Australia.

The CW is a free American (Video on Demand) service that has been offering its service for more than a decade. And since this VoD service provides top-quality TV shows like “The Flash,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “The 100”, “Arrow,” “Dynasty,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Supernatural,” “Coroner,” “In The Dark,” “Mysteries Decoded,” and others, it has an insane demand worldwide.

But there is a bummer! The CW is only available for US residents because of content copyright issues. So if you are looking to watch the CW in Australia, you need to get a US IP address.

In this guide, I will provide you with step-by-step instructions to access the CW in Australia.

Quick Steps to Access The CW in Australia:

1. Subscribe and download a VPN – I highly recommend ExpressVPN due to its blazing fast servers, exceptional unblocking capability, user-friendly app and 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Now open the VPN app and sign in with your credentials.
3. Connect to the USA server from the list.
4. Head to The CW app, search for shows, movies, live channels, or sports, and start streaming in Australia.

Offers 30-day money-back guarantee

This is how you can watch the CW in Australia with a VPN. But bear in mind you need to be very careful while choosing a VPN service as very few of them can unblock geo-blocked video services.

But don’t worry because we already tested and sorted out the ExpressVPN that works with the CW in Australia.

Is The CW Available in Australia?

The CW Australia is not available due to licensing restrictions. However, if you want to watch The CW Channel in Australia, you can do it using a quality VPN like ExpressVPN with UK IP on your devices.

Best VPNs that Work with The CW in Australia

1. ExpressVPN (Recommended)

This provider offers 3000+ servers in 90+ countries that can unblock all your favorite video services such as The CW, ESPN+, American Netflix, Sling TV, YouTube TV, NBC, ITV Player, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Channel 4, TVNZ, and Hulu in Australia or anywhere around the world.

• Unblocks major Australian streaming services abroad, including Foxtel Go, Stan, 7Plus, iWonder, and Binge.
• Works on all popular devices: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Amazon Firestick/Fire TV, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
• Supports devices that don’t run VPN apps (Roku, Smart TVs, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox) via MediaStreamer (Smart DNS).
• Can be installed on your home router for whole-network VPN coverage.
• Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free use.

Offers 30-day money-back guarantee

2. NordVPN

Upon testing, we found this provider capable of unblocking all the popular streaming services, like CW, Hotstar, and Amazon Freevee in Australia.

• Unblocks popular global and Australian streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Binge.
• 5,800+ servers in 60+ countries for fast and stable streaming anywhere.
• Apps for all major devices: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Firestick, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
• SmartPlay (Smart DNS) feature lets you stream on devices without VPN support like Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and Smart TVs.
• Can be set up on routers to protect every device on your Wi-Fi.
• Strong security with AES-256 encryption, Threat Protection, and a strict no-logs policy.
• 30-day money-back guarantee for a safe trial.

3. Surfshark – Budget Friendly VPN for Streaming

If you are looking for a budget friendly option to access The CW in Australia, Surfshark is a suitable choice for you. 

During testing, I found Surfshark servers stable and unblocks The CW with some minor buffering issues. 

And occasionally, I have to switch the servers due to sudden connection loss while watching The Flash season 7. 

The best feature about this provider is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, an app for all mainstream devices, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Feature	ExpressVPN (Top Pick)	NordVPN (Great Performance)	Surfshark (Best Value)
Unblocks The CW	✅ Instantly with no errors	✅ Works, sometimes needs cookie clearing	✅ Works, may require server switching
Streaming Quality	⚡ HD & 4K buffer-free	⚡ HD with rare stutter	⚡ HD, minor buffering at peak times
US Server Locations	25+ cities incl. NY, Dallas, LA	1900+ US servers in 15+ cities	Multiple US cities incl. Miami, LA, NY
Speed (AU to US)	90–110 Mbps	85–100 Mbps	70–90 Mbps
Smart DNS Support	✅ MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) for non-VPN devices	✅ Smart DNS supported	✅ Smart DNS included
Simultaneous Devices	8	10	Unlimited
App Compatibility	All major OS, Smart TVs, Firestick, etc.	Android, iOS, Firestick, Windows, macOS	Android, iOS, Firestick, Smart TVs
Bonus Offer	61% off + 4 months free + 5GB eSIM	Threat Protection, discounted annual plans	Built-in Ad Blocker + NoBorders mode
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days	30 days	30 days
Price (AUD approx.)	~$7.60/month (4-months free plan)	~$6.50/month	~$3/month

How VPN Unblocks the CW App in Australia?

A VPN unblocks The CW by masking your Australian IP address and replacing it with a US IP address, making the streaming service think you’re accessing from within the United States.

Streaming services like the CW and others use an IP tracking tool to identify which country or location a user tries to stream their content. If the user’s IP address is not from the USA, the streaming service immediately blocks the user and shows this error: “Due to licensing restrictions, this content is only available in the U.S.”

This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you. A VPN can mask your Australian IP address and change it with the US IP address. So when you connect to an American server via VPN, it hides your Australian IP address and replaces it with the US IP address.

After this, when you try to stream The CW in Australia, based on your US IP address, the streaming service thinks you are accessing the service from somewhere in the USA and thus allows you to access the content.

Once you pick a VPN service, it is super easy to access The CW in Australia. 

Here’s how to access The CW in Australia:

1. Connect to the US server using a VPN. 
2. Now visit The CW website or download its app on your preferred device. 
3. Search for the content you want to watch and start watching in Australia.

Offers 30-day money-back guarantee

How Much Does CW Cost in Australia?

Is CW free to watch? Yes, The CW streaming service is free and there is also no need to sign up.

However, since The CW is not available in Australia due to content licensing, you need to pay for VPN service to access it. 

I have used ExpressVPN as my go-to provider to access US streaming services in Australia. And it costs me $7.6 AUD per month as I subscribed for its exclusive 61% off deal. 

There are multiple VPN services that claim to be the best VPN for accessing US streaming services. But during testing, I found only 3 VPNs that were able to unblock The CW for me in Sydney, with a success rate of more than 93%.

Where Can I Watch the CW?

The CW supports a variety of streaming devices. Here is the list of devices where you can enjoy the CW shows through the app and its website:

• Roku
• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV
• Android TV
• Chromecast
• Xbox One
• VIZIO Smart TV
• Windows 10 devices
• iOS phones and tablets
• Android phones and tablets

How to Download and Access The CW in Australia on Different Devices

Since The CW is not officially available in Australia, you need to follow some additional steps to download The CW app on your preferred devices in Australia. 

Here’s how to download and access The CW app in Australia on different devices:

iPhone/iPad (iOS)

1. Connect your VPN to a U.S. server (I used ExpressVPN’s New York server).
2. Go to Settings > Apple ID > Country/Region > Change to the United States.
3. Create a new Apple ID with a U.S. address (any U.S. ZIP like 90210 works).
4. Sign in with the new Apple ID.
5. Search for “The CW” in the App Store and download it.
6. Launch the app while VPN is active and start streaming.

Android Smartphones/Tablets/TV

1. Launch ExpressVPN and connect to a U.S. server.
2. Remove or sign out of your current Google account.
3. Create a new Google account with the U.S. set as the region.
4. Open Google Play Store and sign in with this new account.
5. Search and install The CW app.
6. Open the app and start watching CW content.

Amazon Firestick/Fire TV

1. Install ExpressVPN from the Amazon App Store and connect to a U.S. server.
2. Change your Amazon account’s region to the U.S. from the website.
3. Deregister your Firestick and re-login with your updated Amazon account.
4. Search and install The CW app.
5. Open the app and stream free content while VPN is active.

Samsung Smart TV (Tizen OS)

Is CW app not working on lg smart tv? Samsung TVs don’t support VPN apps directly:

1. Set up ExpressVPN on your router or use MediaStreamer Smart DNS.
2. Change your Samsung Smart Hub region to the U.S. via settings.
3. Restart the TV and go to the App Store.
4. Download The CW app if available, or cast via a mobile device.

LG Smart TV (webOS)

Like Samsung, LG doesn’t allow direct VPN installations:

1. Set up ExpressVPN on your router or enable Smart DNS via MediaStreamer.
2. Change LG Services Country to the U.S. under Settings > General > Location.
3. Reboot the TV and go to the LG Content Store.
4. Search and install The CW app.

Vizio Smart TV (SmartCast)

Is CW app not working on vizio smart tv? Vizio SmartCast TVs also don’t support direct VPN apps:

1. Set up ExpressVPN on your router or use MediaStreamer Smart DNS.
2. Connect your Vizio TV to the VPN-enabled Wi-Fi.
3. Open the Vizio SmartCast Home screen.
4. Use built-in Chromecast or AirPlay to cast The CW app from your phone/tablet — or install supported streaming apps if available.

Roku

Roku doesn’t support VPN apps natively:

1. Configure ExpressVPN on your Wi-Fi router.
2. Create a Roku account with the U.S. region.
3. Factory reset your Roku and sign in with the U.S.-based account.
4. Add The CW channel and start streaming.

PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

The CW app is not available for PlayStation. But you can:

1. Use screen mirroring from a smartphone.
2. Or connect PlayStation to a VPN-enabled router and use the browser to visit cwtv.com.

Xbox

1. Set up ExpressVPN on your router.
2. On Xbox, open Microsoft Edge browser.
3. Go to www.cwtv.com and stream directly.

Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later)

1. Install ExpressVPN directly from the App Store (only supported on tvOS 17+).
2. Connect to a U.S. server.
3. Go to the App Store and download The CW app.
4. Open it and start streaming — no need for Smart DNS anymore!

What Can I Watch on the CW?

There are hundreds of TV shows available on the CW that you can watch it free. Here is the list of the CW top shows that you can start with if you haven’t watched them already:

• Penn & Teller: Fool Us
• Everyone Else Burns
• Sullivan’s Crossing
• The Spencer Sisters
• The Swarm
• Recipe for Disaster
• Nancy Drew
• Superman & Lois
• Gotham Knights
• Riverdale
• The Flash (2014 – Present)
• Black Lightning (2018 – Present)
• Supergirl (2016 – Present)
• Supernatural (2006 – Present)
• Legends of Tomorrow (2016 – Present)
• Arrow (2012 – Present)
• Nikita (2010 – 2013)
• The 100 (2014 – Present)
• Riverdale (2017 – Present)
• Smallville (2006 – 2011)
• Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)
• The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)
• The Originals (2013 – 2018)
• iZombie (2015 – 2019)
• America’s Next Top Model
• Veronica Mars

Stan vs. Binge: Which offers more CW shows in Australia?

Stan is likely to have more CW content than Binge, while Binge is known for its strong library of HBO content.

Service	CW Shows Available	Notes
Stan	All American (seasons 1–6), Good Cop/Bad Cop	Key CW titles currently supported
Binge	Former access to Superman & Lois, Legends, The Winchesters	Many titles have been removed in 2025

What are the alternatives to watching The CW in Australia if streaming fails?

Purchasing episodes from digital platforms, using a VPN, and using Binge or Stan are some of the alternatives for watching The CW in Australia:

Alternative	Description
Digital Purchase	iTunes, Google TV, Amazon – instant & HD
DVD/Blu-ray	JB Hi-Fi, Amazon – permanent offline access
VPN + CW App	Bypass geo-blocks to stream directly
Stan or Binge	Limited titles available

What are the troubleshooting issues streaming The CW and How to fix them while accessing in Australia?

The main issues when streaming The CW in Australia are geo-restriction errors, VPN detection, buffering problems, and app installation blocks.

Common Issues & Fixes for Streaming The CW in Australia

Geo-restriction Error

• Issue: “This content is not available in your region.”
• Cause: The CW’s official website/app blocks non-US IP addresses.
• Fix: Use a reputable VPN with US servers. Ensure the VPN has streaming-optimized servers and is not blacklisted by CW’s site.

VPN Not Working with The CW

• Issue: Even with a VPN, you still can’t stream content.
• Fixes: 

1. Switch to a different US server location within your VPN.
2. Clear your browser cookies/cache.
3. Ensure your DNS and IP are not leaking (use online tools to check).
4. Try incognito/private mode in your browser.
5. Use trusted VPNs like ExpressVPN for CW compatibility.

Low Video Quality or Buffering

• Cause: Slow internet or overloaded VPN server.
• Fixes:

1. Choose a less crowded VPN server.
2. Reduce the stream resolution (if options are available).
3. Connect to a faster or wired network.

App Not Downloading or Installing

• Issue: Unable to download The CW app from Australian app stores.
• Fixes:

1. Change your Google Play Store or Apple ID region to the US.
2. Alternatively, use APK files (Android) or install from a US account.

Login/Authentication Errors

• Fix: Restart the app or browser with the VPN active before accessing content.

Frequently Asked Questions