Netflix Free Trials Are Back — but Not Everywhere, and Not Forever

Saturday, 11 July 2026 at 11:51

Netflix killed its free trial in 2020. Six years later, it's quietly bringing it back — at least in some countries, at least for now. The streaming giant confirmed to What's on Netflix that it is "exploring the reintroduction of free trials in select markets." Reports from Reddit and X show users in multiple regions seeing trial offers when signing up for new accounts. The catch: the US and UK are currently excluded.

Summary

Up to 30 days free: Trial lengths appear to vary by user and region — 7, 14, or 30 days have all been reported. The Premium 4K tier is eligible.
US and UK excluded: Netflix is testing in other markets for now. VPN workarounds are reportedly working for some users in those regions.
New members only: Only users who have never previously signed up for Netflix can access the trial.
Payment details required: You must add a card. If you don't cancel before the trial ends, you'll be charged automatically.
Netflix confirmed it's a test, not a rollout: The company told What's on Netflix it "regularly tests promotions" — no commitment to making this permanent.

Why Netflix Is Doing This Now

The context matters. Netflix has 325 million paid subscribers globally — enormous scale, but growth has slowed in key markets. Its 2026 content lineup hasn't performed as expected. Share prices have been sliding following its failed attempt to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. The free trial is a classic acquisition tool, and Netflix is clearly testing whether it still works in a more competitive streaming landscape.

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The timing is also tied to another change. Netflix is reportedly about to tighten its password-sharing restrictions further, requiring individual email addresses on shared family plans. Launching a free trial right before making existing access harder isn't accidental — it's a way to convert fence-sitters into paying subscribers before the door closes.

What "Test" Actually Means

Netflix's spokesperson statement was precise: "We regularly test promotions to help prospective members experience the value of Netflix." That's a confirmation of the trial's existence, not a promise of its permanence. The company could end the test at any point, expand it globally, or quietly let it run without ever making a formal announcement. Brazil is the one confirmed market where the trial is active — 14 days shown by default, though some users are reporting 30 days and others just 7.

Should You Try to Get It?

If you've never had a Netflix account and you're outside the US and UK, it's worth checking — just start the sign-up process and see what offer appears. Add your payment details, set a calendar reminder, cancel before the period ends if you don't want to be charged. US and UK users have reportedly used VPNs to access the offer, though that approach carries its own risks and Netflix's terms of service prohibit it.