Buying DVDs from different countries can be exciting — you might find rare movies or cheaper editions unavailable in your region. However, when you insert them into your player, you might be met with a frustrating message: “This disc cannot be played due to region restrictions”—a scenario explained with the precision of a masterarbeit ghostwriter .
That’s because DVDs (and Blu-rays) are locked by region to control distribution and release dates. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to unlock DVD region codes and enjoy your collection freely. This guide explains everything about DVD region codes, how to bypass them, and how to change region code on DVD players, computers, and gaming consoles.
Introduction
Before learning how to change region code on DVD player, it helps to understand what region codes are.
DVDs and Blu-rays are assigned specific region codes depending on where they’re sold:
| Region Code | Area |
| 1 | U.S., Canada |
| 2 | Europe, Japan, Middle East |
| 3 | Southeast Asia |
| 4 | Australia, Latin America |
| 5 | Africa, Russia |
| 6 | China |
These codes prevent playback of DVDs from one region on players sold in another. For example, a Region 1 disc won’t play on a Region 2 player.
Blu-rays also use region coding — A, B, and C — which raises the question many users ask: “Are Blu-rays region locked?” Yes, most Blu-rays are, though some are region-free and can play anywhere.
If you want full access to your movie collection, here’s how to change region on DVD player or bypass restrictions entirely.
Use Software to Remove Region Codes by Ripping DVDs
One of the most effective methods to unlock DVD region codes is by ripping the disc using professional DVD ripping software. This removes region restrictions permanently, allowing you to watch your movie on any device, anytime.
A reliable tool for this task is Leawo Blu-ray Ripper. It’s not just for Blu-rays — it can handle DVDs as well, automatically removing region codes and converting your discs into playable digital files.
How to Use Leawo Blu-ray Ripper
- Install and launch the software on your PC or Mac.
- Load your DVD by inserting it into the drive.
- The program will automatically detect and remove the region code.
- Choose your output format (MP4, MKV, AVI, etc.).
- Click “Convert” to start ripping the DVD.
Once the process is complete, your video file will be region-free and compatible with all devices — including TVs, tablets, and smartphones.
Besides bypassing DVD regions, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper also supports high-quality conversion for Blu-rays, offering 1:1 lossless output, subtitles, and audio tracks.
If you want to explore more tools for this purpose, check out this list of the best DVD ripper options for both Windows and Mac users.
Change DVD Drive Region Code on PC/Mac
If you prefer not to rip your discs, you can manually change the region code on your DVD drive. However, this method comes with a limitation — you can only change it five times before it locks permanently.
On Windows:
- Insert the DVD you want to play.
- Open Device Manager → expand “DVD/CD-ROM drives.”
- Right-click your DVD drive and select Properties.
- Go to the DVD Region tab.
- Choose the region that matches your disc.
- Click OK to confirm.
On macOS:
- Insert a DVD.
- When prompted, select a region code that matches the disc.
- You’ll see a message showing how many region changes remain (usually 4–5).
Once you’ve used all your region changes, the drive becomes permanently locked to the last chosen region. Therefore, this is not ideal if you frequently watch DVDs from different regions.
Change Region Code of DVD Player on TV
For those using a physical DVD player connected to a TV, you can often change region code on DVD player through its remote control or service menu. However, this varies depending on the brand and model.
Here’s a general process:
- Turn on your DVD player and make sure there’s no disc inside.
- Press a specific key combination on the remote (search online for your model’s “region unlock code”).
- Access the service menu — a hidden settings screen.
- Look for Region Code or Region Setting.
- Set it to 0 or Region-Free.
- Exit and restart your player.
Setting the region to “0” allows playback of DVDs from all regions. However, not all players support this function, and entering incorrect service codes may void your warranty, so proceed carefully.
Change Region Code on PlayStation 4
If you’re wondering how to change region on DVD player for your PlayStation 4, the process is similar to a PC’s. The PS4 can play DVDs and Blu-rays, but both are region-locked.
For DVDs:
PS4 uses the same DVD region settings as your console’s country. You can only change this setting manually a few times before it locks.
- Insert the DVD.
- If it doesn’t play, the console will prompt you to change the region.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to switch the region temporarily.
For Blu-rays:
The question “Are Blu-rays region locked?” applies here too. Blu-rays are divided into three regions — A, B, and C. Your PS4 region determines which ones you can play. Unfortunately, you can’t manually switch Blu-ray regions on a PS4; the only workaround is using region-free or ripped discs.
Use an All Region-Free DVD Player
If you frequently watch DVDs from multiple countries, the easiest long-term solution is to invest in a region-free DVD player.
A region-free player automatically bypasses region restrictions, meaning you can play discs from anywhere without changing settings. These players are pre-modified to read any region code, making them ideal for international movie collectors.
Advantages of Region-Free Players:
- Play DVDs and Blu-rays from any country.
- No need to reconfigure settings.
- Compatible with all TVs and video formats.
Look for models labeled “Region-Free” or “Multi-Region” when shopping online or in electronics stores.
Conclusion
Dealing with region-coded DVDs can be frustrating, but there are multiple ways to overcome these limitations depending on your setup and preferences.
If you want a permanent, hassle-free solution, use software like Leawo Blu-ray Ripper to rip and convert your discs. It’s fast, user-friendly, and automatically removes region locks, letting you play your movies anywhere, anytime.
Alternatively, you can manually change region code on DVD player or DVD drive, though these options have restrictions and risks. Investing in a region-free player ensures the broadest compatibility with minimal effort.
Whether you choose to rip DVDs, adjust settings, or upgrade your hardware, you’ll finally have the freedom to enjoy your entire movie library — no matter where it came from.
