Changing your VPN location is a simple yet effective way to bypass geo-restrictions, safeguard your privacy, and access a world of content that isn’t always available. By connecting to a server in another country, a VPN replaces your real IP address with one from the server’s location, enabling what’s called “geo-spoofing.”
Whether you’re traveling, living abroad, or just want to access geographically restricted services like international news or streaming hubs, a VPN is the simplest solution for changing your IP address and location.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change your VPN location on various devices and help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
How to Change Your VPN Location: Complete Tutorial
Changing your VPN location is straightforward and only requires a few steps. Whether you’re using a desktop, mobile device, or web browser, the process remains largely the same, but I’ll note any differences where applicable.
Step 1: Choose and Install a Reliable VPN Provider
Start by selecting a VPN provider that offers a variety of server locations. Some of the most recommended VPN providers include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA).
Once you’ve chosen your VPN, download and install the app on your device (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or browser extension).
Note that the three VPNs mentioned are among the most trusted VPNs on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
9200 servers
167 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
Step 2: Open the VPN App
After installing the VPN app, launch it. For desktop users, you’ll see an interface that typically includes a map or list of available servers.
Mobile users will usually see a similar setup but with a simpler layout suited to touchscreen navigation.
Step 3: Select a VPN Server Location
Browse through the server list and pick a location that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking to bypass geo-restrictions, stream content from a specific region, or simply mask your real IP, the server you select will change your location to the one offered by the server.
If you’re using a desktop or mobile, you can search for locations or view them by country. On web browsers, the VPN extension will often display a dropdown with location options.
Do you want to make it look like you’re in Canada? Connect to a Canadian server. This way, you will obtain a Canadian IP address.
Step 4: Connect to the Server
Once you’ve selected a server, click “Connect.” This will establish a secure connection between your device and the server in the chosen location.
In a few moments, your IP address will be replaced with one matching the server’s location. For mobile devices, a “quick connect” option is often available to automatically choose the fastest server based on your location.
Step 5: Verify Your New IP Address
If you want to make sure your location has been changed successfully, you can visit a site like “whatismyipaddress.com” to check your new IP address. This can be particularly useful if you’re trying to access region-locked content.
With these steps, you can effortlessly change your VPN location and start enjoying unrestricted access to content and enhanced privacy.
Best VPNs for Changing Your Location
When choosing a VPN to change your location, speed, server coverage, and security are key considerations. Here are three top VPN providers that offer exceptional services for location switching:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN stands out as the top choice for changing your virtual location thanks to its vast network of 6,400+ servers in over 111 countries. With this extensive reach, NordVPN offers a range of specialized server options, including obfuscated servers, P2P-optimized servers, and Double VPN.
One of NordVPN’s major strengths is its ability to bypass location-based restrictions, such as NFL TV blackouts. We found it incredibly useful for watching football games that were blacked out in our region.
Speed is another critical factor where NordVPN shines. When tested with its proprietary NordLynx protocol, it retained an impressive 90% of the original internet speed, making it perfect for smooth streaming, gaming, and downloading, even while connected to servers halfway across the world.
All these premium features are available starting at around $3 a month with the 2-year plan, and you can try NordVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is renowned for its consistency when it comes to unblocking content globally. Whether you want to stream Netflix US or access ITVX from abroad, ExpressVPN’s network of 3,000+ servers across 94 countries provides an excellent level of coverage.
This makes it incredibly versatile for users who need access to international content, and its servers refresh regularly, making it harder for geo-restricted platforms to block your connection. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol delivers a great combination of speed and security, providing an average speed retention of 85–90%.
Its TrustedServer technology further boosts privacy by ensuring no logs are stored on the server, making it impossible for anyone to track your online activity. This makes ExpressVPN an excellent choice for people who prioritize security when changing their VPN location.
At around $6 a month with a 1-year plan, ExpressVPN is pricier than some competitors but delivers excellent value, especially with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top contender for changing your VPN location, particularly for users who value flexibility and customization. What sets PIA apart from its competitors is its massive server fleet, boasting 29,000+ servers in 91 countries.
For those focused on torrenting, PIA’s port forwarding feature is invaluable. It allows you to connect to more peers, speeding up downloads significantly. In our tests, we found that PIA was able to download large files quickly, maintaining speeds of 80-85% of the original internet connection even on distant servers.
Security-wise, PIA excels with a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service includes a powerful ad blocker (PIA MACE) to prevent ads, trackers, and malicious websites from interrupting your browsing.
With plans starting at just $2 a month for the 2-year subscription, PIA provides excellent value, with advanced features at a lower price point. Additionally, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free choice for testing.
Why You May Want to Change Your VPN Location
Changing your VPN location can be beneficial for various reasons, many of which revolve around enhancing your online experience and privacy. Here are some key motivations:
1. Access Geo-Restricted Content
One of the most popular reasons for changing your VPN location is to access content that is region-locked. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer offer different content libraries based on geographical regions due to licensing restrictions.
By switching your VPN location, you can unlock a wider range of shows and movies that are otherwise unavailable in your country.
For instance, connecting to a U.S. server allows access to the vast American Netflix catalog. Additionally, connecting to an Australian server will enable you to watch Foxtel Go outside Australia.
2. Bypass Censorship and Government Restrictions
In some countries, the internet is heavily censored, and certain websites, apps, or social media platforms may be blocked. Changing your VPN location to a country with fewer restrictions enables you to bypass these blocks and freely access the internet.
This is especially relevant for users in regions with strict internet control, like China or Iran, where services like Google, Facebook, or Twitter are inaccessible without a VPN.
3. Avoid Price Discrimination
Many e-commerce platforms, travel booking websites, and online services offer different prices depending on your location.
By switching your VPN to a region where prices are lower, you can potentially save money on flights, hotels, and even subscriptions.
For example, airline tickets and hotel prices may vary when viewed from different countries. That’s also one reason why many people are looking to change their region on Steam.
4. Enhance Privacy and Security
Changing your VPN location also enhances your online privacy by masking your real IP address. This makes it harder for websites, advertisers, and malicious actors to track your browsing activity.
Whether you’re on public Wi-Fi or trying to prevent ISPs and governments from monitoring your internet usage, changing your VPN location helps maintain anonymity.
5. Access Sports Blackouts and Live Events
Sports streaming services often impose blackout restrictions, meaning local games are unavailable for viewing in the same region. By changing your VPN location to a different country, you can bypass these blackouts and watch live sports events, including NFL, NBA, or European soccer, without any restrictions.
Changing your VPN location can open up a world of possibilities, from unlocking content to safeguarding your privacy and improving your overall online experience.
Summary
Changing your VPN location can significantly enhance your online experience, whether you want to bypass geo-restrictions, access streaming content, or boost your online privacy. While it’s true that using a VPN can sometimes slow down your internet speed, the key to minimizing this issue lies in choosing the right VPN provider.
NordVPN is a top choice for its extensive server network and fast speeds, especially with its proprietary NordLynx protocol. ExpressVPN, with its Lightway protocol, is perfect for those who need fast and secure access to streaming services, while PIA offers excellent customization options and is ideal for privacy-focused users.
FAQs
Now that we’ve covered the essential aspects of changing your VPN location, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
How does changing a VPN location improve privacy?
Changing your VPN location masks your real IP address, making it difficult for websites, advertisers, and even your internet service provider (ISP) to track your online activities. This boosts your privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi or browsing sensitive information.
Will changing my VPN location affect my internet speed?
While VPNs may slightly reduce internet speed due to encryption overhead, using high-quality VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN can minimize this impact. These VPNs are optimized for speed and have fast, reliable servers across the globe.
Can I access region-locked content by changing my VPN location?
Yes! Changing your country with a VPN allows you to access geo-restricted content like streaming libraries, websites, and services that may not be available in your current location. For instance, you can access Netflix US or BBC iPlayer by switching to a server in the relevant country.
Are there any free VPNs that let you change your location?
While some free VPNs offer location-changing features, they often come with limitations such as slower speeds, fewer server options, and potential privacy risks.
It’s better to opt for a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee, like NordVPN, for a more reliable experience.
How do I choose the best server location for speed?
Choose a server location that is geographically closer to your actual location for better speed and lower latency. However, if you’re trying to access content in a specific country, connect to a server in that region, ensuring the VPN provider has fast servers there.