How to change your location with a VPN - and why you should (original) (raw)
Charlie Osborne | ZDNET
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are excellent tools for improving online privacy and security. However, their use goes beyond encrypting your online traffic and masking your IP address. Many VPN subscribers use these services to change their location. Your assigned IP address identifies your device, and this assignment identifies your general geographic area, including your country, state, and city of residence.
Also: The best VPN services
By using a VPN to change your IP address, you can appear to come from somewhere else. These benefits include:
- Hiding your original IP address to increase your privacy and prevent websites and trackers from accessing your online activity.
- Prevent hackers or malicious websites from accessing your information.
- Enable a more secure internet connection and browsing experience while traveling.
- Circumvent geolocation blocks, access content typically banned (via IP address) in your home location, and potentially access regional streaming content (such as if you want to watch a show on Netflix that is only available in another country).
Our guide will show you how to change your location with a VPN easily.
How to change your VPN location on devices
Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNET
What you'll need:
You'll need a desktop, laptop, or mobile device; your chosen VPN provider; and a wired or Wi-Fi internet connection. The process should take less than 10 minutes.
Before you can change your location with a VPN, you must select a reputable service. ZDNET constantly monitors the market and has tested dozens of services. Based on our research, we have compiled guides to the best VPNs depending on your use case.
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Our favorite VPNs include:
- NordVPN: A fast VPN with an extensive server network and great customer support. This VPN has an attractive UI, especially for MacOS machines and mobile devices.
- ExpressVPN: One of the fastest VPNs on the market. While expensive, this VPN provides some of the best speeds and connection stability available.
- Surfshark: A budget-friendly VPN with all the features you need for casual browsing, streaming, and more.
We know that many VPN users want to change their location for streaming purposes or while traveling, or sometimes, they simply want a fast service that disguises their IP address for privacy reasons. At the very least, you should aim for a VPN with an extensive server network that includes 70 or more countries and reasonable speeds. You must also ensure the VPN is compatible with your preferred device. However, this is rarely a problem as today's VPNs usually support Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS at a minimum.
For comprehensive guides, check out:
Once you have chosen your VPN, visit its website or an official repository such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. Install and launch your software once you have signed up for the service.
Remember that as your VPN will reroute your traffic, you may have to agree to give the VPN software specific permissions. When the VPN has been successfully installed, use the login credentials created at setup to sign in and update the software if necessary.
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You will now need to navigate to your VPN's country and server list. Where you can find this depends on your VPN, but most VPNs will include a link, tab, or map on the main user interface.
NordVPN, for example, displays a server list on the left of your main dashboard. You will find recently used servers, "presets" (or smart locations) for downloading, speed, and browsing, alongside server options organized by country.
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Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNET
ExpressVPN's dashboard includes a smart location option and a recent location you've used. To find the complete list of countries and servers available, click on the three dots to the right of the Selected Location tab.
Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNET
When it comes to Surfshark, you will find the full country and server list in the tab on the left, as well as a handy search bar if you want to choose a specific location. Recommended servers are also displayed, including options for speed or nearby countries.
Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNET
Once you've chosen your location, click "Connect." Alternatively, you can opt for your VPN's "smart" location, which will select a server and location for you based on server load, speed, and latency.
Tips for changing your location with a VPN
- The closer your chosen server is to your original location, the more likely you will enjoy better speeds.
- If you intend to stream or torrent, you will need to check that your VPN (and the server you have chosen) supports these activities. Some VPN providers have dedicated servers for these tasks, whereas others -- typically when services are free -- may restrict some uses of their networks.
- You may come across virtual locations. A virtual server location is not physically in the place they emulate.
- Try another server if you encounter service errors or blocks when accessing geo-restricted content. It may be that the website you are trying to visit has blacklisted the IP address of the server you are connected to.
How we test VPNs
We test and analyze VPNs using the following criteria to help you make an informed decision:
- Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags. We frequently conduct speed tests to stay up-to-date and informed of any service changes.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least six simultaneous connections.
- Security: There's no point using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
- Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from using an unprotected connection. This is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. Given these factors, we ensured that our top recommendations perform well and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive mobile apps.
- Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.
- Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee, and many will offer mobile users a seven-day free trial.
- Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.
How can I tell if my VPN has connected me to my preferred location?
A functional VPN can handle your traffic requests while masking your location and IP address, and it will not leak your data.
If you're unsure if your VPN is working properly or whether you are appearing from another location, find your IP address and location by using whatismyipaddress.com. Compare the IP address and location when connected with a VPN vs. without one. If they are different, then your VPN is working correctly.
Do I need a VPN if I'm traveling or using a Wi-Fi hotspot?
If you're traveling or using the internet in a public place, you should invest in a VPN. You may be at risk of eavesdropping or data exposure on public Wi-Fi networks, and even the most informed of us can be caught out by rogue Wi-Fi hotspots. VPNs encrypt your online communication, providing a valuable layer of additional security.
Can I change my location using a free VPN?
You can change your location using a free VPN. However, we advise avoiding free VPN providers without transparent data policies. They are likely to offer a VPN with your data or privacy as the trade-off, negating the point of using a VPN in the first place. There are, however, several VPN providers that offer trustworthy free plans.
If you want to try out a free VPN, check out our guide: The best free VPNs: Expert tested
Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes, in most countries -- including the US, the UK, and most of Europe -- it is legal. Some countries, however, have made VPN use illegal, or they are severely discouraged and limited to state-approved software.
At the moment, countries including North Korea, Iraq, and Belarus have reportedly banned the use of VPNs entirely. As noted in NordVPN's country guide, others -- like China, Russia, and Egypt -- discourage VPN use and try to stop new adoption by demonizing VPNs as software widely used for criminal activity.
Workarounds do exist, but they may come with risks.
What are virtual server locations?
Virtual VPN server locations are servers that emulate a particular area -- such as Egypt, China, or India -- but the server is not physically located there. Servers with spoofed locations are used to bypass restrictive country policies or data laws that could impact the privacy and security of users.