How to Change Your Location and IP Address With a VPN

Changing your location and IP address is a great way to access geo-restricted content. However, finding the right VPN is hard. Some of them don’t offer secure access to popular streaming platforms, while others may slow you down or require complicated setups.

My team and I tested over 70 VPNs and shortlisted the best ones for changing your location. They all let you access geo-restricted platforms, offer large server networks, and are easy to use on any device. This way, you’ll be able to change your location without any issues and use your favorite websites from anywhere.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It has blazing-fast speeds, an impressive server network, and works with more than 170 websites and platforms. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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What Are the Benefits of Changing My Location With a VPN?

VPNs are a great addition to your online security, but changing your location and IP address offer a few more benefits:

• Improved online security — With a VPN, you can keep your computer and personal data secure while you browse. Since all your traffic is encrypted, you won’t have to worry about hackers interfering with your connection, or trackers following your every step online.
• Strong privacy — In order to keep your personal information hidden, you need to use a VPN with a watertight privacy policy. This way, no one will be able to tell who you are and what you do online (not even your ISP).
• Accessing geoblocked content — By changing your IP address and location with a VPN, you’ll be able to access platforms and websites that are normally blocked in your country. This includes streaming services, news outlets, and even online games.
• Bypassing firewalls — Since VPNs assign you a new IP address and change your location, you can safely bypass firewalls at work, school, and even abroad in countries with strong censorship.
• Saving money with online shopping — Different deals are available around the world, so a VPN can help you get access to offers that may not be obtainable in your region.

The Ultimate Guide: How to Change Your Location With a VPN

Installing and setting up a VPN on your device is super simple. All you need is an internet connection, and you’re ready to go.

1. Get a VPN. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It has a large number of over 3,000 servers, so you can connect to anywhere you need. ExpressVPN has apps for all the major operating systems, so download the one you need for your device
2. Choose a plan. I recommend you choose its 12 months plan. It has a 61% discount and also comes with 3 months of free access. You save way more money by choosing a longer-term plan
3. Sign up with your email. Enter your email address and pay for your subscription. ExpressVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and more. Paying with Bitcoin allows you to pay anonymously
4. Install the app. Install the app on your device. You can find the iOS and Android apps in the App and Play Store, while the Windows, macOS, and Linux apps are available to download on ExpressVPN’s website. Installing the VPN shouldn't take longer than 5 minutes
5. Log in with your email. Check your email for the activation code, and then use it to sign in to your account. You can quickly sign up with the Activation Code from your ExpressVPN account
6. Connect to a server. Choose a location from the list and connect to it. If you don’t have a preferred country, you can use the Smart Location feature to get the best connection available. Click the "Select Location" button and choose the country and city you need
7. Start browsing. Your location has changed. Enjoy browsing! You successfully changed your IP address and location

Best VPNs to Change Your Location and IP Address — Updated in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Extensive Compatibility to Change Your Location on Any Device

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN supports a large range of operating systems, so you’ll be able to change your location on all your devices. During my tests, I installed it on my Windows laptop, MacBook, iPhone, and PS4, and it didn’t take more than 10 minutes to get started on each of them. It normally allows you to connect 8 devices at the same time, but if you set it up on your router, you’ll be able to use it on all the gadgets connected to it, including smart TVs that don’t normally support VPNs.

Its MediaStreamer feature makes it easy to watch content on your smart TV or gaming console. It works by routing your data traffic through a DNS server so that you can even use a VPN on devices that don’t usually support them. The setup was quick, so I was ready to stream in no time. Even though it’s not as secure as the VPN connection, it will allow you to easily set ExpressVPN up on any WiFi-enabled device.

ExpressVPN has a massive server network that lets you change your IP and location to anywhere in the world — it offers more than 160 locations. I tried connecting to the US, UK, Canada, and Japan servers, and I had a good experience with all of them. No server took more than 10 seconds to connect — not even faraway locations in Australia.

You get lightning-fast speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloading comfortably. I tested the US and UK servers, and my speeds were always above the 80 Mbps mark, which is perfect. You only need 5 Mbps for HD, and 25 Mbps for 4k. Since I had a lot more than that, I didn’t have to worry about slowdowns or interruptions. Plus, online gaming was possible, as most servers kept my ping under 100 ms.

A slight issue with ExpressVPN is the premium price tag, which stands at $4.99/month. However, you can get it with a 61% discount when you sign up for a long-term plan.

You can try ExpressVPN risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you don’t like it. I wanted to test its refund policy, so I contacted the customer support team through the 24/7 live chat support available on its website. The agent I got in contact with wanted to know if I had a good experience with the VPN but didn’t pressure me to stay. He approved my request after a 10-minutes chat and I had my money back within 3 days.

2. CyberGhost — Specialized Servers for Smooth Browsing From Any Location

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers specialized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, making it easy to access content from any location. This means that if you want to change your IP to securely access specific streaming platforms such as ITV Hub or Netflix, then you can just use the specialized servers. During my tests, I had great speeds for streaming with CyberGhost’s optimized connections. It was also easy to find a reliable server for Minecraft and Call of Duty.

It offers a large server network, allowing you to connect to more than 100 countries. If you can’t find a specialized server for the platform you need, then you can simply select a regular location in that region. I used the search bar at the top and tested servers in the US, UK, and Australia. All of them connected in seconds, and my location was changed instantly.

Like ExpressVPN, this service supports a variety of operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. It’s also compatible with gaming consoles, Roku, smart TVs, and other devices. I tested its performance on both my iPad and desktop and encountered no glitches or problems. Plus, I successfully used a hotspot generated from my laptop to connect my smart TV, allowing me to enjoy content on the big screen.

A problem with CyberGhost is the high monthly subscription plan. However, you can counter this with a long-term subscription and get it for only $2.19/month.

You can try CyberGhost free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. I tried out its refund policy, and after a brief chat with the customer support team, my request was approved. The rep I contacted only asked me a few user-satisfaction questions, but the chat only took 10 minutes. I had my money back within 4 working days.

3. Private Internet Access — Large Server Network to Get a New IP Address From Anywhere

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access has a large server network spread across 91 countries. This allows you to change your location to anywhere you need and really expand your reach. Its servers range from the US to Singapore, making it easy to access sites like Netflix US, PeacockTV, Hulu, and even Singtel CAST. When I tested several different PIA locations, no server took more than 15 seconds to connect, and I didn't experience any interruptions.

You can use PIA across most major operating systems. It supports smartphones, desktops, gaming consoles, and a lot more. The setup is quick and easy, so you’ll have it running on all your devices in no time. I tried it on my PC, tablet, and smartphone, and I didn’t have any issues. I only had to choose the server I needed and then click the connect button.

It also delivers fast speeds for browsing, streaming, or downloading content. While it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, its speeds were fast during my tests. I had an average of 60 Mbps download, and ping stood at 44 ms on local servers. I did experience some inconsistent results on the long-distance servers, but this wasn’t a big issue. I could still stream and play video games without lag.

A slight issue with PIA is that it's based in the United States, a country known for its strict data-sharing regulations. Consequently, should the government demand user information, PIA would be legally bound to cooperate. Nonetheless, PIA's strong privacy policy guarantees that it doesn't retain any substantial personal information about its users.

You can get PIA for as little as $2.19/month when you choose one of its long-term plans. All its subscriptions offer the same features, but the longest plan offers the best value and also includes 3 months of free service.

It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee which allows you to try it for free. I put this claim to the test by requesting a refund through its live chat feature. The agent I got in contact with wanted to know my opinion on the VPN and asked me a few questions about my experience with it, but it didn’t take longer than 15 minutes. I had my money back within 5 days.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN to Change Your Location

To ensure your online safety when altering your virtual location and IP address, it is imperative that your VPN addresses the following aspects:

• Large server network — To successfully change your location, you need a VPN with a large server network scattered across the world. The services I shortlisted offer thousands of servers, so you’ll easily find one in the country you need.
• Works with worldwide content — The best VPNs, like the ones above, can access hundreds of websites and platforms. This makes it possible to watch geo-restricted content from around the world.
• Fast speeds — When you connect to a VPN, you’ll likely see a small drop in your speed. However, with premium VPNs, it shouldn’t be higher than 20%. The VPNs above provide superfast connections, so you won’t have to worry about lag or slowdowns.
• Reliable kill switch — If the VPN suddenly disconnects, the kill switch will shut down your internet connection immediately. This way, the websites and apps you use won’t discover your real location and identity.
• Split tunneling — This feature allows you to only route certain apps through the VPN while keeping others on your home network. It’s a great option if you want to access content in your browser while using home banking apps from your own IP, so you don’t trigger the security systems.
• Strong encryption — To keep you safe online, your VPN needs to have AES-256 encryption and multiple security protocols. This way, your connection will be impossible to hack, so your personal data stays safe.

FAQs on Changing Your Location With a VPN

Can I change my Netflix location with a VPN?

Yes, it’s possible to change your Netflix location with a VPN. Not every service works with the platform but the best VPNs have servers in multiple Netflix regions, making it possible to access content from different libraries.

Why doesn’t my VPN change my location?

There are several reasons why your VPN may not change your location. Before troubleshooting, remember that not all VPNs are equal. Some will mask your location easier than others. However, I didn’t have any problems with the ones on this list. Here are a few things you can do:

• Check if your IP address was changed. Some VPNs won’t fully hide your location and assign you a new IP address, so you’ll need to double-check it before you go online.
• Change the server. If the website you’re trying to visit blocked a certain IP address, you won’t be able to access it. In this case, you’ll simply need to select another server in the same location.
• Clear your cookies and cache. If you try to access a website you previously visited without a VPN, it may recognize your device and block you. Try using a different browser or clearing your cookies and cache, and access it again.

Can I change my location with a VPN Chrome extension?

Yes, all the VPNs on this list offer reliable browser extensions you can use to change your location. After you subscribe, you can download extensions for Chrome or Firefox. However, except for ExpressVPN's, browser extensions only route browser traffic, so all your other apps and programs will run on your regular connection.

Will a VPN also change my GPS location?

A reliable VPN will change your GPS location, but not on mobile devices. When you connect to a VPN server, any app or website you access will see you in the location you connect to. This happens because your location will be determined based on your IP address.

However, this doesn’t apply to devices with built-in GPS sensors, such as mobile phones and tablets. The VPN won’t be able to override the GPS and change your location according to your IP address.

Can I use a free VPN to change my location?

Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Most free VPNs have limited bandwidth and slow speeds, making your streaming experience terrible. Plus, they may record and sell your personal data to third parties, which puts your identity at risk. So, I highly suggest you stick with great premium VPNs to change your location and IP address.

Can I use a VPN to change my location on my iOS or Android phone?

Yes, you can change your location on your iOS or Android phone with a VPN. Download a VPN from the respective app store and connect to a location to change your location on your smartphone.

Change Your Location and IP Address Today!

Finding the best VPN to change your location and IP address should not be hard. All the VPNs above deliver a fast and secure browsing experience, so you’ll easily change your location and IP address.

I recommend ExpressVPN. It has superfast speeds, and a massive server network, so you can connect to anywhere in the world. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can claim a full refund if you don’t like it.

To summarize, the best VPNs for changing your location and IP address are…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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