How To Change Vpn Location On Laptop
How Do I Change My Location or IP Address with a VPN?
Whatever your reason for using a VPN, one thing it always does is change your IP address to the outside world. And since websites and online services determine your location by your IP, changing it means changing your location.
This is often known as geo-spoofing and has loads of benefits, including helping you maintain your online anonymity, letting you access region-restricted content and helping you save money by bagging bargains reserved for other countries.
So, how exactly do you perform a VPN location change? Why would you want to? And what do you do if it’s not working? Read on for our complete guide on changing your virtual location.
How to change your location with a VPN
Follow our simple step by step guide to learn how to use VPN to change your IP address to another country:
Choose a reliable VPN if you don’t have one yet. NordVPN is a good choice.
Download your VPN and install it on your computer.
Open and log in your VPN. If this is your first time logging into your VPN, you should be given a list of servers to connect to.
Select the country you want to connect to.
Now your IP address and location are changed. It’s really as simple as that.
Reasons to change your IP locationThere are several reasons why you might want to use a VPN to change your location, such as:
Accessing region-restricted streaming services
What to do if the VPN doesn’t help with geo-blocking
There could be lots of reasons why your VPN doesn’t work as advertised. Here’s what you can try if that happens:
Verify your IP address is not leaking. Sometimes, a VPN client will show that it’s connected and you’ll see the VPN address, but actually your real IP may be leaking. You can check this by looking up your IP online via sites like – if you see your real IP address, that means the VPN is not working properly
Switch to another server. Even if your VPN has correctly allocated a new IP address for you, a website might recognise the use of a VPN address range and either limit your access or block it entirely. Switching to a different server could fix this issue for you.
Check for a geolocation API. Websites and apps often use the HTML Geolocation API to find out where you are. And this can locate you even if you’re using a VPN, particularly if you’ve used that site or app before and given them permission to track your location. To fix this, check your browsers and apps for permissions you may have given and delete any you don’t want.
Check your cookies. Replacing your IP address might not be sufficient to trick a website into thinking you’re in another location, especially if it’s a site you’ve visited before. To get around this, try removing any unnecessary browser information by deleting your cookies and browser history before you log in.
Is changing your IP country legal? Masking your IP address is perfectly legal in most countries. However, what you do with a fake IP address might not be legal. Depending on the country you’re in, using a VPN to change your location so you can bypass government censorship could get you in trouble with the law.
What are the best VPNs to change your IP country? There are plenty of great VPNs out there, but the following 3 are particularly good for changing your geolocation.
1. NordVPN
Based in:PanamaServers/countries:5, 500+ servers in 59 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Now 72% OFF + 3 Months FREE!
Visit NordVPN
NordVPN is the leading VPN service on the market, and with good reason. This VPN offers quite possibly the most comprehensive security-minded package, complete with strong tunneling protocols, a highly-customizable kill switch, and a bunch of cool extras (like Onion over VPN).
In terms of switching your location, NordVPN offers a network of 5, 500+ servers in 59 countries. Each server is owned by the company and capable of delivering some of the best connection speeds out there.
All this and more is available for a modest price of $3. 30/month with the 2-year deal. And if you feel you don’t like it, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our NordVPN review
Pros
Unblocks most streaming platforms
Huge, reliable, server list
Strong security suite
Smart DNS feature
Very fast
24/7 live chat support team
Cons
No custom router firmware
2. Surfshark
Based in:British Virgin IslandsServers/countries:3, 200+ servers in 65 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Get Surfshark, now 81% OFF!
Visit Surfshark
Another big name, Surfshark has a rare selling proposition – unlimited connections per account! In other words, you can share your account with your family and friends, as well as connect all your various devices.
But Surfshark isn’t just about cost-efficiency. This VPN is one of the fastest around, delivering amazing speeds across its significant network of 3, 200+ servers in 65 countries. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a location Surfshark doesn’t have – perfect for those in need of a different IP location.
Surfshark is available from $2. 49/month and, like NordVPN, has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our Surfshark review
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Fast servers for IP switching
Awesome speeds with WireGuard
Guides for router setup
Smart DNS
Live chat runs 24/7
3. VyprVPN
Based in:SwitzerlandServers/countries:700 servers in 70 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Get up to 12 months FREE!
Visit VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a smaller VPN service compared to our two frontrunners, but that doesn’t mean it lacks server locations. As a matter of fact, VyprVPN’s 700 servers are spread out over 70 countries.
Not only that, this is a very secure and fast service that has some of the nicest VPN apps out there. It’ll even work in countries where VPN use is limited by the government, such as China, Russia, or Iran.
The kicker? You can get VyprVPN for a measly $1. 66/month with the 3-year plan. The 30-day money-back guarantee applies!
Read our VyprVPN review
The most affordable VPN option
Unblocks most big streaming platforms
Traffic obfuscation via the Chameleon 2. 0 protocol
Good speeds with WireGuard
Very affordable
Not as many servers as some other top VPNs
More reasons to use a VPNThere are loads of good reasons to use a VPN. Here are some of our favorites:
Safety and security is often the most important reason for using a VPN. After all, it encrypts all your online traffic, which gives protection from online hackers and third party snoops.
Privacy is something we all have a right to. After all, you don’t want anyone being able to see what you’re looking at online. And a VPN will help you keep your activity free from prying eyes.
Bypassing a government’s internet censorship can be incredibly important if you live in a country that closely monitors the online activity of its citizens. And by getting a VPN, you can bypass censorship and access the content you want without the government knowing.
Accessing region restricted content is one of the most popular reasons for using a VPN. It can be really frustrating when the TV show you want to watch isn’t available in your country or if you want to access BBC iPlayer abroad. By using a VPN, you can watch content from other regions.
Using public Wi-Fi without risks is another major benefit of using a VPN. After all, connecting to public Wi-Fi can leave your machine more vulnerable to hackers. But a VPN will keep you safe from these attacks by encrypting your traffic.
Bypassing restrictions at work or school is a popular use of VPNs as it’ll help you bypass the network firewall and let you access any sites on the blacklist set up by your school or workplace.
If you’re a blogger, activist or journalist, it’s vital that you keep your work and your location completely private. Very often, your work or even your safety could depend on it. A VPN will mask your IP address and keep your work and whereabouts safe.
Making sure Google can’t track you is important to people who value their privacy. It can often feel like Google is tracking our every move. And you don’t want information about you being sold to third party companies. The use of a VPN will stop Google from being able to spy on you.
You can save money on shopping and travel by using a VPN to access cheaper deals in other locations. Very often, global companies will offer different prices for products and services to different countries. This can help you save a lot of money, particularly on travel and online shopping.
VoIP calls are a cheap but useful way to chat online. But without a VPN, these Voice over Internet Protocol communications can be acquired and analysed. A VPN will encrypt these calls and make them much more difficult for a third party to decipher.
If you need more information on how to use a VPN, feel free to read our guide.
Thinking of trying out a VPN service? Read one of our VPN comparison reviews:ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: Both are leading players in the market, but which one is for you?
Roobet VPN: Play Roobet from anywhere in the world
CyberGhost vs NordVPN: Both have their pros and cons, but there’s only one truly better
Install VPN on Kodi: check short tips how you can add a VPN on different devices for Kodi
FAQs on changing VPN locationHere, we’ll answer all your frequently asked questions about changing your VPN location.
Why is my VPN not changing my location?
If your VPN is not changing your virtual location, most likely there’s some technical issue or bug. For example, the VPN may be leaking your IP address or perhaps it’s being blocked by your firewall.
How do I change the VPN location on my router?
To change the VPN location on your router:
Where should I set my VPN location?
The answer depends on what content you want to access. If there’s a particular version of Netflix you want to access or a sporting event you’re desperate to watch, it’ll be really easy to choose the right location for your VPN.
Are free VPNs safe?
There is no safe VPN that is completely free. Most reputable VPN providers simply offer a free trial period, or a certain amount of free data each month.
Connect to a VPN in Windows – Microsoft Support
Whether it’s for work or personal use, you can connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on your Windows PC. A VPN connection can help provide a more secure connection and access to your company’s network and the internet, for example, when you’re working from a coffee shop or similar public place.
Create a VPN profile
Before you can connect to a VPN, you must have a VPN profile on your PC. You can either create a VPN profile on your own or set up a work account to get a VPN profile from your company.
Before you start:
If it’s for work, look for VPN settings or a VPN app on your company’s intranet site while you’re at work, or contact your company’s support person.
If it’s for a VPN service you subscribe to for personal use, visit the Microsoft Store to see if there’s an app for that service, then go to the VPN service’s website to see if the VPN connection settings to use are listed there.
Select the Start button, then type settings. Select Settings > Network & internet > VPN > Add VPN.
In Add a VPN connection, do the following:
For VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in).
In the Connection name box, enter a name you’ll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). This is the VPN connection name you’ll look for when connecting.
In the Server name or address box, enter the address for the VPN server.
For VPN type, choose the type of VPN connection you want to create. You’ll need to know which kind of VPN connection your company or VPN service uses.
For Type of sign-in info, choose the type of sign-in info (or credentials) to use. This might be a username and password, one-time password, certificate, or a smart card if you’re connecting to a VPN for work. Enter your username and password in the respective boxes (if required).
Select Save.
If you need to edit the VPN connection info or specify additional settings, such as proxy settings, choose the VPN connection and then select Advanced options.
Connect to a VPN
When you have a VPN profile, you’re ready to connect.
In Settings, select Network & internet > VPN.
Next to the VPN connection you want to use, select Connect.
If you’re prompted, enter your username and password or other sign-in info.
When connected, the VPN connection name will display Connected underneath it. To see if you’re connected to the VPN while you’re doing things on your PC, hover your mouse pointer over the Network icon on the far right of the taskbar, then see if the VPN connection shows.
Tip: You can also connect to a VPN through quick settings and the notification area. To add VPN as a quick setting, select the Network icon on the taskbar, then select Edit quick settings > Add > VPN > Done.
Whether it’s for work or personal use, you can connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on your Windows 10 PC. A VPN connection can help provide a more secure connection and access to your company’s network and the internet, for example, when you’re working from a coffee shop or similar public place.
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Add a VPN connection.
In Add a VPN connection, do the following:
For VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in).
In the Connection name box, enter a name you’ll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). This is the VPN connection name you’ll look for when connecting.
In the Server name or address box, enter the address for the VPN server.
For VPN type, choose the type of VPN connection you want to create. You’ll need to know which kind of VPN connection your company or VPN service uses.
For Type of sign-in info, choose the type of sign-in info (or credentials) to use. Enter your username and password in the respective boxes (if required).
Select Save.
On the far right of the taskbar, select the Network icon (either or).
Select the VPN connection you want to use, then do either of the following depending on what happens when you select the VPN connection:
If the Connect button displays under the VPN connection, select Connect.
If the VPN section in Settings opens, select the VPN connection there, then select Connect.
When connected, the VPN connection name will display Connected underneath it. To see if you’re connected to the VPN while you’re doing things on your PC, select the Network icon (either or) on the far right of the taskbar, then see if the VPN connection says Connected.
Fake GPS: top 5 VPNs for spoofing your location | Tom’s Guide
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Although the best VPN can get you access to overseas content, there are very few true fake GPS VPN services on the market. That means that while websites will show you different content because your traffic is coming from a different server, mobile apps with location tracking enabled will still be able to tell exactly where you are. Unfortunately, location spoofing is almost impossible to do on iOS, and while there are some programs you can use to fake GPS locations while your iPhone is plugged in to your PC, there’s not a good option for location spoofing on the go without jailbreaking your Android you’ve got a few more options. One is to combine any VPN with a fake GPS app, and these are easily found in the Play Store. However, there’s one service that combines a premium VPN service with an in-built fake GPS location spoofer, and it just so happens that it’s the cheapest VPN that’s worth signing up to: Read our guide on how to set up a fake GPS location for Pokemon GOWhat makes a great fake GPS VPN? What sets Surfshark apart from its rivals is the fact that it’s got a fake GPS system built in. That means that you don’t have to trust or rely on any other apps to change your location. However, seeing as there are other apps that can do that, many people might ask why you need a VPN at all. It all comes down to IP addresses. If you’re changing your location to trick an app in order to use it in a way you’re not supposed to (Pokémon GO, for example), the app will typically compare your GPS location to your IP address. If your GPS says you’re in Spain but your IP address is in New York, the app will notice this and stop you using it – possibly banning your account in the using a VPN to match your IP to your GPS location, you can get around this – and Surfshark is the only service to do all of this in one app. 1. Surfshark – the best fake GPS VPN on the market
Surfshark is the only VPN on the market that has a built-in fake GPS location feature. Combined with its excellent performance and simple-to-use apps, Surfshark is a one-stop shop for staying private and effectively changing your location – and at only $2. 49/mo, it’s incredible value, Deal2. ExpressVPN – the best fake GPS VPN alternative
If you don’t mind having to use a separate fake GPS app, our #1-rated VPN is ExpressVPN. With over 3, 000 servers in 94 countries, class-leading privacy features and intuitive apps, it’s a full package. Plus, Tom’s Guide readers can claim a mega three months free on a year-long Deal3. NordVPN – big name is a great all-rounder
NordVPN is great for streaming, security, and just about everything else – and with over 5, 000 servers worldwide it’s got great reach, too. While not quite as brilliant on the whole as Express, it’s a worthy contender and is also great value at just $3. 71 a DealThe best fake GPS VPNs todayThe only true fake GPS VPN on the marketSpecificationsAvailable on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, LinuxBuilt-in fake GPS: Yes (Android)Simultaneous connections: UnlimitedServer locations: 63Number of servers: 1, 700+Reasons to buy+Natively supports GPS spoofing+Incredible value+Super simple apps+Unlimited devicesReasons to avoid-Not as many options as othersAlthough Surfshark may be best-known for being a bargain VPN provider that offers a powerful yet simple experience, it’s got another ace up its sleeve that no one seems to talk about: in-built GPS location, Surfshark’s Android app is the only VPN app on the market that can both route you through encrypted servers plus give you a fake GPS location – and while it is only available on Android, that’s more than any other provider can makes use of Android’s Mock Locations feature, and makes the process far simpler than trying to use a VPN in tandem with a dedicated fake GPS app. Plus, keeping it all under one roof means less human error on your part, and more accessing blocked content and location-spoofing ever, Surfshark wouldn’t top this list if it wasn’t a stellar VPN in its own right, and even without the GPS feature it’s a safe choice. With 1, 700+ servers in over 63 locations with private DNS on every one, plus excellent streaming powers that can unblock Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu and tons more, it’s an excellent all-round privacy anted, it’s not quite as fully featured as some of the VPNs further down this list, but as the only one that can spoof your location without using a separate app, we had to place it we haven’t even mentioned the price – just $2. 49 a month when you sign up to an annual plan. Combined with unlimited simultaneous connections Surfshark offers great value, and if you want to trick your apps into thinking you’re somewhere else, it should be your first value plus built-in fake GPS
With plenty of servers, GPS spoofing, unlimited simultaneous connections and one of the cheapest prices on the market, Surfshark pretty much has it all. Plus, you’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out for yourself and make sure it works.
View Deal(Image credit: ExpressVPN)The top-rated VPN service overallSpecificationsAvailable on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, LinuxBuilt-in fake GPS: NoSimultaneous connections: 5Server locations: 94Number of servers: 3, 000+Reasons to buy+Plenty of servers+Unbeatable privacy credentials+Out top-rated VPN overall+Excellent for streamingReasons to avoid-No built-in fake GPSIn our comprehensive ExpressVPN review, we rated the service as the very best on the market – but unfortunately the one feature it lacks is an in-built fake GPS spoofer. However, if you’d rather have ExpressVPN than Surfshark (we don’t blame you), it’s really easy to combine it with a different fake GPS app to get similar spoofing your location, though, ExpressVPN handles pretty much every other VPN task with ease. Want to stream Netflix from the USA, France, Japan or pretty much anywhere else? Express has got you covered. You’ll also be able to get BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu and loads ‘ll have private DNS on every server, a wide choice of protocols, a kill switch, split tunneling, and a simple but powerful interface that will please newbies and experts alike, all alongside class-leading speeds on just about every we had to find a fault, it’d be the fact that Express only offers five simultaneous connections – but you can still install the app on as many devices as you like and simply log in and out to get around you’re looking for the best service overall and don’t mind having to use another app to adjust your GPS location, ExpressVPN could be the one to go 49% off plus 3 free month of ExpressVPN
Tom’s Guide readers can get three free months of ExpressVPN by signing up to its 12 month plan – and you’ll be protected and spoofing your location as soon as you download a separate fake GPS app. Plus, you’ll be covered by 24/7 live-chat support and a 30-day money-back DealGreat security and speeds from the industry’s biggest nameSpecificationsAvailable on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, LinuxBuilt-in fake GPS: NoSimultaneous connections: 6Server locations: 75Number of servers: 5, 400+Reasons to buy+Ultra-powerful encryption+Huge amount of servers+Great performance everywhereReasons to avoid-Mobile apps can be awkwardAs the biggest name in the VPN world, our NordVPN review lives up to the hype and delivers an excellent security-focused experience that millions of people trust the world over. One reason for this is its massive server network that delivers good speeds pretty much everywhere, but what really impresses is Nord’s focus on security. With 2048-bit double encryption your data will be as safe as can be, but it doesn’t stop ‘ll get Onion over VPN which utilises the encrypted Tor network, Double VPN which will send your connection through two servers, and a wide range of obfuscated server. The latter are especially useful for accessing the web in authoritarian regimes like China and the ‘s also a great balance of usability, too, and the apps on all devices are simple and intuitive. However, the map-based interface on Android and iPhone can prove to be a little clunky, so we recommend just going straight to the server list. And, of course, it doesn’t have a built-in fake GPS feature. Overall, though, NordVPN is an excellent service, and usually comes in well under $4 a month, offering a great combination of power and up now on the NordVPN websiteUS-based VPN is cheap and effectiveSpecificationsAvailable on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, LinuxBuilt-in fake GPS: NoSimultaneous connections: UnlimitedServer locations: 75Number of servers: 1, 500+Reasons to buy+Tons of configuration+Interesting interface+Unlimited connectionsReasons to avoid-May be complex for someIPVanish has been one of the top-rated VPNs on the market for a long time now, and although we found it slightly behind the times in our IPVanish review, it’s still a worthwhile option – especially for users in the US thanks to searing speeds in the, it doesn’t have a built-in fake GPS feature, but will work well with any third-party spoofing app you choose. While IPVanish’s aesthetics are somewhat divisive, we commend the choice of both the distinct color scheme and displaying quite so much information about what the app is doing at any one time. Many rivals keep everything behind the scenes, but IPVanish displays rolling graphs of data used, connection speeds, and tons you’re a streaming fan you’ll be pleased too, because IPVanish can get access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and a bunch more. However, if you’re looking to stream British TV you might be out of luck, as we struggled to access BBC iPlayer in our IPVanish has caught your eye, every plan includes 250GB of free SugarSync cloud storage. If you’re after storage and VPN, this could be your best up now on the IPVanish website(Image credit: Future)Excellent streaming and torrenting specialistSpecificationsAvailable on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, LinuxBuilt-in fake GPS: NoSimultaneous connections: 7Server locations: 111Number of servers: 6, 200+Reasons to buy+Huge server list+Excellent streaming features+Great for torrentingReasons to avoid-Apps are a little crudeCyberGhost is hugely popular, with over 10 million users around the world. We can see why, too, as while it lacks a dedicated fake GPS function, it has a unique server filtering feature that we loved in our CyberGhost VPN review, and makes it super easy to get great speeds for whatever you want to mbine that with a vast number of servers in 90 countries, and you’ll have a huge range of locations to explore when your fire up your third-party fake GPS, while it’s got a massive network and excellent streaming power, CyberGhost’s apps just aren’t quite up to scratch with the very best in the business. They seem a little crude in comparison, but if you can get past that they’re still very functional – and we can’t forget to comment on how affordable the service is (very! ) up now on the CyberGhost websiteFake GPS VPN FAQIs a fake GPS VPN legal? Using a a fake GPS VPN isn’t illegal itself. However, using one to break the law certainly is.
If you’re using a fake GPS VPN to trick apps like Pokémon GO, be aware that doing so is probably against the app’s Ts&Cs. If you get found out, expect to lose functionality or perhaps even have your account can I use a fake GPS VPN for? Other than changing your location in Pokémon GO, GPS spoofing is useful for other things.
If you’re worried about apps like Messenger, Instagram, Airbnb and Google Maps tracking your location, changing your GPS will keep your true location truly private. Even apps like Uber and Snapchat which use your location for certain legitimate reasons might feel intrusive, so with Surfshark you can keep them at bay until you need to use to cover your iPhone? Read about the best iOS all-round entertainment, explore our best streaming you share P2P, check out the best torrenting VPNs.
Mo is eCommerce Editor at Tom’s Guide. Day-to-day he oversees privacy and security content, and his product guides help his readers find the best software and products for their needs. When he’s not testing VPNs, you’ll find him working on his classic car or plugged into a guitar amp.
Frequently Asked Questions about how to change vpn location on laptop
How do I change my VPN address on my laptop?
In Settings, select Network & internet > VPN. Next to the VPN connection you want to use, select Connect. If you’re prompted, enter your username and password or other sign-in info.
Can you set a VPN to a specific location?
Yes, Surfshark’s Android app is the only VPN app on the market that can both route you through encrypted servers as well as give you a fake GPS location – and while it is only available on Android, that’s more than any other provider can say.5 days ago
How do I change my Internet location on my laptop?
How do I change my IP address in Windows 7?Click Start, then select Control Panel.Click Network and Internet.Click Network and Sharing Center.Click Change adapter settings on the left.Right-click the connection you want to change and choose Properties.
