How to change location on Mac in 2025

If you own a MacBook, you might be looking to boost your online security while traveling, access trending Netflix US shows, or find more affordable flight deals. Whatever your reason, changing your location on Mac can help.

There are several ways to alter your virtual location on Mac, but the easiest and most effective method is by using a reliable VPN. A VPN conceals your IP address and allows you to enjoy the benefits of accessing various locations seamlessly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process we use to change a Mac’s location — both with and without a VPN.

How to change location on Mac with VPN

1. Download a VPN that works with Macs - NordVPN is best, now 77% OFF
2. Install NordVPN on your Mac
3. Connect to a server in your chosen location, for example, the US
4. Get access to all new content, websites, and services

Why do you need to change location on Mac?

First, changing your location on a Mac can encrypt all your traffic, protecting it from hackers, cyber scammers, snooping ISPs (Internet service providers), and even the authorities. That means you can do whatever you like online without worrying about digital threats.

• Access completely blocked streaming services. While you get multiple global versions of Netflix, some streaming services are only available in one country! With a MacBook VPN, you can get into sites like BBC iPlayer and Max from anywhere in the world.
• Change the location on your apps. Most of your everyday apps - such as Snapchat, Pokemon GO, and Tinder – check where you are in the world based on your IP address and show you specific content accordingly. Whether you’re sharing, gaming, or dating, a different location can get you access to new content, new games, and new people. A TikTok VPN can also help you unblock TikTok in regions where it’s restricted.
• Privacy. Facebook, Instagram, Google – all of those sites you use every day track your location. Get a bit of your privacy back and hide your location with a VPN.
• Traveling. Maybe you need to check up on a project while on holiday? Then, you’ll need to change your location to get into your secure work network. A travel VPN will do just this.
• Get better deals. Did you know hotels and even airlines often charge different rates in different countries? Next time you’re going abroad, you can change location with a VPN and see if you can get better rates on your flights and hotels – you could end up saving a lot of money.

By connecting to a new server on a VPN, you can set your IP address of your MacBook or any other Mac device to a completely different country.

Best VPNs for changing Mac location in 2025

With a vast amount of VPNs on the market, it can be quite a challenge to find the best VPN for a specific purpose. Our experts have tested 41 VPNs and selected the top 3 VPNs that are excellent in changing Mac location.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for changing Mac location
2. Surfshark – feature-rich VPN for changing location on mac
3. Norton VPN Standard – user-friendly VPN for location change on Macbook

How to change location on Mac

Let's break it down: your Mac has two key location aspects – network location and IP address.

Network location involves settings for your computer's network ports like Ethernet or wireless connections. While your Mac has an automatic network location, Apple lets you customize and manage multiple locations. As for the IP address, it's like your device's house address on the internet. It changes based on your location when connecting with your Mac. So, at any given moment, your ISP knows where you are accessing the web.

You have the flexibility to adjust either your network location or IP address based on your needs. Here's how you can do it.

How to change network location on Mac

Every Mac has automatic network locations, but you can join and switch between multiple locations simultaneously. This comes in handy when you want to use specific apps, like maps or weather forecasts, from a different region, for instance. To change your network location, follow these steps:

1. Open the Apple Menu on your screen and select System Settings
2. Click on Network and choose Edit Locations from the dropdown menu
3. Click on Add, and type in the name of the new location
4. Tap Done and Apply to activate the location change

How to change IP address on Mac

Streaming services often use your device's IP address to figure out where you are, which decides the content library you can access. That's where VPNs come in handy to hide your IP address. To switch your Mac IP address using a VPN, here's a simple guide:

1. Sign up for the best Mac VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now 77% OFF
2. Download and set up the VPN app
3. Choose your preferred location and connect to a server
4. Check if your IP address has successfully changed

Change IP address on Mac with NordVPN

Other methods to change location on Mac

If you want to switch your network location on a MacBook, you can try several methods. However, it's important to note that they may not be as effective as using a VPN.

• Tor browser. It allows you to change locations, bypass censorship, and hide your IP address. However, if you’re more familiar with the likes of Chrome and Firefox, it might not offer a great user experience and can be quite slow. Plus, Tor browser may make your activities look suspicious considering it's a browser used for accessing the dark web.
• Proxy service. It helps to divert your traffic through its server to show the website you’re trying to visit a different IP address. But proxy sites are inconsistent, nor do they include the security and privacy of a VPN, so you open yourself up to hackers and cyber threats. This includes no data encryption, so your ISP can see what you're doing online. Not to mention that the performance can be slow.

Can't change location on Mac with a VPN: how to fix it

The VPNs we’ve recommended are all top-quality products, but sometimes even the best tech can throw up a problem. Some potential issues could be:

• The VPN isn’t able to bypass certain geo-blocks
• Your web browser cookies are showing your location
• Your macOS might need updating
• You’ve picked the wrong VPN server

If your VPN isn’t working, there are a few troubleshooting tips to try out.

• Clear all your cookies and cache
• Try a different web browser
• Find a different server to connect to
• Reach out to your VPN’s support team

If you’re still having trouble, perhaps try a different VPN. Remember, all the VPNs we’ve recommended include 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can make sure they do the job you need without making a financial commitment.

Changing location on a Mac – the final verdict

Changing your location on a Mac comes with many uses. Expanding your entertainment options, accessing work from abroad, shielding your activity from ISPs, and protecting your data are just some of the main benefits. There are several ways to change your Mac location, but the easiest and most effective way is VPN.

A robust VPN like NordVPN is easy to use, budget-friendly, and can enhance your online security. With NordVPN on your Mac, you can switch your location quickly without breaking the bank or spending a lot of time on setup.

Got any questions about changing location on Mac? Give us a shout in the comment section, and feel free to share your tips too!

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