If you’re not currently in the US, you may want to get a US IP address for many different reasons.
Perhaps you want to watch geo-restricted local content on streaming favorites like Netflix, or glamorous broadcasts of American awards shows like the Golden Globes. Or maybe you prefer catching up on big American sports events, including the NBA, NHL and NFL, or you just want to access your own American web accounts when you’re overseas. Whatever the reason, you will need a US IP address.
If you try to access certain US websites from outside America, you might find you’re blocked from using the site, as some of them are only available for users within the US.
This can be frustrating, but luckily there are simple workarounds. The easiest method is to download and install a good VPN. VPNs mask your actual IP address and set it to a new location of your choice.
In this CyberNews guide, we’re going to explain how to find a good VPN, why you might want one in the first place, and how to change your IP address in seconds.
How to get a United States IP address in a few simple steps
Changing your IP address to an American IP address is really easy. In a few simple steps, you can switch your IP address and access all sorts of American content and websites that might otherwise be geo-restricted. All you need is a VPN. Here’s what you need to do.
- Find a good, reliable and trustworthy VPN. We recommend NordVPN, as it is fast and secure, and has a large number of US servers to choose from.
- Download and install your chosen VPN to your device.
- Launch the VPN and use it to connect to a US server.
- Head to the US website you want to access.
- Kick back and enjoy the US content.
How does a VPN change your IP address to a US IP address?
Whenever you visit a website or use an online service, like a streaming platform, that site will automatically be able to identify the country you are in by looking at your IP address. It’s essentially a digital address for you and your device.
Often, websites and services have content that they want to restrict. For instance, Netflix has specific licensing agreements in different regions, so will use IP addresses to make sure only people within certain countries can access its content. This is known as geo-restriction.
Luckily, you can easily change your IP address with a VPN. When you use a VPN, you connect to a server located somewhere else in the world. So when you access a website, it will see the IP address of this new location, and not where you’re actually visiting from. In this case, you will need to connect to a US server and get access to US websites with no problems. It’s all very easy and completely legal.
How does a VPN keep you safe online?
Not only does a VPN help you access geo-restricted sites, it’s also a vital tool in staying safe online.
A VPN keeps you safe by encrypting your data and protecting you from hackers, leaks, and cyber attacks. If you have a VPN on your device, all your personal details, messages, banking details and browser history will be hidden from potential snoopers.
Your VPN connection is always private, and you can use a VPN on your desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. With cybercrime and identity theft attempts all too common, you should always take as many steps as possible to keeping your personal info secure, and VPN is a great way to do this.
What are the benefits of having an American IP address?
Having an American IP address can be beneficial for all sorts of reasons. For starters, it can unlock geo-restricted content and get you access to a whole new set of entertainment options. Netflix is a great example.
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming sites in the world with a huge library of original productions, beloved shows and blockbuster movies. So you might very well have a Netflix account in your home country. But did you know that Netflix content differs from region to region? And unsurprisingly, US Netflix has one of the most extensive selections of shows and movies – some you won’t be able to access anywhere else.
But that’s not the only reason. Here are some more benefits of having a US IP address.
- Unblock geo-restricted content on American Netflix
- Access American gaming servers for US-locked online play
- Watch US-locked YouTube videos
- Get US-only discounts on products and services, like software and video games
- Hear new music on locked sites, like Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music and SoundCloud
- Get access to US-only online TV channels, like DirecTV or Hulu
- Watch live US sports on American TV online
- Get cheaper rates on flights and hotels
- Reduce lag while gaming: Fortnite, Minecraft, etc.
What are the best VPN services to get a US IP address?
So now you know how to change your IP address, the next thing is to find a good VPN. There are a lot of VPNs to choose from, but it’s important you pick the right VPN. Here are a few features you should look out for:
- A number of servers throughout the US (and the rest of the world)
- Fast server speed for high quality streaming
- Support for numerous devices, including desktop, mobile and tablet
- Security features, such as malware block and data protection
- Affordable prices, with a money-back guarantee or trial period
Let’s take a look at some of the best VPNs that are currently available on the market.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a favorite upon other VPNs. It offers a great choice of servers all around America, with both East Coast and West Coast locations. In addition to that it has servers in 59 countries all over the world. Also it is one of the best VPNs to use if you want to access streaming sites, like US Netflix. This is because it’s fast, doesn’t log your personal details, and has security features, such as malware protection.
NordVPN is available to download onto your desktop, and it also has apps for iOS and Android devices. You can use it on a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet.
NordVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s very useful if there’s a one-off US TV event you want to watch.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another great choice. It offers fast servers in 94 different countries, including 17 US cities, such as New York and Washington. It’s perfect for switching your existing IP address to a US IP address so you can access geo-restricted US sites and content.
It’s available for use on all major platforms, including desktop, mobile and tablet. ExpressVPN also has some robust security features to keep your online identity safe, such as OpenVPN encryption and DNS leak protection.
You can use ExpressVPN on up to five different devices at the same time, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
SurfShark
SurfShark is another VPN that’s ideal for accessing US content. It’s fast, secure, and has plenty of servers to choose from, both in America and the rest of the world.
SurfShark gets great reviews for its speed, so it’s excellent for streaming US entertainment on sites like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV and HBO. SurfShark also has a no-logs policy, which means it will never save or share your personal details. It offers some great security features, such as malware and DNS leak protection.
From desktop to smartphone, SurfShark has an app for all platforms and can be used on unlimited devices with just one account. And it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access has a range of fast servers all over America and in 47 countries throughout the world.
It’s good for accessing streaming sites, but it’s an even better option for torrenting thanks to features, such as split tunneling, port forwarding, and OpenVPN encryption.
Private Internet Access even lets you set your own level of encryption, which isn’t a feature you’ll find on all VPNs.
Private Internet Access works on your desktop computer, tablet and smartphone, regardless of whether it’s iOS or Android.
Your personal details are always safe thanks to Private Internet Access’ no-log policy, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Alternative methods of getting a US IP address
Although it’s the easiest method, you don’t always need to use a VPN to change your IP address to a US IP address.
Another option is to download and use the Tor browser. It’s a web browser that works just like Firefox and Chrome, but Tor is more focused on anonymity and encryption.Tor is the go-to browser for people accessing the dark web, but it can also be used to switch to a US IP address. However, this process is more complicated than simply using a VPN.
You can also try to access geo-restricted sites by using a proxy server. A proxy server is a bit like a middleman, as you use an online service that will then direct your IP address to a new location when you attempt to access blocked content.
However, most of the top streaming sites routinely shut down proxy servers that are being used to access their content. So even if you manage to get in, you might find yourself locked out halfway through an episode of your new favorite show. Proxy servers are nowhere near as reliable as VPNs.
More VPN guides from CyberNews:
How to watch BBC iPlayer in USA and Abroad
FAQs
How do I change my IP address to a US IP address?
It’s easy to change your IP address. All you need to do is download and install a VPN, like NordVPN or SurfShark. Then simply launch your VPN, find a US server, connect and you’re all set.
Can you use a free VPN to get a US IP address?
You can use some VPNs for free, but the most reliable VPNs usually have a small fee. However, they also tend to offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can use this to binge-watch a US TV show or a one-off event without being out of pocket.
Can you change to a US IP address on a mobile phone?
Yes, all the best VPNs have apps for smartphones. NordVPN, SurfShark and ExpressVPN are available to use on both iOS and Android devices. So whichever smartphone (or tablet) you use, you can download a VPN for it from your app store.
