How to Change Your IP Address and Location Using TuxlerVPN

5 min

We get it. Sometimes you just want to click a button to change your IP address and your location. You don’t want to know what’s going on in the backend or take any extra steps. Just a click or two to connect to a VPN so that you can go back to streaming your favorite show on Netflix.

People change their IP addresses for security or privacy reasons. They are either being deliberate about locking cybercriminals out, or they want to access restricted sites or content from abroad. Either of these requires a change in IP address. If you’re here because you need to do one or both of these, we are happy to guide you. 

What is an IP address?

But first, it helps to know what an IP address is and why anyone should bother about it. An IP (Internet Protocol) is a unique code assigned to all internet-enabled devices. This is not just a random set of numbers as it might appear to be, it is an identity system that makes it possible for all internet activities from your device to be traceable to you. 

This is why, in order to gain access to the internet via any device at all, a person needs an IP address. This address may be a public IP (when connected to public WiFi) or private IP (when using a mobile internet service). Although IPv6 is gradually substituting the popular IPv4, most devices on the internet still utilize IPv4 addresses. Whether you’re using a public or private IPv4 or IPv6, we will let you know how to change it to get ahead of any restrictions.

Why should you bother to change your IP Address?

  • To access geo-restricted content

Not all online services are available universally. What this means is coverage from service providers may not have reached the region where you are located, or they provide country-specific content tailored to the interests of people in a specific region only. Services like internet banking of local banks and streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer and Netflix are some of the common examples of services that are restricted.

A change in a physical location often results in changes like total unavailability of services in some cases or sharp changes in content library in other cases. Hence, a sure way to gain access to such services from abroad would be to change your IP address. 

  • Access locally censored content 

Suppose a show or application you absolutely love is banned by the government of your country, is there a way around it? Yes, changing your IP address can help you access such content or app right from your home country. Once the IP address is changed, you will be able to view locally restricted content in a country where it’s still in circulation. 

  • Privacy 

Oftentimes, internet users do not know whether their online activities are being monitored or not. They are ignorant of the personal data aggregated by the sites they visit and the security risks attached to using public WiFi. Those who keep up with cybersecurity news know better, and they want to have a higher degree of privacy while surfing the internet. Changing one’s IP address helps one use the internet without the possibility of being tracked to their real location. Just like attending a mask party, you enjoy yourself while maintaining anonymity. 

Can you change your IP address?

It is absolutely possible to change your IP address. Note that while you can hide your IP from websites and applications, your Internet Service provider (ISP) always has access to your real IP address, what you successfully hide from them is access to details about your internet activity. 

That said, here are a few different ways to change your IP address at the click of a button.

  • Another network

Switching networks can change one’s IP address. By simply connecting to another WiFi network, your IP address changes. However, bear in mind that open (public) WiFi hotspots are like dark street corners where hackers hide to swoop on unsuspecting internet users. Hence, choose a WiFi encrypted with WPA2. Also, one that uses a password is highly recommended. 

  • Proxies 

Proxies use what might be referred to as a middleman server to connect users to websites, thereby concealing the user’s IP address. Only the proxy’s IP address will be visible. Some major backdrops of using a proxy are relatively lower security and incompatibility with certain sites or applications. It sometimes sells short on encryption which might result in the leak of IP addresses. Some common proxies to consider include SOCKS, HTTP/S, and SSH. 

  • TOR (The Onion Router)

Getting started with TOR is easy. It begins with installing the TOR browser. On installation of this browser, all web traffic is then routed through the network. While TOR is free to use, the anonymity network, run by volunteers, encrypts users’ connections while sending data through multiple nodes on their server. Since shuttling different sites completely alters the sequence of nodes, tracing traffic sources on the TOR browser is just as impossible as a null set. Only the IP address of the final node (also known as Exit Node) becomes visible to the websites you visit. 

  • A VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is a virtual private network. It connects your device to the secured Internet. VPN protects you and your data from snooping. It is the easiest and most effective way to stay safe while using the Internet. With the connection via an encrypted tunnel, you become untrackable even by your service providers.

VPNs are very similar to proxies, only more secure and versatile. That explains why it is the preferred option, as the possibilities on VPN are greater compared to what is obtainable with proxies. There are several VPN providers to choose from, some are free, while others are premium with monthly or annual plans. If you are big on safety and privacy, this option is the most suitable for you. With TuxlerVPN, you can keep your online activity private and easily access websites that might be restricted. 

Does VPN change your IP address? 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and allows you to choose the location from where a server routes your internet service. Ordinarily, pieces of information such as your location, internet service provider, and IP address are automatically visible to any websites you visit on the internet. However, with the aid of a VPN, only the VPN server’s IP address is visible, thereby masking your real IP address and location. So, yes, VPN changes IP addresses.

If you are looking to access locally censored content, for instance, through a VPN server in your preferred location, you can change your address to a valid IP address that boycotts the restrictions in your home country. Or if you travel abroad and your local banking apps are geo-restricted, using a VPN enables you to make transactions with an IP address from your home country even though you are abroad. 

How to change VPN location with a VPN

If you are wondering how to change your VPN location, take the following steps:

Step 1 – Download and Install VPN

Select a credible VPN provider and sign up. We recommend TuxlerVPN, consider downloading the application (Tuxler is available for Windows and Mac). Proceed to choose the plan that works for you and your operating system, and proceed with the installation. 

Step 2 – Choose a Server

This is where you choose the location you want to cover your original location with. It might be a city in North America, a region in Israel, or a township in India. The best VPNs offer thousands of locations. Just scroll through the 3,000 server locations offered by TuxlerVPN, and you will find your preferred location.

Step 3 – Connect to the Server

Once you have chosen the server, it is time to connect to the VPN.  When you connect, VPN will automatically assign an IP address to your connection. This will effectively route all your Internet traffic via a new IP address, thereby hiding your original IP address and location.

It’s this simple to set up! By now, you will be rerouted through a server from your selected country, and your location would have changed.

To check if the change in location has actually taken place is to visit IPlocation.net. It displays your current IP address and location. If it doesn’t match those you selected in your VPN server, then you may need to refresh your VPN or check if you have disabled permissions for your location app. It also helps to clear data and cache before turning on your VPN 

Conclusion

For the best results, sticking to nearby locations will give you the best speed. Changing your IP address and location using a VPN is easy. Selecting a service provider like TuxlerVPN that gives you unlimited bandwidth, a choice of more than 100 countries, and a continuous supply of fresh IPs makes it even easier.

BackNext article