How To Change Your Virtual Location

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Are you looking for a way to change your virtual location to access content or websites that are only available in other countries? One of the simplest solutions for it is by using a free or paid VPN. There are other ways as well which we’ll discuss further in the article.

According to a report, 31% of VPN users have used a VPN to access websites that were restricted by geographical locations. This shows the number of people who are already aware of how to use VPN in the most effective way.

Now, let’s dig into this topic and see how you can change your location with ease.

Why Change Your Virtual Location?

One of the main reasons why you need to change your virtual location is to enhance your privacy. You can prevent advertisers, trackers and malicious actors from pinpointing your exact whereabouts by changing your virtual location.

This also helps in protecting your personal data and browsing habits from third parties. It’s also useful in countries where internet censorship is a problem. If you’re in a place where access to certain websites or online services is restricted, you can easily change your location to bypass these limitations.

Another incredible benefit is the potential to save money. Many online services such as flight bookings or hotel reservations, adjust their prices based on where you are located. However, by changing your location you can get better deals and discounts on your travel cost.

4 Ways to Change Your Virtual Location

Changing your location on the web simply means changing your IP address. Here are the four most common ways by which you can efficiently and quickly change your location.

1. Change Your location with a VPN

One of the easiest and simplest ways to change your location is by using a VPN. With it you can appear as if you’re browsing from the United States or any other place that you want. This method is quick, user-friendly and doesn’t require any technical knowledge whatsoever. A reputable VPN, such as Browsec, can help you change your IP address and even offer privacy and security benefits. For example, if you want to get a US IP address, here’s how you can do it with a USA VPN:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN service: First, choose a VPN service, either free or paid. Just make sure it has good reviews and is highly reliable.
  2. Download and install the app or extension: If you’re using a mobile phone, go to the Play Store or the App Store and install the VPN app on your device. However, if you’re using a PC, you’ll need to download and install the chrome extension for that particular VPN.
  3. Log in to the app: Most free VPNs don’t ask you to sign up. However, if you’re using a paid VPN, it’ll ask you to sign in even if you’re on a free trial.
  4. Connect to the VPN: Now this last step is extremely simple. Just pick any location, in our case we’re picking the United States and turn on the VPN. This simple method will give you a new IP address and extra security.

2. Use the Tor Browser

The next way to change your online location is by using the Tor Browser. Tor allows users to change their IP and access websites that are restricted in certain regions. However, it only encrypts the browser traffic and leaves the rest of your internet activity exposed.

This tool can be slower and may not allow you to select a specific country easily such as the United States. Tor is a good tool for anonymity, however, it's less convenient and secure than a VPN.

3. Use a Proxy Server

Proxy servers are another method by which you hide your location. It’s set up varies depending on the device you use, but it generally involves entering the server’s address in your network settings.

Although this proxy server is easy to set up, these proxies do not offer encryption and leave your data vulnerable and third parties can easily track it.

4. Change the IP Address Manually

The last way through which you can change your location is by manually changing your IP address. It offers least protection and does not encrypt your traffic or hide your location. The process is slightly different for different operating systems. However, let’s take a look at how you can do it on Windows and macOs only.

On Windows

  • Open Settings.
  • Go to Network and Internet.
  • Select your connection and click on the current network and choose Properties.
  • Now scroll to IP settings and click Edit and select Manual
  • In the end enter the new IP address, subnet mask, and gateway and press save.

On macOS

  • Go to System Settings.
  • Now click on Network and select your active connection.
  • After this click on Advanced and go to the TCP/IP tab.
  • Choose Manually from the Configure IPv$ dropdown.
  • Now input the new IP address, subnet mask, router into and click Ok to save.

Conclusion

There are various benefits of changing your virtual location especially when you’re living in a region where most of the websites are restricted. Each method on this list has their pros and cons but VPN will always remain at the top of the list because of the additional security features. It helps change your IP address and encrypt your data, making it the ideal solution for protecting your only activity.