How To Get A US IP Address

Changing your IP address has its benefits, like unlocking tons of streaming content, getting around annoying government restrictions, or even just hiding your web activity from your Internet Service Provider. Many people want to get an IP address from the US, specifically, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably one of them. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting a US IP address, and why you would want it in the first place.

Tor

But if you don’t feel like paying and are okay with only having your web browser encrypted, you can change your IP address with Tor. Tor is a free online browser that encrypts all of your web activity three times, hiding your IP address and replacing it with a US address. However, Tor isn’t a great option for streaming, as many streaming services block it (and when they don’t, you can expect slow connections). But if you’re not streaming or gaming, then Tor is a decent option and one you can download from the Tor Project’s website for free.

Proxy

VPNs and proxy servers are pretty similar, but while VPNs usually cost money, proxy servers are almost always free. However, the saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” is never true more than proxy servers. Why? We thought you’d never ask:

• Unlike VPNs, proxy servers only encrypt your IP address and not your actual web activity, so they’re not the best choice for the privacy-minded.
• Proxy servers are one-use only, so they’re not a great choice if you need a US IP address for the long haul.
• Proxy servers only cover one website or app, while VPNs can cover many devices simultaneously.
• Since proxy servers are free, they often make their money by selling user data, while the best VPNs do not keep or sell any sensitive user information.

While proxy servers can be a good idea if you need a single-use US IP address (say that three times fast), VPNs are simply the best option to turn that address into an American one. That being said, here’s how you can connect to a proxy server if need be:

Mac:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Advanced.
4. Under the Proxies section, click Change Settings.
5. Update your settings with the necessary information that was provided to you.

iOS:

1. Open your Settings.
2. Click Wi-Fi.
3. Select the lowercase i, in the WiFi section.
4. Scroll to HTTP Proxy section.
5. Click Manual.
6. Change the setting from Off to Manual.
7. Enter in the Server and Port information needed.

Android:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Tap Wi-Fi.
4. Tap Settings next to the network name.
5. Tap View More.
6. Tap Proxy.
7. Tap Manual.
8. Enter your Hostname and Proxy port.
9. Click Save.

Windows:

1. Open your Settings.
2. Click Network & internet.
3. Click Proxy.
4. Click Set up under the automatic or manual section.
5. Enter your proxy information.
6. Click Save.

Why You Might Want A U.S. IP Address

Having a U.S. IP address can be useful for many different reasons. It can help unblock certain geo-restricted websites and platforms, access local news for those traveling, access banking information, or stay connected with family and friends. Using a VPN is also a great way to enhance your privacy and security online since it encrypts your internet traffic. More specifically, here are a few reasons why you might want to use a U.S. IP address:

• Streaming Platforms: Getting a U.S. IP address can unblock loads of geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime. If the country you’re in doesn’t have a show or movie because it’s only available in the U.S., this is a great way to bypass that.
• Gaming Servers: Similar to accessing streaming content, you can also use a U.S. IP address to access U.S.-only gaming servers.
• YouTube: Some videos on YouTube are only available in the U.S. Getting an IP address that tells your device you’re in the U.S. will allow you to watch those videos.
• Dynamic Pricing: You can use a U.S. IP address to get exclusive discounts on products, services, or software only available in the U.S.
• Privacy and Security: Using a VPN to get a U.S. IP address can encrypt your internet activity, which will make your time online more private and secure. Using a VPN will also give you anonymity online if you want to mask your location for safety reasons.
• Testing and Development: If you’re building a website or app, you might want to use a U.S. IP address to test how others see your site and services. Some functions might be different based on location, so this is a good way to test regional functionalities.

What Is A US IP Address?

IP addresses are numerical codes that tell computers how to get to websites. Each Domain Name Server, or DNS, stands for a specific IP address. So while the DNS is the name of the website that you type in, the IP address is how you actually get there. Along with websites, each device comes with its own private IP address that can reveal the user’s approximate location. Currently, the US has over one billion different IP addresses.1 To check your IP address and make sure it’s truly from the US, click the link below.2

Pros and Cons of US IP Addresses

Why would someone want to change their IP address to one from the US, specifically, and what are the negatives?

» Do You Know: How to get a UK IP address

American DNS Servers

Another option to get a US IP address is to connect to a DNS server, the majority of which are free to use. However, if you’re already using a VPN, Tor or a proxy server, then DNS servers aren’t something you’ll have to worry about.

Recap

Changing your IP address to one from the US will only take a few minutes and can give you access to the entire internet in a flash. So whether you’re in New York trying to get around your work’s website blockers (we’ve all been there) or traveling in Bali catching up on US Netflix, you shouldn’t have any issue obtaining a US IP address.

» Further Reading: Learn how to change the location on an iPhone