How to Check If Your VPN Is Leaking Your IP Address on Your …
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are great for security, but one of the big reasons many people use one is to mask or change their IP address. Thus, one of the essential motivations to utilize a VPN is to conceal your actual IP address. In addition, while using a VPN, all of your web movements are encoded and sent to a VPN server. These servers, which handle all the data on the server side and is run by your VPN provider, are encrypted.
This implies that outside eyewitnesses can only see the IP address of the VPN server and not your actual IP. VPN providers take strong measures to protect user IPs, including using shared IPs and not maintaining logs. However, there is still a chance that your IP address can be discovered while using a VPN. Read on to learn how to find out if your VPN is leaking your IP and what you can do about it.
An IP leak is the leaking of a user’s real IP address while connected to a VPN service. It can occur in a situation where a user’s computer is unknowingly accessing default servers rather than the anonymous VPN servers assigned by the network such as VPN. Here is simple example to understand IP leak while you are using a VPN:
Say you want to access some content that is not accessible (i. e. geo-restricted) from your home country. When you log into your VPN account, usually you can choose between servers in different countries. The VPN will “pretend” you’re actually located in the selected region. Usually that’s enough to convince you that you are now virtually in a supported country – all good so far!
But, if you go to access that content and are still facing the geo-restrictions, this means that service you are trying to access from a restricted country is actually tracking your original IP rather than the IP from the VPN server. This means your VPN is leaking your original IP.
Most IP leak types can affect any network protocol at one time or another on your smartphones, but the best VPN providers have built workarounds into their software to minimize the likelihood of an IP leakage. IP leaks aren’t normally the fault of your VPN service provider. They are often caused by vulnerabilities in existing technology like browser plugins (flash), web browsing software and operating systems on our smartphones.
Similarly, some DNS leaks can expose your original IP address to the DNS server. If your VPN has the “DNS Leak, ” it means your DNS requests are being sent to an unsafe DNS server (usually one controlled by your internet provider). Some VPNs have built-in DNS leak protection, use their custom DNS servers, and use special technology to assure that your DNS requests are always routed securely, inside the encrypted VPN tunnel.
Some ISPs use a technology called “transparent DNS proxy”. Using this technology, they can intercept all DNS requests moving through their servers. If you specify the different DNS server on your home PC or router, it’s possible these requests could still be intercepted. If you have changed your DNS settings to use an ‘open’ DNS service such as Google or OpenDNS, expecting that your DNS traffic is no longer being sent to your internet provider’s DNS server, you may be shocked to find out that they are using transparent DNS proxying.
Your ‘real’ IP address is the one which is assigned to you by your internet service provider and can be used to identify your unique internet subscription specifically. All devices on your home network will share the same IP address.
Here are few useful steps through which you can check whether your VPN is working fine and not leaking your IP address:
Step 1: Check your IP – Make sure that your VPN is NOT connected. If you are sure that your VPN is disconnected, then go to Google and type “what is my IP address” to check your real IP.
Step 2: Sign in to VPN – Log into your VPN account and connect to the server of your choice. Verify twice that you are connected.
Step 3: Check your IP again – Go to Google and type “what is my iIP address” again to check your new IP. You should see a new address, one that corresponds with your VPN and the country you selected.
Step 4: Do IP Leak test – Several free websites allow you to check if your VPN is leaking IP. There is a good tool for IP Leak tests in regards to user’s online privacy. It’s unique because it’s a modern web app and includes a free API to use on your smartphones. Most IP or DNS leak tests used today are generally not mobile friendly, but more importantly outdated. For example, this tool’s API checks if DNS over TLS is enabled, which is missing from the older DNS leak test sites. This may be a relatively new protocol, but will become an increasingly important feature since it keeps your DNS requests encrypted. Its API also checks to see if DNSSEC is enabled or “Checking Disabled” is on or off. DNSSEC provides origin authority, data integrity, and authenticated denial of existence. So overall these results give you a more complete picture of your privacy and security settings.
There is another common leak named ‘Dropped Connection’ which occurs if your VPN disconnects suddenly, in which case all your web traffic will be routed through your regular Internet connection (less secure). This is the common IP leak and also the easiest to prevent.
Choosing a VPN service with a kill-switch feature is the right choice even for your smartphones. A kill-switch is a critical piece of your VPN client software that continuously monitors your network connection and makes sure that your true IP address is never exposed online in the event of a dropped VPN connection. If it detects a change, it will instantly stop all internet connectivity and try to reconnect to the VPN automatically. I recommend looking for this feature when you are comparing VPNs.
VPNs can be a great tool for protecting your privacy online, but sometimes they can be undermined. I hope this post has opened your eyes to risks of IP leaks and the importance of regularly checking for them to ensure your information is staying safe.
Looking for more on VPNs? Check out my recent post Top 10 VPNs That Take Your Privacy and Security Seriously.
Note: This blog article was written by a guest contributor for the purpose of offering a wider variety of content for our readers. The opinions expressed in this guest author article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of GlobalSign
Get user real IP address if he is using VPN and Elite Proxy
This is sometimes possible, but not through the method you are trying. When it comes to VPN’s there is little that you can do to control it, but there are a few ways to detect VPN use, and one well known way to get an original DNS IP.
To answer your question first, the closest way you could get the VPN user’s original IP address is in the event of a DNS leak.
Unfortunately, sometimes your browser will just ignore that you have a VPN set up and will send the DNS request straight to your ISP. That’s called a DNS leak. This can lead to you think that you’ve stayed anonymous and that you’re safe from online surveillance, but you won’t be protected. -MakeUseOf
However, to be able to detect this information, you are going to need to host your website using your own DNS server. Not the ones provided by your hosting company or registrar. From there you would need to monitor queries of the server. However, this will not get the user’s actual IP, but rather the IP address of the DNS server that they are using. Assuming that the website visitor is just the everyday average Joe who doesn’t specify their DNS server, this collected IP will be that of their ISP’s DNS server.
This concept is shown here.
There are a couple schools of thought for detecting the use of a proxy on a website.
1) Easiest Method: You can find caches of known VPN IP addresses on the internet if you do some research. Simply compare IPs to see if the user is using a VPN. However this list would need to be continually updated, as that information changes.
2) You could compare the latency of a packet being sent to the web server versus pinging the displayed IP address (which would be the proxy server). Since the client needs to encrypt (and most likely fragment) the packet before sending it off the the VPN server where its pieced together and decrypted before being forwarded to the web server, packets should be taking longer to get to the web server than to ping back. This option won’t be very useful for openVPN (explained below).
3) OpenVPN doesn’t like to fragment packets upon encryption, so instead it will actually remove parts of the packet to make room for the encryption. This method makes openVPN faster since there is less time spent messing with packet fragmentation. However, when the decrypted packet reaches it’s destination, the packet will be noticeable modified (if you inspect the packet).
All in all, getting an original IP will not be something you can feasibly do unless you have a backdoor with the VPN company or get a court order for the VPN provider to provide logs. However, since you probably aren’t a government agency, those aren’t options.
How to Get a US IP Address for Free in 2021 – 5 Easy Steps – Comparitech
We’ll show you how to get a US IP address from outside America so you can access your favorite shows, content and apps (including Netflix) from anywhere. Better still, we’ll show you a clever trick to get a top-rated VPN free for a month.
@osman_husain UPDATED: September 18, 2021
The easiest and most efficient way to get a US IP address is by signing up for a suitable VPN provider. In this article, we’ll teach you how to get an American IP address to access content and services only available in the US as you travel abroad. This method works for most popular devices including Mac and Windows desktop PCs, Android smartphones and tablets, iPhone and iPads, the Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, plus many more.
How to get a US IP address
Getting a US IP address is easy, just follow these steps:
Sign up for a Virtual Private Network (VPN). We recommend NordVPN.
Register for the service and download the VPN software or app
Clear your cookies and restart your device to remove old location identifiers
Log in to your VPN provider and connect to a server in the US
Access your US site like you normally would
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE? NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for getting a US IP address with no restrictions for a month—perfect for accessing US services during a short trip outside of the country.
There are no hidden terms—just contact customer support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll receive a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Why get an American IP address?
People might want to obtain a US IP address for several reasons. American residents traveling abroad can use it to regain access to geo-restricted media streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Netflix restricts its catalog depending on where you’ve logged in from, so it’s a good choice if you would like to obtain the full range of movies and TV shows. That’s similar to how HBO GO and Vudu operate, so a VPN is a good tool for those as well.
Others might want to keep in touch with live sports such as Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), or the National Football League (NFL) by streaming ESPN.
With a US IP address, you can also access online banking and other services that block non-US users.
What’s the best VPN to get a US IP address?
In this section, we’ll take you through our list of what we think are the best VPNs that’ll give you a speedy and stable connection to a US server.
We’ll cover the best VPNs for getting a US IP address in detail. If you don’t want to read the whole article here is our summary list of the 7 best VPNs to get a US IP:
NordVPN Our #1 Choice! Dozens of superfast servers in multiple locations throughout the US. Lets you stream a huge range of content abroad. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark Steady speeds, no connection limit, and plenty of American servers to choose from. Impressive security and privacy features.
ExpressVPN A reliable, reputable VPN boasting real versatility, high-speed American servers, and top-notch security features.
CyberGhost Good choice for beginners. Hundreds of servers in the US. Apps are easy to install and use.
IPVanish Preferred by Kodi users for their interface which works well with remote controls. Fast servers.
VyprVPN Reliable provider with secure and private servers operating in the US. Cheaper options higher on this list.
Hotspot Shield High-speed connections and servers in 27 US cities. Easy-to-use apps and streaming-optimized servers.
Criteria for selecting the best VPNs to get an IP address for the US
We go into more detail on the exact criteria used for selecting a VPN to get a US IP address later, but here is a quick rundown of a few key areas we look at:
Large range of server locations in the US
Speed and stability of connection
Rigid encryption protocols so your location remains hidden
Ease of use
Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS
Without further ado here’s our run down of the top VPNs for US IP addresses:
1. NordVPN
Oct 2021
Apps Available:
PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
NordVPN is an excellent option for advanced users who want customized options coupled with tier-1 service. In fact, out of all the VPN’s we’ve tested, this is by far the fastest.
NordVPN allows you to select servers based on your specific requirements – such as anti-DDoS, video streaming, double VPN, Tor over VPN, or P2P. NordVPN operates more than 5, 000 servers in total, and a large portion of those are in the US.
It works well with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, among others.
NordVPN uses the 256-bit AES protocol encryption standard by default coupled with 2, 048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. It holds zero user data – this includes browsing habits, timestamps, and server information.
There’s apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
NordVPN speed test data
NordVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)111. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)122. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)112. 0 Mbps
Pros:
Beats all of its rivals when it comes to speed
Excels at securely accessing region-locked services
No logs policy
Strong security and privacy features
Tons of servers
Cons:
Desktop app is a little sluggish
BEST VPN FOR A US IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is our first choice for getting a US IP address. It’s extremely fast, has a major security focus, and allows up to 6 simultaneous connections. Best of all, it keeps no logs and has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our full review of NordVPN.
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2. Surfshark
Surfshark operates VPN servers in 11 US cities. It’s also one of the only providers on this list to allow users an unlimited number of connections on a single plan. This VPN works with plenty of platforms including US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, among others. Kill switches come built into both the mobile and desktop apps, so you never have to worry about leaking your real IP address.
Live chat support is staffed around the clock. Surfshark uses strong encryption and keeps no logs. Torrenting is allowed.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.
Surfshark speed test data
SurfsharkAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)170 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)230 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)220 Mbps
Great for American Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
Generally strong speeds
Impressive security offering
Keeps no logs
Unlimited devices
Relatively small server network
Occasional slow server
BEST BUDGET PICK:Get a US IP for as many devices as you want with Surfshark. This VPN is fast, affordable, and security-conscious, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
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3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an impeccable VPN service that’s easy to set up and comes with a simple design. The service packs a punch when rated on both speed and encryption standards. The US occupies the bulk of ExpressVPN’s server locations with options in 13 cities. Overall there are over 3, 000 servers in 94 countries and 160 locations spread across the world.
The company has a stated policy of not storing any user or traffic logs, so it scores high marks from a privacy angle too. The only minimal data it does extract is the “date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used”. This is used to improve service quality standards. It’s important to note that your individual IP address won’t be recorded.
If you’re still feeling skittish, we recommend you sign up for the service via a burner email account and pay through Bitcoin. It’ll become extremely difficult for your digital footprint to be traced back to you.
Encryption standards are military grade. The service leverages 256-bit AES-CBC protocols as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included, which ExpressVPN refers to as a ‘network lock’. This feature means all web traffic will be temporarily halted if the connection drops.
The service is able to securely access Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.
There are apps for Android and iOS as well as desktop clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
ExpressVPN speed test data
ExpressVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)135. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)134 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)136 Mbps
Strong connection security
Fast, stable speeds
Plenty of servers
Great for streaming content from anywhere
30-day money-back guarantee
Slightly more expensive
GREAT ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable choice Great for streaming. Strong privacy features and a no-logs policy, not to mention a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our in-depth ExpressVPN review.
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4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost will appeal to beginner users who want a relatively inexpensive VPN. It delivers on both speed and security, as well as the ability to securely access streaming sites like American Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
The company is headquartered in Romania, which means it’s not required to store any user information, so it keeps zero logs.
Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Encryption standards are among the best in the business. An internet kill switch is included.
CyberGhost speed test data
CyberGhostAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)78. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)54. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)39. 3 Mbps
Works with lots of streaming sites
Fast connections
Great security
Zero logs
Not suitable for users in China
Few customizable features
BEST FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost has a simple set up and is easy to use. Streams HD video reliably. Limited in use with some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
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5. IPVanish
Fast speeds and strong encryption are the pillars of IPVanish. It is completely logless, meaning it won’t ever store usage data of any nature.
Encryption protocols are tough. The company leverages 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2, 048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. The latter feature means that even if an intrusive entity breaks into your account, it’ll be impossible for it to decrypt past session data. IPVanish includes an internet kill switch and leak protection.
Servers deliver great speeds and are stable and secure. US server locations number in the hundreds, which make up the bulk over 1, 000 servers across the globe.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV.
IPVanish is popular with Kodi users because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.
IPVanish speed test data
IPVanishAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)72 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)31. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)52. 3 Mbps
Very fast connections
Strong security
Kodi-compatible
Sometimes struggles with streaming services
No anonymous payment options
LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish can connect any number of devices and is great for families. Recommend for their high standard of privacy, but keep shopping if you want to stream American Netflix. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
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6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a mature VPN provider that’s been around for over seven years. Privacy advocates love it because it’s one of the few that’s able to circumvent China’s Great Firewall. The company operates servers in eight US cities.
Having said that, some users might be troubled by the fact that the company chooses to retain user data. Specifically, the data that’s stored is “the user’s source IP address, the VyprVPN IP address used by the user, connection start and stop time, and total number of bytes used. ” But VyprVPN insists that it’s only kept for a period of 30 days and is used for troubleshooting.
Traffic is secured by the OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, 2, 048-bit RSA keys without perfect forward secrecy, and SHA256 authentication. VyprVPN also owns entire data centers and doesn’t rely on third-party operators at all. This helps it secure traffic.
Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Windows and MacOS.
VyprVPN works with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
VyprVPN speed test data
VyprVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)41 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)44. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)47. 3 Mbps
Very secure
Works in China
Good for American Netflix
Logs users current IP address
A little pricey
UNLIMITED DATA USAGE:VyprVPN is user friendly. Good speeds and uptime as all servers are owned by VyprVPN. Not the cheapest option. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of VyprVPN.
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7. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield has around 3, 200 servers in 70+ countries worldwide, including the US. What’s more, this VPN works with most major region-locked services like Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV, so there are very few limits on what you can watch. Up to five devices can be connected at once, allowing you to stream both at home and on-the-go.
This VPN keeps your traffic secure using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. You can also choose to only encrypt traffic on specific websites, for instance, if you wanted to watch Netflix US during a trip abroad but still use services that are only available in your current location. 24/7 support is available over live chat in case of any problems.
Hotspot Shield offers apps for Windows, Android, iOS, and MacOS devices.
Hotspot Shield speed test data
Hotspot ShieldAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)48 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)49 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)48 Mbps
Fast, reliable server connections
Works with a wide range of geo-blocked platforms
Strong on connection security
Has had privacy issues in the past
Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
LAG-FREE STREAMING:Hotspot Shield is fast enough for flawless live media streaming, able to use major streaming services, and very security-conscious. Better still, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Hotspot Shield CouponSpecial Deal – save 77% on the 3 year planGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
Should I use a free VPN?
Free VPNs are heavily advertised on the internet and some users may be tempted to sign up. However, many such services have a poor track record of impinging on users’ rights by stealing their data and selling it to third-party advertisers.
After all, even free VPNs are registered businesses. Hence they need to make money to pay for staff salaries, server maintenance, and general office overheads. That’s why the route for monetization becomes users themselves.
Even if your data isn’t stolen, expect bandwidth throttling, weak encryption standards, and data caps. So it’s likely that you’ll be booted out if you stream Netflix for an hour or so. Tons of invasive advertisements are also common, with the real risk of contracting a malware infection. We recommend you avoid the random free VPNs on the web.
See also:
Best VPNs for USA
Best VPNs for US TV
Some VPNs to avoid
If you’re trying to obtain a US IP address, it’s pivotal that your privacy and anonymity is secured at all times. The VPNs mentioned in this list don’t have a history of handing over user data but there are several other unscrupulous ones. We think you should turn your back on them.
Here are two such cases:
1. PureVPN
There’s evidence to suggest that VPN provider PureVPN collaborated with law enforcement agencies to help identify one of its users.
PureVPN and the FBI joined forces after an unnamed 24-year-old woman filed a complaint about falling prey to an online blackmailing plot. She suspected her roommate, Ryan Lin, to be culpable.
The FBI traced the internet activity back to PureVPN, who then used its logs to identify the culprit. Ryan was arrested. PureVPN insists that it didn’t record the content of communications, but it did have a ‘no-logs’ policy in place. There’s a real question mark on how ethical they might have behaved.
2. HolaVPN
Israel-based Hola, a popular VPN extension for Chrome, used its sizable user base of almost 50 million for illegal purposes. The company turned this critical mass into a massive botnet in 2015, leveraging individual user bandwidth to engage in Distributed Denial of Service Attacks and distributing copyrighted material. Users were completely in the dark.
I’ve downloaded a VPN. What do I do next?
After registering and signing up for one of the VPN services we’ve recommended in this article, it’s a simple matter of downloading the client software and installing it on your device (Windows, MacOS, Android, or iOS).
Once that’s done, scroll through the list of available server locations until you come across options for the US. As mentioned before, each VPN in this list has a sizable number of said locations so this shouldn’t be a particularly cumbersome task.
The ones higher up in the list should be the speedier ones so go for those if you can. Once the connection is successfully established, a green icon should show up in the taskbar. That means you’re now ready to browse the web anonymously and with a US IP address.
Use an American DNS server
Nearly as important as your public IP address is the server your device uses to look up the IP addresses of different web pages and other online content. DNS, or Domain Name System, works sort of like a phone book in which names (domains) are matched with phone numbers (IP addresses). When attempting to access geo-locked content, many websites not only check where you’re calling from, but where the phone book is located.
Even when you have an American IP address, if a DNS request is sent to a server outside of the US to look up a public IP address, the website or app can see this and still block you. Therefore, it’s important that the DNS server you use is in the same country as your IP address. In this case, you need a DNS server inside the US.
All of the VPNs in the above list have apps that take care of this for you. When you connect to the VPN server, your DNS requests are also sent through the encrypted tunnel. Good VPNs, like the ones we recommend, operate their own private DNS servers, so your DNS requests cannot be used to track which websites you visit by your Internet Service Provider or another DNS server provider. You might need to toggle this option on in your VPN app’s settings.
Some mediocre VPNs will send your DNS requests through the tunnel, but then use a public DNS service like Google DNS on the other side. This will let you use DNS servers in the US, but Google would be able to record which websites you visit and when, which is not ideal for privacy. Other VPNs fail to tunnel DNS requests altogether.
If your VPN provider doesn’t tunnel DNS traffic for you, you can manually configure DNS servers on most devices. We recommend a service like OpenNIC, which offers free DNS servers in specific countries including the US. The exact process for changing DNS servers varies between devices, but you can usually add primary and secondary DNS servers somewhere in your network configuration settings.
Windows 10 users in particular should be aware that their operating system often sends such requests in tandem, one over the IPv4 protocol and one over IPv6. Windows uses whichever one comes back faster, however, IPv6 requests are often sent outside the VPN tunnel. If your VPN doesn’t offer IPv6 leak protection, you may need to disable IPv6 altogether in your wifi settings.
What are the other ways to get a US IP address?
There’s the option of using the Tor browser. This is a free service available to everyone on the web and designed to provide encryption and anonymity. Many people including journalists, human rights activists, and whistleblowers use Tor to keep their identity hidden on the web.
It is possible to acquire a US IP address with Tor, but the process is a bit complicated and requires multiple steps. This guide breaks it down in more detail. Having said that, speeds on the Tor browser are buggy at best so if you’re looking to download or stream HD video, this isn’t a suitable option. Best to go with a VPN instead.
The last possible option is to use a free proxy server. But these work in a similar vein to free VPN services. There are download caps and unclear privacy policies. Be prepared to be booted out just halfway into your episode of House of Cards. HTTP and SOCKS proxies often aren’t encrypted, and they only route internet traffic from certain apps, such as your web browser.
Finding the best VPNs to get a US IP address: our methodology
Traveling abroad may have some impact on your usual online activity, particularly when it comes to streaming. There are a number of hurdles to overcome including geographic restrictions, slow speeds, and poor security on public wifi. To make your life easier, we evaluated each VPN to ensure it meets the criteria as listed below:
Servers in the US: Of course, in order to get a US IP address, you’ll need to use a VPN that offers servers in the US. It also helps if these servers are spread across multiple cities. That way, you can select a server closer to your location for faster speeds. That’s why we’ve covered only the fastest VPNs.
Speed: The faster the speeds offered by a VPN, the easier it will be to stream and torrent. All of the VPNs recommended in this post provide not only fast server speeds but unlimited bandwidth. This becomes most obvious when streaming as you’re less likely to encounter lag and buffering.
Network size: Traveling outside the US may mean you occasionally need more than just a US IP address. Indeed, there may be websites or services from other countries that you wish to access. A VPN should therefore provide servers in dozens of countries around the world.
Security: If you’re going on vacation, you may find yourself using public wifi. Unfortunately, this comes with some security risks. However, using a VPN protects your data from hackers and snoopers alike. This is done with encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and more.
Privacy: There are a number of things a VPN can do to protect your privacy. One of the biggest is to have a no-logs policy. That’s why we’ve assessed 140 VPN logging policies to find the very best. It also helps if a VPN allows you to pay anonymously in cryptocurrency.
Ease of use: It doesn’t hurt if a VPN provides apps that are easy to use for beginners! Indeed, the very best VPNs allow you to connect to a server with a single click. There should also be a live chat and email support as well as resources including setup guides.
Value for money: Some VPNs offer very few features yet charge a similar price to the VPNs covered in this post. We believe we’ve found VPNs that are fairly priced for what they offer. Better still, our discount coupons can help you save even more on the price of a subscription.
The above is just part of our full VPN testing methodology. By testing each and every aspect of a VPN for ourselves, we can develop an in-depth understanding of it. This is how we provide you with information that is not only accurate, but up-to-date.
How to get an American IP Address FAQ
Can I get an IP address from a specific US city? Many VPNs allow you to choose not just the country that your chosen city is in, but also the city. This makes sense: the US is a huge country, so there could be a significant difference in speeds between servers on the East and West coasts. Most providers offer servers in New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, at the very least. Is getting an IP address from US legal? Of course — there’s no legal requirement to use the IP address that your Internet Service Provider gives you. That said, you could run into problems if you use a VPN with the intent of committing crimes online. As long as you’re not planning on downloading copyrighted content, harassing anyone, or accessing illegal material, you should be fine. How do I set up a VPN on my home network? Unfortunately, there’s no one size fits all guide. This is because there are several competing manufacturers, each with its own firmware, which all have slightly different processes for installing a VPN. If your VPN supports routers (and not all do) you should be able to find manual installation instructions on its website. Alternatively, you can ask customer support for help; they deal with questions like this every day and will have you up and running in no time. Can an American proxy hide my IP address? An American proxy server will hide your IP address, but they don’t really hold up to VPNs when it comes to security or privacy. For instance, even if your proxy server is encrypted, it’ll still only secure traffic from your browser. In contrast, a VPN will protect data from any app on your device.
Additionally, when you use a reputable VPN provider, you know exactly what personal information is recorded and who has access to it. However, proxy servers, particularly free ones, come with no such I access online banking in American with a VPN? Although VPNs are primarily used to enhance your digital privacy, many banks still don’t allow you to access their online banking services while connected. The main reason for this is to help prevent fraud (for instance, by recording foreign login attempts). Unfortunately, if you’re traveling, this means that you may be forced to access your online banking service over a public wifi connection, which are notoriously insecure.
Here’s the thing: it’s just not possible to detect every VPN. The Chinese government has been trying for years, and still hasn’t succeeded, so banks just don’t stand a chance. Even if a service is blocked, most major providers will find a workaround in days (or sometimes hours), making it a constant game of cat and mouse. In other words, if your current VPN doesn’t work with your bank, you can just try a different do I determine the physical location of an IP address in the US? You can’t determine the exact physical location of an IP address. Tracking an IP address will only show the approximate server location. Regardless, by using a VPN to get an IP address in the US, you can hide your IP address and have improved privacy protection. Internet traffic is encrypted while you also share the same US IP address as other users on the same server. All user activity is mixed up as a result, allowing you to browse an IP address from the US hide my internet activity from my ISP? ISPs in the US can see what you’re doing online. This includes the websites you visit and how long you spend on them. You can hide your internet activity from your ISP by using a VPN. This encrypts your internet traffic so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online. Furthermore, any reputable VPN should have a strict no-logs policy. This means that even if data were requested, there shouldn’t be anything to share.
Frequently Asked Questions about how to get real ip address behind vpn
How do I get real IP address from VPN?
Getting a US IP address is easy, just follow these steps:Sign up for a Virtual Private Network (VPN). … Register for the service and download the VPN software or app.Clear your cookies and restart your device to remove old location identifiers.Log in to your VPN provider and connect to a server in the US.More items…•Sep 18, 2021
Can VPN fake IP address?
Spoofing your location is just another term for faking or hiding your location. This requires changing your IP address. One of the easiest ways to spoof your location is to use a VPN. This allows you to connect to a server in another country and obtain a different IP address.Apr 8, 2021
How do I unmask a VPN IP address?
Three ways to hide your IPUse a VPN. A VPN is an intermediary server that encrypts your connection to the internet — and it also hides your IP address. … Use Tor. Comprising thousands of volunteer-run server nodes, Tor is a free network that conceals your identity online via multiple layers of encryption. … Use a proxy.Apr 8, 2020