How to Get a UK IP Address (in 3 Easy Steps) With a VPN 2021
Table of ContentsStep by Step: How to Get a UK IP AddressWhat to Look for in the Best UK VPN? The Best VPNs to Get a British IP AddressHow to Safely Get a UK IP Address for FreeFinal Thoughts
A British IP address is the only thing separating us from watching top shows like The Great British Baking Show. There are other reasons why you might need a United Kingdom IP address, too, which we’ll get into in a minute. What you really want to know, though, is how to get a UK IP address, and we’ll show you how to do that in this article.
There are multiple streaming opportunities in the UK, including news channels, Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer and UK sports like Premier League football. You might also need a British IP address to access a UK bank account. Although there are a couple of ways you can change your IP address, the safest and most reliable way to do it is with a reliable virtual private network (VPN).
Key Takeaways:
With a UK IP address, you can watch British content like Netflix UK, as well as access UK services and websites, such as your bank most reliable and safest way of connecting with a British IP is through a VPN service — just make sure you use a reputable one, such as VPN needs to have UK servers; otherwise, you won’t be able to get an IP address in the United Kingdom.
It doesn’t matter what your physical location is, you just need to connect to a UK VPN server, and the VPN will assign you a UK IP address. In this article, we’ll show you the steps on how to get a British IP address and which VPN providers are up to the task. For a quick answer, though, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for all of your UK binge-watching desires.
When you connect to the internet, you’re assigned an IP address. That tells the websites and services that you connect to where you are, as well as some other information. A UK IP comes from a server based in the UK, so by connecting with one, you’ll appear to be in the UK when you access websites and subscribe to a VPN service, such as ExpressVPN, and connect to a UK server. Once connected, a United Kingdom IP address will mask your real IP address, allowing you to surf or watch content as if you’re physically in the you can get a free UK VPN, you should make sure that you only do so with a trusted VPN provider. Many free VPNs are not secure and don’t honor your privacy. Windscribe is a reputable VPN service that has a decent free plan with UK servers. Plus, plenty of other VPNs offer a free trial period and money-back guarantees, so you can make sure you like, it is not illegal to use a VPN to get a UK IP address. Keep in mind, though, that using a VPN with a streaming service to access another country’s content may be against the service’s terms. If you’re caught, your account could be terminated — though that’s unlikely.
Step by Step: How to Get a UK IP Address
Sign Up With a VPN Service ProviderFirst, sign up for a VPN service, such as ExpressVPN, and download the app for your the VPN App and Sign InOpen the VPN app and sign in. With ExpressVPN, you’ll need to enter the activation code you received. It’s a good idea to clear your cookies before you connect so that there’s no information stored regarding your true location — especially if you plan on accessing Netflix a UK Server and Connect to It Find a server based in the United Kingdom — there will generally be an in-app search function that will help you find one. Connect to the UK server and access British content.
What to Look for in the Best UK VPN?
The most important feature for a UK-compatible VPN is for it to have servers based in the UK. Without that, you can’t get UK IP addresses and won’t be able to access British content or websites. All of the services below have servers in the UK.
ExpressVPN — Fastest speeds, best for streaming, secure, four UK server locationsNordVPN — More than 400 UK servers, fast, secure, unlimited data, inexpensiveWindscribe — Best free VPN for the UK, limited plan with two UK server locations, good speedsSurfshark — Inexpensive, unlimited devices, three UK server locations, average speedsProtonVPN — Up to 36 UK servers with the paid plan, inexpensive, can be slow
There are a few features that can be important when choosing a VPN service, depending on your use case. For instance, if you plan on streaming, you should make sure the VPN can get into the desired streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, and is capable of getting past the Netflix proxy error code. The VPN should also have fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth.
If you need to access your bank account or other sensitive information, you need a VPN that has strong security. We also recommend a no-logs policy so that your internet activities are kept private.
The Best VPNs to Get a British IP Address
In this section, we’ll recommend the top five VPNs for getting UK IP addresses, starting with our best VPN for the UK, ExpressVPN.
1. ExpressVPN
Pros:
Fastest speedsGets into all streaming services easilyServers in four UK locations
ExpressVPN is the top VPN in many of our articles, and for good reason. It provides a top-quality service that stands up to even the most demanding tasks. ExpressVPN has a huge server network, including servers in four UK locations. It’s also our best VPN for streaming because it can get into pretty much any streaming service, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
ExpressVPN has servers in four UK locations.
It comes with unlimited bandwidth and has the fastest VPN speeds around. Plus, ExpressVPN provides a reliable and strong connection and keeps your data safe behind a military-grade encryption protocol — AES 256-bit being the default standard. Our ExpressVPN review goes into more detail.
ExpressVPN’s pricing is expensive, though, which is a downside. However, if you skip the monthly plan and go straight for its 12-month plan, you can save some money. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee in place in case you change your mind.
ExpressVPN Plans: Unlimited GB: 5:
2. NordVPN
More than 400 UK serversAccesses all streaming platformsMostly fast speeds
Cons:
Slow on some servers
Leading the way in online privacy and security, NordVPN lets you get UK IP addresses without fuss. In terms of the sheer number of servers offered, NordVPN surpasses ExpressVPN but doesn’t cover as many countries. That said, NordVPN has more than 400 UK servers available, giving you plenty of options.
NordVPN has more than 400 servers in the UK.
NordVPN is mostly fast, but as you can read in our NordVPN review, some of its servers are slow. So, if you connect to a slow server, just try another one. Plus, NordVPN can get into all streaming services easily and has no bandwidth limit. It’s also one of the safest VPNs to use, protecting you with AES 256-bit encryption and holding a strict no-logs policy.
Price-wise, NordVPN is inexpensive and gives you plenty for your money, especially if you choose a long-term subscription. It also comes with a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN: Unlimited GB: 6:
3. Windscribe
Excellent free plan & cheap build-a-plan optionDedicated streaming serversUp to five UK server locations
Can be slowThree-day refund period
Windscribe is the best free VPN for getting a British IP address. It has a decent free plan that includes two UK servers in London — the paid plan includes an additional three UK locations. Plus, Windscribe’s paid plans include its “windflix” servers, which are built for streaming and include one dedicated to the UK.
Windscribe has five UK server locations, with two of those used on the free plan.
Still, it’s possible to use the free plan for streaming, though you’re limited to 10GB per month of bandwidth, whereas the paid plan comes with unlimited bandwidth. Windscribe’s speeds are decent, but it can be a little slow. It also has strong encryption and includes a decent privacy policy. For more details, read our full Windscribe review.
Windscribe comes in three flavors: the paid plan, free plan and build-a-plan. With the paid plan, you get access to all of Windscribe’s servers and features, whereas the free plan is limited. The build-a-plan option is inexpensive, with VPN servers costing $1 each per month, and you can add unlimited bandwidth for $1 per month, too. You can ask for a refund within three days if you don’t like it.
Build a Plan: Per “Pro” server location: 10 GB: Unlimited: Pro Plan: Unlimited GB: Unlimited:
4. Surfshark
Three UK server locationsUnlimited simultaneous connectionsEasy to use
Slower speedsMay need to try several servers to unblock streaming platforms
Surfshark is a decent VPN, though some of its features don’t match the quality of our top picks. It has servers in three UK locations and can access all major streaming platforms. That said, its speeds aren’t great, and you may have to switch servers a few times before you find one that works. It’s still a decent pick, though, and you can connect an unlimited number of devices at once.
Surfshark has UK servers in three locations, but its speeds can be slow.
Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, meaning it enjoys the region’s lax data retention laws. It comes with great security and will protect your privacy. So, with apps offered for every platform, this is an affordable option for a casual user who values online security and privacy. You can read more in our Surfshark review.
Surfshark is a decent VPN that will easily get you a UK IP address, but it isn’t the best option for streaming. However, its two-year plan is super cheap and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
SurfShark Plans: Unlimited GB bandwidth,
Unlimited devices: Unlimited GB: Unlimited:
5. ProtonVPN
Unlimited bandwidth on all plansUp to 36 UK servers availableAccesses all major streaming platforms
Slow speedsNo UK servers included on the free planMoney-back guarantee may result in a partial refund
ProtonVPN has a great free plan, but it’s no good for obtaining a UK IP address. You can only access its 36 UK servers on the paid plans. Still, the features that come with a paid subscription make it worth the cost.
ProtonVPN has 36 UK servers that are only available on the paid plan.
Aside from its great security and privacy, in general, ProtonVPN comes with many security features. That includes its secure core servers, which provide a double-hop connection for twice the encryption. Plus, it can get into all streaming services, and all of its plans include unlimited bandwidth. However, a downside is that ProtonVPN’s speeds are pretty slow. You can read our ProtonVPN review for more details.
ProtonVPN is inexpensive, though its paid plans aren’t the cheapest on the market. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, but its terms are a little different from other providers: the remaining unused period of your chosen plan determines your refund amount.
Visionary: Unlimited GB: 10:
How to Safely Get a UK IP Address for Free
There are many free VPNs on the market, but you should avoid most of them — we’ll talk about the reasons for that in the next section. ProtonVPN and Windscribe are two of a few decent VPN services that offer a free plan. However, like many other free VPNs, ProtonVPN’s free plan doesn’t include servers in the UK.
Windscribe is an exception in the world of free VPNs, though. It’s a secure VPN, and its free plan includes UK-based servers. Yes, Windscribe has a bandwidth limit, but it’s your best chance at obtaining an IP for free in the United Kingdom and staying safe online, too.
Why You Should Avoid Most Free VPNs
Many free VPNs available can do more harm than good — check out our piece on the worst free VPN services out there. For example, the VPN provider might sell your data or could partake in other types of equally seedy behavior.
Some may invite malware or tracking software onto your computer, stealing resources and redirecting them to meet other ends. Your computer can be effectively taken over in a larger network of ne’er-do-wells, doing its evil bidding often without you even knowing it.
On top of that, some free VPNs are prone to leaks, meaning your true location and identity is available for anyone to see. Worse still, the VPN may make false claims about its security and not secure your connection at all. Then there’s the issue of logs: some VPNs do keep a log of your online activities.
If you’re totally strapped for cash and need a free VPN, make sure you use a reputable one like Windscribe.
Why You Should Avoid Most Proxies
While proxies can change your IP address and get around geoblocks, they do not anonymize your digital paper trail. Streaming services, as well as your internet service provider (ISP) and other potential eavesdroppers, will recognize your connection as being somewhere other than where you actually are, while your true location is traceable easily from the source.
We do not endorse lawbreaking, but if you’re in a high-risk country where using certain web services is a punishable offense, we don’t recommend using proxy servers. They aren’t totally secure, and you run the risk of getting caught. A virtual private network is the most secure way of getting a British IP address — read our VPN vs proxy vs Tor guide for more information.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to get a British IP address and that using a VPN is by far the most reliable and secure way of getting one. Once you’re connected, you can access UK TV shows and movies as if you’re actually there. Plus, a VPN will keep you safe if you need to access a UK bank account.
ExpressVPN is the best contender here, and with good reason. It’s at the top of the heap for the quality service that it provides and offers a guaranteed net of safety that will allow you to browse and stream with confidence from anywhere in the world. You can also access Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms easily. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.
Have you used a VPN to get a British IP address? If so, which VPN did you use? Did you have any issues with accessing UK streaming content and websites? Let us know in the comments section and, as always, thank you for reading.
How to Get a UK IP Address in 2021 | Security.org
How To Get A U. K. IP Address
Benefits
DNS Servers
Pros & Cons
Recap
They say that the grass is always greener on the other side, and that holds true when it comes to Netflix content. We mean, why do the people of the U. get to enjoy The Office (U. S. ) on Netflix, but we don’t in the U. S? Well, fortunately, you don’t need to move to the U. to watch the series, among other great shows exclusively available on Netflix U. K., BBC iPlayer, or All 4. Rather, you could simply get a U. IP address, which we’ll show you how to do right now. And take note, these methods will also let you fool search engines and websites into thinking you’re in the U. Now let’s get rolling.
NordVPN App
There are currently 116, 399, 169 IP addresses assigned to the U. 1 However, you can’t just pick one and claim it. Although it’s easy to change a device’s IP address, you need a unique IP address to serve as your device’s identifier, so choosing an existing one won’t work. In order to obtain a U. IP address, you’ll need to use a VPN, Tor, or proxy servers.
VPN
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a service that encrypts its users’ web traffic, along with their IP addresses, for privacy. As a rather useful side-effect, the websites you visit will only see the VPN server’s IP address and not your device’s. Therefore, if you connect through a U. server, it would appear as if you’re in the U. Not all VPNs have U. servers, however, and not all those that have one are good enough. For your reference, we’ve put together a review of the best VPNs in terms of cost, performance, server count, features, privacy, and more. We tested all the VPNs in that review and they all had several U. servers. Please note that the use of many premium VPNs comes with a cost. However, you can still get a U. IP address for free. There are free VPNs that offer reduced bandwidth or slower speeds, or VPN trials that are only usable for a limited time.
VyprVPN Mac Servers
Tor
Tor is a free software that, in some ways, is like a VPN. It encrypts your web traffic and data by relaying it through several encrypted Tor servers. As a result, websites will only see the IP address of the last server (a. k. a. the exit node). However, the Tor network relies on an overlay network of volunteer servers and computers (i. e. its very own users). This setup yields inconsistent speeds, making Tor a bad option for streaming. On top of that, many streaming services, including Netflix, block Tor access.
That being said, here’s how you can obtain a U. IP address using Tor on your computer:
Download and install the Tor browser for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Run Tor at least once. Doing so will create a “torrc” file in the installation folder, which you’ll need for the next step.
Search for the “torrc” file, then open it using a text editor (like Notepad or TextEdit). Simply add the line “ExitNodes {uk}”, then save the file. This will ensure that you’ll get an exit node in the U. whenever you run Tor.
Tor Browser in a nutshell: The Tor browser package is easy to install. It’s a Firefox-based browser already configured to protect your online anonymity right off the bat. However, Tor will only work on that specific browser and will not work on other apps installed on your computer.
Proxy Servers
The use of proxy servers is yet another method that puts an intermediary between you and the internet. Unlike VPN servers, however, most proxy servers won’t encrypt your data. They will simply change your IP address. There are thousands of free proxy servers in the U. K., but tread lightly as they can use their networks to gather data from users. Please read the company’s privacy policy before getting a free proxy server from them.
Setting up a proxy server on your computer or mobile device depends on how the server is configured. In most cases, though, here is what you need to do:
Get the server’s IP address and port number (usually 8080) from the vendor or administrator.
Input this information into your device or browser’s proxy settings to activate.
Why Would I Want A U. IP Address?
There are many reasons why one might want to get a U. IP address. According to our very own VPN usage study, most people use VPNs for personal rather than work use, like getting around content restrictions. As we’ve mentioned in the intro, a U. IP address will get you access to Netflix U. K., BBC iPlayer, and All 4, as well as Channel 5 and the British sports coverage of BT Sport. The use of an IP address from the U. is also required to access some sites, including online banking channels of British banks. If you’re traveling or living long-term outside of the U. K., you might find yourself unable to access your online bank account. That’s when getting a U. IP address becomes a necessity.
FYI: Most streaming websites, including Netflix, block Tor and proxy servers. Only VPNs can reliably bypass geographical restrictions that these websites set.
DNS Servers In The U. K.
What if you’ve successfully obtained a U. IP address but still can’t access some British websites? One thing you could look into is your Domain Name System (DNS) server. The DNS is like a phonebook of the internet that matches domain names (like) to their corresponding IP addresses. Here’s how the process looks like:
ExpressVPN DNS Leak Test
U. DNS Servers
When you type in a website’s domain name into the search bar, your computer sends it to a DNS server, which is most likely the one your ISP provided.
The DNS server tracks down the domain name’s IP address and forwards your request, including your IP address.
The website sends back the requested web page to your IP address, displaying it on your computer screen.
If you already have a U. IP address and still can’t access some websites, it’s possible that those websites are tracking the location of your DNS server. If that’s the case, they are blocking you because the query came from a DNS server outside of the U. To check, you can change your device’s DNS server from the default one from your ISP to that of a public DNS server in the U. 2
DNS 101: You can configure your computer to use the default DNS your ISP provided or a third-party public DNS Server such as Google Public DNS.
Can I Get A U. IP Address Without A VPN?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, there are other methods to get a U. IP address besides using a VPN, namely, Tor and proxy servers. Each has its pros and cons.
Pros
Encrypts your web activity data for extra privacy
Faster and more reliable speeds
Plenty of Netflix-friendly VPNs
Cons
Most options are not free
Some VPNs may log your data, especially if they’re free
Free VPNs from not-so-reputable companies may track your personal data
Free
Protects your online anonymity
User-friendly software
Slower speeds
Netflix and other streaming services block Tor
Illegal in some countries
Proxy Server
Provides anonymity by hiding your real IP address
Free and paid-for options
Good speed and reliable connection
No added encryption for web activity
Free proxies may be used to spy on you
More difficult to set up
Whatever your reasons are for getting an IP address in the U. and whichever method you choose, the most important thing is that you remain safe and secure online. That’s why we’ve tailored this how-to guide with digital security in mind. That said, we’ve come to the conclusion that the safest and most convenient way to obtain a U. IP address is through a VPN. Feel free to check out our VPN comparisons to see which one is best for you.
FAQs
Have questions about getting a U. IP address? Check out our answers below.
How do I get a U. IP address?
You can get a U. IP address using a VPN, the Tor browser, or a proxy server. We recommend using a VPN as it is the most secure and easiest method. It’s also the best method for accessing restricted streaming content in the U. K.
What is the IP address for the U. K.?
There are over 110 million IP addresses assigned to the U. ; however, you can’t just pick any IP address. You’ll need to use a VPN, Tor, or a proxy server to successfully change your IP address.
What is the IP address for the BBC?
The BBC owns IP addresses within the 212. 58. 246. 0 to 212. 255 range.
Are VPNs legal in the U. K.?
VPNs are legal in the U. K., whether used for extra online security or to bypass simple geographical restrictions.
How to Get a UK IP Address in 2 Steps in 2021 – WizCase
Last Updated by Sarah Barnes on October 01, 2021
The United Kingdom offers a selection of channels that aren’t available elsewhere.
If you want to avoid missing out on your favorite shows while you’re abroad, you can with a VPN.
Using a VPN, you can change your IP address to make it seem as though you’re in the UK.
Thankfully, getting your hands on a UK IP address is easy:
Get a VPN
Connect to the internet via a UK server
There are great shows that you can only watch if you’re in the UK. And, unfortunately, websites and streaming platforms can now identify your location through your IP address.
These geo-restrictions mean that you can no longer watch your favorite shows and movies while abroad.
A VPN allows you to connect to the internet via a proxy server in a location of your choosing. By opting for a service that has UK-based servers, you can access some excellent services, including:
BBC iPlayer
ITV
TV NOW
Changing your IP address will also allow you to watch UK Netflix. However, there is one catch. Netflix can now detect and block many VPNs. Therefore, it’s essential that you choose a VPN that can bypass these blocks.
Once you install the VPN and connect to a UK server, you must check your IP address to ensure that you appear as though you’re in the UK.
Some VPNs don’t come with the adequate features to hide your real IP address. Moreover, some don’t come with a kill switch; a must-have feature which conceals your actual IP address even if your VPN connection drops.
The best way to check that you have a UK IP address is to use an IP leak test like Wizcase’s IP checker. The tool will tell you what your online location is by checking your IP address.
If the results state that you’re not in the UK, you know that your VPN isn’t working correctly. In this case, try connecting to a different server. If this doesn’t fix the issue, you may have to try a new VPN service altogether.
It’s worth mentioning that not all VPNs are the same. With this in mind, make sure to go for a service that offers the following features:
Servers in the UK
If you want to get a UK IP address, you’re going to have to opt for a VPN that owns servers in the UK. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to get a UK address.
Military-grade encryption
Make sure you choose a VPN that comes with the highest standard 256-bit encryption. The VPN should also have an airtight privacy policy, and it shouldn’t log your data. Moreover, you should be able to choose from multiple protocols, and it should come with additional features like a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection.
Application for your preferred devices
Some VPNs don’t have an app for all devices. Before signing up for a service, check that it has an app for the equipment you’ll be using. Also, find out how many devices you can use simultaneously to stay safe online from anywhere.
Reliable customer support
Your VPN service should come with 24/7 customer support. You should also be able to contact the customer support team via live chat, email, and phone. Before paying for a subscription, check that the support team can help you with different types of queries. For example, they should be able to tell you whether their servers unblock Netflix, and if so, which ones.
High speeds
One of the main reasons people need a UK IP address is to watch shows. Therefore, you need a VPN that has fast and reliable servers. Check that the service comes with unlimited bandwidth and no throttling.
If you need a short-term solution, then you can use a free VPN service to get a UK IP address. However, you must ensure that the free service you go for owns UK servers.
Moreover, these free services come with data and speed caps, meaning that you won’t be able to spend hours catching up on your favorite shows and movies.
Not only this, the majority of these types of services come with fewer servers. While you will be able to find a VPN with UK servers, the likelihood of you being able to switch between servers if you face any issues is unlikely.
A good free VPN if you want a UK IP address is TunnelBear. That said, you will have a limited data allowance.
Alternatively, if you want a UK IP address without using a VPN, you can use a proxy service. However, this method is slow, and you won’t have access to streaming websites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, among others.
1ExpressVPN
Blazing fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth
IP and DNS leak protection
Servers in more than 160 locations worldwide including the UK
ExpressVPN has several servers in the UK. The VPN allows you to access various streaming websites, including BBC iPlayer and UK Netflix.
Moreover, ExpressVPN comes with apps for all devices as well as 24/7 customer support. With an ExpressVPN subscription, you can protect five devices simultaneously. You’ll also benefit from the highest standard 256-bit encryption, and you’ll be able to choose which security protocol you use.
ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money back guarantee period.
Try Now Risk Free
2CyberGhost VPN
Unlimited bandwidth and traffic
More than 3, 700 servers worldwide including several in the UK
256-bit AES encryption
CyberGhost VPN has a selection of servers in the UK, all able to unblock various British streaming websites including BBC iPlayer.
Additionally, CyberGhost allows you to connect up to seven devices simultaneously with just one account so you can stream your favorite shows from anywhere. The VPN comes with military-grade encryption including an automatic kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and various security protocols.
Last but not least, CyberGhost is among the most affordable VPNs on the market and comes with a 45-day money back guarantee.
As you can see, getting a UK IP address is simple, with the use of a VPN. But, it’s important that you choose a service with UK servers, excellent security features, and unlimited data.
You must also check the servers are fast enough to give you high-quality access to your preferred streaming channels.
Whichever service you choose, you’ll be able to access all your favorite shows, no matter where you are in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about how to make my ip address uk
Can you buy a UK IP address?
You can get a U.K. IP address using a VPN, the Tor browser, or a proxy server. We recommend using a VPN as it is the most secure and easiest method. It’s also the best method for accessing restricted streaming content in the U.K.Sep 10, 2021
How do you get a UK IP address without a VPN?
Alternatively, if you want a UK IP address without using a VPN, you can use a proxy service. However, this method is slow, and you won’t have access to streaming websites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, among others.Oct 1, 2021
How do I make my IP address?
Windows: Make sure you’re working from your Administrator account and click Start, then go to Control Panel. From here, click Network Connection, and then click on your local area connection. Next, click Properties, then click TCP/IP. From here, you can type your new IP address in manually.Jul 18, 2021