How To Get A US IP Address

Every device that’s connected to the internet, big or small, has a unique IP address that’s used to identify and locate it. IP addresses can be used to trace devices back to their country of origin, and even used to trace the device back to a triangulated location. This is how government agencies are able to track down people on the internet.

Generally speaking, each device will have an IP address associated with its country of origin. However, by using a VPN service, you can re-route your internet traffic through a server in another country and temporarily mask (or even permanently change) your IP address.

As long as you know what you’re doing, you can effectively make it look like your device is located in a completely different country!

In today’s article, we’re going to show you how to get a US IP address so that you can get around your country’s internet censorship laws, access geo-restricted content, or just maintain your privacy. Are you ready to become a “digital resident” of the US?

How Do IP Addresses Work?

IP stands for internet protocol, which is the set of rules regulating internet data communication. An IP address is a unique numerical code that is assigned to every device that’s connected to the internet. In a sense, IP addresses are similar to your own home address. Each IP address is unique and is associated with a single device.

IP addresses ensure that data packets (similar to packages in the mail) get delivered to the right device. Without an IP address, it would be impossible to have multiple devices connected to the same internet connection, as they would all be receiving each other’s data and information at once!

IP addresses are assigned by your ISP (internet service provider), which is why you can trace back IP addresses to the exact region where they originate. When you sign up for internet service, your internet router is given a main IP address and each device connected to that router is given a similar IP address with a couple of numbers at the end changed up.

Can I Get An IP Address Associated With Another Country?

Yes, you can! By using a virtual private network, you can re-route your internet traffic through another computer server that’s located in a separate country (or another region of your own country).

When you connect to a VPN server, your computer’s IP address is masked by the IP address associated with the VPN server. So, if the VPN server is located in another country, your online data will become masked by that IP address. This means that you could be located in France, for example, and connect to a US-based VPN server that would mask your French-based IP address and give your device a US IP address!

Usually, VPNs are designed to provide you with a temporary mask and are only activated when you manually turn them on or off from your device. However, you can also install a VPN directly onto your internet router if you want every device connected to your network to be permanently masked (until you uninstall or deactivate the VPN from your router’s internal settings, that is).

When you use a VPN service, you’ll be sharing the same IP address as other VPN users who are using the same server. However, if you want to have your own personal US-based IP address, then you can pay extra to get a dedicated IP address from your VPN server. Not every VPN service offers dedicated IP addresses, but here is a list of the ones that do.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A US IP Address?

Now, if you’re curious, you may be wondering, “What exactly are the benefits of having a US IP address?”

Well, there are a number of reasons why somebody living in a foreign country would want a US IP address for their device. Here are some of the top reasons…

Access Geo-Blocked Content

One of the main reasons why people living outside of the US use VPNs is so they can access geo-restricted streaming content that’s only available to US residents.

It’s no secret US-based streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have some of the best titles when it comes to movies and tv shows. However, many of these same titles aren’t available to subscribers who live outside of the US (or they’re only available long after their original release dates). This means that somebody living in Germany, for example, may not be able to watch the latest episode of their favorite US-based tv show.

However, by masking your IP address with a VPN and giving your device a US IP address, you should be able to login to your streaming account and view the same titles that are available to US residents!

Mask Your Physical Location

Another reason why you may want a US IP address is to mask your actual location. These days, scammers and hackers are everywhere and the risk of getting your device and personal accounts hacked is higher than it’s ever been in the past. One of the most common ways that hackers get access to their vicitm’s devices and accounts is when they’re connected to public or unsecured wi-fi networks at cafe’s, libraries, etc.

By connecting your device to a VPN, you’ll mask your physical location and make it impossible for hackers to view where you are. You’ll also be able to prevent government agencies, law enforcement, and other unwanted snoopers from peeping in on your online activities.

Get Around Internet Censorship

If you live in a country like China or Russia, where the internet is heavily censored and controlled, then you may not be able to access certain websites or applications without a VPN. For example, if you try to access Facebook from a Chinese wi-fi network, you simply won’t be able to. Furthermore, you may even be red-flagged and contacted by local law enforcement.

By using a VPN, you can connect your device to a US-based IP address and access all of your favorite websites and applications. Simply put, using a US VPN server is one of the best ways to circumvent internet censorship laws and regulations.

How To Get A US IP Address

So, now that you know some of the benefits of having a US IP address, here’s a quick step-by-step guide for how to get one.

Download A VPN That Offers US Servers: First, you’ll need to sign up for and download a VPN service that offers US VPN servers. Thankfully, most of the popular VPNs like CyberGhost, NordVPN, and others feature numerous US servers. Most VPNs are also quite affordable! Generally speaking, you’ll pay less than $10/month for unlimited connectivity to any VPN server you want.
Connect To A Server Located In The United States: Once you’ve signed up for and downloaded your choice VPN, you’ll need to connect to a server that’s located in the United States. It doesn’t really matter what region you choose, as long as it’s in the US.
Access The Internet: Now that you’re connected to a US-based VPN server, your device should now display a US IP address. To double-check and make sure that it’s working, you can visit www.whatismyipaddress.com. This will show you your IP address it’s displayed to other internet users, websites, and applications.

Can I Be Tracked While Using A VPN?

As long as you’re connected to an encrypted VPN server (almost every VPN server is encrypted with military-grade encryption protocols), then your online activity can’t be tracked. Nobody, not even your ISP will be able to see what you’re doing, who you’re talking to, or what websites you’re visiting.

However, your ISP (and by extent, your government) will be able to tell that you’re using a VPN. Depending on where you live, this could raise some red flags and get you put on a watchlist. If you want to prevent your ISP (or government) from knowing that you’re using a VPN, in the first place, then you’ll need to use a VPN that features obfuscated servers.

Obfuscated servers are VPN servers that run specialized algorithm to mask the fact that you’re using a VPN. Think of it as a VPN for your VPN! Using an obfuscated server may cost a bit more or may require a premium-level membership with your VPN service, but it’s well worth the extra cost if you want to remain your complete anonymity.

Are There Safety Concerns When Using A VPN?

Nope! In fact, using a VPN is one of the best things that you can do if you want to improve your online security and reduce the risk of your device or accounts being hacked. Even in countries where censorship isn’t an issue, we recommend that all users connect to a VPN, especially when using public or unsecured wi-fi networks.

Conclusion

As long as you’re willing to pay a small monthly fee for a high-quality VPN service, you can get a US IP address for your device quite easily! In addition to giving you access to geo-restricted streaming content, your VPN will allow you to remain anonymous online and will protect your data, preventing hackers, scammers, law enforcement, and other third parties from spying on you.