How to Get an American IP Address outside the US?

Are you an American expat living outside the United States? Having trouble accessing your bank accounts and local streaming services? Perhaps you’re somebody from outside the US and want to get a taste of all the greatness the USA has on offer online. Sadly, plenty of the US’s digital services are geo-restricted. That means you will not be able to access any of them unless you currently reside in the US. To get around this, all you need is an American IP address.

Get US IP Address Anywhere

Getting an American IP address spoofs your location to the United States (virtually). With this change, you’ll be able to use what Americans use in terms of online content. In this guide, we’ve included the best way to obtain an American IP address and the best VPNs for the task according to our strict evaluation process.

We’ve divided the guide below into two main parts. A quick guide on how to switch your IP address is first. If you need more info on how the whole process works, we advise you to keep reading after you’re done with the initial setup.

Get an American IP Address outside the US in 5 Minutes

Time needed: 5 minutes

With the help of a VPN app, you can mask your real IP address and appear to be browsing the web from the US of A within minutes. Here’s how anybody can obtain an American IP address:

  1. First, sign up with a VPN provider that has VPN servers in the USA.

    ExpressVPN is a good example.

  2. Then download and install the VPN application to your PC, Mac, Android, iOS devices.

     

  3. Here’s our IP address before using the VPN app.

    IP Address United Kingdom

  4. Next, launch the VPN application and sign in using your VPN account.

    You will be presented with a list of servers from around the world.

  5. From that list, connect to an American Server.

    We’ve chosen one in New York.
    ExpressVPN US Server

  6. Once the VPN connection is established, you will appear to be browsing the web as if you’re in New York, USA.

    Feel free to use our IP address checking tool to verify that you now have an American IP Address,US IP Address ExpressVPN

  7. You have successfully hidden your IP address and now appear to be browsing the web using an American IP address instead.

    You can now access US-only sites and apps such as Hulu, Target, Showtime, or American Netflix from anywhere in the world.

The whole process is also simply reversible. If you want to appear online using your real IP address, simply disconnect the VPN connection.

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What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network is the ultimate location spoofing tool and the easiest way to obtain different IP addresses around the world. Once you connect to a server, the VPN will encrypt your data and enhance your online security.

With military-grade encryption, no malicious entity can figure out what data you’re sending or receiving online. Moreover, the VPN hides your true IP address, which convinces many geo-blocked websites that you are inside their coverage territory.

For example, if you connect to an American server, you’ll receive a US IP address. As a result, you’ll trick American streaming channels into thinking that you reside in the States, granting you full access to their content in the process.

In other words, a VPN acts as a US IP address generator.

Rank
VPN Provider
Features
Links
Best VPN
vpn-provider
  • Best for streaming and privacy
  • High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
  • Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
  • 24/7/ live chat support
  • 3 extra months free on annual plan
Visit ExpressVPN Try risk-free for 30 days Read our review
Second Best VPN
vpn-provider
  • UltraHD streaming
  • Free Smart DNS proxy
  • Unblocks all major streaming services
  • Limited Time 72% Discount
Third Best VPN
vpn-provider
  • Unlimited VPN connections
  • Over 1000 servers
  • Ad-blocking feature available
4
vpn-provider
  • User-friendly application
  • Exclusive Smart VPN feature
  • Standalone Smart DNS subscription available
5
vpn-provider
  • Extra security features
  • Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
  • Split-tunneling available

Why Do You Need A US IP?

Changing your IP address, in general, has its benefits. First, you get to browse the web anonymously. Second, you get to spoof your location and appear anywhere else in the world.

But why is a US IP address so important? In fact, an American IP is practically the most popular IP address to get online for several reasons. You have no idea what you’ll be able to do when you obtain one. Take a look:

Bypassing Geo-restrictions

The first reason would be geo-restrictions. The United States is a country that hosts the largest number of streaming services in the world.

You name it, US Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, ABC GO, Sling TV, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and so many more. However, these channels are geo-blocked outside the United States.

They use geo-blocking, in which they restrict your access based on the country you reside in. These channels can determine your location by looking at your IP address.

If it’s not American, you’re not getting in. Let’s give you an example. Hulu is an American channel that only works with US IP addresses.

If anyone’s traffic is coming from outside the States, this geo-error will appear:

Hulu Error

“This video is not available to watch in your current location.”

Once you obtain an American IP address, this geo-error message will cease to exist. You’ll find out how you can do so later on in the article.

The American Services

In case you’re wondering what a US IP address can get you when you’re abroad, here are a few American channels:

  • Netflix (US)
  • Hulu
  • Amazon Prime (US)
  • Disney+ (US)
  • Sling TV
  • HBO Now
  • HBO Go
  • CW TV
  • Cinemax
  • AMC
  • USTV Now
  • Cartoon Network
  • Comedy Central
  • Fubo TV
  • Adult Swim

Avoid Blackouts

American sports fans have suffered for years from blackouts. Blackout restrictions mean that you can not stream your favorite MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS, or NBA team due to the fact their games are being broadcasted by your local cable provider.

As we mentioned, changing your IP address will spoof your location even if you reside in the same country. When you connect to a VPN server in a region where the game is not being televised, you’ll be able to watch it through the official streaming service.

Here’s what a blackout restriction looks like (We used NHL.TV as an example):

NHL.TV Blackout Message

“Your selection is not currently available in NHL.TV due to local or national blackout restrictions. The full-length replay will be made available after 48 hours.”

A VPN can trick US sports streaming channels into thinking you currently reside in a state where the game is not blacked out, which ensures how important getting a US IP address is.

Increase Online Privacy

Whether you know it or not, Google, Facebook, your local government, and even your Internet service provider is constantly monitoring what you are doing online.

This includes which devices you are using, sites you are visiting, and files you are downloading. When you use a VPN, you get to encrypt all of your Internet traffic. Thus, keep those prying eyes away.

Best VPN to Get American IP Address

There are lots of VPN service providers you can use to change your IP address. What you should look out for is a VPN that has lots of VPN servers in the United States. Here are the best VPN service providers you can use to get a US IP address abroad.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN-Cover

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ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. Its server range includes up to 2000 servers worldwide, including 20 locations in the US. You can’t imagine how easy it is to obtain a US IP address with this VPN provider.

In addition, ExpressVPN protects your device and personal data with 256-bit AES encryption.

If you run into any trouble while operating with its client, you can contact their customer support team through live messaging and they’ll respond quickly.

You can use ExpressVPN in highly censored countries and it’ll work just fine. It also supports 5 simultaneous connected devices.

As for security protocols. you can choose between OpenVPN, SSTP, PTPP, L2TP/IPSec as well as IKEv2.

The service also employs a strict zero-logging policy, which is pretty great for people who cherish their online privacy. Finally, ExpressVPN allows you to test their service out courtesy of their 30-day refund policy.

Pros

  • Over 160 VPN locations.
  • P2P friendly
  • Military-grade encryption.
  • Five simultaneous connections.
  • Unblocks top US channels.
  • Kill Switch.
  • Smart DNS feature (MediaStreamer).
  • Easy-to-use apps.
  • Browser extension
  • Split-tunneling.
  • 30-day refund policy.

Cons

  • More expensive than others.
  • No free trial.

BulletVPN

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A VPN like BulletVPN takes your device’s online experience to another level. You’ll be getting an unlimited bandwidth along with superior security protocols, some of which aren’t found in the rest of the providers on our list.

The service is based in Estonia; a country with no data retention laws. Most importantly, it’s out of the reach of the Five Eyes Alliance.

The provider has more than 100 servers across 54 countries, which is a great number compared to what the others have to offer. We’re looking for a US IP address and BulletVPN has more than 15 servers in the United States.

BulletVPN protects user data using 256-bit AES encryption, and it’s one of the few VPNs that work in highly censored countries such as China.

It has amazing speeds and a very professional customer support team. When we contacted them, they answered each and every question we had for them.

With five security protocols, BulletVPN ensures total security and anonymity. Finally, the provider allows 6 simultaneous connections and provides a 30-day refund policy as a way out if the service didn’t live up to your expectations.

Pros

  • Servers in 54 countries
  • P2P friendly servers
  • 256-bit AES encryption.
  • Six simultaneous connections.
  • Supports Netflix, Hulu, and more
  • Kill Switch.
  • Smart DNS.
  • User-friendly apps.
  • 30-day refund policy.
  • Bullet Shield.
  • 1-day free trial.

Cons

  • No split tunneling.
  • Lacks browser extensions.

Surfshark

SurfShark-Cover

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Top VPN Provider

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To get a US IP address, you must connect to an American server, and Surfshark has dozens of those in the country.

Once connected, your IP will be changed and Surfshark will protect your data using military-grade encryption. Not only that, but it also enhances your privacy using top-level features such as CleanWeb, Double VPN, as well as its automatic kill switch.

Having a US IP address might be the way to access American channels. However, this is not the case with any VPN. Surfshark made sure it optimizes its servers and its entire platform to bypass VPN bans applied by the channels.

With any connection, you get to access the likes of Hulu, US Netflix, and Amazon Prime wherever you may be.

Pros

  • Huge server network
  • P2P support
  • Military-grade encryption.
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and other top US channels.
  • Kill Switch.
  • Smart DNS.
  • CleanWeb.
  • 30-day refund policy.

Cons

  • High prices.

Unlocator

Unlocator Review 2019

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Top VPN Provider

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Unlocator is based in Denmark, which raises a few questions about its privacy policy. In case you don’t know, Denmark is part of the 9-eyes, a global extension to the Five Eyes Alliance.

The service is quite small compared to the others on our list, granting users access to servers in around 41 countries. These servers are fast, but we witnessed a couple of speed drops while connected to some of them.

As for obtaining a US IP address, Unlocator doesn’t fare too well in terms of options. It only has 3 servers in the United States, which pales in comparison to what the others offer.

Unlocator applies 256-bit AES encryption, provides a kill switch, and users Unlocator Shield for an extra layer of privacy, preventing users from accessing the internet if they’re not connected to the VPN.

Their customer support is very good. Although the provider has set up guides for almost everything, their support team can help you out via live chat.

Finally, the service allows five simultaneous connections and provides a 7-day free trial (No credit card needed). Once that is done, you can continue trying out their service with their 30-day refund policy.

Pros

  • Servers in 41+ countries
  • P2P friendly servers
  • 256-bit AES encryption.
  • Five simultaneous connections.
  • Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and more
  • Kill Switch.
  • Smart DNS.
  • Easy-to-use apps.
  • 30-day refund policy.
  • Unlocator Shield.
  • 7-day free trial.

Cons

  • No Split-Tunneling
  • Some servers are slow.
  • No browser extensions.

NordVPN

NordVPN Cover

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Top VPN Provider

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NordVPN offers a lot of features once you subscribe to their service. The service is based in Panama, where privacy is well respected.

This VPN has a wide range of servers around the world, including 15 in the United States. This allows you to bypass regional restrictions and access hundreds of channels no matter where you reside.

Moreover, some servers are optimized for specific duties. You’ll find blazing fast and secure servers for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.

It boosts your security with high-level encryptions. Not to mention that it allows you to connect to two servers instead of one. This technology is called Double VPN and it encrypts user data not once, but twice.

NordVPN’s customer support is available 24/7, so whenever an issue needs to be solved, they’re there to fix it. We had a couple of questions and they helped us out without a problem.

Other than that, NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections. Finally, the provider has a 30-day refund policy in case you change your mind before opting for a long-term subscription.

Pros

  • Servers in 62 countries
  • Allows P2P actions
  • Military-grade encryption.
  • Six simultaneous connections.
  • Supports Netflix, Hulu, and other top US channels.
  • Kill Switch.
  • Smart DNS feature (SmartPlay).
  • User-friendly apps.
  • Browser extensions.
  • 30-day refund policy.

Cons

  • Some slow servers.
  • No free trial.
  • No split tunneling.

Getting an American IP Abroad FAQ

Here’s a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about US IP addresses.

Can I get an American IP Address without a VPN?

Can I get a US IP Address for free?

Where can I get a username and password for an American VPN server?

Is Geo-Spoofing actually legal?

Can I use a VPN to get a US IP on all of my devices?

How to Change IP Address to USA with VPN

The whole process of getting an American IP address should not take longer than 5 minutes. Once you have installed the VPN app on your device, you can change your IP address to literally anywhere in the world in seconds. For more information on the top VPNs, you can use to get an American IP address, make sure you check out the best VPN for the US.

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