You’ve probably noticed that different results are displayed based on where you are in the world when you browse the Internet with your Mac. This is because GPS, Wi Fi networks, Bluetooth and cell towers track your device’s location.
A Mac VPN is a great option to protect your privacy and prevent your ISP from tracking you. How? How?
Privacy is not the only thing you need. Changing your Mac’s location can significantly improve your streaming experience. One of the top VPN services is to bypass geo-restrictions that streaming websites such as Netflix and Amazon Prime apply to their content. Online shopping can offer lower prices.
However, there are ways to change your location on Mac without a VPN.
Read on to find out when and how to change your location with or without a Mac VPN.
Why changing location on your Mac
As we mentioned, there are many reasons why you might want to change the location of your Mac device.
First, better privacy. By masking your exact location, it allows you to surf the web anonymously. It is unlikely that your ISP or third-party applications will be able to trace you back to where you are connected. This means that your identity will also be better protected.
Stronger privacy means better data security. Especially if you surf on an open Wi-Fi network, it is recommended to use one of the more private VPN services to disguise your location and protect your data.
In some circumstances, changing your location may be the only way to access certain content. Consider geo-restrictions on streaming platforms, for example. Online censorship is also enforced by governments or through website blocks implemented by schools and workplaces.
You may be able to get a better deal online by posting your location. As some websites apply different prices based on geographic regions, you may end up saving a few dollars on your next purchase.
Network location vs IP address
Before looking at the options for changing your location on a Mac, it’s worth defining what location actually stands for. There are two types of locations you want to change: the location of your network and the IP address.
Network Location refers to the set of settings that are specific to a specific network port. These include your computer’s Ethernet, modem, or wireless port. Each Mac device has its own network location that is automatically generated. Apple lets you manage multiple locations at the same time.
The IP address on the other hand is the identification number of your device. It is your internet address. Your Mac’s IP location depends on where you connect to the Internet. This means that your ISP knows exactly where you are connecting to the Internet at that moment.
How to manage network locations on your Mac
As mentioned before, Apple allows you to manage different locations on your device – whether you want to change them, stop services from using a specific location, delete it or even change its name. This can be useful if you want to use specific apps, such as weather forecasts or maps from a different region.
This is the step-by-step guide you need to follow to create a new network location for your Mac.
How to change your IP address with a Mac VPN
However, spoofing your network’s location is not enough to surf anonymously or bypass geo-restrictions. A reliable VPN or even better one with encryption technology, would be the best option.
Follow these simple steps and you can mask your IP address in a flash:
The best Mac VPN right now:
How to change your IP address without a Mac VPN
You can also disguise your IP address using other methods, such as an Apple VPN.
The Tor Browser, for example, is another option. Based on onion routing, it routes traffic through at least three servers, encrypting the data every step of the way.
Tor is significantly more secure than a VPN because it comes with additional layers of security. Although it is a good choice to bypass online censorship, the additional layers of encryption can reduce the speed of connections. If you’re looking to spoof your Mac location to access Netflix’s foreign catalogs, the best option is a reliable streaming VPN.
A proxy server is another effective method of disguising your real IP location and tricking your ISP into thinking you are located elsewhere. They do not protect your data, so your personal information is at risk. They are still a great option for streaming, but you may want to consider a better security tool if online privacy is important.
Chiara is a multimedia journalist with a keen eye for cybersecurity issues and trends. She is a staff writer for Future with a focus on VPNs. She writes features and news on privacy, digital rights, data rights online censorship, digital rights for TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. She is obsessed with digital storytelling in all forms and enjoys photography, podcast editing videos and podcasting. Originally from Milan, Italy, but she has been based in Bristol, UK since 2018.
Chiara is a multimedia journalist who has a keen eye for cybersecurity issues and trends. She is a staff writer at Future with a focus on VPNs. She writes features and news on digital rights privacy, data protection, online censorship and digital rights for TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. She is passionate about digital storytelling in all forms and loves podcasting, photography, video editing, and podcasting. She is originally from Milan, Italy and has been based in Bristol, UK since 2018.
Why can’t my Mac determine current location?
If your Mac says it can’t determine your current location: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then choose Security & Privacy. From the privacy panel select “Enable Location Services.” Scroll down to the bottom of the list of apps and services, and then click the “Details” button next to System Services.
How can I create a VPN?
- If you don’t have one add a VPN.
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Tap Network and Internet. VPN. …
- Next to the VPN you want to change, click Settings.
- You can always turn VPN on or off. If you set up a VPN through an app, you don’t have the always-on option.
- Tap Save if you need to
How do I change my VPN location on Mac for free?
Choose Apple Menu > System Preferences on your Mac. Click Network. Click the Add button in the list on the left, then click the Interface pop-up menu and select VPN. Click the VPN Type pop-up menu, then select the type of VPN connection you want to set up, based on the network you’re connecting to.
How do I configure VPN on my Macbook? Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network icon Click in the lower left corner to create a new network. Click on the Interface drop-down menu and select VPN. Click the VPN type drop-down list to select L2TP instead.
How do I change my VPN from Mac to UK?
Do you need a VPN to change location?
The easiest way to spoof your location and change your IP address is to use a VPN. VPNs change your location, encrypt your data and make your online browsing safer and more secure. So, installing a VPN application is your best option to change your virtual location.
Can any VPN change your location? You need to think about more than just your IP address. Your GPS location is not affected by a VPN.
How do I get unlimited VPN on my Mac?
It’s easy to download VPN Unlimited for Mac Click on the App Store icon of your MacOS device. Find our VPN in the Mac App Store. Click the Get button to wait for our Mac VPN software to be installed on your home screen.
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