6 Steps to Change Your Smartphone Location Using a VPN: A Helpful Guide

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer a secure and versatile way to change your smartphone’s location virtually. Whether you want to access geo-restricted content, enhance your online privacy, or protect your data while on public Wi-Fi, a VPN can help.

Using a VPN on your smartphone to change your location is a pretty straightforward process that provides numerous benefits. Below, I walk you through the steps to change your smartphone’s location using a VPN.

Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN Service

Before getting started, you’ll need to select a trustworthy VPN service. Look for one that offers a large number of servers in different locations, robust security features, and a user-friendly mobile app. You can even test out a few with a VPN trial. Some popular VPN services for smartphones are listed in the last section of this article: be sure to check them out.

Step 2: Download and Install the VPN App

1. Open the app store on your smartphone (e.g., Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS).
2. Search for your chosen VPN provider’s app.
3. Download and install the app on your smartphone.

Step 3: Sign Up and Log In

Once the app is installed, you need to carry out the following actions:

1. Open the VPN app.
2. Sign up for an account if you haven’t already.
3. Log in with your credentials.

Step 4: Connect to a VPN Server

Now that you’re logged in, the next step is to connect to a VPN server in the location you want to virtually appear in. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open the VPN app.
2. Usually, you’ll see a “Connect” button or a list of servers. Tap “Connect.”
3. Select a server in the desired location. Most VPN apps offer servers in various countries and cities.
4. Tap on the chosen server to establish a connection.

Step 5: Confirm Your New Location

After a few moments, your smartphone will be connected to the selected VPN server. To ensure your location has changed:

1. Open a web browser.
2. Visit a website that shows your IP address and location, like “iplocation.net” or “whatismyip.com.”
3. Check if the displayed IP address and location match the server you connected to. If they do, your location has been successfully changed.

Step 6: Disconnect and Revert to Your Real Location

When you’re finished using the VPN and want to revert to your actual location, here is what to do:

1. Open the VPN app.
2. Tap the “Disconnect” button or option within the app.
3. Your smartphone will disconnect from the VPN server, and your location will return to its default setting.

Some VPN apps you can use to change your smartphone’s location

Here are some of the best mobile VPNs to consider:

1. ExpressVPN: Known for its speed and wide server network across the globe, ExpressVPN offers user-friendly apps for both Android and iOS. It’s a great choice for changing your smartphone’s location while maintaining high speeds.
2. NordVPN: NordVPN is highly regarded for its security features and extensive server network. It has a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to connect to servers in various countries.
3. CyberGhost: CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly apps and dedicated streaming servers that can help you access geo-restricted content. It offers apps for both Android and iOS.
4. Surfshark: Surfshark is a budget-friendly option with a strong focus on security and privacy. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it suitable for multiple devices, including smartphones.
5. IPVanish: IPVanish offers a robust mobile app and a decent server network. It’s known for its strong privacy features and solid performance.
6. VyprVPN: VyprVPN offers a unique Chameleon protocol designed to bypass censorship and VPN blocking. It has a mobile app for both Android and iOS.
7. ProtonVPN: Developed by the team behind ProtonMail, ProtonVPN is known for its strong commitment to privacy and security. It offers mobile apps for both major platforms.
8. Windscribe: Windscribe is a user-friendly VPN with a free plan (with limitations) and a paid version with more features. It has mobile apps for Android and iOS.
9. TunnelBear: TunnelBear is another user-friendly VPN known for its simplicity. It offers mobile apps and a free plan with limited data, as well as a paid version.
10. Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield is recognized for its speed and is particularly popular for streaming content. It offers mobile apps for both major platforms.