In an increasingly globalized world, accessing region-specific content can be a challenge. Whether you’re an expat yearning for your favorite British TV shows, a traveler needing to access UK-only websites, or someone looking to enhance online privacy through a UK IP address, a good understanding of how to work around these limitations is essential.
In this guide, we’ll show you a way to obtain a British IP address fast and easy, then discuss the benefits of having one. Let’s jump in!
UK IP address benefits
Before we dive into how to get a UK IP address, let’s first understand the main benefits of it. Simply put, a UK IP address allows you to access content and services that are only available within the United Kingdom. This could include streaming sites like BBC iPlayer or Channel 4, using online banking services, and even accessing government websites.
Normally, IP addresses are assigned based on your physical location, so if you’re not physically in the UK, you won’t be able to access these region-specific websites and services. However, by obtaining a UK IP address, you can trick these sites into thinking that you are located within the UK, granting you access to all the content and services that come with it.
You can think of it this way — having a UK IP address is like having a passport to all the online content and services that are exclusive to the United Kingdom, regardless of your physical location.
How to get UK IP address?
Now that we’ve established the importance of having a UK IP address, let’s explore the various methods you can use to obtain one.
Proxy servers
One method to change IP address to UK is to use a proxy server. A proxy server acts as an intermediary between you and the website or service you’re trying to access. By connecting to a proxy server located in the UK, your internet traffic will appear to be coming from that location, and you’ll be able to access region-specific content.
A good example of a proxy server is Mars Proxies — a premium proxy provider that offers UK-based proxies. You can purchase their services and set up the proxy on your device to obtain a UK IP address (starts at $4.99 per month for their Ultra Residential Plan).
However, keep in mind that proxy servers have their limitations, such as slower internet speeds and potential security risks. While they may work for basic web browsing, they might not be suitable for tasks like streaming or online banking.
Tor browser
Another way to get UK IP address is by using the Tor browser. This free and open-source web browser uses a network of volunteer-operated servers to anonymize your internet traffic, making it appear as if you’re accessing the web from a different location.
The Tor browser works a bit differently than a proxy server, as it routes your internet traffic through multiple servers in different locations, including the UK. This can be a more secure option compared to proxies, but it also comes with slower internet speeds.
Apart from a donation-based system, the Tor browser is entirely free to use and can be installed on most devices including Linux and Android.
Get UK IP address with a VPN
Inarguably the best and most secure way to get a UK IP address is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through their server network, making it appear as if you’re accessing the web from a different location.
The advantage of using a VPN over proxies or Tor browser is that it offers faster speeds, better security features (AES 256), and can also unblock geo-restricted content on streaming sites like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Plus, unlike most proxy servers, most premium VPNs are extremely easy to use and come with user-friendly apps for all devices.
Take ClearVPN for example — a fast and reliable premium VPN provider that offers a UK server among many others. With ClearVPN, you can easily connect to UK servers from anywhere in the world in just a few easy steps:
- Download and install the ClearVPN app on your device. The premium VPN service works on a PC, macOS, Android, or iOS devices (iPhones or iPads). Note that for mobile devices, you’ll need to get the app via the Apple app store or the Google Play Store.
- Run the ClearVPN app and sign-up for an account. While you can explore the app for free, you’ll need to purchase a subscription (starts at $9.99 per month) to access premium features such as the ability to choose a specific server location (UK).
- Log on to the ClearVPN service and get to the dashboard. From there, just click on the locations button at the bottom of the screen.
- On the next page, you’ll find a list of available server locations (under “all countries”). Choose the server location you want — in this case, the UK server. Wait for a few seconds while ClearVPN connects you to the UK server.
And that’s it! With ClearVPN, you can easily get a UK IP address and access all the region-specific content and services that come with it. Plus, you get access to advanced features like kill switches, split-tunneling, and ad-blockers to enhance your online privacy even further.
FAQs
How to access UK websites from abroad?
To access UK websites from abroad, use a VPN to connect to a UK server. This changes your IP address, making it appear as if you are browsing from within the UK, allowing you to access region-locked content and services seamlessly.
Is it illegal to change your IP address to UK?
No, it is not illegal to change your IP address to the UK. All methods mentioned in this guide are essentially privacy tools that allow you to access region-specific content and services without any legal implications. However, what you do with your UK IP address may fall under the legal jurisdictions of the country where you are located.
For example, streaming copyrighted content may be illegal in some countries, even if you’re using a UK IP address to access it. So make sure to stay within the boundaries of the law while using a UK IP address.
Can I use a free VPN to get a UK IP address?
While there are some free VPNs options available, they usually come with limitations such as slower speeds, data caps, and lack of advanced features like kill switches or ad-blockers. Additionally, most free VPNs have fewer server options compared to premium ones, which could limit your ability to choose a specific location (such as the UK).
Can UK police track a VPN?
Yes, UK police can potentially track a VPN if they obtain the necessary legal permissions to do so, such as a court order. However, that would be extremely difficult for VPN services with a strict no-logs policy, and based outside of the UK’s jurisdiction. Even then, any information provided by the VPN service would likely be limited and not reveal anything useful.