How to change your VPN location
Most VPN apps let you pick which country's server you connect through by opening the app, finding a server list or map, and selecting a different location before you browse. The exact steps depend on which VPN you use — some show a straightforward list of countries, others show a map you can click on, and a few let you choose specific cities within a country. Once you select a new location and connect, your internet traffic appears to come from that country instead of yours.
The change takes a few seconds. You'll see a "connected" status in the app, and your IP address (the number that identifies your device online) will change to match the location you picked. Websites you visit will see the new location, not your real one. If you disconnect from the VPN or switch to a different location, the change happens just as quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Most VPN apps have a server list or map where you click to select a different country, then click "connect" — the process takes seconds.
- Some VPNs let you choose specific cities or even individual servers within a country, while others show only country-level options.
- Switching locations while already connected usually disconnects the old server and connects the new one without you having to manually disconnect first.
- Your internet speed may change when you pick a different location, especially if you choose a server far from where you actually are.
- Not all VPN locations work equally well with all websites — some services block traffic from known VPN servers, regardless of which location you pick.
Where to find the server list in your VPN app
Open your VPN process. On the main screen, look for a button or tab labeled "Servers," "Locations," "Countries," or sometimes just a map icon. Clicking it shows you the list of places you can connect through. Some apps (like ExpressVPN and NordVPN) display countries as a scrollable list. Others (like Surfshark) show a world map where you click the country you want. A few apps let you expand each country to see individual cities or servers within it.
If you're using a VPN built into your device's settings rather than a standalone app — for example, some phones let you set up a VPN in the network settings menu — the process is similar but the location of the button may differ. Check your device's VPN settings or the instructions that came with your VPN service to find where servers are listed.
Selecting a new location and connecting
Click or tap the country or city you want to connect through. The app will usually show you a "Connect" button or automatically begin connecting. Wait for the status to change to "Connected" — this usually takes 3 to 10 seconds. Once connected, your device's internet traffic now routes through that location.
Some VPN apps show additional information about each server, such as how many people are currently using it, how fast it is, or how far away it is from your actual location. If a server feels slow, you can try a different one in the same country or pick a location closer to where you actually are. A server physically closer to you usually means faster speeds, even if it's in a different country.
What happens to your speed when you change locations
Switching to a server far from your actual location — for example, connecting to Japan from the United States — usually slows your internet down. The data has to travel a longer physical distance, and it passes through more networks before reaching you. A server in a nearby country or region typically gives you faster speeds than one on the opposite side of the world.
If you notice your internet is much slower after changing locations, try connecting to a server in a country closer to you, or ask your VPN provider which of their servers are fastest in your region. Some VPN apps have a "fastest server" button that automatically picks the quickest connection available, which can be useful if speed matters more than which specific location you appear to be in.
Why some websites block VPN locations
Many websites and streaming services detect when you're using a VPN and block the connection, regardless of which location you pick. Netflix, for example, blocks most VPN traffic because of licensing agreements — they're only allowed to show certain shows and movies in certain countries. Banks and payment services often block VPNs as a security measure to prevent fraud. Picking a different VPN location won't bypass these blocks because the website is detecting the VPN itself, not your actual location.
Some VPN providers claim their servers can bypass these blocks, but this is an ongoing technical arms race — services constantly update their detection methods, and VPN providers constantly update their servers to try to stay ahead. There's no may provide that any particular location or server will work with a blocked service, and using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions may violate a website's terms of service.
Switching between locations while connected
You don't have to disconnect from your current VPN location before switching to a new one. Most VPN apps let you straightforward click a different country and the app will disconnect from the old server and connect to the new one automatically. This usually takes 5 to 15 seconds. During the switch, your internet connection briefly pauses — any downloads or video streams will stop for a moment, then resume once the new connection is established.
If you're in the middle of something sensitive (like a financial transaction or uploading a file), it's safer to disconnect completely, finish what you're doing, and then reconnect to a new location. This prevents any data from being sent outside the VPN tunnel during the switch.
Testing whether your location actually changed
After you connect to a new VPN location, you can check whether the change worked by visiting a website that shows your IP address and location. Search for "what is my IP" or "IP address checker" and open one of the results. The location shown should match the VPN location you picked, not your real location. If it shows your real location instead, the VPN either didn't connect properly or the website is detecting and blocking the VPN.
Keep in mind that the location shown by these checkers is approximate — it's based on the IP address's registered location, which may be a city or region rather than your exact address. The important thing is that it should show the country or city you selected in your VPN app, not where you actually are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick a specific city instead of just a country?
Some VPN providers let you choose cities or individual servers, while others show only countries. NordVPN and ExpressVPN, for example, let you expand each country to see cities. Surfshark shows countries but not cities. Check your VPN app's server list to see what level of detail is available.
Will changing my VPN location help me watch shows from other countries?
It might, but many streaming services block VPN traffic entirely. Netflix, Disney+, and others detect VPNs and refuse the connection regardless of which location you pick. Some VPN providers claim to bypass these blocks, but the services constantly update their detection, so there's no may provide any particular location will work.
What if I pick a VPN location and it's really slow?
Try a server in a country closer to where you actually are, or use your VPN app's "fastest server" feature if it has one. Servers far away are slower because data has to travel a longer distance. If all servers in your region are slow, contact your VPN provider — they may have server issues or you may need to switch providers.
Do I need to disconnect before switching to a new location?
No. Most VPN apps let you click a new location and automatically disconnect from the old server and connect to the new one. The switch takes a few seconds and briefly pauses your internet, but you don't have to manually disconnect first.
How do I know if my location actually changed?
Visit a website that shows your IP address and location, like "what is my IP" or an IP checker. The location shown should match the VPN location you selected. If it shows your real location, the VPN didn't connect properly or the website is blocking VPN traffic.