Key Takeaways: How to Get a UK IP Address
- Acquiring a U.K. IP address offers access to U.K.-exclusive content and services (for example, if you have a British bank account).
- Your chosen VPN must have U.K. servers for you to access U.K.-specific content.
- ExpressVPN is the best VPN option, with exceptional security and speeds for seamless U.K. streaming.
- NordVPN is another option, being a fast and reliable VPN with many U.K. servers.
- Proton VPN is a great free VPN, but its U.K. servers are not available for free.
If you are looking to access U.K.-exclusive content or a U.K. bank account from abroad, a U.K. IP address will allow you to reach streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix U.K. and Amazon Prime Video in just a few clicks. We’re sure you know your reasons, so let’s dive directly into how to get a U.K. IP address in the most secure and effective way possible.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are versatile tools that reroute your internet connection through servers located in the U.K., making it look like you and your IP address are based there.
While a VPN provider will help you access region-restricted content, it will also elevate your online security. Not all VPNs are created equal; some offer more robust features than others.
In this guide, we will walk you step-by-step through the process of obtaining a British IP address using a VPN. Follow the straightforward instructions in this guide and you’ll be accessing your favorite U.K. content from ‘Taskmaster’ to the ‘Great British Bake Off’ in no time.
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10/29/2023 Facts checked
We rewrote this article to include the latest VPN recommendations and a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to obtain a U.K. IP address.
Get a UK IP Address Abroad With a VPN: Quick Guide
Follow these simple steps to secure a British IP address using a reliable VPN. Whether you’d like to stream BBC iPlayer or access other English platforms, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will walk you through the process step by step to be sure you have a seamless and secure connection.
- Sign Up for a VPN Service Provider With UK Servers
Choose the VPN that best aligns with your needs from our recommended list and download the app for your device. We have used ExpressVPN for this example.
- Launch the App and Connect to a UK Server
Once your VPN is set up, open the application and locate the list of available servers. Choose a server located in the U.K. and connect to it. Depending on the VPN software, this can often be done with a single click.
- Access UK Sites and Content, Like Netflix UK
Click the button to connect, and that’s it. Once you have connected, your IP address will appear as if you’re browsing from the U.K.
ExpressVPN is a great option for streaming from anywhere, with its fast speeds and unblocking ability.
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How to Choose Best VPN With UK Servers for UK IP Addresses
Selecting the right U.K. VPN involves many factors. First, having a U.K. server presence is essential for accessing U.K.-specific content. Equally important is a VPN’s speed and capability to bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring uninterrupted streaming and browsing.
In 2016, the U.K. enacted the Investigatory Powers Act, which grants U.K. authorities the power to collect and retain citizens’ communications data, including internet records, without a warrant. Considering that, a VPN with a strict no-logs policy is essential, as it won’t have anything to hand over if asked.
1. ExpressVPN
Pros:
- Extensive server network
- Unblocks U.K. streaming apps
- Superfast Lightway protocol
Cons:
- More expensive
- No anonymous payment options
ExpressVPN is a versatile solution. Its remarkable server network guarantees reliable performance with servers located across 105 countries and six continents, including U.K. servers in London, East London, Wembley, Docklands and the Midlands. ExpressVPN uses Lightway, its in-house VPN protocol, which is designed to balance security features with speed.
Also of note, ExpressVPN uses RAM-based servers for added privacy. This feature ensures no user data is kept. The company’s no-logs policy is backed by an audit by F-Secure, so users can be assured of their online privacy. It has a kill switch (called Network Lock), and its own encrypted DNS servers.
Check out our full ExpressVPN review to learn more, or try ExpressVPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
2. NordVPN
Pros:
- Specialty streaming servers
- Independently audited
- Powerful ad blocker
Cons:
- No split tunneling on macOS
- No NordLynx on certain servers
NordVPN stands out for its impressive download speeds, making it a go-to choice for those prioritizing speed. Beyond speed, NordVPN offers specialized servers catering to various needs, including dedicated IP servers, double VPN servers, obfuscated servers for bypassing censorship, P2P servers for torrenting and Onion over VPN servers for Tor Browser use.
NordVPN’s strict no-logging policy, confirmed by an audit, ensures user privacy. With over 5,800 servers across 60 nations, over 440 of which are within the U.K., NordVPN is an excellent choice for streaming, unblocking major platforms and providing a well-structured knowledgebase and customer support.
You can check out our full NordVPN review for a deeper dive or try NordVPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
3. Proton VPN
to a paid plan to get a U.K. IP address.
Pros:
- Unlimited free data plan
- Streaming-focused servers
- Excellent privacy credentials
Cons:
- Free plan limits server locations
- U.K. servers not free
With Proton VPN’s paid plans, you have access to 36 U.K. servers in Manchester and London. Its large network of 3,000 servers across 60 countries gives you plenty of high-speed options. Proton VPN’s user interface boasts easy-to-use features like live tests for upload speeds, and paid users can benefit from NetShield ad blocker, alongside P2P and torrenting support.
Proton VPN’s paid plans offer a lot of additional features, but the VPN is known for its free plan with no data limits. There are also no ads on its free plan, and it does not log your data. Its strong privacy reputation is backed by audits, and its Swiss jurisdiction outside of the 14 Eyes alliance means it can be trusted to keep your data secure. Read our full Proton VPN review for more.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
Can You Use a Free Proxy Server to Get a UK IP Address?
You may be tempted to use free proxy servers for a U.K. IP address, but they come with notable downsides. Proxy servers lack essential encryption, exposing your real IP address and leaving your data vulnerable. They are often sluggish, and many websites and most streaming services can detect and block proxy traffic, so a proxy is useless for streaming U.K. content.
For a safer alternative, consider trustworthy free VPNs with free U.K. servers, like TunnelBear or Windscribe. Unlike proxies, these VPNs prioritize your security.
TunnelBear is a beginner-friendly service with a good free plan, but it limits your data to 1GB per month. Have a look at our full TunnelBear review to learn more. Windscribe is another VPN with an excellent free version that include U.K. servers, but you’re capped to 10GB of data for free. You can read all about the VPN in our full Windscribe review.
Final Thoughts: Best VPN for Accessing a UK IP Address
That wraps up our list of the best VPNs to get a U.K. IP address. ExpressVPN is the star of the show as the VPN most able to reliably access U.K. content, with NordVPN offering some fantastic features and Proton VPN coming in third.
While free proxy servers may seem attractive, they won’t work for accessing international content, and their lack of encryption and slow speeds make them an unreliable choice. Opting for a reputable VPN is a great alternative, ensuring both data protection and problem-free access to U.K.-based content.
Are there any great VPNs we’ve left off the list, or do you have any suggestions? We would love to discuss it with you in the comments. Leave a note, and as ever, thank you for your readership!
FAQ: How to Get a UK IP Address
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You have several options to acquire a U.K. IP address, including using a VPN. By using a VPN, you can access U.K. content seamlessly while abroad and bolster your online privacy and security. Notable VPN services with U.K. servers include ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Proton VPN.
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To change your IP address to a U.K. one using a VPN, simply choose a trusted VPN with U.K. servers, subscribe and download its app. After installation, launch the VPN client and connect to a U.K. server. Once connected, your device will have a U.K. IP address, your online activity will be encrypted and routed through the U.K. server and you will be able to access British content.
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Numerous VPN providers will allow you to have a U.K. IP address. ExpressVPN is our top pick, but you can also access U.K. servers using NordVPN, Proton VPN, CyberGhost VPN, Surfshark and more.
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