How to get a US IP address

What is a US IP address?

An IP address serves as a unique digital identifier for your devices. It contains information like your internet service provider (ISP), approximate location, and device information. Many websites and online services use your IP address to determine your location and what you can access. 

A US IP address is one assigned to a server in the United States. It tells websites your device is in the country, enabling you to access US-exclusive websites and services.

Most people outside the States, including American travelers who want to surf the web as if they were at home, turn to VPNs to get a US IP address. However, while VPNs are the easiest and most secure option, there are other alternatives. 

4 ways to get a US IP address

A VPN, the Tor browser, a proxy, and a DNS server are all effective ways to get a US IP address. Let’s go through the different options in detail: 

VPN

Using a VPN is the easiest and most secure method to get a US IP address. With a VPN, you can connect to a US server, and your internet traffic will be routed through it. This masks your actual IP address with a US one, giving the impression that you’re in the country. As a result, you can freely access familiar US-only websites while adventuring abroad.

Most reputable VPN providers offer plenty of server locations across the US. For instance, Surfshark has 600+ servers in 25 major US cities, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. So, you can pick a server in the exact state or even city that suits your needs. 

Besides allowing you to access your regular websites and services while away, a VPN also protects your online privacy. By substituting your actual IP address with a US one, a VPN shields your identity, location, and online activities from prying eyes. It also encrypts your traffic to ensure that whatever you do using your US IP address remains private. 

Tor

You can get a US IP address using the free Tor (The Onion Router) browser. Part of the Tor Project, the Tor browser encrypts and routes your traffic through three different servers — also known as nodes or relays. These relays, scattered around the world, are changed every five minutes to prevent compromise.

Typically, the Tor network assigns a random IP address to hide your location. However, you can request a specific country’s IP address, such as the US, to make it seem like you’re browsing from within the country. 

Compared to a VPN, Tor’s setup is a tad bit more complex and technical. So, getting an American IP address might require a bit more elbow grease. 

Since the Tor network is run by volunteers, there’s also a risk of your traffic running through relays owned by malicious actors or even oppressive government agencies. Many pair Tor with a premium VPN like Surfshark to mitigate this risk. This is known as Onion over a VPN. 

Proxy

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. When you connect through a proxy server, it forwards your requests to websites and retrieves data on your behalf. 

To get a US IP address with a proxy server, you connect to a server in the US. Like a VPN, it routes your traffic through that server and replaces your real IP address with a US one. This makes it appear as if you’re browsing from within the country, allowing you to visit your regular US websites and services even when you’re far from home. 

However, proxy servers don’t offer the same level of security and privacy as VPNs. Unlike VPNs that encrypt your entire internet connection, proxy servers only encrypt your IP address. While your IP address may be concealed, your traffic remains vulnerable to interception and ISP tracking. 

Additionally, certain proxy servers may log your online activities to bankroll their services, putting your privacy at risk. Many websites also detect and block traffic from proxy servers, defeating the purpose of getting a US IP address. 

DNS server

DNS (Domain Name System) is like a digital phonebook, translating domain names into IP addresses. Most people simply stick to the default DNS provided by their ISPs. 

To get an American IP address through the DNS system, you need a smart DNS service. This feature routes your URL requests through a proxy server based in the US. This changes your device’s local DNS address to one located in the US, granting access to your usual US websites and services while you’re on the go. 

It’s crucial to note that smart DNS doesn’t change your IP address in the same manner as VPNs and proxy servers do. Instead, it changes your DNS address to appear as though it’s based in the US. Additionally, smart DNS lacks the encryption and privacy features of a VPN. So, your internet traffic remains unencrypted and vulnerable to surveillance and interception.

Why get a US IP address?

A US IP address serves many purposes. Here’s why you might want one:

• Protect your privacy: a US IP address masks your real IP, which reveals personal information such as your ISP and approximate location. 
• Access websites while abroad: many US websites use IP addresses to check location and limit access. Using a US IP address allows access to content from your home country during overseas travel. 
• Secure online banking services: as part of their security measures, banks and financial institutions often block accounts if they spot foreign IPs attempting to access them. A US IP allows secure access to these financial services while abroad.
• Get cheaper rates: online retailers may charge different prices based on geographical locations. Changing your IP address to a US one levels the playing field by positioning you as shopping from within the country. 
• Enjoy US-only deals: you may miss out on certain US-exclusive deals for software, video games, and more while overseas. An American IP address helps to unlock these exclusive offers. 
• Overcome oppressive censorship: oppressive governments may restrict or block access to certain websites and content. By using a US IP address, you get unrestricted access to the internet. 
• Facilitate remote work: if you’re working while traveling, accessing your company’s networks and services can be a huge challenge if your IP address doesn’t match the company’s authorized location. A US IP address solves this problem by making it seem like you’re accessing from within the country. 

Get a dedicated US IP address?

A dedicated US IP address is a unique IP address in the US assigned exclusively to your device or connection. Each time you connect, you get the same IP address. Premium VPNs typically offer several dedicated IP locations. For example, Surfshark offers Dedicated IP addresses in three US locations: Los Angeles, Dallas, and San Jose. 

Compared to shared IP addresses used by multiple users simultaneously, dedicated US IPs have several advantages:

• Uninterrupted access: as the sole user of a US IP, you avoid disruptions caused by others sharing the same IP address.  
• Prevent IP blacklisting: a shared IP may have a bad reputation due to other users dabbling in suspicious activities like sending spam emails and malware. With a dedicated IP, you minimize the risk of getting blocked. 
• Better speeds: enjoy reliable connection speeds without worrying about peak traffic issues since you’re the only one using the IP address
• Avoid captcha: websites don’t receive multiple requests from a dedicated IP address. This prevents your activities from being flagged as suspicious and lets you skip recurring Captcha requests.

What is the best VPN to get a US IP?

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs to get a US IP address. With 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, including 600+ servers in 25 major US cities, you have plenty of options for cherry-picking. Given the high server count, there’s minimal risk of overcrowding negatively affecting your connection speeds. 

All Surfshark servers, whether in Atlanta, Boston, or Dallas, support modern VPN protocols — WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. They’re also 100% RAM-only, meaning all data is wiped upon each shutdown or reboot for enhanced privacy. 

Surfshark offers ample security features, too. For instance, Static Servers lets you use the same US IP address each time you connect and IP Rotator changes your IP every five to 10 minutes without disconnecting. Meanwhile, Bypass VPN is a split tunneling feature that allows you to opt out of using your US IP address (and the VPN) for specific websites and apps. 

Additionally, Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that allows unlimited simultaneous connections, ensuring all your devices are constantly protected with an American IP address. 

To sum up: get a US IP address and explore its benefits 

Getting a US IP address can offer various advantages — from enhancing privacy to scoring better shopping deals and even overcoming oppressive censorship. Fortunately, getting an American IP address isn’t complicated. You can simply use a VPN, the Tor browser, a proxy server, or a DNS server. 

For optimal security, it’s best to use a VPN. It masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic. In fact, you can even get started right now. 

FAQ

How to get a US IP  address?

You can get a US IP address by using a VPN, a proxy server, or the Tor browser to connect to a server in the US, replacing your IP address with a US one.

How do I find an IP address from the United States?

To find an IP address from the United States, connect to a US server using a VPN. This automatically replaces your IP address with one from the US. Alternatively, connect to a US-based server via proxy or the Tor browser to get an American IP address. 

Who provides a US IP address?

Several providers offer US IP addresses. VPN services like Surfshark, proxies, and the Tor network all have servers in the US, which you can connect to to get a US IP address. If you’re physically stateside, your ISP automatically provides a US IP address when you connect to the internet. 

How do I get a USA server?

To get a USA server, choose a VPN with servers in the United States and sign up for a plan. Select the US server of your choice and connect to it.  

How can I check if I have a US IP address?

You can use Surfshark’s IP address checker to check if you have a US IP address. The tool shows your IP address, ISP, and location — including country and city.

How do I get an IP address from another country?

To get an IP address from another country, you can use a VPN, the Tor browser, a proxy, or a DNS server. With the VPN, proxy, and DNS server, just pick a server in your desired country to get the IP. As for the Tor browser, you can specifically request to be assigned an IP address from your preferred country. 

Does your IP address show your country?

Yes, your IP address can show your country. IP addresses typically contain certain geographical details such as your country, state, city, or zip code. 

Can I trace an IP address?

Yes, you can trace an IP address using various methods. The most common ways include using the command prompt on Windows, examining raw email data, and checking server logs to find the IP address. Once found, use an IP address checker to retrieve information about its location, ISP, and other details. 

Is an IP address permanent?

No, an IP address isn’t permanent. It can change due to router reboots, network configurations, network switches, and ISP changes. However, if you have a dedicated IP address, your device always connects to the internet using the same IP address unless manually reconfigured. 

Should I use a free VPN in the US?

You shouldn’t use a free VPN whether you’re in the US or elsewhere, as they typically have slow connection speeds and weak security. There’s a risk that your data may be sold to third parties for ads. Most free VPNs also have limited servers worldwide, with many of them blocklisted (blacklisted) by various websites — significantly limiting their functionality.