How to change your VPN location
Most VPN apps let you pick a different server location from a menu or list. Open your VPN application, look for a button or dropdown labeled "Server," "Location," or "Connect to," and select a country or city from the options shown. Then tap or click "Connect." The VPN will route your traffic through that new location, and your visible IP address will change to match it.
The exact steps depend on which VPN service you use and whether you're on a phone, tablet, or computer. Some apps show a map you can click on; others show a simple list. Some let you filter by speed or server load. The principle is the same across all of them: you choose the location, the app connects, and your traffic appears to come from there.
How long the switch takes varies. Most changes happen in a few seconds. If a server is overloaded or far from you geographically, the connection might take 10 to 30 seconds. If the app hangs or fails to connect, try disconnecting first, waiting a few seconds, then selecting a new location and connecting again.
Key Takeaways
- Your VPN app has a menu or button for selecting server locations; the exact name and position depends on which service you use.
- Changing location takes a few seconds in most cases, but may take longer if the server is distant or busy.
- Some VPN apps show real-time server load or speed; using that information can help you pick a faster connection.
- If a connection fails, disconnect completely, wait a moment, then select a new location and try again.
- Your internet speed and the distance between you and the server affect how fast your connection will be after the switch.
Finding the server menu in your VPN app
The location selector is usually one of the most prominent buttons in your VPN app. On mobile apps like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark, it's often a large button in the center of the screen or a tab at the bottom labeled "Locations" or "Servers." On desktop versions, it's typically a sidebar menu or a dropdown at the top.
If you don't see an obvious button, look for a gear icon (settings), a hamburger menu (three horizontal lines), or a map icon. Some apps hide the location selector until you disconnect from your current server. If you're already connected, you may need to tap "Disconnect" first, then access the location menu.
Once you open the location menu, you'll see a list or map of available countries and cities. Most apps let you scroll through the list or search by typing a country name. Some show a flag icon next to each location to make scanning faster.
Choosing between countries and specific cities
Most VPN services let you choose a country first, then pick a specific city or server within that country. For example, you might select "United States," then choose between servers in New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. If you only need a US location and don't care which city, selecting the country alone is fine—the app will usually connect to the fastest available server there.
Picking a specific city matters if you need a particular location for a service that checks your general area, or if you've noticed that one city's servers are faster than another's. Some apps show server load percentages or speed indicators next to each option, which can help you pick a less crowded connection.
If you're new to a VPN service, start by trying a few different locations to see which ones feel fastest from your home. Speed varies based on how far the server is from you and how many people are using it at that moment.
What happens when you switch locations
When you select a new location and connect, your VPN app disconnects from the old server and connects to the new one. During this switch—usually just a few seconds—your internet connection may drop briefly. Some apps reconnect automatically; others require you to click "Connect" again.
Once connected to the new location, your visible IP address changes to one assigned by that server. Websites and services you visit will see the IP address of the new location, not your real one. Your internet speed may change too, depending on the distance and server load.
If you're streaming video or downloading a file when you switch, that activity will usually pause or restart. Most people disconnect from their current location, switch to a new one, and then start their activity again.
Troubleshooting a failed location switch
If your VPN app won't connect to a new location, the server may be temporarily down or overloaded. Try selecting a different city in the same country, or pick a different country altogether. Most VPN services have dozens or hundreds of servers, so there's usually an alternative available.
If the app still won't connect, close it completely and reopen it. On mobile, swipe it away from your recent apps list; on desktop, quit the application from the menu or task manager. Then open it again and try connecting to a different location.
If you're still stuck, check whether your internet connection itself is working by disconnecting the VPN entirely and loading a website. If your regular internet is down, the VPN won't help. If your internet works but the VPN won't connect to any location, restart your device. If that doesn't work, check your VPN service's status page or support site to see if there's a known outage.
How server distance and load affect your speed
Your connection speed after switching locations depends on two main things: how far the server is from you, and how many people are using it. A server in your own country is usually faster than one on another continent. A server with 20% load is usually faster than one at 80% load.
Some VPN apps show this information directly. NordVPN displays server load as a percentage; ExpressVPN shows a speed indicator. If your app shows these details, use them to pick a faster connection. If it doesn't, try a few different locations and see which feels fastest for your typical activities.
Keep in mind that VPN connections are always slower than your regular internet, because your traffic has to be encrypted and routed through an extra server. Even the fastest VPN will add some delay. If you need maximum speed for something like online gaming, you may want to disconnect temporarily.
Switching locations for different purposes
Different reasons for using a VPN might call for different location choices. If you're watching video content that's restricted to one country, you'd pick a server in that country. If you're concerned about privacy on public WiFi, any location works—pick whichever server your app shows as fastest. If you're trying to reduce tracking, switching locations regularly can make it harder for services to build a profile of your behavior.
Some people use VPN location switching to test whether a website behaves differently in different regions, or to see what content is available in other countries. Keep in mind that using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions may violate the terms of service of some websites or streaming platforms, even though the VPN itself is legal.
If you find yourself switching locations frequently, some VPN apps offer a "kill switch" feature that disconnects your internet entirely if the VPN drops. This prevents your real IP address from leaking during the switch. Check your app's settings to see if this option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing VPN location affect my internet speed?
Yes, usually. A server closer to you or with lower load will be faster than a distant or busy one. The difference can range from barely noticeable to significant, depending on the server and your home internet speed. If speed matters for what you're doing, try a few different locations to find the fastest one.
Can I set my VPN to automatically switch locations?
Some VPN services offer this as a paid feature or premium option, but most require you to manually select a location each time. A few apps let you set a schedule or rotate through locations, but this is less common. Check your specific VPN app's settings or support documentation to see what automation options are available.
Will websites know I switched VPN locations?
Websites will see a different IP address after you switch, but they won't know you switched—they'll just see the new location. If you switch from a US server to a UK server, a website might notice the IP changed, but it won't have information about your previous location unless you were logged into an account that tracked it.
What if a VPN location is blocked or won't connect?
Try a different server in the same country or a different country entirely. If many servers are failing, your internet connection itself might be the problem—test it by disconnecting the VPN. If your internet works but the VPN still won't connect anywhere, restart your device or contact your VPN service's support team.
Does switching VPN locations protect me from hackers on WiFi?
Yes. Once your VPN is connected to any location, your traffic is encrypted regardless of which location you pick. Switching locations doesn't change that protection—it only changes your visible IP address. The encryption is what protects you from seeing what you're doing on public WiFi.