How to get an Indian IP address

There are many reasons why someone would want to get an Indian IP address when outside of India. For instance, you may want to access geo-restricted Indian video streaming platforms like Hotstar or India TV, or services such as the Bank of India’s online banking from abroad. Also, accessing certain websites with an Indian IP address will mean that they default to your native language. In this post, we’ll explain how you can obtain an Indian IP address from the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, or anywhere else in the world using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Don’t have time to read the whole article, here is our list of the best VPNs for getting an Indian IP address:

1. ExpressVPN Our top choice. Fast servers with top security. Unblocks Netflix US and similar services. Great customer support. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN Best budget option with good speeds and security. Streams well. Easy to use and a huge server network.
3. Surfshark Unlimited simultaneous connections, 24/7 live chat support, unblocks Hotstar, Netflix, and more.
4. CyberGhost Speed and reliability at a low cost. Great for unblocking geo-restricted video streaming sites.
5. IPVanish Fast speeds and good user privacy. No logs and strong encryption. Not so good with Netflix.
6. PrivateVPN Newest entrant to the scene with good speeds and security. Small network of servers but able to unblock Netflix.

VPNs come with several other benefits. First, they encrypt your traffic, making it unreadable by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), network administrators, or hackers. This reduces the likelihood of ISP throttling and prevents companies from tracking your online activities from one website to another. Finally, VPNs enable you to connect to servers worldwide and obtain a real IP address from the region of your choice. This bypasses regional blocking and allows you to use your regular services, even if you’re outside of their designated area.

See also: Best VPN service in India

How to get an Indian IP address

VPNs make it easy to stay safe online. Just follow the steps below to obtain an Indian IP address and encrypt your internet traffic.

Here’s how to get an Indian IP address from anywhere:

1. Register for one of the VPN services below (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download the software, taking care to choose the right version for your device’s operating system.
3. Connect to one of the VPN’s Indian server locations.
4. Try visiting a geo-locked Indian site, such as India TV. You should find that any errors vanish and you’re able to access the content as though you were in India.

TIP: HOW TO GET A PAID VPN FOR FREE: To get the lowest price for a premium VPN service, you’re often asked to subscribe to it for several years. However, if you’re on vacation, or just need a VPN to watch one specific event from abroad, we recommend taking advantage of ExpressVPN’s 30-day trial. This requires an up-front payment, but you can cancel at any point within 30 days and receive a full refund. Essentially, you’ll have full access to the service for almost a month, with no risk.

What’s the best way to get an Indian IP address?

To find the best VPNs for getting an Indian IP address, we looked for services with the characteristics below:

1. Numerous VPN servers in India
2. Stable, high-speed connections
3. Exemplary security and encryption features
4. Strong multi-platform support
5. Logging policies designed to protect the user’s privacy above all else

5 Best VPNs for India and Indian IP addresses

Here is our list of the best VPNs for obtaining an Indian IP address:

1. ExpressVPN

Nov 2020

ExpressVPN only has three Indian servers to choose from, however, it’s an excellent choice for people looking to stream safely. It provides fast speeds for downloading, consistent connections, and best of all, it’s capable of unblocking a variety of content including Netflix US and BBC iPlayer.

This service comes with 256-bit AES encryption enabled by default. It also offers perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch that stops data transferral if you lose your connection to the VPN. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any activity or session data, meaning your activities will stay private at all times. With live chat available 24/7, customer support staff can help resolve any issues whenever they occur.

This VPN has excellent multi-platform support, with apps for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. It can even be manually installed on some wireless routers.

BEST VPN FOR INDIAN IP ADDRESS:ExpressVPN is our #1 Choice. It has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. User-friendly apps for all operating systems. Hard to beat on privacy protections and security. There is a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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2. NordVPN

NordVPN has 13 servers in India, including some of which are optimized for HD streaming and P2P traffic. This VPN is one of the best for unblocking streaming sites and is capable of bypassing geo-locking on platforms including Hotstar and Star Sports. Up to six simultaneous connections are permitted, meaning you can protect all of your most commonly-used devices with one account.

This VPN puts a major emphasis on security: it enables 256-bit AES encryption, a program-specific kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection by default, but includes several features for more advanced internet users. These include the ability to use dual VPNs, connect to Tor over VPN, or ad-blocking and automatic malware checking. With no personally identifiable information collected, and the ability to pay with bitcoin, NordVPN allows you to stay as anonymous as possible.

This provider offers dedicated apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS. It can be manually configured on Linux-based platforms and supported internet routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN :NordVPN is a good value choice. With 13 servers to choose from in India, this is a good all-rounder option that unblocks most geo-blocked regions well. Great privacy protections and security credentials. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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3. Surfshark

Surfshark operates a server cluster in Indore, India, where you can connect to get an Indian IP address. Surfshark is the only VPN on this list to allow an unlimited number of connected devices per account, making it a great option for a family or group of housemates. Surfshark unblocks local content including Hotstar, India TV, and Spool, as well as western streaming sites like US Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video US, and BBC iPlayer.

On top of being a great service for cord cutters worldwide, Surfshark is also very secure. You get unbreakable encryption, kill switches on mobile phones and desktop devices to prevent data leaks, and a no-logs privacy policy. Surfshark allows torrenting. Live chat support is available 24/7.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Surfshark lets you unblock region-locked content on as many devices as you want for a low price, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers more choice than many of its rivals, with 21 Indian servers. It’s also easier to use than many other VPNs if you aren’t particularly tech-savvy. The desktop client enables you to choose a specific server or have one assigned based on its suitability for a particular activity (such as torrenting safely or unblocking streaming sites).

CyberGhost aims to offer apps that are as user-friendly as possible, while maintaining your privacy. It includes a kill switch, forced HTTPS, ad-blocking and anti-malware features, and uses 256-bit encryption. Internet users are protected from DNS, IPv6, and port forwarding leaks. This VPN does not log any personally identifiable information.

CyberGhost has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. Manual configuration is required for supported network routers.

Easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost is simple to set up. Great privacy and security. Reliable in India and works well with popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish may only offer two Indian servers (both in New Delhi), but it’s ideal for comprehensive protection with as little configuration required as possible. It has almost no impact on your connection speed, exceptional multi-platform support, and allows an almost unheard of ten connections at once. As such, you can protect all of your devices with just one account.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to keep your personal information safe. Users can create a more advanced security setup by enabling the features which block LAN traffic, obfuscate OpenVPN traffic, and regularly change your IP address. Best of all, this service doesn’t log any data that could be used to identify you.

IPVanish is one of the only major VPNs to be featured in the Amazon Fire TV app store, but it also has apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. It can be installed manually on Linux devices and some routers.

LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish can connect up to 10 devices. Great for families and multiple connections. A favourite for Kodi users but look elsewhere if you want to unblock other popular streaming services. 7-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN only has two Indian servers but is capable of streaming live, HD video with no noticeable buffering. It’s no slouch when it comes to bypassing regional restrictions either, and can unblock popular services including Netflix US, Hotstar, The Times of India, and India TV. As such, it’s an excellent choice for Indian users who are currently abroad, but who want to keep up-to-date with TV from back home.

PrivateVPN hides your internet traffic with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. Further, with a strict no-logs privacy policy, you can rest assured that PrivateVPN can’t share details of your online activities, even if asked to. Customer support can be reached 24/7 via live chat, and can even remotely connect to your computer and configure the software for you if you allow them to.

This service offers Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS apps. It can be manually configured to work on Linux-based systems and selected routers in a matter of minutes.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works well in India and allows up to 6 devices on the same account. Fast connections but could do with having more servers to choose from. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Can I get an Indian IP with a free VPN?

Free VPNs can seem attractive, but there are numerous reasons to avoid them entirely. First of all, free VPNs almost always have more users than their paid-for counterparts but lack the network size or infrastructure to support this level of demand. As a result, you can expect laggy streaming video, intermittent connections, and possibly even a queuing system or monthly data limit — hardly ideal for people who use the internet every day.

There’s a saying that’s relevant here: “If you aren’t paying for a service, you are the product.” As free VPNs don’t charge the user directly, they’re reliant on making money in other ways. Methods include injecting ads into the sites you visit, using tracking cookies to follow your activities after you disconnect, and even selling your browsing history to third parties without your knowledge.

The truth is that free VPNs often introduce more security risks than they prevent. A recent study showed that many free Android “VPNs” contain malware, and many don’t actually encrypt your traffic at all. It’s not just mobile devices at risk, either: these shady services are incredibly prevalent, and we’ve even seen cases where a widely used free VPN sold its users’ bandwidth to be used in a botnet. Don’t put your trust in a service that doesn’t care about your security; choose a reputable VPN provider with a proven history of protecting its users’ privacy.

What Indian TV can I watch with a VPN?

Once you’ve connected to one of your VPN’s Indian servers, you should be able to start watching Indian TV and video streaming services abroad. We’ve listed some of the platforms you’ll be able to stream below:

1. Hotstar
2. India TV
3. Jiocinema
4. YuppTV
5. Spuul
6. Voot

Are there ways to get an Indian IP address without a VPN?

VPNs aren’t the only way to spoof your location, but they are the easiest. If you’d rather not use a VPN, though, there are a few other ways to obtain an Indian IP address.

Use Tor to get an Indian IP address

The first is to use Tor (The Onion Router) Browser. This is a heavily encrypted (and very slow) browser focusing on providing anonymity to its users. As such, it’s often used by journalists, whistleblowers, or simply people looking to browse the Dark Web. However, despite its reputation, the Tor Browser isn’t as secure as many people think, and your online activities can absolutely be traced back to you by certain government organizations.

Then there’s the complexity: changing your location requires several steps and manual editing of settings. If you’re determined to change these settings yourself, you can, but there are far easier ways to get an Indian IP address.

Use a proxy to get an Indian IP address

In essence, a proxy server works similarly to a VPN, but there are several differences between the two. First, proxies rarely put as much emphasis on privacy, instead mostly being used to bypass college or workplace firewalls.

Secondly, assuming they encrypt your data at all, this encryption only applies to web browser traffic, whereas a VPN encrypts all traffic from your device. This includes data from P2P programs, gaming clients, and VoIP services like Skype.

Finally, proxy services are far less likely to be able to bypass geo-restrictions on popular video streaming platforms like Netflix. As such, a VPN is the clear winner in terms of versatility and security.

See also: How to get a US IP address

Indian IP address FAQ