NordVPN is one of the most reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers available today. A standout feature offered by NordVPN is its dedicated IP address service, which gives users a unique IP address not shared with anyone else. This can be useful for business purposes, secure access needs, and avoiding constant verification checks on platforms that monitor IP changes. However, many users who subscribe to this service may ask: Can you change your dedicated IP location with NordVPN?
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
No, you cannot change the location of a NordVPN dedicated IP address after it has been assigned. When you purchase a dedicated IP from NordVPN, you have to select the region in advance. To change your dedicated IP location later, you would have to cancel the existing one and purchase a new dedicated IP in your preferred region. It’s a fixed location once allocated, and switching it isn’t part of the standard service terms.
Understanding NordVPN’s Dedicated IP Service
A regular VPN assigns you a shared IP address from a pool of available options each time you connect. This is good for anonymity but can lead to issues with captchas, flags from websites, or blocked access due to IP behavior from other users.
NordVPN’s dedicated IP service addresses this by assigning you a static, unique IP address that only you use. Here are a few advantages:
- Fewer verification challenges: Sites like Gmail and online banks are less likely to flag logins.
- Access to IP-restricted networks: You can reliably access secure systems that recognize a specific IP address.
- Consistent identity: Online services treat you consistently, reducing login disruptions.
Can You Change the Location of a Dedicated IP?
The process of obtaining a dedicated IP from NordVPN involves choosing a specific country and sometimes a city or data center within that country. This choice is locked in when you make the purchase.
The current limitation: Once assigned, your dedicated IP is tied to one location and cannot be changed dynamically through your app settings or account dashboard.
If a change of location is necessary, for example, if you’ve relocated to another country or need access to new geo-restricted content, NordVPN does not provide an option to remotely switch the location of an existing dedicated IP. Instead:
- You would need to purchase a new dedicated IP in your desired location.
- The previous IP would either expire at the end of its billing cycle or need to be manually canceled via customer support.
This policy ensures that dedicated IPs remain secure and reliable. If you were allowed to change locations freely, it could introduce instability and potential for misuse, defeating the purpose of a static IP.
How to Choose a Location Wisely
When deciding to purchase a NordVPN dedicated IP address, it’s critically important to select the right location up-front. Here are a few considerations to help guide your decision:
- Proximity: Choose a server location close to your physical location to reduce latency and maintain fast speeds.
- Content Access: Consider what websites or digital services you want to access. For example, a U.S.-based IP might be necessary for U.S-only streaming options or banking systems.
- Work Requirements: If your organization restricts access to certain IP addresses or countries, be sure to match the dedicated IP accordingly.
- Legal and Compliance Factors: Ensure local laws or data protection policies in the country you choose don’t interfere with your work or privacy expectations.
What Happens If You Want to Switch?
If you realize after the purchase that your chosen location no longer serves your needs, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Contact NordVPN support through the live chat or email system.
- Ask for the cancellation of your current dedicated IP service.
- Purchase a new dedicated IP for your preferred location through their user account panel or with help from support staff.
Note: As of the latest updates, NordVPN does not offer a refund or location-switch option for dedicated IPs once they are assigned, unless it falls within the refund window set during the initial purchase (typically 30 days).
Countries Currently Supported for Dedicated IPs
NordVPN’s dedicated IP service supports several countries. Depending on your needs, as of 2024, you can choose among the following countries for dedicated IP:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Netherlands
- Canada
- Japan
It’s good practice to double-check the most current list of available locations during the purchase process, as NordVPN may expand or revise its offerings over time.
Is It Worth Using a Dedicated IP?
Whether or not to use a dedicated IP largely depends on your specific needs. Here are a few common scenarios where it proves highly beneficial:
- Remote work access: Logging into secured corporate systems that require a fixed IP whitelist.
- Online banking and services: Avoiding suspicious login attempts flagged due to changing IP addresses.
- Hosting or managing content: Running a web server or hosting content from behind a fixed location.
However, if anonymity or frequent location changes are more important to you, sticking with dynamic, shared IP addresses is probably the better route.
Dedicated IP Limitations to Keep in Mind
While offering distinct advantages, it’s worth considering the inherent limits of a dedicated IP. These include:
- Cost: Dedicated IPs come at an additional yearly charge beyond the regular VPN subscription.
- Fixed location: As covered, you’re locked to one location unless you buy a new IP.
- Less anonymity: The unique IP tied exclusively to you may, hypothetically, lead to reduced anonymity compared to shared IP use.
Conclusion
Having a dedicated IP through NordVPN can significantly improve the reliability and functionality of your online experience, especially when dealing with services that require consistent identity or access from a specific region. However, users should be aware that the location of a dedicated IP—once selected—is not changeable without purchasing a completely new one. This policy is part of maintaining network stability, privacy, and security.
Plan wisely, choose the right location from the beginning, and coordinate with NordVPN support when any changes are absolutely necessary.