Everyone has encountered the dreaded error message “This content is not available in your region” when browsing the web. While the World Wide Web is actually worldwide, not every user from every country can necessarily access all the same content. While in some cases you can’t access a specific website at all, in other cases the content changes depending on where you are. For instance, one of the most popular streaming services, Netflix, offers a different library of shows and movies depending on your location, while in some regions the streaming service is not available at all. The same applies to lots of other services online, such as gaming sites or social media platforms. However, if you encounter the dreaded message, there is no need to despair, because using a VPN can help circumvent many types of geo-specific restrictions. Here’s how.
Spoofing Your Location: How It Works
A VPN is the ultimate tool to use when you’re browsing the web to keep your connection and data safe from prying eyes. But a VPN is not just a cybersecurity tool, because it can also help you access your favorite websites from around the world, no matter where you are. VPN is short for virtual private network and works as a private tunnel to the WWW. When you connect to a VPN, your traffic gets routed through a remote server in another country instead of directly connecting you to the website host. By connecting you through that private tunnel, the VPN changes your real IP address and picks one from a different location. Your IP address works similarly to your home address and is used to determine a user’s location. However, with a VPN you’ll get a new country-specific IP address to hide your actual location. Because of this, most services won’t be able to tell where you are actually located, allowing you to get around any location-based restrictions.
Streaming your favorite content wherever you are
One of the most common reasons to use a VPN during a trip is to stream all your favorite shows on streaming services regardless of your location. While Netflix, for instance, is available in 190 countries, the content libraries are not all the same. And if you are abroad and looking for a certain TV show or movie that’s not shown, connecting to a VPN might do the trick. If, for instance, you live in the US and are traveling to Asia, you can pick a US-based server to spoof your location and act as if you were still at home. That way, you can access all the content on Netflix you love. The same goes for country-specific services such as BBC iPlayer or ESPN and similar.
Accessing geo-blocked websites
If you are traveling abroad, it can be a real disappointment if your favorite entertainment services cannot be accessed anymore. For instance, if you like to play games during your travels and your preferred platform is not supported at your destination, you can spoof your location with the help of a VPN and enjoy the entertainment options freely. One example is Microsoft’s subscription service Xbox Game Pass. If you are abroad and want to access your games, but the service is not supported in that country, a VPN can help you jump into the games on the go easily. Another situation in which you might be faced with geo-blocked content is when trying to play casino games or place bets on sports events online. Online casinos are not available in every country, and they usually offer specific content for their audiences that can’t be accessed from everywhere. For instance, if you’re looking for the best online casinos for Arabic players, which have been reviewed by experts, no matter where you are, a VPN will help spoof your location and keep your data safe and anonymous at the same time. That way, you can access your favorite games and play for real money safely and freely. With the right VPN, you can be sure to enjoy your favorite content online, no matter your actual location.
A VPN can be a real lifesaver when you’re trying to access your favorite websites from any country. Now you can simply spoof your location and circumvent geo-blocking to surf the WWW in its entirety freely and safely. There are a variety of VPN services available online, each with its own advantages and subscription prices. Make sure to pick a high-quality one that suits your needs the best.
