A German IP address is useful if you want to watch German content from streaming providers exclusive to Germany or unblock geo-restricted content libraries. Since Netflix and other streaming services geo-block content, you’ll need to change your IP address to reflect the region where you want to watch. 

Using a VPN service is the easiest way to change your IP address. The best VPN apps give you access to German TV and German websites without buffering or noticeable lag time. They also work on a variety of devices and platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as routers and gaming systems.

Let's dig into how to use a VPN to get a German IP address, plus a few other tricks you can use.

How to use a VPN to get a German IP address

The easiest way to get a German IP address is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A good VPN can be set up with little or no experience and used quickly and efficiently. A VPN also encrypts your online activities, keeping you safer. It can even speed up your connection on your home Wi-Fi by hiding your activity from your internet service provider (ISP) and reducing the likelihood that your connection will be throttled.

Almost all reputable VPN providers offer multiple servers in multiple countries. You can look up a VPN’s server locations on its website before you buy. You’ll want to know your VPN has at least one server in Germany before you get started.

How to connect to a German VPN server

1. Download and open your VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN as the most reliable VPN service that easily unblocks multiple streaming sites.
2. Next, open up the list of server locations your VPN app offers.
3. Find a German server.
4. Wait until the server connects.
5. Open your browser or app.
6. If you’re using a browser, clear the history/cache to avoid any residual cookies that might give away your actual location.
7. Log onto the site or streaming service and enjoy!

If your VPN offers lots of servers, you can choose a specific city, like Berlin or Frankfurt, if you want. Click the expand option next to Germany and choose the city. If you only have Germany as an option and no specific region or city, choose Germany.

You can check your VPN to see if there are any streaming-optimized servers in Germany; if not, the best choice is to go with the fastest server offered. For anyone using a mobile device, you should be good once you’ve enabled your VPN server. All your apps and internet connections should register you as having a German IP address.

Best VPNs for German IP addresses

The best VPNs offer a variety of locations and fast speeds. Free VPNs may provide some protection, but the quality and availability may be lacking. Free VPNs are also unlikely to unblock streaming services. Your best bet is definitely a paid VPN service. The ones we’ve listed below are some of our favorites.

ExpressVPN

4.6

Save 49% on 12 months + 3 months free

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On ExpressVPN's website

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ExpressVPN

• Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN has many extra features and bonuses that provide a comprehensive VPN experience. You can purchase it on its own or with its proprietary Aircove router to cover every device in your home. Some key highlights include:

• Begins at $6.67 a month for a 12-month plan
• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Sells a proprietary router preinstalled with ExpressVPN capabilities
• Has servers in 94 countries
• Accepts multiple forms of payment, including Bitcoin

Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

NordVPN

4.9

Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months

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On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

We’d bet a paycheck you’ve heard of NordVPN. That’s for good reason. Even with all the great options on the market, NordVPN is still leading the way as one of the best VPN options available. Nord offers more than VPN services; you can bundle your password manager and cloud storage into one Nord subscription. Some features you may find useful:

• Starts at $3.79 per month for the first 2 years
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Meshnet for linking all devices (and bypassing the Netflix password ban)
• Threat protection that stops trackers, ads, and malware
• Over 5,000 servers in 60 countries

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CyberGhost

4.6

Save 84% on 2 years + 4 months free

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On CyberGhost's website

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CyberGhost

• Cheaper than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark
• Optimized servers for regional streaming
• No split tunneling feature

CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for streamers. There are many optimized servers for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video and non-American services like BBC iPlayer, Eurosport Player, and SkyGo. It offers servers for torrenting and gaming too. CyberGhost can protect you even if you aren’t transferring media-based data. Some of the key features include:

• Begins at $2.19 a month for the first 2 years
• Offers 45-day money-back guarantee
• Keeps no logs
• Has RAM-only servers
• Offers over 1,500 German servers

Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

Alternative methods

Use Tor Browser

If you can’t use a VPN, which is the best option, you can still change your IP address with the Tor Browser. Your speed will be significantly slower than if you were to use a VPN, but it’s still doable. To change your IP address with a Tor browser, take the following steps:

1. Connect to your Tor Browser and click the Menu indicated by three lines in the upper right corner.
2. Choose the New Identity option from the menu if you want the IP address to apply everywhere in your Tor Browser or New Tor Circuit For This Site if you want it to apply to only that site.
3. Continue the second step until the Tor Browser chooses a German IP address for you. If it feels repetitive, that’s because it is. That’s why a VPN is better.

Use a proxy server

There are free ways to use a proxy server to change your IP address. Just remember these aren’t as user-friendly or secure as a VPN. Make sure to use an anonymous proxy, as it won’t leak your real IP address.

There are various instructions for using a proxy server, depending on the device or browser you’re using. You can usually find device-specific instructions with a quick internet search. You can change the proxy server for any device connected to the internet.

Why should you use a German IP address?

The most obvious reason to use a German IP address is to unblock German streaming services. It’s not the only reason, though. Germany is a supporter of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), but it’s also part of the 14 Eyes Alliance and therefore shares its citizens’ data with other countries in the alliance. Using a VPN to access German content or when you’re in Germany guarantees an extra layer of protection against prying eyes.

Cybercrime has cost Germany billions of euros just in 2023 alone. Protecting yourself with a VPN is one way to reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim. Online privacy is a must in Germany. This means you’ll likely use a VPN, as the good ones offer security features, AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and accessible customer support.

Germany IP address FAQ

Bottom line

It’s pretty easy to get a German IP address, no matter if you use a VPN, Tor Browser, or proxy server. A VPN is definitely your most secure option, but the others are available, too, if you aren’t keen on purchasing a VPN at the moment. If your goal is to unblock streaming, however, you’ll likely have to go the paid VPN route.

We love ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost, as they're great at unblocking streaming. We also love them because they’re secure and trusted. Since Germany is a hotbed of cybercrime, it’s always a good idea to increase your security. Grab one of these or another of our recommended best VPNs for streaming now and be ready in less than 10 minutes to start enjoying your new German IP address.

4.9

Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Mary James

About the Author

Mary lives in Los Angeles and has been a cybersecurity writer for over five years. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, her career in online security began in sales and content creation for a private cybersecurity firm.