How to Change Location on Mac Devices 

Whether you're switching between home and work networks, accessing content that’s only available in certain countries, or improving your privacy, adjusting your location can be useful. You can either modify your Mac’s network settings or use a VPN to change your virtual location online.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily change your location on a Mac, whether you’re looking to adjust network settings or mask your real location for privacy or content access.

What is a Network Location?

A network location is a collection of settings that determines how your Mac connects to the internet. These settings include preferences for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other network types. Apple allows users to create and manage multiple network locations to suit various needs, such as work, home, or travel.

Steps to Change Network Location on Mac

Changing your network location is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to the Network tab.
4. Next to Location, click the dropdown menu and select Edit Locations.
5. Click the Add (+) button to create a new location.
6. Enter a name for your new network location.
7. Click Done and then Apply to activate the new settings.

With these steps, you can switch between custom network configurations effortlessly, making it ideal for multitasking or frequent travel.

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address acts as your Mac’s digital address, identifying its location online. It’s important for communication between devices and often determines the content you can access. Streaming platforms, for example, use IP addresses to restrict content based on geographic regions.

Steps to Change Your IP Address on Mac

One of the easiest and safest ways to change your IP address is by using a VPN. Here’s how:

1. Select a reliable VPN service like PureVpn.
2. Download and install the app from your chosen provider.
3. Sign in to your VPN account.
4. Choose a country or region where you want your IP to appear.
5. Establish a connection to the server.
6. Visit an IP-checking website to ensure your IP address has changed.

Using a VPN not only changes your IP address but also encrypts your data, providing added security and privacy.

When Should You Change Your Location or IP Address?

Here’s when you should change your location or IP address:

1. When Using Public WiFi

Public WiFi networks are not secure, so changing your IP address using a VPN can protect your information from hackers.

2. Keep Your Browsing Private

Websites track you using your IP address. Changing it helps keep your online activity private.

3. Access Blocked Content

Some websites block content based on where you are. Changing your location with a VPN can help you access content that's not available in your country.

4. More Online Safety

If you're doing something sensitive online, like banking, changing your IP address to a trusted location can make you less likely to be targeted by hackers.

5. Avoid Annoying Ads

Many ads are shown based on your location. Changing your IP address can stop websites from showing you location-based ads. Changing your IP address can keep you safe, help you access more content, and protect your personal information.

How Do Websites Track Your Location?

Websites can track your location in these ways:

1. IP Address

Your internet connection has a unique number called an IP address. Websites can guess your location based on this number.

2. GPS (For Phones)

If you're using a phone, websites can use your GPS to find your exact location, like your street or neighborhood.

3. WiFi Networks

Websites can also figure out your location by looking at the Wi-Fi networks around you, even if you aren't using GPS.

4. Browser Location

When you visit a website, your browser can ask for your location. If you allow it, the website can track where you are based on Wi-Fi or GPS.

5. Cookies and Tracking

Some websites save small files called cookies on your device. These can help them track your location over time.

6. Sensors on Phones

Phones have special sensors that can help track where you are, like when you move around or change direction.

If you don't want websites to track you, you can turn off location services, use a VPN, or clear your browser history and cookies.

6 Ways to Manage Network Locations on Mac

On your Mac, network locations are like different profiles that define your connection settings. You can make various adjustments to these locations, such as modifying their order, disabling them, removing them, renaming them, or duplicating them. Here’s how you can work with them:

1. Adjusting the Network Service Order

To change the priority of network services on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Select System Settings. Go to the Network.
3. Under the Location dropdown, select the location you wish to modify.
4. Click on the three dots for More Options.
5. Choose Set Service Order.
6. Rearrange the services as needed by dragging them.
7. Tap OK and then Apply to save the changes.

2. Disabling a Network Service

If you want to temporarily prevent a network service from being used:

1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings. Select Network.
2. In the Location dropdown, pick the location you want to modify.
3. Click More Options. Choose Make Service Inactive.
4. Click Apply to confirm your changes.

3. Deleting a Network Location

To remove a network location from your Mac and keep your connections private:

1. Access the Apple menu and open System Settings. Go to the Network.
2. Click on the Location dropdown and select Edit Locations.
3. Pick the location you want to delete. Click Remove, then Done.
4. Finally, click Apply to finalize the changes.

4. Renaming a Network Location

Renaming network locations can help keep things organized. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Click the Apple menu and open System Settings. 
2. Select Network.
3. In the Location dropdown, click Edit Locations.
4. Choose the location you want to rename. 
5. Enter a new name for the location.
6. Click Done, then Apply.
7. Duplicating a Network Location

If you need to create a copy of an existing network location for testing or editing:

1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings. 
2. Select the Network option.
3. In the Location dropdown, click Edit Locations.
4. Select the location you want to copy. 
5. From the action menu, choose Duplicate Location.
6. Assign a new name to the copy. 
7. Click Done and then Apply.

6. Activating Location Services

To enable location services on your Mac, which is required by certain apps:

1. Go to System Settings. 
2. Click on Security & Privacy. 
3. Navigate to the Privacy section.
4. Unlock the settings by clicking the lock icon. 
5. Select Location Services. Turn on Enable Location Services.

Can You Change Your Location Without a VPN?

Yes, you can change your location without a VPN by using methods like proxies or resetting your router, but these options have limitations. 

Proxies can hide your IP address but don’t encrypt your data, leaving your online activity vulnerable, while restarting your router might give you a new IP address but isn’t reliable for selecting a specific location. A VPN remains the best choice for securely changing your location and protecting your privacy.

In Summary 

Take control of your Mac’s location settings to boost both connectivity and privacy! Whether you’re switching network locations, changing your IP address, or enabling location services, customizing these features will make your Mac more secure and tailored to your needs.