Swedish IP address abroad – what it is and how to get one
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Sooner or later, many Swedes abroad notice that the web behaves differently. Swedish sites show different things, streaming services say no and search results are suddenly in Spanish. That is almost always down to your IP address. Here we explain, in plain terms, what an IP address is, what a Swedish IP address affects and how to get one.
What is an IP address?
An IP address is the internet's equivalent of a street address. Every connection has one, and it is where websites send their reply when you click on something. IP addresses are handed out to internet providers in different countries. That is why a website can often see roughly which country, and sometimes which city, you are connecting from.
When you are in Sweden you have a Swedish IP address from your operator. When you connect to Wi-Fi in Portugal you get a Portuguese address, and websites treat you as a visitor in Portugal.
What does a Swedish IP address affect?
- Content that is adapted by country, for example which programmes a streaming service shows.
- Swedish websites and e-services that are built for visitors in Sweden and sometimes restrict or add extra checks for traffic from other countries.
- Language, search results and ads, which often follow the country you appear to be in.
A Swedish IP address does not, however, change the terms or rights that apply to a service. Some services, such as TV4 Play, do not allow VPNs in their terms. Read more in TV4 Play abroad.
How to check your IP address
Search for "what is my ip" in a search engine, or use one of the many free sites that show your IP address and the country it belongs to. Run the test once without a VPN and once with a VPN, and you will see the difference.
How to get a Swedish IP address abroad
The most common and simplest way is a VPN with a server in Sweden.
- Choose a VPN service with Swedish servers. Grip VPN is built for exactly that: all traffic goes through Sweden.
- Install the app. Grip VPN is available for iPhone, Android and Apple TV. For computers and routers you can create a WireGuard configuration under My account.
- Sign in and tap Connect. Your traffic is encrypted and sent through Sweden.
- Check your IP again. It should now show Sweden.
- For the whole home: Use a VPN router so your smart TV, IPTV box and console get the same Swedish IP address without installing anything on them.
What does a VPN do besides giving you a Swedish IP?
A VPN encrypts the traffic between your device and the VPN server. On open Wi-Fi in hotels, airports and cafés, that makes it much harder for others on the network to see what you are doing. Grip VPN uses WireGuard, a modern and fast VPN protocol, and we do not store which sites you visit or when you connect. Read more in our privacy policy.
Things to keep in mind
- Speed depends mainly on the connection where you are. The further you are from Sweden, the longer each packet takes, but for normal streaming it is rarely noticeable.
- Some services do not support VPNs and may block playback. That is the service's decision and not something a VPN provider can promise away.
- Laws on VPNs differ between countries. In most countries VPNs are allowed, but check what applies where you are.
If you want to try it, there are periods from one month on the pricing page, with no automatic renewal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Swedish IP and a Swedish VPN?
A Swedish VPN is the service, and the Swedish IP address is the result. When you connect to a VPN server in Sweden, you get a Swedish IP address towards the internet.
Can I get a Swedish IP address for free?
There are free VPN services, but they often limit speed or data, or make money from ads and user data. Always read the privacy policy before you choose.
Does a Swedish IP address work on all my devices?
With Grip VPN you can connect up to five devices, for example a phone, a tablet and an Apple TV. Devices that cannot run a VPN app, like many smart TVs, get a Swedish IP through a VPN router.
Does a Swedish IP address affect BankID?
BankID works worldwide as long as you have internet, even without a VPN. Read more in BankID and Swedish e-services abroad.
Can I watch Swedish TV with a Swedish IP address?
Many Swedes use a Swedish IP address for Swedish services, but it depends on each service's rights and terms. Read Watching Swedish TV abroad – an overview.