This minHour teaches you how to use the free Hotspot Shield VPN app on a Windows or Mac computer. A VPN hides your computer's or phone's IP address from your Internet service provider (ISP) and potential attackers.
On Windows
Download Hotspot Shield.
Go to https://www.hotspotshield.com/ in your browser, then click in the top-right side of the page. The setup file will automatically download onto your computer.
- Some browsers may prompt you to select a save location before proceeding.
Install Hotspot Shield.
To do so:
- Double-click the Hotspot Shield setup file.
- Click Install
- Click Yes when prompted.
- Wait for Hotspot Shield to install.
- Click Finish
Close the ad.
If you see an ad urging you to upgrade to a free 7-day trial of something, click the “Back” button in the top-left corner of the window. This will exit the ad and take you to the Hotspot Shield main page.
Close your browser.
In order for Hotspot Shield to work the first time that you turn it on, you should close your browser before using Hotspot Shield.
Click Start.
It’s the light-blue power icon in the middle of the window. This turns on Hotspot Shield for your current wireless connection; if your ISP tries to see your IP address, they will only be able to see the fake IP address that Hotspot Shield provides.
- You can turn off Hotspot Shield by clicking the Start button again.
Upgrade your account.
If you want to use premium features like being able to choose a country for your IP address’ location, you’ll need to click at the bottom of the Hotspot Shield window, select a payment plan, enter your payment information, and click . This is completely optional, but recommended if you want an extra layer of security.
Change your IP address’ country.
Click the “Browsing from” drop-down box, then click a new country in the drop-down menu. This will shift your IP address’ location to redirect to a different country.
- Keep in mind that this may slow down your browsing, and it may also limit the content that you can see based on the selected country’s laws.
On Mac
Download Hotspot Shield.
To do so:
- Open your Mac’s App Store
- Click the search bar in the top-right corner of the window.
- Type hotspot shield into the search bar and press .
- Click INSTALL under the “Hotspot Shield” app.
Look for the Hotspot Shield icon.
You should see the Hotspot Shield shield-shaped icon appear in the top-right corner of your Mac’s screen.
Click the Hotspot Shield icon.
A drop-down menu will appear.
Click Start.
It’s the light-blue power icon in the middle of the drop-down menu. Doing so will enable the Hotspot Shield, thereby preventing your ISP from seeing your real IP address.
- You can turn off Hotspot Shield by clicking the Start button again.
Change your IP address’ country.
Click the “Browsing from” drop-down box, then click a new country in the drop-down menu. This will shift your IP address’ location to redirect to a different country.
- If you’re prompted to upgrade when selecting this feature, you’ll need to select a paid plan and enter your payment information since changing the IP address’ country is typically a premium feature.
- Keep in mind that this may slow down your browsing, and it may also limit the content that you can see based on the selected country’s laws.
Tips
- In addition to masking your IP address from your ISP, Hotspot Shield will also prevent websites from blocking region-locked content.
- While Hotspot Shield is available for iPhones and Androids, it isn’t free after 7 days.
Warnings
- While Hotspot Shield’s free version is enough to hide your IP address, it won’t hide your current country.