How to Use Hotspot Shield

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: June 19, 2020

This wikiHow 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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

On Windows

1
Download Hotspot Shield. Go to https://www.hotspotshield.com/ in your browser, then click Get Hotspot Shield 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.
2
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
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3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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 Upgrade to Hotspot Shield Elite at the bottom of the Hotspot Shield window, select a payment plan, enter your payment information, and click Upgrade my plan. This is completely optional, but recommended if you want an extra layer of security.
7
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

On Mac

1
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 ⏎ Return.
- Click INSTALL under the "Hotspot Shield" app.
2
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.
3
Click the Hotspot Shield icon. A drop-down menu will appear.
4
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.
5
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.