How to Pin IP Address in TorGuard Client
IP pinning allows you to connect to the same server IP address every time you select a location in TorGuard. This feature provides consistency for activities requiring stable connections, like gaming, streaming, or remote work.
What is IP Pinning?
IP pinning is a feature that:
- Locks your connection to a specific server IP within a location
- Ensures you connect to the same server every time
- Provides consistency without purchasing a dedicated IP
- Can be enabled/disabled for each location independently
Benefits of IP Pinning
Gaming
Consistent latency and server routing for online gaming
Streaming
Avoid IP changes that might trigger verification
Remote Work
Maintain stable connections to work resources
Banking
Reduce security alerts from IP changes
Pinned IP vs Other Options
| Feature | Dynamic IP | Pinned IP | Dedicated IP |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP Changes | Every connection | Never (same location) | Never |
| Cost | Included | Included | Additional fee |
| Exclusivity | Shared | Shared | Only you |
| Availability | All servers | Subject to server uptime | Always available |
| Best For | Privacy/Anonymity | Consistency | Business/Special needs |
Step-by-Step Guide to Pin an IP
Step 1: Connect to Your Preferred Location
Launch TorGuard and connect to your desired server location by clicking the connect button:
Step 2: Access Connection Details
Once connected, click on "Connection Details" in the top-left corner to expand the connection information:
Step 3: Pin the Current IP
Locate the "Remote IP" field and click the pin icon next to the IP address:
The interface will update to show "Pinned IP" and the pin icon will change appearance:
Managing Pinned IPs
Viewing Pinned IPs
After disconnecting, pinned locations show a pin indicator in the server list:
Removing a Pinned IP
To unpin an IP and return to dynamic allocation:
- Click the hamburger menu (☰) in the top-left corner
- Find the pinned IP entry
- Click the X icon next to the pinned IP
Best Use Cases for IP Pinning
🎮 Online Gaming
Why Pin: Maintain consistent latency and routing to game servers
Tip: Test multiple IPs and pin the one with lowest ping
📺 Streaming Services
Why Pin: Avoid triggering location verification on streaming platforms
Tip: Pin an IP that works well with your preferred services
💼 Remote Work
Why Pin: Maintain access to IP-restricted work resources
Tip: Coordinate with IT to whitelist your pinned IP
🏦 Financial Services
Why Pin: Reduce security alerts from changing IPs
Tip: Use for banking and cryptocurrency exchanges
Best Practices
Limitations to Consider
- Server Availability: If your pinned server goes offline, connection will fail
- No Fallback: TorGuard won't automatically select another IP
- Shared Resource: Other users may also be using the same IP
- Not a Dedicated IP: You don't have exclusive use of the IP
Troubleshooting Common Issues
🔧 "Cannot connect to pinned IP"
Causes:
- Server is temporarily offline for maintenance
- Server is at capacity
- Network routing issues
Solution: Unpin the IP and select a different server, then pin the new one if desired
🔧 "Pinned IP is slow"
Causes:
- Server overload
- Network congestion
- ISP throttling
Solution: Try unpinning and testing other IPs in the same location
🔧 "Pin button not visible"
Causes:
- Using an older client version
- Not connected to VPN
- Connection details not expanded
Solution: Update TorGuard client to latest version and ensure you're connected
Advanced Tips
🚀 Speed Optimization
- Connect to 5-10 different IPs in your target location
- Run speed tests on each
- Note latency (ping) for gaming/real-time apps
- Pin the fastest/lowest latency IP
- Re-test monthly as network conditions change
🔄 Multiple Pinned Locations
You can pin different IPs for multiple locations:
- Pin a US server for streaming
- Pin a UK server for BBC iPlayer
- Pin a nearby server for gaming
- Each location maintains its own pinned IP
📊 Monitoring Your Pinned IPs
Keep track of:
- Which locations have pinned IPs
- When you pinned them
- Performance over time
- Any access issues with specific services
When to Use Dynamic vs Pinned IPs
| Activity | Recommended Setting | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| General Browsing | Dynamic | Better privacy through IP rotation |
| Streaming | Pinned | Avoid re-verification requests |
| Gaming | Pinned | Consistent latency and routing |
| Torrenting | Dynamic | Better anonymity |
| Work VPN | Pinned | Stable access to resources |
| Banking | Pinned | Reduce security alerts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pinned IP the same as a dedicated IP?
No. A pinned IP is still shared with other users, while a dedicated IP is exclusively yours. Pinned IPs may also become unavailable if the server goes offline.
Can I pin multiple IPs for the same location?
No, you can only pin one IP per location. To change it, you must unpin the current IP first.
Will my pinned IP ever change?
The IP remains the same unless the server is permanently retired or you manually unpin it. Temporary outages don't change the pin.
Does pinning affect VPN speed?
Pinning itself doesn't affect speed, but you might miss out on faster servers if you don't periodically test and update your pins.
Can I export/import my pinned IP settings?
Currently, pinned IPs are stored locally and must be configured on each device individually.
Need Additional Help?
If you encounter issues with IP pinning or need assistance choosing the best servers:
Our team can help you find the best servers for your needs