Many Qatari streaming and sporting sites geo-restrict access based on your IP address. This means you won’t be able to proceed further if you try to log on with a non-Qatari IP address.
The easiest and most straightforward way to unblock these services from abroad is to tunnel your location into Qatar via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. A VPN routes all the traffic flowing to and from your device via an intermediary server that you pick. It also adds a virtually unhackable layer of encryption. By selecting a server in Qatar, you’re automatically gaining a local IP address as well as a secure internet connection.
A few top-tier VPN companies offer servers in Qatar. By signing up for an account with one of them, you could be located anywhere in the world and yet browse the web with an IP address from Qatar. Furthermore, the encryption factor will make the connection safe and away from the reach of hackers and snoopers. Even your internet service provider (ISP) won’t be able to monitor what you’re doing on the web.
How to get an IP address for Qatar
VPNs are easy to set up and don’t require technical know-how.
TIP: HOW TO GET A PAID VPN FOR FREE: We understand that not everyone’s interested in a long-term deal. If you’re traveling abroad and just want a VPN for a few days, we recommend you take advantage of VyprVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee if you pay with PayPal. This means you can use the service for free or make an initial payment and get refunded within the first thirty days.
Follow these simple steps:
- Decide on a service that works for you (our recommendation is VyprVPN).
- Once the registration and payment details are over, proceed to download the native software for your device.
- Connect to a server in Qatar.
- Navigate to geo-restricted content from Qatar. It might not work straight away, but don’t panic. You may just have to clear your browser cache and cookies and try again.
The best VPNs for a Qatar IP address
VPN services are present all across the internet. But they don’t offer comparable levels of service.
1. VyprVPN
Jan 2023
Our recommendations have been curated based on the following standards:
- It offers high-speed connections
- The provider maintains servers in Qatar
- It has a track record of unblocking geo-restricted content without any problems
- It uses robust encryption protocols so your data is protected at all times
- There are apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS
- It doesn’t log user behavior
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.VyprVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
VyprVPN incorporates incredibly sophisticated location-evading tech. It has more than 700 servers across the globe and options for an IP address from Qatar are available.
The service is able to securely access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other streaming services. What’s more, customer support representatives will provide individual support if you’re looking to unblock a specific streaming service.
VyprVPN has recently overhauled its privacy policy and now doesn’t store any personally identifiable information. That’s a break from its earlier policy of storing IP addresses and other customer information. It’s a proven performer when it comes to unblocking China-specific services and its proprietary Chameleon™ cloaking technology is considered to be among the best in the industry.
VyprVPN includes a free three-day trial with all packages so you can try it out and cancel if it doesn’t meet your requirements.
Apps for Android and iOS are included, as are desktop versions for Windows and MacOS. A single subscription allows for three devices to connect at the same time.
BEST VPN FOR A QATAR IP ADDRESS:VyprVPN is fast and secure, and designed with privacy in mind. It’s our top pick to get a Qatar IP address. Plus, you can take advantage of a 3-day free trial to try it risk-free.
Pros:
- Fast speeds and stable connection
- Incredible encryption standards
- Works well for Qatar
- Works with Netflix and other services
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept bitcoin
Read our review of VyprVPN.
2. PureVPN
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN operates an impressive network that spans 1,750 servers across the globe including one in Qatar.
It’s headquartered in Hong Kong and has a completely revamped privacy policy in place as well as new well-designed apps. These changes came about after reports that the company was actively storing user data. However, this no longer seems to be the case.
Apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS are available. One account allows for five devices to connect concurrently and customer support is available around the clock.
BEST BUDGET OPTION:PureVPN is a solid VPN provider and available at a price that won’t break the bank. It offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Fast speeds
Good for streaming
Strong encryption
Some connectivity issues with a few servers
Here’s our full review of PureVPN.
3. HideMyAss
Website: www.HideMyAss.com
HideMyAss covers 850 servers in 190 countries, including two that are located in Qatar. It’s been in the VPN business for a while and has over 400 million users, giving it impressive scale and reach.
The service is fast and provides secure access to lots of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
HideMyAss uses 256-bit AES encryption along with 4,096-bit RSA keys and perfect forward secrecy. Some users will undoubtedly be concerned about its data-logging policy, but there is an option to toggle the settings in the app. Plus its customer support will help you out if you’re stuck.
You can find apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. A single connection allows for five devices to connect concurrently.
VERSATILE VPN:HideMyAss comes with years of experience. It works with multiple streaming services, has fast speeds, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Large number of countries covered
servers in Qatar
Data logging policy
More expensive than other VPNs
Read our full review of HideMyAss
Can I use a free VPN to obtain an IP address from Qatar?
Obtaining an IP address from Qatar with a free VPN might be impossible to achieve for a couple of reasons. The first is that very few paid VPN services incorporate servers in Qatar so you’ll be hard-pressed to find a free one that does. Secondly, Qatar doesn’t have very liberal internet laws and tries its best to curtail VPN companies from operating there (although their use is still legal).
In the unlikely event that you do find a free VPN that offers servers in Qatar, we still don’t think it’s a good idea to opt for this deal. That’s because free VPN servers are typically managed with weak encryption standards and may even come bundled with malware.
In other cases, unethical free VPN providers have been caught by security researchers who determined that they mined user data and sold it to third-party advertisers. One free VPN provider has even built a botnet army by leveraging idle user bandwidth. If you’re trying to stream content or securely access financial services, then a free VPN is the last place you should look towards.
Can I use a VPN to watch Qatar television online?
When you download a VPN and select a server in Qatar, all host websites and apps you log in to will automatically assume that you’re physically located in the country.
For example, channels like Al Jazeera, beIN sports, Showtime Arabia, and Qatar News Agency should allow you access. Note that some of these platforms may require you to subscribe before they allow access to their livestreams. Be sure to check individual websites if you have any questions.
DISCLAIMER: Comparitech does not encourage using a VPN to stream content illegally. Please consult local laws before deciding to embark on this route. If you have any questions, then it’s best to talk to a lawyer in your country of residence.
What sites are blocked in Qatar?
Freedom of the press and online expression in Qatar is ‘not-free’ says advocacy body Freedom House. The country places restrictions on media outlets along with a high level of self-censorship. Little dissent is tolerated, with a series of investigative posts leading to the closure of local site Doha News.
Voice over IP apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Viber are also blocked in the country, similar to the situation in the neighboring United Arab Emirates. This practice can be seen as an effort to support the state telecom regulator in a quest for higher profits.
What else can I do with a VPN?
VPNs are great for accessing geo-restricted content, but they can also be used in other applications.
One of those is to access online banking safely and securely. By using a Qatari IP address when abroad, you’re securing safe passage to your bank account at Commercial Bank of Qatar, Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, and Qatar National Bank. That’s because they’ll assume someone from within the country is trying to log on, effectively reducing the risk of fraudulent activity.
VPNs can evade the security risks that come with accessing public wifi safely and securely. Wifi networks, such as those found at airports, malls, and hotel rooms are often breached by hackers who lie in wait to target unsuspecting users. But a VPN’s encryption layer makes your connection virtually unhackable, so you can sleep easy.
What are the other methods to obtain an IP address from Qatar?
VPN services are one of a few methods to guard your IP address online. Another option is the Tor browser, which can do a similar job.
The Tor browser is a product of the Tor project — which was initially developed by the US military to help people stay safe online. It’s free to download and use and is popular with journalists, whistleblowers, and human rights activists who leverage its capabilities to hide their identity online.
Having said that, the Tor browser wasn’t initially set up to cater to things like online streaming or downloading and is incredibly slow. It also has a sordid reputation for being popular with online criminals conducting illegal activities on the dark web.
Another option is to use a free proxy server. However, they operate with data caps, a small selection of locations, and questionable privacy policies, similar to free VPN services.
Plus, a lot of streaming services like Netflix have been blocking proxies for a while. They’re not very sophisticated and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to access your favorite shows and movies by using them.
