Configuring iCloud Private Relay IP Location for Safari

This article provides a straightforward guide on how to configure iCloud Private Relay IP address settings for the Safari web browser. It explains the difference between the two available location privacy tiers—maintaining a general region IP address versus using a broader country and time zone IP address—and offers step-by-step instructions to adjust these settings across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices.

Understanding the IP Address Location Options

When using iCloud Private Relay with Safari, your real IP address is hidden and replaced with a temporary one assigned by Apple and a third-party partner. You can control how much location data this temporary IP address reveals to websites:

  • Maintain General Location: This default setting assigns an IP address that corresponds to your general region or city. It allows websites in Safari to provide localized content, such as nearby weather, local news, or store locators, without knowing your exact identity.
  • Use Country and Time Zone: This setting assigns a much broader IP address that only reflects your country and time zone. It provides maximum location privacy, though websites in Safari will not be able to automatically provide local information unless you manually share your location with them.

How to Change Your IP Location on iPhone and iPad

Although iCloud Private Relay specifically protects your web browsing in Safari, the configuration is managed through your device's main iCloud settings rather than the Safari app itself.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap your Apple ID name at the very top of the menu.
  3. Select iCloud.
  4. Under the iCloud+ section, tap Private Relay. (Ensure the feature is toggled on).
  5. Tap IP Address Location.
  6. Select either Maintain General Location or Use Country and Time Zone depending on your privacy preference.

How to Change Your IP Location on Mac

To adjust how websites in Safari see your location on a Mac, you must configure the setting within System Settings.

For macOS Ventura or later:

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
  2. Click your Apple ID name at the top of the sidebar.
  3. Click iCloud on the right side.
  4. Select Private Relay. (Ensure the feature is turned on).
  5. Next to IP Address Location, choose either Maintain general location or Use country and time zone.
  6. Click Done.

For macOS Monterey:

  1. Click the Apple menu () and select System Preferences.
  2. Click Apple ID, then select iCloud from the sidebar.
  3. Ensure the box next to Private Relay is checked, then click the Options button next to it.
  4. Under IP Address Location, select either Maintain general location or Use country and time zone.

Verifying Safari Settings

For these iCloud Private Relay settings to work properly, Safari must be permitted to hide your IP address. To verify this is enabled:

  • On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Safari > Hide IP Address, and ensure it is set to Trackers and Websites.
  • On Mac: Open the Safari browser, click Safari in the top menu bar, select Settings (or Preferences), go to the Privacy tab, and ensure the box for Hide IP address from trackers is checked.