Are you wondering how to change your IP address? This might sound complicated, but it’s as easy as 1, 2, and 3.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits of changing your IP address and the steps required to switch your virtual location to another country on any device in seconds.
However, before we delve into that, let’s first revisit what an IP address is and how it’s linked to your digital identity:
What is an IP Address?
IP address is the acronym for Internet Protocol Address. It’s a unique numerical label identifies every computer or device across the Internet. When you send or receive information, your IP address will be visible to the outside world. This means the websites you visit, emails you send, files you download, etc. can all be tied back to you using your IP address alone!
Your IP address is used by websites, advertisers, and other interested third parties to track your online activities. Moreover, it reveals some interesting information about you like what ISP you use, which city you live in, and more. Scary stuff, right? Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that millions of people around the globe are using different methods to change their IP addresses.
Related Read: What Is An IP Address & What You Need To Know About It
How to Change IP Address
There are many ways to change your IP address so that you can appear like you’re in another city or country:
Use a Virtual Private Network (Recommended)
Many people rely on VPNs not only to conceal their true identity but also to access another country’s Internet. When you connect to a VPN, your IP address is masked with another one from the server. As a result, your location becomes concealed from the websites and services you use – they’ll only see the location of the server you’re using!
If you select a server in the USA, you will appear to be in the USA. Similarly, if you pick a server in Australia, you’ll appear to be from there. Your Internet, in turn, behaves as if you were in your chosen country. In addition, a VPN also protects your data using military-grade encryption so that it can’t be intercepted or stolen.
Here’s how to set up a VPN and change your IP address with VPN to another country:
- Subscribe to PureVPN now.
- Download the right app for your device.
- Open the app, log in using your credentials, and connect to your desired server.
- You should now be using a different IP address!
Use Tor
Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a volunteer-based anonymity network. The most convenient way to get started is to install the Tor browser, which routers all traffic via the Tor network. It encrypts your connection multiple times and transmits it through hundreds of nodes (servers operated by Tor volunteers.)
This makes it difficult for Tor traffic to be traced back to the source, as websites will see the IP address of the Exit Node (i.e., the last node in the chain). Tor is free to use, but it does have a few drawbacks. It slows down your Internet speed considerably, making it only suitable for general browsing.
Also, Tor is typically associated with illegal activities on the dark web. While using it isn’t against the law, chances are that you may draw the attention of your ISP or law enforcement agencies. These entities won’t be able to see what you’re doing while using Tor, but they can view that you’re connected to its nodes.
Use a Proxy
A proxy works much like a VPN but with little or no security and versatility. Your traffic passes through an intermediary server, so websites, apps, and other online resources view its IP address instead of your own.
However, proxies usually don’t offer encryption, leaving your data vulnerable to snooping. They also require configuration to work with apps and have the potential to leak your real IP address, revealing your true identity.
Reasons to Change IP Address
There are many benefits of changing your IP address and location. Some of the most common ones include the following:
1. Access Geo-Restricted Content
Want to watch movies and TV shows on streaming services like US Netflix, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer? Since they impose geo-restrictions, you won’t be able to access them outside their authorized regions. By changing your IP address to an eligible country, you can access the content you want from anywhere.
2. Get Around Government Censorship
Countries such as China and Russia, for example, are infamous for their online censorship. As such, you won’t be able to gain access to a variety of websites and services from there. If you want to use the Internet openly and freely, then switching your IP address to that of a censorship-free country will do the trick!
3. Browse Privately
When you use the Internet normally, all your online activities can be monitored by ISPs, governments, and advertisers. Spoofing your IP address allows you to keep your actual location and identity hidden from all third-parties. In this way, you’re able to browse the Internet without having to worry about who’s watching you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about changing IP addresses:
Is it Illegal to Change Your IP Address to Another Country?
Absolutely not! It’s perfectly legal to change your IP address. In fact, many experts recommend hiding your IP address for better privacy while using the Internet.
Does VPN Change Your IP Address?
Yes, indeed. Upon connecting to a VPN, your actual IP address is replaced with a new one based on the VPN server you’re using.
Change IP Address in Seconds Using PureVPN!
If you’re looking for a simple way to change your IP address, PureVPN has got you covered – we’ve got more than 300,000+ IPs in our arsenal. Try PureVPN now.
Just download the app for your device, connect to a VPN server in any country, and browse the Internet with another IP address. It’s as easy as that.