How to Hide IP Address
“Nothing is hidden online,” Edward Snowden once said. This is the reason why some people hide their IP addresses to get rid of online surveillance, while others hide their IP address to access region-locked services. It’s a known fact that ISPs, government agencies, and peeping Toms can track your every online activity. The only way to prevent this snooping-ness is to hide your IP address.
What is an IP Address
An IP address identifies your computer or device on the greater World Wide Web. Every device that is connected to the internet has an IP address. An IP address is like a number that usually looks like this: 192.168.1.2. Just like every house has an address, internet devices have an IP address to help other devices on the internet know who you are and where you’re from. It’s your identifier, and that means identifiable information is exposed about you whenever you connect to any website anywhere. This is how ISPs, governments, and online services can control or block some of the websites that you visit. Sounds pretty intrusive, and the truth is: it is. Therefore, those who are familiar with the risks posed with IP address exposure know that the best thing they can do for their safety is to hide their IP address. In this guide, we explain exactly how you can do the same thing.
The 7 Easiest Ways to Hide IP Address
We will share a few step-by-step instructions in this section to help you hide or change your IP address. Even if you are not tech-savvy or are geeks like us, you can easily follow the steps below on your own
1. Use a VPN or Virtual Private Network
A VPN allows you to change your IP address because it allows a secondary server to be a conduit between your computer and the greater internet. Basically, before you connect to any computer on the internet, you’ll connect to a VPN. The VPN then acts as a shield to protect your IP address from being exposed, keeping your identity totally safe. If you are not sure what a VPN is, it is a reliable tool to hide your IP address, but most use it to access region-locked games and streaming services. That’s right, you can be totally anonymous online using a VPN app.
How to Use a VPN
- Step 1: Subscribe and install the PureVPN app.
- Step 2: Sign in to the app using your login credentials.
- Step 3: Connect to a country server from the list.
- Step 4: Now, your IP address is hidden and private. You’ll be browsing from the country you connect to; it’s that simple.
2. Explore Tor Browser
Tor is also known as the Onion Router, which can encrypt your online activity, and therefore, also hides your IP address. You can use Tor for free and enjoy many layers of encryption. When you use the Tor browser, your internet traffic runs through a proxy server that encrypts your incoming data. But the downside is that you have to struggle with slow internet speeds. Further, the Tor browser takes a bit of time to encrypt your searches and internet activity.
How to Use Tor Browser
All you have to do is download Tor files on your computer and start using the application. You can even install Tor on your iOS or Android phones if you are not a desktop user. But don’t feel overwhelmed. The Tor browser is just like any other browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome. It’s not the Dark Web.
3. Use a Proxy Server
Not comfortable using Tor? You can use a proxy server to hide your IP address. In simpler terms, a proxy server behaves like an intermediary between your online activity and the internet. Most nerdy internet users and tech companies use proxy servers to prevent surveillance or for general safety purposes. You can use a proxy server to access region-locked websites and services too. However, proxy servers are not as reliable as a premium VPN. You are highly likely to get exposed once your internet stops working on a proxy server. That’s a big bummer. Proxy servers also don’t have rock-solid DNS-leak protection or encryption protocols, unlike a VPN. That means that your IP address, and thus your identity, may be exposed at not-so-opportune times.
How to Use a Proxy
Don’t forget we warned you earlier. For the sake of sharing a solution, here you go.
- Step 1: Click the internet Wi-Fi icon on the bottom right of your computer screen.
- Step 2: Select Network & Internet settings > Proxy.
- Step 3: Turn on the toggle under Automatically detect settings.
- Step 4: On Use setup script, turn on the toggle.
- Step 5: Enter the script address and choose Save
4. Connect to Public Wi-Fi
Don’t want to expose your personal IP to the world? Then you should tap into a friend or neighbor’s WiFi. This is not necessarily the best recommendation, but it certainly changes your IP address for the time you’re connected to it. Furthermore, using public Wi-Fi is not safe. There are so many connections on public Wi-Fi networks (at a restaurant, bookstore, or bar) that hackers can snoop into your network. This is why we suggest using security protocols for changing IP addresses and keeping your identity hidden. Public WiFi is only as safe as the encryption technologies that support it; a VPN works very well when connecting to a public WiFi network as it keeps you protected.
How to Check Your IP address
- Type “What’s My IP Address” on Google search.
- Go to our dedicated page to know your real IP address.
5. Ask your ISP to Assign a New Static IP address
You can simply call and request your internet service provider to change your IP address if the one you are currently using is blocked or blacklisted. Most ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses to their customers, but some don’t. However, you can ask them to assign you a new or a static IP address. They may charge you a bit extra for a static IP address but it can be much safer to use instead of a dynamic IP address.
6. Unplug Your Modem to Change your IP Address
Unless you have a static IP assigned by your ISP, all IP addresses are typically given a dynamic IP address via its DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. The way DHCP servers work is that a lease is assigned to your router or Ethernet card’s MAC address, the private but unique identifier for your device. This lease may expire every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or even 2-24 hours. If you are assigned a dynamic IP address from your ISP, unplugging your modem for a few hours will reset the DHCP lease and likely assign you a new IP address.
7. Switch to Your Mobile’s Internet Network
This is the easiest way to hide or change your IP address. If you are using an iPhone or an Android phone, then turn off your Wi-Fi and turn on the mobile network. Just by clicking two buttons on your phone, you can change your IP address. You can try this right now if you are reading this to make sure it is working. However, this solution will eat up your internet data plans faster and may reduce connection speeds. If you are an iPhone user and switching to a mobile network, then your battery will lose power more quickly. Apple users know why! Note that changing your IP address to your mobile’s internet network doesn’t keep you anonymous. Your mobile provider still knows who you are. It’s a way to change your IP from your home network, but it doesn’t make you any safer.
Why Do I Have to Change my IP Address?
An IP address is your online identity that evil hackers and other surveillance agencies can use as a backdoor access to your private information. The story doesn’t end here. A blacklisted or restricted IP address means you can’t access websites or online services. These are the two major reasons why an internet user thinks about changing his or her IP address. A new IP address can:
- Hide your online identity and location
- Give you access to region-locked services
- Prevent IP-related bans and blacklisting
- Protect your device against DDoS attacks
What Do You Get with PureVPN?
You can rely on PureVPN to change your IP address and hide your identity at all times. PureVPN works on many devices and offers 10 connections to all users. This means your whole family can use a VPN and protect their information on their personal devices. The “P” in PureVPN stands for “Privacy” and we mean it with a straight face. You are entitled to your privacy rights and we will help you get back your privacy at any cost.
- Gives you access to over 300,000 IP addresses (which you can switch to unlimited times)
- Changes and hides your IP with AES 256-bit encryption
- Prevents ISP throttling and tracking
- Dodges unknown attacks and IP leaks
- Encrypts your internet traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide my IP address?
Yes, you can hide your IP address. There are different ways to hide IP address like either through a VPN or proxy server but there are a few cons associated with a proxy server which makes VPN a optimal choice for many to hide IP.
How can I hide my IP address manually?
There are a few ways to hide IP address from ISPs or surveillance agencies. You can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a Tor browser to go completely anonymous online.
Does hiding IP address work?
Yes, if you wish to stay anonymous online then hiding your IP is the best way to do it. Regardless of your purpose, hiding your IP address is an efficient technique to improve your privacy and security.