There are many reasons why someone would want to hide their IP address, most of which have to do with being secure and private online. An IP address can be used to trace the user’s geographical location, which isn’t something a lot of people want. By hiding your IP address, you can keep your location hidden, stop someone from tracking you online, and avoid geographical blocks, bans, or filters.
How to Hide Your IP Address
Here are 3 ways that you can use to help you hide your IP address. Before we move on, it’s important to note that these methods hide your public IP address, not your private IP. There are no methods for changing your private IP address, which is linked to your device.
Hide your IP with a VPN
The quickest and safest way to hide your IP is by using a VPN.
With a VPN, you’ll “borrow” an IP that matches the server you connect to. This will effectively show you as being located around that server.
A VPN will re-route all of your traffic through the server, giving you more privacy than simply changing your IP. Your traffic and data get encrypted in the process, giving you a safe and anonymous connection.
Not all VPNs are born equal, so be sure to subscribe with a credible VPN provider. We suggest using ExpressVPN, as it has a reputation of being safe, secure, and easy to use.
Here’s how you can mask your IP address with the help of a VPN:
- You don’t need to be tech-savvy to set up a VPN connection.
- Sign up with a VPN provider.
- Download and install the VPN app on your PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device.
- Launch the application and connect to a VPN server.
- Check if the connection has established by using our IP verifier.
- As long as you are connected to a VPN server, all your Internet traffic is encrypted.
- Using VPN also allows you to unblock websites your ISP has blocked.
- VPN can also be used to bypass geo-restrictions. In other words, you can watch American Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, BBC iPlayer, and many other channels by using a VPN connection.
- Use OpenVPN protocol where possible.
- 30-Day Money-back Guarantee
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- 24/7 Live Support
Hide your IP Address with Tor
If you’re opting for something a little more free but with the same level of security as a VPN, you can use Tor.
Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a software that was initially developed to secure the US Navy’s communications. Now, it’s used all over the world to browse the web anonymously, access the dark web, and stay private online.
The encryption method used by Tor masks your IP address every time you use it to go online. You can download the Tor browser here. Check out the Android app “Orbot” if you’re looking for something for your mobile.
Hide your IP with a Proxy server
You can use a proxy server to re-route browser specific traffic. The open proxy will hide your IP on a specific browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge…) and help you bypass filtered or blocked content.
Using a proxy server can be dangerous, though, as not all proxies are legal, and not all proxies are 100% safe.
Hide Your IP Address
Unsure about which method to use to hide your IP? Check out this article on the difference between a VPN, Tor, and a Proxy. Remember, you have a right to privacy, but you should use it wisely. These methods shouldn’t be used to participate in any illegal activities.
