Hide IP address Android. How can I hide my IP address

How can I hide my IP address?

Sign up for ExpressVPN and its blazing-fast service.

Step 2

Connect to any of our server locations.

Step 3

Stay anonymous with your real IP address hidden by a different, shared IP.

Will having a shared IP address help?

When you use a VPN to connect to the internet, the VPN creates an encrypted connection, known as a tunnel, between your device and the internet. The VPN masks your IP address with its own IP address in the tunneling process. That IP address is shared with thousands of other VPN users—this makes it virtually impossible for anyone to trace your internet activity back to you.

By using a VPN, your own IP address is masked (or “scrambled”) by the VPN, protecting your location, identity, and online activity from anyone who wishes to find you through your IP address.

What does ‘hide my IP’ mean?

Everyone on the internet has a public IP address. Every time you connect to the internet, you’re sharing that IP address with every website, app, and service you use.

But if you use a VPN proxy, websites, apps, and services will see the public IP address of the VPN proxy server instead of your personal device. This is what it means to “hide my IP” or “change my IP”:

Websites, apps, and services may not even know that your IP address has been hidden or changed. From their perspective, you are simply an anonymous internet user.

Why would I want to hide my IP?

Your IP address says a lot about you. When you don’t hide your IP address, you’re probably revealing more than you realize about your location, your identity, and your activity, allowing other parties to control your online experience.

Hide my IP = Hide my location

IP addresses are often tied closely to a physical location. Anyone who knows your public IP address can make a very good guess as to where you are right now.

Depending on who you are, this can be either very convenient or very dangerous. Either way, most people want to be in control of who they reveal their location to and when, and don’t enjoy having their location revealed without their permission.

ExpressVPN lets you replace your IP address with a secure VPN IP address in any of 94 countries around the world, putting you back in control.

Hide my IP = Protect my identity

Because each device on the internet has a unique public IP address, that IP address can also be used to uniquely identify that device, which can be traced back to a single person. That makes it relatively easy for a website, service, or app to link specific internet activity to a specific person.

This is very convenient for people and companies who want to keep track of you, but not great for anyone who believes in personal privacy. If you’re not comfortable with third parties knowing which websites you visit, what you download, and who you talk to, you need to hide your IP.

Hide my IP = Restore my freedom

Knowing your public IP address allows websites, apps, and services to control your experience based on where or who they think you are. But if you can change your IP address, you can enjoy whatever experience you want.

Other parties along your connection, like your Wi-Fi network operator, internet service provider, or even government agencies, can also use your IP address to block, redirect, and censor your web activity. Proxying your traffic through a VPN with a different IP address allows you to defeat censorship and restore your freedom.

Different ways to hide your IP address

Some “proxy” services offer to hide your IP address without the security benefits of a VPN. You should be very careful when sending your traffic to an anonymous proxy service, especially if it advertises itself as a “free proxy.”

Free proxies may hide your IP address for free, but they may also monetize your traffic through trackers, ads, and other malware.

Proxy servers also generally lack the security benefits and other features of a premium VPN service. Check out what you get by hiding your IP address with ExpressVPN versus a free proxy.

• Hides your IP address
• 256-bit AES encryption
• Server locations in 94 countries
• Network Lock / kill switch
• No activity logs, no connection logs
• 24/7 live chat support

A proxy might only help to hide your IP address, but a VPN will secure it.

How to change the IP address of an Android phone or device

On the Internet, your IP address is similar to a postal address. It uniquely identifies where you are so that information can be sent to you. Your IP address can change depending on what network you’re using to connect. You can also change it, within certain limitations, if desired.

To change your IP address on an Android device, follow these instructions.

The basics

Before reading any of the below information, you need to be aware of some network basics.

• Realize there are two types of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. Know the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address. See each link for additional information about these terms.
• When on the Internet, it’s up to your ISP (Internet service provider) to assign and give you your network address seen by the Internet. When on a LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network), the home or corporate router assigns the IP addresses.
• If you’re planning on designating or using a static IP address, be aware of how IP address ranges are handled and be familiar with the netmask. See each of these links for additional information.

Change the local IP address of your Android device

Your local IP address is tied to your computer’s wireless network. By default, a home router uses DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to assign an IP address to each device that connects to your network. Each IP address assigned by your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation) to translate the internal network IP to the ISP assigned IP address.

You can change your Android local IP address by connecting your router and adjusting the router settings for your Android device. For example, you can assign a static IP to your Android device, choose the option to re-assign the address, or remove the device and be assigned a new address.

Some routers may re-assign your Android device a new IP address if rebooted. If you don’t want to adjust your router settings, try unplugging the power to the router for a few minutes and then plug the power back into the router.

These steps only change the IP address of your Android device on your local network. Steps for changing your public IP address (external to your local network) are mentioned below.

Change the public IP address of your Android device

Before proceeding, it’s good to know your device’s public IP to verify its changes. You can do this by doing a Google search on What’s my IP address? The result is your public IP.

To change the public IP address requires that the IP address assigned by your ISP changes. Although not always possible, suggestions on how to change your routers public IP address in the link below. If these steps do not help, you can hide your IP address behind a VPN by following the steps in the following section.

Hide your public IP address behind a VPN

A VPN (virtual private network) allows any device including an Android device to hide behind one of the VPN’s IP address. In other words, connecting to a website or anything on the Internet, your IP is the VPN IP address and not your public IP address. To install a VPN on your Android device, follow the steps below.

• Visit the Google Play Store and download the free app called PureVPN.
• After you install the app, open it, and sign up for an account.

You can use your or Google account to sign into PureVPN.

• Once you’ve verified your account, open PureVPN and click the green Quick connect button in the center of the screen.

To change your public IP address again, disconnect and reconnect to PureVPN.

Change your device’s IP address on a mobile network

There is no need to change your devices IP address on a mobile network because mobile networks use DHCP to assign IP addresses, so they change frequently as is. However, if you’re also concerned about assigned mobile network IP addresses, choose to connect to the Internet using a VPN app, as mentioned in the above suggestions.

How to Hide Your IP Address Easily in 2023 — 7 Ways Are Free

There are many ways to hide your IP address, but not all of them are safe or effective. Some put your privacy and security at greater risk, while others can considerably slow your speeds. To make your life easier, I tested several ways to hide your IP address and found 5 that work reliably. The key is to find a method that works best for your situation.

Out of all 5 methods, the easiest and safest is to use a VPN. It’s a simple app that hides your IP address in 1 click. Plus, it encrypts your connection and doesn’t significantly slow your speeds, like some of the other methods do.

ExpressVPN is my top pick. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, too, so you can hide your IP with ExpressVPN risk-free. If you’re not impressed, you can claim a full refund.

Best Ways to Hide Your IP Address in 2023

1. Use a VPN — The Easiest and Safest Way to Hide Your IP

In addition to hiding your IP address, a VPN provides many other benefits

• Pros: Hides your IP and browsing activity on all apps across multiple devices, strong security and privacy features, lets you bypass geoblocks and tough firewalls, allows secure and private torrenting, lets you choose from thousands of IP addresses, access to 24/7 customer support
• Cons: Good VPNs cost money, can slow your speeds slightly

A VPN is a popular and simple way to hide your IP address. It’s an app that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a private server. The VPN server’s IP address is used instead of your own until you disconnect from it.

Since VPN servers are usually spread out all over the world, you can pick and choose an IP address from many different countries. This allows you to access geo-restricted streaming services like HBO or BBC iPlayer as well as apps, websites, and games that might not be available everywhere.

Another benefit of a VPN is that it encrypts your connection so you can browse, stream, game, or torrent securely. Basically, it adds a level of privacy to anything you do online. A solid VPN does this with a few different features. Firstly, by protecting you against DNS, IPv4/6, and WebRTC leaks so your IP address always stays hidden. Another common feature is a kill switch, which will cut your internet connection if the VPN fails for any reason, so your real IP is never revealed.

VPNs also help you maintain privacy online. Most VPNs use shared IP addresses, meaning other people also use the same IP address as you. This means it’s harder to trace your online activity back to you.

All that being said, not every VPN is trustworthy, so it’s important to choose one that is. For example, it should adhere to a no-logs policy that’s been proven. While your IP is hidden using a VPN service, the VPN provider can still see your IP — a no-logs policy means your IP (or any identifiable information) is never kept by the VPN, so it can’t be shared.

It’s also super easy to download and set up a VPN on your device. Once you’ve done that, it only takes a few clicks to hide your IP. VPN It took me less than a minute to download, install, and connect to a server with ExpressVPN on my Windows laptop, for example.

Most VPNs are subscription-based services, where you make a monthly or annual payment to use the full service. The amount is usually just a few dollars per month, making them very affordable. VPNs also tend to come with a money-back guarantee, which lets you use them for free for a limited time. This allows you to claim a full refund (usually within 30 days of purchase) if you’re not satisfied with it.

How to Hide Your IP With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

• Download a VPN.My favorite is ExpressVPN because you can choose IPs in 94 countries to effectively hide your own. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Choose a server. They are organized by location.
• Connect to the server. Usually, just clicking on the server location will automatically connect you to your new IP, so you’re good to go in 1 click.

2. Connect to a Proxy Server — Good for Bypassing Geoblocks, but Not Super Safe

Proxy servers can bypass geoblocks but lack security features

• Pros: Mostly free, easy to use, and bypasses geoblocks
• Cons: Lacks security and privacy features, overcrowded servers that can have slow speeds, only hides your IP in your browser

Similar to a VPN, SSL, SSH, or SOCKS proxy servers hide your IP address by sitting between your device and the sites you visit. So when you visit a website, it sees your proxy server’s IP address instead of your own. A decent proxy service lets you choose from several different server locations, and they tend to be popular because they’re usually free.

But where a proxy server falls short is its lack of security and privacy features. Since they don’t encrypt your connection and don’t cover DNS traffic, unwanted third parties can still see your online activity and collect data about you. They’re also more susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks because they lack authentication that VPNs have.

I also experienced slow speeds when using hide.me’s proxy because the server was most likely overcrowded. This is very common with free services since they don’t have enough funds to offer global networks. And since they’re application-specific, they will only hide your IP in your browser, unlike a VPN that hides it across all apps.

How to Hide Your IP With a Proxy in 3 Easy Steps

• Choose a proxy server. I recommend hide.me.
• Go to your proxy server’s website. Then, enter the URL of the site you want to access in the proxy server entry form, choose a location (if available), and press “Enter” to load the page.
• Enjoy your new IP address. You’ll use the website in the same browser window, but using the IP of the proxy server.

3. Use the Tor Browser — Multiple Layers of Encryption, but Very Slow Speeds

The Tor browser is highly secure but very slow

• Pros: High level of encryption and privacy, free to use
• Cons: Very slow speeds, can’t bypass geoblocks, only encrypts browser traffic, unavailable on iOS, associated with criminal activity

The Tor (The Onion Router) Browser sends your internet traffic through a decentralized, open-sourced network to protect sensitive information. It encrypts your traffic by sending it through multiple servers called “nodes”, which add extra layers of encryption. These layers resemble an onion, hence the name “Tor”. Since websites can only see the IP address of the last server you use (called the exit node), it hides your IP address.

Even though the Tor Browser is free, a big drawback is that its encryption layers significantly slow you down. It took me a little over 10 seconds to load a basic webpage, while activities like streaming and downloading became a chore.

In addition, your ISP can still see that you’re using Tor (although won’t be able to see what you browse using it), so it’s still not as private as a VPN, for example. Another issue is its association with online criminal activity since it’s the main portal to access the dark web — for this reason it is illegal in some countries. And finally, it struggles to bypass geoblocks since you can’t control where the exit node is located.

How to Hide Your IP With Tor in 3 Easy Steps

• Download the Tor browser. Go to the Tor website and download the installation file for your device.
• Install the Tor browser. Click on the download file and follow the installation instructions.
• Enjoy secure browsing with a new IP. Open the Tor browser and use it like your regular browser, knowing your real IP address is hidden.

4. Create a Hotspot on Your Smartphone — A Readily Available Solution, but Sometimes Costs Money

• Pros: Easy to set up, good to use temporarily
• Cons: Can’t bypass geoblocks, doesn’t change your virtual location, no privacy or security measures, uses data that can cost money

If your actual IP address gets compromised, or you don’t want to use it temporarily, then creating a hotspot on your smartphone can work well. Plus, it’s easy to set up. I just needed to go to my phone settings to enable my hotspot and then connect my laptop to it, which took me a little over a minute.

While this method changes your IP address, there are 3 downsides. Firstly, your mobile carrier can see all of your online activity, so it’s not private. Secondly, you can’t bypass geoblocks because your online location won’t change. And lastly, it can quickly chew up your mobile data and can become costly.

How to Hide Your IP With a Mobile Hotspot in 3 Easy Steps

• Turn on your personal hotspot. Go to your phone settings, turn off your Wi-Fi, and enable your personal hotspot.
• Connect your device. Locate the hotspot on your primary device and connect to it.
• Enjoy your new IP address. Use your smartphone data to browse the internet with the IP assigned by your mobile carrier.

5. Use Public Wi-Fi — Mostly Free to Use, But Leaves Your Connection Vulnerable

• Pros: Usually free to use, quick and easy to set up
• Cons: Only a temporary solution, leaves you vulnerable to hackers, slow speeds, possible data caps and network restrictions.

Changing your Wi-Fi network can hide your real IP address — even if you switch to a public network. If you can’t access a website or service and have public Wi-Fi access, then this option can be a short-term fix.

But it’s not the safest option because hackers often use public Wi-Fi networks to conduct unsuspecting attacks. Since these networks lack encryption and authentication, hackers can use them to easily obtain sensitive data, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Another issue is the possibility of slow speeds, which result from overcrowding.

Best VPNs to Hide Your IP Address in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — World-Class Privacy Features That Hide Your IP Address

• Audited and proven no-logs policy, private DNS servers, and TrustedServer tech so your IP and data remain hidden
• 3,000 servers in 94 countries to get an IP address from anywhere in the world
• 8 simultaneous device connections
• Can unblock: Netflix, Disney, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and more

ExpressVPN Offer July 2023: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off ! Don’t miss out!

ExpressVPN has leak protection, which ensures that your real IP address isn’t accidentally exposed. I tested 5 US and 4 UK servers, and there were no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, so my real IP address was always hidden. In addition, it has its own private DNS servers and an audited and verified no-logs policy. It also uses TrustedServer technology — RAM-based servers that don’t store any physical data, so your real IP and any personal information is unattainable.

I knew my personal data was safe since my real IP was always masked

Its robust security features protect your identity online and make it harder for malicious parties to find out your real IP address. For example, AES 256-bit encryption ensures hackers can’t steal your IP or intercept your data. In addition, the kill switch keeps you safe even if the VPN stops working for any reason — essentially, your real IP address is never visible.

How To Hide Your IP Address On Android.

ExpressVPN also has really impressive speeds. Usually a VPN will slow your base internet speed a bit because of the encryption (10-20% is normal) and you’ll experience bigger drops the farther away the server is. I didn’t have speed drops of more than 9% while using ExpressVPN’s US servers — even on ones more than 8,000 km away from my real location.

With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN lets you choose from thousands of IP addresses to hide your own. It also bypasses regional geoblocks on sites like Netflix. When I connected to its New York server for a New York IP, I accessed the US Netflix library with ease (not many VPNs are that reliable). Since I had such fast speeds, I didn’t experience long loading times or buffering when streaming in UHD, either.

ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN, so its plans are a bit more expensive than other VPNs. The cheapest plan is 6.67/month. Even though ExpressVPN is more expensive, it often has deals that can save you money. I signed up for a 1-year plan, and 3 months of service were thrown in for free.

Its plans are also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you test all of ExpressVPN’s features risk-free. If you’re not satisfied with it, it’s easy to get your money back. I wanted to test this policy, so I asked a customer service representative on the 24/7 live chat to cancel my subscription on day 25. After answering 2 easy questions on user satisfaction, they proceeded with my request, and I got my money back after 2 business days.

2. CyberGhost — NoSpy Servers Hide Your IP Address and Keep Your Connection Private

• NoSpy servers add an extra layer of protection to hide your real IP
• 9,487 servers worldwide for a range of region-specific IPs
• 7 simultaneous device connections
• Can unblock: Netflix, Disney, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more

July 2023 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

It also has special servers for streaming and torrenting, so it’s a great choice if you want to hide your IP to unblock streaming platforms or to torrent safely.

It also has strong privacy features. Its strict no-logs policy has been audited and it doesn’t collect data like your IP address, browsing history, or search preferences. CyberGhost’s Romanian headquarters is good for privacy because it’s outside the 14-Eyes Alliance — a group of countries that share citizen’s data amongst one another.

Its quick connection rates ensure a seamless online experience free of interruptions. In my tests of its US server speeds, I observed only a 16% drop in my download speed. While it may not be as swift as ExpressVPN, it’s still remarkable. The speed was ample for streaming content on Disney in Ultra High Definition without experiencing any buffering.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s short-term plan is pretty expensive, and I was disappointed that it comes with a shortened 14-day money-back guarantee. But its long-term plans are really affordable, starting at just 2.19/month. You can also upgrade your plan to include a dedicated (or personal) IP address. No one else can use it, plus it makes it easier and faster to access geo-blocked services while traveling.

The long-term plans also come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This means that you can use CyberGhost to hide your IP address and try out all of its other features, knowing that you can get your money back if you’re not happy. I tested this policy by asking customer service to cancel my subscription through a 24/7 live chat. After I told them why I was canceling, they approved my refund, and I got my money back in 3 business days.

3. Private Internet Access — Hide Your IP Address With Customizable Security Options

• Choice of AES 128- or 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols to keep you safe while hiding your IP
• 29,650 servers in 84 countries to get an IP from anywhere across the globe
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Can unblock: Netflix, Disney, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more

July 2023 Update: PIA doesn’t usually have deals or discounts (it’s already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off !

Private Internet Access (PIA) has robust, customizable security features that keep you safe while hiding your IP address. You can choose between AES 128 or 256-bit encryption, so you can streamline your connection however you want. AES 128-bit will offer faster speeds with less encryption, while 256-bit is a higher encryption standard for maximum safety but will have slightly slower speeds.

Robust security features prevent your IP address from being revealed

It also provides leak protection to stop your IP address from being revealed to third parties. I tested 5 of its US servers on ipleak.net, and my real IP address was never detected. I also tested DNS and WebRTC leaks, and this information was never revealed, either. PIA also offers an automatic kill switch that ensures your real IP address won’t be accidentally revealed.

Initially, I had reservations about PIA due to its location in the US, a central member of the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, PIA’s no-logs policy has been legally validated, as the company has never provided any data to law enforcement agencies, primarily because it doesn’t possess any information to divulge.

When I checked its pricing plans, the most affordable is 2.03/month. Unlike the short-term plan, this one also gives you one year of Boxcryptor, which lets you encrypt the Cloud data you store on iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox. Like with CyberGhost, you can buy a dedicated IP address that only you can use. It’s handy because it stops you from being flagged on safe sites for using a different IP.

You can also test PIA completely free by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. I canceled my subscription through a live chat representative during the 30-day period. All I had to do was provide my reason for canceling, making it an easy process. After 4 business days, I was fully refunded.

Other (Not So Great) Ways to Change Your IP Address

Unplug Your Modem

While it may sound silly and obvious, unplugging your modem can sometimes change your IP address. Whenever you disconnect from your ISP, the link with your current IP address gets deleted. Therefore, re-establishing your ISP connection can give you a new IP address. This will only work if your ISP uses dynamic IP addresses, which is common.

The trick with this method is to leave your modem unplugged for as long as possible. However, it isn’t very reliable as it doesn’t work most of the time, so it shouldn’t be your first choice. Plus, your ISP can still see your online activity and it provides no security or privacy protection, so it won’t add any protections. And since you can’t change your location, you won’t be able to bypass geoblocks either.

Use a NAT Firewall

A NAT (National Address Translation) firewall lets different devices on the same network use the same public IP address — this only hides the devices’ private IP address. It takes requests from the private IP address of each device and forwards them all through your public IP address before reaching the online destination.

To summarize, a NAT firewall does not conceal your IP address. Although it does shield your devices by concealing their private IP addresses, your actual location and online activities remain visible since your public IP is not concealed.

Get Your ISP to Change it For You

All you have to do here is contact your ISP directly and ask them to change your IP address. Just make sure you have all your account information handy, as you’ll most likely get asked. But keep in mind that most ISPs use dynamic IP addresses, which means you won’t always use your new one. If you want to continue using the same IP address, then ask for a static IP address.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that this approach solely assigns you a new IP address without offering any additional security measures or bypassing geoblocks. In addition, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) retains the ability to monitor your online behavior and gather data about you, making this method less than optimal when considering privacy.

Renew Your Private IP

Connecting to the internet via a Wi-Fi router or ethernet cable gives you a public IP address and private IP addresses for your network devices. Your devices use private IP addresses to communicate with each other. Doing this won’t hide your public IP address; it will only hide the private IP address of your devices. So your online activity and location will still be visible. However, it’s easy to do it in a few simple steps on your device.

On Windows

• Search for Command Prompt in the Windows menu on the left of the taskbar.
• Right-click to Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt box.
• Enter ipconfig /release, then Enter to release your current IP address.
• Enter ipconfig /renew, then Enter to get a new IP address.

On macOS

• Open System Preferences from the Apple Menu.
• Go to Network, and then in the left pane, go to the network you’re connected to.
• Click Advanced and select the TCP/IP tab.
• Click Renew DHCP Lease to get your new IP address.

FAQs About Hiding Your IP Address

Does an IP address reveal my real identity?

An IP address on its own won’t reveal your real identity, but it can be combined with other data to identify you. For example, your IP address and browsing activity could be combined to construct a profile that identifies your online presence and movements. Then, advertisers can use this data to target you with specific ads. If you’re concerned about protecting your privacy online, hiding your IP is a solid way to do that.

Keep in mind that some methods are better for privacy than others. The best way to protect your online identity from being tracked is to use a VPN. While other methods like proxies and Tor will hide your real IP in a browser, a VPN takes it a step further by hiding your IP across all apps on your device as well as encrypting your entire internet connection.

Is it possible to hide my IP address on all my devices?

Yes, you can hide your IP address on all of your Wi-Fi devices. Some IP-hiding methods only work with certain operating systems and devices, though. So make sure you choose a method that works for the devices you want to protect. A VPN will have the most compatibility — you can install it on a router, effectively hiding your IP on every device on your home network.

To elaborate, A VPN’s native app will also hide your IP in all the apps you use on your device, whether it runs Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, or iOS. As mentioned, setting up a VPN on your router means you can also change your IP on gaming consoles, Smart TVs, and streaming devices like Chromecast. In contrast, proxies only work in your browser and Tor is only compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux (and only hides your IP within the Tor browser itself).

Can I hide my IP address for free?

Yes, it’s possible to hide your IP address for free, but free methods have some pretty big drawbacks. A proxy server is easy to use and is good for bypassing geo-blocks because you can choose one based on its geographical location. However, proxies lack security and privacy features and since so many people use them, they are often really overcrowded and slow.

Because it has many layers of encryption, Tor browser is recommended for safety and privacy. But it’s always really slow as a result, making it unsuitable for streaming and downloading. You also can’t choose your new IP address without a lot of complicated configurations.

There are free VPNs out there, but I don’t recommend them because so many of them don’t actually protect your privacy and have annoying data and speed limitations. A top-quality VPN only costs a small monthly fee, and they are the easiest, safest way to hide your IP (and won’t slow you down, either).

One tip is that most top VPNs offer money-back guarantees, so you can easily claim a refund if you’re not happy with the service (you usually have around 30 days). So, it’s possible to use a high-quality VPN to hide your IP without paying anything if you take advantage of its refund guarantee.

Is it legal to hide my IP address?

Yes, hiding or changing your IP is legal, and it’s one way to protect your online privacy from hackers and other online dangers. However, there are a few ways to hide your real IP address. Different laws and regulations apply to IP spoofing depending on where you are and the method you use. For example, there are no legal repercussions for using a public Wi-Fi hotspot to mask your online identity. Nonetheless, its effectiveness and use are limited. Plus, being on an unsecured public network makes you a target for hackers.

The safest (and easiest) way to hide your IP address is to use a VPN. VPNs are legal in most parts of the world, but there are some countries where they are restricted (like China, the UAE, and Russia). If you’re located in a country with heavy online censorship, then you should always check the most recent local laws to make sure you’re not breaking any rules before you use a VPN.

How do I hide my IP address on Google Chrome?

There are several ways to hide your IP address on Chrome. One way is to use a proxy server, which is easy to use (and free). All you need to do is go to a proxy server website, choose a server, and type the URL of the website you wish to visit. While proxy servers hide your IP address, your ISP can still see everything you do online because there’s no encryption.

If you’re concerned about privacy, most VPNs come with Chrome extensions. But keep in mind these are usually also just proxies and lack strong encryption. The safest way to hide your IP in Chrome, or other browsers, like Safari or Firefox, is to use a VPN app. Not only will it hide your IP in your browser, but in any app you use that needs an internet connection. Plus, VPN apps will also protect you with military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. These features hide your online activity, so even your ISP can’t track what you do online.

As a side note, there’s a common misconception that Incognito Mode will hide your IP address. This isn’t true — all Incognito Mode does is removes all cookies and browsing history from Chrome when you close the window. All of your online activity and data is still visible to your ISP.

Do I need to hide my IP address while torrenting?

Hiding your IP address while torrenting is strongly recommended for privacy and security reasons. Torrenting is a form of P2P sharing, which means you download files from other users and share your own. Therefore, your IP address is revealed to others, who can use it to identify your location or target you.

There are a few ways to hide your IP address while torrenting, but the only one I’d recommend is a VPN. Unlike other methods, it has world-class security features like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. These keep you well-protected from DDoS attacks and malware threats, which can occur while torrenting. Additionally, a VPN’s no-logs policy ensures all your online activity isn’t accessible, so even your ISP can’t see any of your online movements.

How to change IP address on android

Will hiding my IP address let me unblock Netflix?

Yes. You can hide your IP address while watching Netflix by using either a proxy server or a Netflix VPN. Both of these options replace your real IP address with one from a different country, which makes it seem like you’re actually there. For example, connecting to a US server from Australia will make Netflix think you’re in the US, which provides access to Netflix US.

Since Netflix regularly updates its geoblocking technologies, many IP addresses that belong to VPNs and proxy servers get blocked. VPNs have larger server networks than proxy servers, which means there are more options to unblock Netflix. Plus, they have DNS/IP leak protection, which means your real IP address can’t be leaked accidentally. If it was leaked, then your chances of unblocking Netflix are slim.

Why should I hide my IP address?

A visible IP address can reveal a lot about you, making it a significant privacy risk. It can divulge your actual location and personal information to other parties, like your browsing activity. But the biggest issue is that it lets your ISP obtain sensitive data, like your passwords and credit card numbers. These details can be used to link to your online activity and identity.

There are a number of ways to hide your IP address, so here are some reasons why you should (or might want to) hide it:

• Protect your data from malicious parties — If malicious parties get hold of your personal data, they can gain access to personal accounts and target you with unwanted attacks. This also includes viruses, malware, and spyware.
• Torrent safely and anonymously — Torrenting is a form of P2P sharing that involves millions of people sharing files. If your IP address is revealed to online strangers, they can target you with malware and DDoS attacks.
• Bypass regional geoblocks — Many websites and services enforce geoblocks by checking IP addresses and blocking ones that don’t match their location. Hiding and changing your IP address lets you access those sites from anywhere.
• Avoid online surveillance — Certain countries conduct mass surveillance on their population by monitoring online activity. Examples include member states of the 14 Eyes Alliance and China. Your IP address can reveal your online activity, so hiding it prevents unwanted surveillance.
• Stay protected on public Wi-Fi networks — Whenever you use a public Wi-Fi network, you share that network’s IP address. This means hackers can easily penetrate your connection, obtain sensitive data, and take control of your device.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique set of numbers that acts as an online identifier. When you send data to a website or online service to view it, your IP address is sent along with it. This makes your IP address public. It means that your ISP can track your online activities and give that information to the government, advertisers, or anyone else. You can find out what your IP address is by going to a site like ipleak.net. Since making your IP address public has many privacy risks, many people use a VPN to hide their IP address.

A VPN replaces your IP address with a new one in a few seconds by redirecting your internet traffic through a private server. This means you’ll use the private server’s IP address instead. It also doesn’t keep logs of what you do online, so your ISP and other third parties can’t see what you do.

In addition, there are 2 types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 addresses are much shorter and more common as they’ve been around for longer. In contrast, IPv6 addresses are longer and were developed to meet the growing demand for global internet use. It’s faster and more secure than an IPv4 address. Both addresses serve the same function, so they’re not overly different.

Hide Your IP Address Today

Choosing a trusted method when hiding your IP address is always important, as some are more risky and unreliable than others. In particular, you don’t want to use a technique that makes your data visible to unwanted third parties or significantly slows your internet speeds.

Therefore, I tested a number of ways to hide your IP address and shortlisted 5 that work well. All of them have different features, which means some are better suited for certain situations than others.

My favorite method is a VPN. A VPN like ExpressVPN is easy to use, well-rounded in its features, and has fast speeds making it suitable for any online activity. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which lets you try ExpressVPN without risk. If you find it’s not for you, then you can claim a full refund.

How to hide your IP address in 2023 (8 ways, 6 are free)

An IP address consists of a string of numbers and decimals which are used to identify your device and its current location. Any device which is connected to the internet has an IP address.

Unfortunately, your IP address can be used to track you, as it’s unique and visible to everyone online. As it is used to identify your location, your IP also determines whether you’re allowed to access any region-locked content.

It makes sense to hide your IP address from anyone interested in keeping tabs on your online movements. This could be your ISP, hackers, advertisers and tech giants, or even the government. We’ll look at ways to change your IP address, as well as hide your IP address.

What’s my IP address?

It’s a good idea to find out your IP address if you’re aiming to hide it. To do so, you just have to Google what’s my IP?” We also have a free tool which can be used to check your IP address easily. Your IP should look like this:

This is an IPv4 address. The IPv4 system has been around for years and is the most common type of internet address. However, we’re running out of IPv4 addresses, so an IPv6 address is sometimes used instead. An IPv6 is a longer 128-bit address that looks like this:

2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

Your IP address will probably change every so often, but you will be the only one assigned with your current address. It’s used to help devices communicate on the internet, but it can be hidden from the sites that you visit.

ways to hide your IP address

Use a VPN to hide your IP address

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the easiest ways to hide your IP address. It works by encrypting the data sent to and from your device, masking your online movements in the process.

You’ll just need to connect to a VPN server, and it will route and encrypt your data so apps and services will only be able to see the server’s IP address rather than your own.

The majority of VPNs are premium services that charge a monthly subscription. Many have thousands of servers to choose from across multiple locations, and you’ll be able to get an IP address from lots of countries worldwide.

We’d recommend ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, as each is more than capable of hiding your IP address with a few clicks.

Here’s how to hide your IP address with a VPN:

• It’s best to start by checking your IP address. Enter what’s my IP?” into Google.
• You’ll need to sign up with a VPN. (ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for hiding your IP.)
• Download the VPN app to your device/s.
• Install the VPN app, and open it when ready.
• Sign in using your account credentials.
• You’ll now have to select a server. Your new IP address will match the server location you’ve chosen.
• Once selected, connect to the server. You should receive a pop-up notification on desktop devices.
• Now that you’re connected to the VPN, it’s time to see if your IP address has been hidden. Google what’s my IP?” Your IP should be different to the address shown in step one.

Typically, providers like ExpressVPN use a shared IP address. This means that if you connect to a server, you’ll share the VPN IP address with other users. Of course, this makes each individual user harder to track.

If you’d prefer, some providers offer a static IP address. For an added fee, you’ll be able to use the same IP every time you connect to the VPN. For example, NordVPN has dedicated IP addresses in the following locations:

• United States (Buffalo, Los Angeles, Dallas), Germany (Frankfurt), United Kingdom (London), France (Paris), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam).

However, if you’re aiming to hide your online movements, a shared IP is the best solution.

It’s also worth ensuring that the VPN has the following features:

• Private DNS servers: If you’re using a VPN to hide your activities from your ISP, it’s a good idea to pick a provider that operates its own DNS servers. Otherwise, you’ll be using DNS servers run by your Internet Service Provider or Google, allowing them to see your real IP address in the process.
• Leak protection: DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks can occur while using a VPN, exposing your real IP address. You’ll need a provider that offers watertight leak protection.
• Kill-switch: A kill-switch protects your data in case the VPN connection drops. It will cut your connection to the internet, ensuring you can’t access any websites or services if you’re not connected to a VPN server. Sometimes the kill-switch is off by default, so make sure to double-check.
• No logs: The VPN will be able to see the sites and services you visit, but what does it do with that data? Some providers offer a no-logs policy, ensuring all information is wiped from their servers. Ideally, the VPN will have been audited by a respected third party like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

It’s also a good idea to look for a provider with speedy servers that offer numerous additional privacy features. For example, Double VPN uses two servers rather than one, encrypting your data twice for more protection.

Use a proxy to hide your IP address

A proxy is another viable way to hide your IP address. Proxy servers act as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. Websites will only see the IP address of the proxy server, rather than your real IP address.

There are a few issues with using proxy servers. The proxy owner will be able to see all of your traffic and will know your real IP address.

Some proxies aren’t encrypted, so they can be used to bypass website blocks, but your website requests will still go to a third-party DNS server that can see your real IP address. (This is why a VPN with leak protection is a more versatile solution than a proxy in many cases.)

Both Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and the Tor network are specific examples of encrypted proxies.

Use Tor to hide your IP address for free

On the subject of encrypted proxies, the Tor network is a great way to access the internet anonymously. Short for The Onion Router, it works by routing your connection through at least three random volunteer-owned nodes.

Websites will only be able to see the last server in the circuit, which is known as the exit node. The sequence will change each time, making it almost impossible to identify the real IP address of the user.

Tor is available via a downloadable browser, just like Chrome or Firefox. It’s free to use, and it’s a worthwhile privacy solution.

However, there are some downsides to consider while using the Tor network. Due to the nature of the strong encryption provided by the nodes, it’s not a speedy solution. In other words, we wouldn’t recommend Tor for streaming, or any task that is particularly intensive. Some websites will even block connections from known Tor nodes, forcing the user to look at alternative methods.

Connect to a different network to change your IP address

A simple solution is to switch to a different network if you have the ability to do so. For example, a mobile network will give your device a different IP address to your home network, so you’ll be able to check if you’ve been blocked, or stop any tracking. A free alternative would be to connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot or an open network, although this could be a risk due to a lack of encryption and authentication.

Ask your ISP to change your IP address

An IP is assigned directly by your ISP, so you might be able to get in contact with your provider directly to change your IP address. It’s likely that you’ll need your account information at the ready when you’re getting started.

Results will vary depending on your ISP, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be assigned a different static IP address. Instead, your IP address will continue to change every so often, because IP addresses are constantly being recycled by ISPs to meet demand. These are known as dynamic IP addresses.

You might be able to request a static IP which always stays the same, but you may have to pay an additional fee.

Unplug your modem to change your IP address

Possibly the most simple method, unplugging your modem might cause you to be assigned a new IP address. This method isn’t foolproof, and it can take time for your ISP to rotate and recycle your old IP.

As a rule of thumb, the longer you leave it unplugged, the more likely this method will work. However, it’s not ideal if you need to hide your IP address quickly.

Use a NAT firewall to hide your private IP address

Most wireless routers use a NAT firewall that allows multiple devices on the same network to use the same public IP address. However, each device will have a unique private IP address.

NAT translates IP addresses on a local network into one public IP address which is used by your router when connecting to and receiving data from the internet. This is easier than using a different public IP address for each device.

Your NAT firewall won’t hide your public IP address, but it will work with your private address.

Every device connected to a NAT-enabled router will share a public IP address.

Renew your IP address to change your private IP address

Renewing your private IP address is the final method to make the list. Once again, your private IP isn’t as important as your public IP address, but there will be times when it’ll need to be changed.

You can renew your IP address to change your private IP address by entering a few simple commands into Windows Command Prompt or the Mac Terminal.

How to renew your IP address on Windows:

• Open Command Prompt and right click it to Run as administrator
• Enter ipconfig /release
• Enter ipconfig /renew

You should now have a different local IP address.

How to renew your IP on macOS:

• Click the Apple menu and open System Preferences
• Select Network
• Highlight the network that you’re connected to in the left pane
• Click Advanced…
• Select the TCP/IP tab
• Click Renew DHCP Lease

Your Mac will now have a different private IP address.

Can you hide your IP address from your ISP?

No, but it depends on what you’re trying to hide. Consider; your ISP provides you with internet service, giving you an IP address. You won’t be able to connect to the internet without this IP address.

A VPN, proxy, or Tor doesn’t actually replace your real IP address. Instead, it masks your IP address, so services that you connect to can only see the VPN/proxy IP. Regardless, your real IP is still being used to connect to the internet, even if the proxy or VPN server is an intermediary.

On the other hand, you will be able to hide the websites and services you visit from your ISP with the use of a VPN, as it encrypts all of your traffic. Encryption is what is used to keep your data safe, ensuring that your ISP can only see that you’re connected to a VPN server, rather than any websites or apps you use.

The website won’t be able to see your real IP address, and your ISP won’t be able to see which websites you visit. However, the VPN will know your real IP address, as well as the websites and apps you use. It’s important to choose an audited provider that keeps no logs of user activity. Only then can you be sure of surfing the web anonymously.

Hiding your IP address FAQs

Why would I need to hide my IP address?

There are lots of reasons why you might need to mask your IP address. For example, you might want to stop your ISP from keeping tabs on your online movements or avoid online advertisers that engage in user profiling every time you click a button.

As your IP address is used to identify your location, it also works to enforce geo-restrictions. In other words, if you’ve been blocked from watching content that was meant for a different region, your IP is the reason why. Netflix is a great example, as it serves content that varies based on the user’s location. A new IP in a different region will unblock new content.

It’s great for Peer to Peer activities such as torrenting, as you won’t be sharing your real IP address while connected to other users. Instead, anyone attempting to monitor online activities will just see the IP address belonging to the VPN server.

You’ll also be safe from other users, who won’t be able to exploit your IP address with anything like a DDoS attack.

How can I check if my IP address is hidden?

It makes sense to make a note of your IP address before and after you’ve tried one of the methods listed above. If you’re testing a VPN, check your IP address by using our online tool. You can also Google ‘what’s my IP?’

Next, connect to the VPN server location that you’d like to get a new IP address from. You can check your IP address again by using either our online tool or Google.

As well as your IP address, our tool will also note your ISP, city, ZIP, state, country, and OS.

Is it legal to hide my IP address?

Yes, it’s legal to hide your IP address.

If you plan to use a VPN to do so, the software is entirely legal in the vast majority of countries. However, there are some notable exceptions, such as for users in nations like China, Russia, and Belarus. Check our guide if you’d like to find out more about the countries that ban or restrict VPNs.

Of course, if you plan to use the VPN for illegal activities such as torrenting copyrighted material, it’s still against the law to do so, even if you’ve hidden your IP address.

Can I choose which city my new IP comes from?

It depends. If you use a VPN, you might be able to pick a specific city from the server list. That’s if the VPN has multiple server locations on offer in the first place. For example, NordVPN has UK servers found in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester, and will give the user an IP from the relevant city (or nearby) when connected.

Does an IP address reveal your specific location?

An IP address can be used to give a rough indication of where you’re currently located. However, it’s not specific, and it will only be an approximate location. For example, my home IP is sometimes in a nearby city, rather than my actual town. As well as giving a rough location, anyone who looks up your IP will be able to see your ISP.

How do I hide my IP address on iPhone and Android?

Whether it’s Android or iOS, you’ll be able to hide your IP address on mobile devices by using a VPN. After signing up with the provider, you can download the Android/iOS app from the relevant app store. Open the app, log in, and pick a server. You’ll now have a new IP address for as long as you’re connected to the VPN. Your real IP will be masked, so you can browse safely.

Is my IP address permanent?

Not necessarily. Your IP address can either be static, so it stays the same each time you connect to the internet, or dynamic, which means it can change every so often. If you’re aiming to hide your IP, a VPN is one of the best ways to do so.

to by Luis Quintero: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-gray-faucet-2339722/

Written by: James Milin-Ashmore

James has written about privacy and online security for a number of platforms, primarily focusing on VPNs, software, and regulations. He has worked for LiquidVPN, VPN Mentor, Secure Thoughts, AlwaysVPN, and many others, as well as producing regular tech content forEthical.net.