How to Hide My IP Address – TheBestVPN.com
Hiding an IP address is quite simple if you know which tools to use.
If you’re like me, someone who wants to hide my ip in order to get access to geo-blocked sites, negate IP bans and just stay anonymous, keep reading.
Below, I’ve listed 6 fool-proof ways to hide your IP address including keeping your Internet connection encrypted and fully anonymous.
What is an IP Address?
Let’s first get some basics out of the way.
The internet, being nothing more than a vast group of interconnected networks, requires a system to establish communication between these networks. The Internet Protocol, usually referred to as IP, is the principal technology, responsible for this connection. IP is tasked with defining, structuring and delivering information packets from point A to point B.
IP addresses are nothing more than system identifiers. In version four of the internet protocol (IPv4), IP addresses are defined as a 32-bit number; x. x. x where x is a value between 0 and 255.
Here are some valid IP addresses:
123. 45. 67. 89
8. 8. 8 – an IP address assigned to Google
140. 247. 224. 81 – an IP address assigned to Harvard University
Every system, connected to the internet, has its own address; much like the address of your house or the license plate of your car. Every system has to have a unique IP address, assigned to that machine, and that machine only. This means your phone, your laptop, work computer and your printer, all have different IP addresses.
Every participant of the internet has to have an IP address to connect to it.
The way IP operates, IP addresses are a sensitive piece of information as they pinpoint the location of the systems they are assigned to. This is uncircumventable, as the physical location of the connected machine is precisely the information necessary for the internet protocol to establish the most efficient connection.
This is how I know that any IP, which starts with 140. 247 will be assigned to Harvard University and how I know where you are based in, simply by looking at your IP address.
6 Ways to Hide Your IP Address
Check out these six ways to alter your IP address.
1. Get a VPN Software
Probably the best and most convenient way for changing your IP is to choose a good VPN service.
Here’s what VPN does:
Hide’s your IP address
Encrypts your internet traffic
Allows you safely torrent
Allows you to get access to geo-blocked sites like Netflix and Hulu.
As you can see, the benefits of a Virtual Private Network are precisely the same as the benefits of changing your IP address.
No surprise here; VPNs assign new IP address to systems connected to them. As you connect to a virtual network, you’ll be assigned a second IP address, which spoofs your real one.
Setting up your VPN client takes minutes, and once you’re all set up, connecting to it and thereby changing your IP happens at the click of your button.
“That’s all great, Andrey, but how does a VPN change my IP address? ”
Great question – I’m excited to tell you.
While you’re connected to a VPN, the VPN provider will assign you a virtual IP address. While your real IP address will still be used to connect to said VPN, all other traffic will be tunneled through your private network and as such this external traffic will only connect to your second, virtual IP address.
I’m recommending NordVPN ($3. 49/mo) because it’s by far the most anonymous and reliable VPN software we’ve tested to date. It’s secure and it doesn’t like your IP address. You can choose from their 1500+ servers (different IP’s). You can read our NordVPN review here.
Another good VPN service option (at a cheaper cost) is Surfshark ($1. 99/mo) Read our Surfshark review here.
ExpressVPN is also an option, but it comes at a higher price point. ($6. 67/mo). Read our ExpressVPN review here.
2. Use a Proxy – Slower than VPN
Proxy servers are great little tools which act as a bridge in the flow of your internet traffic. These man-in-the-middle servers connect your information packets to their desired destination while changing their appearance as they go through the Proxy.
In simpler terms, the Proxy server intercepts your traffic and takes control of your connection. From here, everything you do, the proxy server repeats; it mirrors your behavior. The destination servers (websites you’d like to access) think of the proxy is your traffic.
The beauty of this system is that you can connect to any proxy server in the world.
Say you want to access UK’s BBC. You’ll quickly find out that most of their content is blocked and inaccessible for people outside the United Kingdom. In comes the Proxy server. You connect to a UK based Proxy and voila – for all intents and purposes, you’re henceforth as British as fish and chips.
Proxy servers are very efficient at low profile necessities such as bypassing geo-blocked content or IP restrictions.
Being able to mask your real IP address is where the similarities between VPNs and Proxies end.
While being more than adept at handling Netflix geo-restricted content, Proxies can’t compete with a VPN’s many layers of security. Outside spoofing your IP address, Proxy servers neither encrypt your data nor remove any identifiable markers from it. Proxies will do nothing to shield you from the prying eyes of your ISP, government or anyone with access to your data.
The final big difference between Proxies and VPNs is the former’s lack of encompassing spoofing. While a VPN will encrypt any and all data coming into and out of your system, a Proxy will intercept traffic on a per-application basis.
Say you connect your web browser to a proxy server. Great! You can watch all the Netflix you want, don’t go torrenting files, however. Your torrenting traffic won’t be intercepted by your Proxy and your ISP can easily see what you’re up to.
Further reading: Difference between VPN and Proxy
3. Use TOR – FREE
TOR, named after the original project “The Onion Router” is a free client which anonymously connects you to volunteer-operated network of servers. This enables you to be assigned a new IP address, on the same basis as a VPN client.
Also known as the “dark/deep” web, Tor has the added benefit of enabling you to access websites, otherwise inaccessible with normal browsers. Such “onion” websites have very different domain names as they are mostly randomly generated.
Check out the domain name of the anonymity search engine DuckDuckGo:
TOR being a widely accessible, free and anonymous network, it has become a hub for criminal activity. Also one of the reasons why you may be put on a “list” if you access TOR, a big chunk of the network’s users connect to it to carry out illegal transactions. From false identities to heavy drugs and even weaponry.
Another big drawback of TOR is the extremely slow loading times. These long loading times are predicated on the inefficient and long-winded routes that your data packets are sent on, relayed from server to server, until they finally hit their destination. This, of course, is all done in the name of safety.
Make no mistake, TOR isn’t entirely foolproof. Certain software vulnerabilities and website admin errors can and are exploited by Government agency.
Further reading: Tor vs. VPN (What is the difference)
4. Use Mobile Network – Slow and not encrypted
A quick way to change your IP address, if you fear yours has been compromised, is to use your cell phone’s data. As it’s a different system, it will have a different IP address.
This, of course, is no substitute to a laptop/PC workstation. It may aid you in rare emergency situations, when your IP is obviously being attacked, but outside of that, relying on Mobile Data is both ineffective and short-sighted.
5. Connect to Public Wi-Fi – Not Secure
As IP addresses don’t travel with you, using your laptop to connect to a coffee shop’s open Wi-Fi network is an easy way to change your IP address. Same as with Mobile Data, this is neither an effective IP change method, nor a sustainable way of surfing anonymously & securely.
Unfortunately, there are many risks when using such open hotspots networks.
6. Call Your Internet Service Provider
The bitter truth is that we have zero influence on what IP address our systems get assigned to. We can only ask or force our Internet Service Providers to change our IPs for us.
There are two types of IP addresses that your ISP will assign to you. Static and Dynamic. A static IP is difficult to change as you’ll have to go through a lengthy process with your ISP. Most internet providers will, fortunately, assign dynamic IPs.
Asking nicely, so Mom thought me, is always step one. Calling up your ISP and simply asking for an IP change will often do the trick, though you may have to face some unexpected and forward questions as to your motivation behind such a request. Telling them you’re teaching son or younger brother the basics of networking, seems to do the trick.
Force an IP change by unplugging your modem
If being nice fails, an easy way to attempt to force an IP change by your ISP, is to unhook your modem and reconnect it after a little while. By severing your connection to your ISP, you’re very likely to be assigned a new IP range. This only works if you operate on dynamic IPs, however. You also have to remain disconnected from the internet for many hours to prompt a change in IP address.
Here are some additional steps you can take on Windows before unhooking your Modem:
Windows system connected via cable
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Type “ipconfig /release“, without the quotes and hit Enter
Type “ipconfig /renew“, without the quotes and hit Enter
Shut down your system.
Turn off all ethernet hubs/switches.
Unplug cable/DSL modem.
Leave off as long as you can bare (overnight)
Turn everything back on.
Windows system connected via router
Log into the router’s admin console.
Release the IP address (Every router is different, Google yours)
Are you chuckling yet? I sure am
I’m not saying the above doesn’t work – it works just fine. I’m saying I’m not about to dial my phone and sit on hold for half an hour or disconnect myself from the internet every time I want to change my IP address.
With ISP’s selling my browsing history to the highest bidder, I sure wouldn’t trust them to help me out either.
Effective? Yes! Practical? Heck No!
Unfortunately for you and me, this about sums up the ways we can change our IP address. Sure, there are others, more technical ones. If you’re an expert in networking you can modify your router and force a dynamic IP change that way – but that’s neither simple, nor quick, nor guaranteed.
Changing IP addresses simply isn’t the way to go, hiding them, however, is another story entirely
Why Hide IP?
It is very much in our interest to make sure no wrong-doers ever get their hands on such an important identifier as our IP Address. Let’s take a look at the main reasons why you would want to hide your IP address.
1. Hide Your Location
As mentioned above, your IP address functions much like the street address of your home; it tells the Internet Protocol where to send your requested information packets. This is predicated on the IP’s ability to pinpoint your exact location, enabling it to connect you to your nearest network and from there to the world.
Here is a list of geo-location information that your IP address harbors:
Country
Region
City
ZIP code
Longitude and latitude
Pretty scary to think that a criminal could have access to your GPS coordinates by simply finding out your IP, isn’t it?
2. Circumvent IP restrictions
Being a very precise location identifier, your IP address is often used to block you from accessing certain information which someone has deemed inaccessible for you.
When governments like those in China, Russia and, Yes, the United States restrict access to certain websites and services by blocking their nation’s IP addresses, “spoofing, the act of masking your IP address, comes in handy.
From journalists to activists and your everyday person, nobody should be oppressed and restricted to share their views in the information era.
Colleges and universities also love to meddle with their student’s internet access. Many schools have banned online video game servers from being accessed. This means no League of Legends, World of Warcraft, CS:GO and so on.
I guess these students are mature enough to rack up $200K in debt for a four-year degree, but giving them access to online games? That’s too much.
Circumventing such IP restrictions is important to make sure you, and only you, get to decide which content you’d like to access.
3. Negate IP Bans
Banning your IP address is an easy way for websites and services to immediately block your access to them. This quickly becomes a problem as you try to connect to your paid-for Netflix account, a service which blocks any and all IPs outside the USA from accessing their US library of moves and TV shows, when you’re sitting in your hotel room overseas.
Spoofing or changing your IP address is a quick and easy way of loopholing your way back into services you’ve been mistakenly or unjustly banned from.
4. Block Targeted Attacks
Hiding your IP address quickly becomes a must-do security step once you’ve been targeted by a cyber-criminal, who is after your personal records.
By changing your vulnerable IP address you can throw off and block this specific type of cyber attack on your system.
5. Remain Anonymous on Internet
Anonymity is to be expected, not asked for. Well, not anymore.
When our Congress passes bills, allowing Internet Service Providers to sell your private web surfing data & browsing history to the highest bidder, retaining anonymity in an ever-shrinking world seems all the more precious and important.
Conclusion
Changing your IP address is one of many security steps as you embark on the journey of securing yourself and your data. While there are more comprehensive ways of protection, such as using a VPN, I commend you on your desire and prudence to seek out ways to shield your IP address from hackers and no-gooders.
I sincerely hope this article has helped you find your preferred method of keeping your IP address safe on the inter-webs. Please share it with your friends and colleagues and let me know about your experiences with IP addresses.
Time to drop the mic, you made it!
Surf Safe,
Andrey from team
How to Create a Proxy Server (2021) – Alphr
Proxy servers are beneficial because they act as mediators between your computer and the internet. They make online requests for you, and then they return the requested information. If you want to create a proxy server yourself, know that it isn’t as difficult as it on for more details about proxy servers, their uses, and instructions for creating a proxy server. Note that this article will provide instructions for creating a proxy server using the Windows and Mac operating Servers 101What is a proxy server? It’s a mediator or a replacement server. It allows your computer to connect to the internet using a different IP address. In simple terms, proxy servers add an extra layer of privacy to your online presence and can also save a lot of bandwidth in certain using a proxy, internet traffic and files can be compressed, and all the unnecessary parts can be left aside (e. g., annoying ads on web pages). Proxies are very useful to companies with a large number of employees on the same wireless network, as they can ease the bandwidth traffic of a single servers are also faster because they look up cached website versions, without downloading any other unnecessary files. Proxy servers can be divided into two simple categories, private and public. Generally speaking, private proxies are much faster because fewer people use them. Private proxies are also far safer for the very same terms of privacy and security, when compared to a VPN service, a proxy server is far less effective. If you’re looking for a VPN, check out NordVPN, it’s one of the fastest and safest virtual private Uses of Proxy ServersProxy servers are mostly set up by schools, employers, and other places where there are a lot of people connected to the same network. Proxies give the owners of the network a better view and control of what’s going use the internet in a school, for example, you must connect to your school’s proxy network. Proxies are the reason why network administrators block many websites with ease. But what is defending the proxy server? Well, it’s probably just a basic firewall. That’s how the sites are restricted, and nothing should penetrate the network. If there are any breaches to the firewall, you can bet they’re coming from malware or an intruder to your don’t need to own a business, or anything else to set up a proxy. Feel free to install it in your home, if you have multiple devices and want better control over the household’s internet use. Spoiler alert, your kids aren’t going to enjoy a proxy as much as you will! How to Create a Proxy Server on WindowsThere are two basic ways you can create a proxy server on a Windows computer. One is with an automated script, and the other method is manual. Let’s start with the instructions for using the script:On your Windows computer, launch the Settings (Start>Settings) on the Network and Internet on Proxy the Use Setup Script the script address you were given (by your employer, school, or another server owner. ) and select Save. You can then exit the settings, and the script should become effective other way around is creating a proxy server manually:Once again, open your Windows Network and Internet Use a Proxy Server under the Manual Proxy Setup the IP under the Address tab, and the Port number in the appropriate you’re done, Save the changes and exit this to Create a Proxy Server on MacCreating a proxy server on Mac computers isn’t difficult either. Here’s how to do it:Start the System Preferences the Network the Advanced option and select, select the Proxy option. Here, you can set up the proxy automatically if you choose the Auto Proxy Discovery, and your computer will configure everything on its ternatively, you can do it manually. Then, you must click on the type of proxy, enter its port, and address in the appropriate fields (port is the smaller one). You might also need to enter the proxy server credentials in case the server is password you’re done, click on OK to save the changes and create the ’ll notice various types of proxy servers. HTTP is the most popular one, but it isn’t very safe, while the HTTPS is a more stable version of HTTP. Finally, SOCKS has many uses, e. g. it’s excellent for torrents, but it’s significantly slower than other types of Proxy Servers Enough? Proxy servers are handy, depending on your needs. If your chief concern is security, and online privacy, then using a VPN service is a better choice. Still, proxies are very popular and have many uses. Schools and workplaces, for instance, couldn’t function without you setting up a public or personal proxy server? Let us know in the comments section below and tell us if you’re satisfied with the results.
How to change your IP address: 4 easy ways – CNET
Changing your IP address is easy, safe and legal.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Don’t worry. Changing your IP address is easy, even if you’ve never done it before. It’s also perfectly safe and — as long as you’re not using it to break other laws — it’s legal. Your computer and phone have several types of IP addresses (short for internet protocol, a unique series of numbers that identify your specific device with your online browsing), but we’ll focus on the type normally changed to protect your privacy as you browse, and those which make you appear like you’re in a different country. There are four simple ways to change your IP address in under 5 minutes. Jumping behind a proxy server or a VPN is the best way to not only temporarily change your IP address, but also protect your privacy. If you just want to change your IP address without the additional privacy boost, you can either enter your preferred IP manually, or you can just force your device to retrieve a new one automatically. Read more: Best VPN service of 2021 Keep in mind, changing your IP address will temporarily disrupt whatever internet-connected services or programs you’re using on your device. There’s no harm done, but it’s going to have the same effect as if you’d momentarily lost your Wi-Fi. Your Spotify might hiccup. Media streaming services will have a momentary brain freeze. If you’re sending or receiving files, you may need to start over. And you might have to log back in to whatever secure site you’re currently using. If you’re tooling around with IP address changes, you might have some other questions. Here are two of the most common questions I’ve been asked.
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Which VPN should you pick?
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Why should I consider changing my IP address?
Routinely changing your external, or public IP address, can help you improve your overall security and browsing privacy. There are other reasons, too. If you’ve just installed a new home router, you may need to reconfigure your network with a quick IP change. One common problem among home routers is that they sometimes give devices the wrong IP address, so changing your IP manually can solve those glitches. If you want to access a country’s catalog of streaming media services when you’re outside of that country for whatever reason, changing your IP to one based in the right country can get you the catalog you’re looking for. Likewise, if you’re a gamer looking to lower your lag, changing your IP via a gaming proxy server can help improve performance. One neat tech trick for second-language learners is to use an IP address based in another country to generate search results and local publications written in the local language.
Is it even legal to change your IP address?
Yes, it’s legal to change your IP address in the US. People change their IP addresses routinely when facing direct attacks on their online security, when testing a website before it goes live, or when they simply prefer to protect their privacy. Obviously, this FAQ is in no way offering legal advice and you should consult a licensed attorney for specific questions, but the legal boundaries on IP address changes usually start with what you change your IP to, and what you do with that new IP address. If you’ve changed your IP to impersonate an individual or a business — often called IP spoofing — you could be running afoul of the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. You might also run into trouble if you’re changing your IP address to access a website you’ve been banned from. IP spoofing is also a tool used by some cybercriminals to perform a handful of well-known attacks, most commonly those related to identity theft and those aimed at crippling websites with organized distributed denial of service bombardment.
Option 1: Change your IP address with a VPN or proxy server You can use a VPN to change your IP address.
When you use any of the virtual private networks we’ve reviewed in our directory, the service will automatically make you appear as though you have a different IP address originating from whatever country you select. Literally just open your VPN app and connect to any city other than your current one — in less than 30 seconds, you’ve changed your IP so it appears to be from wherever you chose. Browser-based VPNs and proxies are much more lightweight than standalone VPN apps. There are some key privacy differences that I’ve detailed elsewhere, but when you use a proxy, it also changes your visible IP address. Chrome, Firefox and Brave Browser all have their own versions of proxies and browser-based VPNs that you can try for yourself. Setting up a VPN on your iPhone or Android device is as easy as installing any other app on your phone, and I’ve got a step-by-step guide in case you’d like to see how to do it. If you’re gaming from a console, I’ve also got a quick walkthrough for you on setting up a VPN on an Xbox along with a list of the ones that performed best in my tests. If you’ve never toyed with VPNs but are considering one, I’ve got the Cliff’s Notes version of how to pick the right one, which you might find helpful. Whatever you do, just avoid free VPNs. Seriously not worth the malware risk. Instead, pivot to the cheapest ones that I’ve test-driven for you. Option 2: Change your IP address by unplugging the router Changing your IP address is as easy as unplugging your router.
Ry Crist/CNET
The easiest and quickest way to get a new IP address is to see what your IP address is via an IP-checking site, then walk over to your router and unplug it for at least five minutes. It may take several minutes longer, depending on how long your ISP normally takes to renew IP addresses in general. Once you plug it back in, refresh the website to make sure your IP address has changed. Essentially, what you’re trying to do is make the IP-assigning part of your router “forget” your device so that it treats your device like a newcomer and gives it a new address. This isn’t foolproof, however. Sometimes it takes multiple tries, and in some cases you may have to leave the router off overnight. If you have a router that’s separate from your modem (most are a combination device these days) you may need to unplug the modem and router, leave them off for 5 minutes or so, then first power the modem on, followed by the router. But getting off the couch is overrated. Option 3: Automatically update your IP address on Mac, iOS, Windows and Android Changing your IP address will better protect your browsing.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Here’s how to do this on Mac, iOS, Windows and Android: MacOS: Click your Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, and click System Preferences then Network then Advanced. At the top of the next screen, click TCP/IP, then click the Renew DHCP Lease button on the right side of the window. iOS: Go to Settings, tap Network and choose the wireless network you’re currently on. Under the IPv4 address section, tap Configure IP then Automatic. Windows 10: Press the Win+R keys at the same time. This opens the Run box dialog. Type cmd, then hit Enter on your keyboard. This opens the command prompt. For those who’ve never seen a Windows command prompt before: This is the part where you will either be immediately terrified something is about to get broken, or you will suddenly feel like you’re about to do something extremely cool. Do not panic; neither of those things is going to happen. The magic black box has that effect on everyone their first time. Type ipconfig /release (including the space) into the command prompt and hit Enter. Some text will zoom by. When it stops, type ipconfig /renew and hit Enter again. Then close your command prompt. You’re done. Android: Go to Settings, tap Connections then tap Wi-Fi. From here, tap on the network you’re currently connected to. Tap the gear-shaped icon to the right of the network. Your IP address will be displayed here, but go to the bottom of the screen and — after making sure you’ve got your Wi-Fi password handy — tap Forget (it’s the trash icon in the bottom-right corner). Your phone will forget the Wi-Fi network and be disconnected. Just reconnect to your network, and you should be issued a new IP address.
Top 5 reasons to use a VPN
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Option 4: Manually change your IP address Here’s what to do if you’ve already got a new IP address that you know you want to use. MacOS: Go to System Preferences and click Network. Click Network Connection, then click Configure IPv4. Select Manually and type in whatever IP you’ve chosen. iOS: Go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, then Network. Under the IPv4 address section, tap Configure IP. Manually type in whatever IP address you’re trying to use. Windows: Make sure you’re working from your Administrator account and click Start, then go to Control Panel. From here, click Network Connection, and then click on your local area connection. Next, click Properties, then click TCP/IP. From here, you can type your new IP address in manually. Your IP address will be displayed here, but go to the bottom of the screen and tap Advanced, then tap IP Settings. Select Static. The next screen will let you manually type in whatever IP address you’ve chosen. For more, check out everything to know about the Tor browser, three browser-based VPNs to try, and the browser privacy settings you should change right away.
Learn smart gadget and internet tips and tricks with our entertaining and ingenious how-tos.
Frequently Asked Questions about random ip proxy
How do I randomize my IP address?
6 Ways to Hide Your IP AddressGet a VPN Software. Probably the best and most convenient way for changing your IP is to choose a good VPN service. … Use a Proxy – Slower than VPN. … Use TOR – FREE. … Use Mobile Network – Slow and not encrypted. … Connect to Public Wi-Fi – Not Secure. … Call Your Internet Service Provider.Mar 15, 2019
How do I create a proxy IP?
How to Create a Proxy Server on WindowsOn your Windows computer, launch the Settings (Start>Settings).Click on the Network and Internet option.Click on Proxy settings.Enable the Use Setup Script option.Enter the script address you were given (by your employer, school, or another server owner.) and select Save.Mar 26, 2021
Is static IP illegal?
Is it even legal to change your IP address? Yes, it’s legal to change your IP address in the US. People change their IP addresses routinely when facing direct attacks on their online security, when testing a website before it goes live, or when they simply prefer to protect their privacy.Jul 18, 2021