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How to Hide Your IP Address

Borrow a different IP address to go anywhere online and stay hidden.

Safe

The reasons why you might want to mask your IP address may include: Hiding your geographical location, preventing Web tracking, avoiding a digital footprint, or to bypass any content filters, bans or blacklisting.

There are a few ways to hide your IP address...that unique number assigned to the network connection on the computer.

Four ways to hide your IP address:

Use a VPN Service

Use Tor

Use a Proxy Server

Use Free/Public WiFi

1. Use a VPN Service – The Best Way

Sign up with these services and when you go online, you'll be showing the world a different IP address...one that's on loan from the service you're using.

There are many more advantages to using a personal VPN service over a proxy such as high speed bandwidth, usability, a secure connection, private access to blocked sites, and the ability to choose the country and city where you appear to be.

There are hundreds of VPN companies you could choose from...many of them shady or poor quality.

Guess what?

We've reviewed and recommend the following best VPN services:

CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

NordVPN

Surfshark

PureVPN

ExpressVPN

Don't know which VPN is right for you? Try our new VPN Simplifier!

2. Use the Tor Browser – The Slowest Choice

Tor LogoPeople from all over the world use Tor to search and buy products and communicate with others with restricted Internet access, such as what exists in some foreign countries.

The Tor Browser (like Chrome, Firefox or Safari) is a free software program that you download onto your computer that conceals your IP address every time you go online anonymously. This free process is layered with heavy-duty encryption, which means your data is layered with security and privacy protection.

3. Use a Proxy Server – Potentially Risky Method

A proxy server (sometimes called an "open proxy" or just "proxies") can be use to re-route your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, or Edge) around company or school content filters.

There are risks involved in using free proxies to mask your IP address: Many will slow down your internet connection, some are run on compromised machines, and may not be legal in some countries.

A safer solution is to use proxies managed by a company such as Smartproxy.

4. Use Free/Public WiFi – The Long Distance Option

Free Wi-Fi

An IP address doesn't travel with you. So if you simply go to a coffee shop, bookstore or hotel lobby and tap into their Wi-Fi, you will temporarily hide your usual IP address. How so? You'll be using their network's IP address for as long as you're online.

Try it out. First, click show my ip to see your current IP address, and then visit any place with free Wi-Fi, log in to their Internet and check it again.

However, if you don't use a VPN, your Internet activity is at risk of being spied on or intercepted by a bad guy without your knowing it.

How likely is that?

Who knows! But don't make online purchases or check your bank account while drinking your Grande Espresso.