How To Hide Your IP Address (And Why You Should)

Your IP address is your personal identifier on the internet. Although it doesn't reveal too much information, bad actors can use it to pinpoint your location, get your private info, track your activity, or hack your device. In other words, your IP in the wrong hands can put a target on your back or make it look like you're the one enacting cybercrimes.

Practicing good cyber hygiene and using a reliable VPN can help you avoid these threats. Keep reading to learn how to hide your IP address and stay anonymous online.

How to hide your IP address

Several ways exist to boost your online security and cover your digital tracks. You can install a VPN, employ a proxy server, or use the Tor browser.

1. Install a reliable VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) can hide your real IP address by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. Premium VPNs offer thousands of shared IPs across their server networks. You'll get its static IP address when you connect to a VPN server. Changing your location is as simple as connecting to a different server.

Since your IP gives basic info about your location, if you pick a VPN server in the U.S., you’ll get a U.S. IP address. This will allow you to unblock Netflix U.S., Hulu, and similar services. You can even bypass network blackouts and stream your favorite sports teams live by making it appear like you're in a particular location.

We've tested over 50 VPNs and recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. NordVPN is the best overall VPN service we've tested. Surfshark is more budget-friendly and boasts unlimited simultaneous connections (meaning you can connect all your devices). CyberGhost is also budget-friendly and works great on Apple devices. Plus, it boasts optimized servers just for streaming and gaming.

2. Use a proxy server

A proxy server acts as a “middleman” between you and the internet. It can hide your IP address, but it can't encrypt any transmitted information like a VPN. The best VPNs use military-grade encryption protocols to secure your online activities and safeguard your data. Proxies don't provide the level of privacy and security that VPNs do. 

So, a proxy is a good fit if you want to unblock geo-restricted services or deal with IP bans. However, if you also need a security boost, go with a VPN. Encryption is integral to online security since keeping your data away from prying eyes is more important than ever. Learn more about the differences between proxies and VPNs. 

3. Use Tor

Tor is free and open-source software used for anonymous communication and browsing. It directs internet traffic through a worldwide network of volunteer-operated servers called “nodes.” This process encrypts your data several times before it reaches its destination, making it incredibly difficult to trace the initial source. Tor is free, but it will severely affect your speed with multiple encryptions. 

We recommend using a VPN if you want better speeds or have a very slow internet connection. Premium VPNs like NordVPN offer Onion over VPN (also called Tor over VPN), a secure network of servers optimized for using the Tor browser. Basically, Onion over VPN adds an extra layer of security by using VPN encryption to protect your IP address before entering the Tor network. 

Why would you want to hide your IP

Unfortunately, criminals can do a lot with your IP, so keeping it safe is necessary nowadays. Here are the benefits of keeping your IP under wraps:

• Hiding your location: Your IP address only shares your general location (state, city, or zip code). However, hackers can use this info to pinpoint your exact location.
  
  Benefit: Masking your IP can prevent bad actors from tracking or impersonating you.
• Bypassing network restrictions: Schools and workplaces often have network restrictions to prevent streaming or checking social media accounts.
  
  Benefit: Hiding your IP address can help you bypass network restrictions.
• Accessing geo-blocked content: Your IP address determines anything from your Netflix catalog to the services you can access. For example, Google products could be blocked in your country.
  
  Benefit: A VPN can help you bypass geo-blocked content and get around online censorship.
• Avoiding IP bans: Website admins or server providers can block your IP, preventing you from accessing gaming servers and chat rooms. IP bans typically occur if malicious activity is suspected, but websites can even ban your IP address if the servers are overloaded.
  
  Benefit: Masking your IP can help you bypass IP bans.
• Stopping ISP tracking: Your Internet Service Provider, or ISP, can track your online activity, including sites you visit and your search history. They can also sell your information or hand it over to the authorities.
  
  Benefit: By hiding your IP address, you limit what your ISP can monitor and record.
• Keeping your searches private: Search engines like Google archive your browsing history, the sites you visit, and much more.
  
  Benefit: You can help avoid Big Tech from tracking you by masking your real IP.

What is an IP address?

IP stands for "Internet Protocol." It's a set of rules determining how data is sent over the internet or your local network. IP addresses make your devices accessible for communication and allow them to exchange data with other devices on a network.

Simply put, your IPs help the internet recognize your devices and differentiate them from other computers, phones, tablets, and routers. A practical example would include a website that "knows" it should load on your device once you “call” it by entering its address in your browser. It's using your IP address to determine that.

There are several types of IP addresses, including static (which VPNs use by default), dynamic (which are temporary and can be assigned by your ISP), and dedicated (which you can purchase through a VPN provider). 

FAQ

Bottom line

Hiding your real IP address can help you ensure online privacy, access geo-blocked content, and bypass online censorship. It also protects you from hackers who can use your IP to launch a cyberattack against you or others.

The easiest way to mask your IP is to use one of the best VPNs. These services will also encrypt your traffic with military-grade protocols for extra security. The best providers can include convenient features like malware protection, ad blocking, optimized torrenting, etc. Alternatively, you can use proxy servers and Tor. However, proxies don’t offer any online security, and Tor can cause drastic speed drops.