How to Hide Your IP Address for Extra Privacy (2024)

If you value online privacy, the first step is to learn how to hide IP address information with a VPN. IP addresses allow computers to exchange information. With an IP attached to each piece of data, it’s easy to locate the source and destination of information. That same marker can trace requests back to their origin, turning data transmissions into homing beacons for users. We’ll walk you through how to stay private and cover recommended providers that you can trust.

Hide any trace of your IP and activity online with these secure VPNs:

What are IP addresses?

An IP address, (internet protocol address), is a number assigned to devices when they connect to a network. Every device that logs onto the internet is given an IP address, from computers to tablets, phones, gaming consoles, even smart TVs. IPs mark devices for data delivery similar to putting an address on a package and shipping it through the mail.

The most recognizable type of IP address is a public IP address, a series of numbers separated by decimals (e.g. 123.45.678.9). These are assigned by internet service providers (ISPs) which act as a middleman between you and the internet. Here’s how it works:

1. You request a website from your browser
2. Your computer sends that request through your ISP
3. ISP pulls the information from the web and sends it back to you
4. Every request is stamped with your public IP so the ISP knows where to deliver the information

Your public IP address improves various services. For example, once you log into a website like Netflix, you don’t have to re-enter your information every single time. The service remembers your IP and keeps you logged in. IP addresses also ensure you aren’t mistaken with someone else on the Internet.

IPs have some disadvantages. Your public IP and MAC address can identify your precise location, Internet Service Provider, and operating system. Here’s an example from IPlocation.net.

IP addresses and tracking

In addition to helping identify your physical location, an IP address can compromise your online identity and keep tabs on your online activities. Many websites track and store your IP to see what you do online. If a travel website sees you checking out a ticket over and over again, they might hike prices up to pressure you into making a purchase. Services, like Facebook, might check your IP to show you ads and content that keeps you on their website (or persuades you to buy from a third party). Over time, a business can learn all about your habits. Your data can also be collected or sold to third parties without your permission.

How can an IP address be abused?

Some examples of IP address abuse:

• Doxxing (finding your personal information/location)
• Websites/service providers storing your internet history
• Data legally being sold to third parties without your permission

Advantages of hiding your IP address

Other benefits of hiding your IP address:

• Bypass censored content – Many governments and businesses censor content from users, making it impossible to access websites they deem inappropriate or illegal. Hiding your IP circumvents restrictions.
• Prevent tracking and surveillance – ISPs, websites, and eavesdropping hackers can easily gain access to your browsing history and track your location. Hiding your IP erases your digital footprint.
• Access streaming videos blocked in your country – IP addresses are used to geo-locate devices connected to the internet. If Netflix blocks particular content in your country, you won’t be able to stream those videos. By hiding/changing your IP address, you fool these websites into thinking your location is elsewhere, allowing you to watch region-locked content.

Best Ways to Hide Your IP Address

1. VPN

The most effective way to hide your IP address is to use a virtual private network. VPNs work like a tunnel between your device and the internet. Every byte of traffic is encrypted before it leaves your computer, turning data into unreadable packets of information. These travel through your ISP and straight to the VPN provider. The VPN then assigns the data a new IP address, not associated with your location or identity.

VPNs protect your IP by:

• Giving you a borrowed IP address so your online activities are attributed to that IP
• Providing extra features. For example, a DNS leak test makes sure that your Internet Service Provider isn’t tracking your online activities. All VPNs encrypt your data, which gives you extra security and anonymity.

Here are the criteria we used to find the best VPNs:

• Server distribution – VPNs operate wide networks of servers around the world. The more servers available, the more options and better chance of having a fast connection
• Device connectability – Many VPN services restrict the number of devices that can access their network at once. We chose providers that allow at least three simultaneous devices.
• Unlimited server switching – Some VPNs limit the number of times you can switch servers per day, meaning you could be stuck with a slow connection or an unfit IP address. All our suggested VPNs have unlimited server switching.
• Kill switches and DNS leak protection – During the few moments when your VPN software is reconnecting, your standard connection could reactivate, sending your real IP across the network. To prevent this, good VPN providers lock down the network to ensure your identity is never leaked.
• Logging policy –. All of your data passes through a VPN’s servers and can be stored. If government agencies demand the VPN turn over data, they often have to comply. No logs kept means there’s no data to be shared.

2. Proxy Services

Anonymous proxy services are similar to a VPN because they let you choose which country your anonymous IP address will be associated with. The proxy requests web information on your behalf and relays it to you without divulging your location.

The downside is they don’t provide encryption, and are slower than VPNs. This holds doubly true for free proxy services, which can be dangerous to use.

3. Tor

The Tor network/Tor browser work by using onion routing to encapsulate your data packets in layers of encryption before passing it through a series of nodes. Each part of the network peels back a layer of encryption, revealing the next destination for the packet. When the final layer is decrypted the data will reach its location, leaving no trace of the data’s origin or the randomized path it took through the Tor network.

Tor has its downsides, but it does an amazing job hiding your IP address. Unfortunately, speeds are quite slow, so things like streaming Netflix or torrenting are impractical.

4. Switching Networks

IPs don’t follow devices around, so to get a different IP you just connect through a different hotspot. Any public Wi-Fi network will do, including the local library, coffee shop, or even a friend’s house. Once you log in you’ll be given a unique IP address that isn’t tied to you, though without a VPN your IP is still visible. Be sure to read up on the security risks of public networks before heading down to your local coffee joint.

How to Hide Your IP Address on Your Mobile Device

Here are our tips for using VPNs on smart devices and how to hide IP address data.

Using A VPN App on an Android

The app you use to connect to your VPN depends on the VPN provider that you choose. However, the general principles of these apps are all the same.

When you open a VPN app for Android, you will not yet be connected to the VPN. First you need to find the list of servers available in the VPN. Often this is a separate tab in the form of a list or server map.

Once you choose the server that best meets your needs, click on the name of the server. You should see a message that you’re connected and an indicator the VPN is running, usually a green light or icon. You will also see a key symbol in your Android status bar.

Using A VPN App on an iPhone and iOS

It’s easy to hide your IP address on an iPhone or iOS device:

1. Choose a VPN and start a subscription
2. Download the VPN app. Most services provide links to the iTunes App Store
3. Launch the VPN on your iPhone and enter your login details
4. Choose the VPN’s quick connect option to connect to a recommended server
5. Open a web browser on your device and go to ipleak.net
6. Run an IP address lookup
7. If the box beneath “Your IP address” shows a country other than the one you’re in, the VPN is working correctly

Best VPNs for hiding your IP address

1. NordVPN

Pros

• Super-fast, stable connections
• Up to 10 simultaneous connections
• Double data protection
• Money back guarantee

Cons

• Sometimes certain servers are unreliable
• Apps can be cumbersome

NordVPN delivers one of the world’s most robust server networks. With 6400+ servers in 110 countries, you’re spoiled for choices. NordVPN shrouds your connection with unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption. Their apps come standard with a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Panamanian jurisdiction ensures their strict no-logging policy, free from government pressure. They also offer a CyberSec toggle for enabling ad blocking and anti-malware.

2. Surfshark

Pros

• Robust servers blast through geo-blocks
• 3200+ servers worldwide
• P2P-friendly, with private DNS and obfuscation
• Simple app interface
• VPN home jurisdiction in British Virgin Islands is ideal for privacy
• 24/7 live chat

Cons

• Still maturing their server network compared to other providers
• Can have confusing pricing models

Surfshark launched in 2019, but it’s one of the most respected providers on the market. Their privacy provisions include 256-AES-GCM encryption and OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard tunneling protocols. Their RAM-only server network prevents retention of user metadata. Connections hide your VPN traffic and there are static IP and multi-hop connections available. Surfshark has one of the industry’s best no-logging policies, and never limits the number of simultaneous connections.

3. ExpressVPN

Pros

• Unblocks US Netflix and other streaming services
• Fast servers with minimal speed loss
• OpenVPN, IPSec & IKEv2 Encryption
• Strict no-logs policy
• 24/7 Chat Support
• Up to 8 simultaneous connections

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than some other options

ExpressVPN consistently ranks as one of the fastest and secure VPN providers. They deploy a network of over 3,000 servers in 105 different countries. You can switch servers as often as you like and connect up to eight devices at a time, including smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles.

Privacy features include DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and no logs. Coupled with unlimited bandwidth and no restrictions on traffic types, you’ve got a great VPN service that can even provide regular access from countries like China and Turkey.

4. PureVPN

Pros

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections
• Can add on password manager feature
• Can select specific apps to use with the VPN
• Compatible on any device
• Supports torrenting
• Competitively priced

Cons

• Pricing can be confusing
• Not as many additional features as other VPNs
• Can have lower speeds

PureVPN is great for IP address hiding. It has 6000+ servers in 80+ locations world-wide. Unlimited server switching is also available, along with a zero-logging policy, unlimited bandwidth, DNS leak protection, and a quick kill switch.

One of their best features is the “Virtual Router” software. This turns your computer into a virtual hotspot, allowing you to connect up to ten devices at once.

5. IPVanish

Pros

• Privacy policies are transparent
• Good server selection
• Threat protection add-ons
• A range of connection protocols
• Competitive speeds
• SOCKS5 proxy

Cons

• Can be more expensive
• Based in the U.S. so subject to U.S. privacy laws

IPVanish operates 2200+ servers in 75+ countries, providing a range of IPs to choose from. All are backed by 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch and DNS leak protection, and a zero-logging policy for top privacy.

Each plan comes with unlimited bandwidth, allows P2P traffic and torrent access and has unlimited device connections. With no data transfer caps and 24/7 customer support, you get your money’s worth.

6. VyprVPN

Pros

• Chameleon technology
• Competitive pricing
• Business tiers available for big companies
• 30 day money back guarantee
• Complete control over their own servers

Cons

• Not as many servers as some VPNs
• Some features are only available for the business tiers
• Can have slower speeds

VyprVPN owns and operates its entire network of 700+ servers spread across 70 locations, ensuring no third party can access the hardware.

Besides the wide availability, their servers are also bolstered by the exclusive Chameleon technology that defeats VPN blocking and throttling. This is vital if you live in a restrictive location, such as China or Turkey. VyprVPN also has a zero-logging policy, built-in kill switch, DNS leak protection, and fast download speeds.

7. Private Internet Access

Pros

• Some of the lowest prices on the market
• Good Linux app
• Advanced split tunneling
• Ad and malware blocking
• Open-source code

Cons

• Doesn’t have as many advanced features as others
• Somewhat lower speeds
• Based in the U.S.
• Inconsistent number of servers declared

Private Internet Access wants to make the internet freely available for everyone and runs a network of servers in 91 countries, all backed by a zero-logging policy, a digital kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a smart IP cloak. Unlimited server switching and unlimited simultaneous connections are especially helpful.

Warning – Don’t use free VPNs to hide your IP address

Free VPNs and proxy services promise free, fast, and unlimited service. The unfortunate reality is free VPNs and proxy services often endanger your privacy.

What are the risks to using a free VPN?

Here are some of the risks to be aware of with free VPNs:

Free VPNs May Contain Malware

Since users don’t pay for subscriptions, free VPN providers have to make money somewhere else, such as ads. This muddles the user experience and threatens security. A study testing nearly 300 Android VPN services found that 38% of these services were infected, and that free VPNs are much more susceptible to malware due to advertisem*nts.

Lack of Security

Another disadvantage is lack of security features. The same study mentioned found that 72% of free VPNs track your online activities with third party trackers. They collect and store your information, selling it to the highest bidder. Users unwittingly agree to these “terms” upon signup.

Will Not Bypass Geo-Blocking

Free VPNs won’t help you bypass censorship blocks or geo-restricted content as they don’t have the bandwidth, connection speeds, or wide server network to handle streaming content.

Two Options for Free VPNs

There are some free VPNs that operate without malicious intent. Here are some options to try.

1. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is one of the best-known free VPNs, with fairly solid features. The paid version has high-quality encryption to protect your data. Protocols include OpenVPN’s UDP and TCP. Double VPN servers route your data through two server network nodes. There are cyber security features, such as a DNS leak test and kill switch.

Unfortunately, none of these features are fully available in the app’s free version. Instead, you get a limited number of servers from 3 locations and lots of ads. You can only download 500 MB of data each day, meaning you can’t stream, game, or browse long. While the service is decent, the free version is more of a preview of the full version.

2. Tunnelbear

TunnelBear is limited – there’s no torrenting, streaming, or Netflix – but if you want something basic, it works. AES 256-bit encryption makes sure that every data packet is virtually un-crackable. Servers from over 22 countries are available, with high connection speeds and low latencies. There’s a strict no-logging policy too. The biggest limitation is just 500 MB of data every month.

Additional Resources

If you want more resources for IP address hiding tools:

Here’s our Free Hide IP Address Guide.

• Here’s our tutorials to hide your IP address on Android and iOS devices.
• Here’s our Hide IP Address When Downloading Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide my IP address on my phone?

Yes! Most VPNs have mobile apps to use with your smartphone or other devices.

Does a VPN truly hide your IP address?

Your ISP will still know you’re accessing the internet, it just won’t have the details of your browsing activities. There are also advanced tactics to find your digital trail, and if you sign into accounts or have malware, that can reveal you as well. IP addresses will still be hidden with VPNs, just make sure you’re taking all the precautions for how to hide IP address data.

Does incognito mode hide your IP address?

No. It hides cookies and browsing details/history from your operating system but it will not hide your IP address.