List of methods to hide your IP address
1) Use a VPN
Un VPN (virtual private network) is probably the easiest way to hide your IP address. A VPN acts as a mediator between you (your device) and the internet. Thus, the websites you surf on have access to its IP address of the VPN server you are using, but cannot access your real IP address.
There are plenty of VPNs that allow you to hide IP addresses for free, or for a small fee. When choosing a good VPN, you should always look for one that offers leak protection features, that is, your information is protected and won't be accessible to a third party in any way.
NordVPN and IPVanish VPNs are two of the best VPN service providers.
Let's look at them in detail:
a) NordVPN.
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN service providers in the world that allows you to connect to over 5,000 servers around the world.
This VPN application is extremely easy to use, allows you to connect up to six devices with a single account and provides you with risk-free services for one month. You can choose to cancel services within the first month of use and get a refund instantly.
The pricing plans offered by NordVPN are as follows:
- $3.29 per month, if you opt for a 2-year plan.
- $4.92 per month, if you opt for a one-year plan.
- $11.95 per month if you opt for a 1-month plan
In order to hide your VPN with the help of NordVPN, follow these steps:
- First, download the NordVPN app. Android users can download it from the Google Play Store, iOS users need to go to the Apple Store, and Windows and Mac users can download the app from the website. Or you can find the link to download the application hither.
- Once you've downloaded and installed the app, you need to register and create your account (or sign in, if you've already created an account).
- Choose a pricing plan, pay for the subscription. They offer a 7-day free trial.
- Your account is activated as soon as you have chosen a plan.
- Now you can choose from the list of locations around the world and sign in.
b) IPVanish VPNs.
If you are looking for how to hide your IP address, then IPVanish VPN is a highly recommended VPN application for you. It's affordable and easy to use, plus it lets you connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription plan.
They offer configurations for desktops, cell phones, consoles, and routers, meeting the online security needs of the entire home all at once.
The pricing plans offered by IPVanish VPN are as follows:
- $10.99 per month if paid monthly
- $3.20 per month, if paid annually.
They also offer you a 30-day money-back guarantee (only with the annual plan), which means you can get your money back if you decide to stop using their services within the first month of use.
You need to download their app. The download link can be found on their website. They also offer antivirus and backup services in addition to the VPN service.
You can also choose from the various free VPN options available, but they won't give you the best security and speed in their class, unlike paid VPNs.
2) Using a proxy server to hide your IP address
a) Smartproxy.
Using Smartproxy's proxy servers should be one of the best ways to hide your IP address. This feature-rich proxy service is powered by over 40 million IPs. It also benefits from data centers located in 195 different locations around the world. This allows you to browse the Internet anonymously and even access geoblocked content.
The proxy server assigns IPs to a physical device like a cell phone or a computer. This reduces the risk of you being blocked by your ISPs. IP sessions are limited to 30 minutes. A different IP address will be assigned to you immediately after your session expires. You can also connect to data center proxies that support an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
Features
- Over 40 million rotating IP addresses
- Unlimited number of connections and wires
- Simple proxy setup
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-minute sessions
Rates
Smartproxy offers a flexible pricing plan.
- You can pay starting at $12.5 for 1GB for smaller projects.
- Its Micro plan will cost you $80/month for 8GB,
- The 25GB Starter plan will cost you $225/month and the regular 50GB plan will cost you $400/month.
- A 100GB Enterprise plan is also available, starting at $700 per month.
When you browse a website on the Internet, it may have access to your unique IP address and location, posing a threat to your privacy and security.
Using a proxy server allows you to prevent your real IP address from being exposed to these websites. The website will only have access to its proxy server IP address.
Both proxy servers and VPNs offer you security by protecting your IP address and exposing your own IP address instead.
There are a number of proxy servers. Some of the best include 'kproxy' and 'HMA'.
b) kProxy.
KProxy offers a free version as well as three paid plans, which are ad-free, allow unlimited downloads, offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, and much more.
The pricing plans offered by KProxy are as follows:
- Basic plan: $5 for 10 days
- Premium plan: $10 for 30 days
- VIP plan: $30 for 180 days.
c) Bright Data.
Bright Data is a trusted proxy server that offers good performance and is highly rated by its users. They offer a 7-day free trial. Contact directly for personalized pricing.
Many proxy servers are available for free and are known to be faster than VPNs.
But there's a downside to proxy servers compared to VPNs, which is that a proxy server isn't as safe and secure as a VPN server. Most VPNs keep your information encrypted so that no other party can access it, which is not the case with proxy servers.
Plus, using a VPN is extremely easy, but setting up a proxy server can be a bit tricky for people who are unfamiliar with technology.
3) Use Tor to hide your IP address
Tor is one of the best and most popular options for hiding IP addresses for free. It is safe to use and protects your privacy.
All you need to do is upload and install the Tor browser on your device, to get started. Once you've installed Tor on your device, you can start surfing the Internet just like you do with Chrome, Firefox, and more.
The main reasons for Tor's popularity are the features it offers its users.
For example, you won't be followed by unwanted and annoying ads, all cookies stored on your device as well as your browsing history will be erased, once you're done browsing, your information will be encrypted multiple times, and you'll be able to access websites that were blocked by your home network, all at no cost. However, you can choose to donate for Tor.
Besides the many positive aspects of Tor, it also has a few disadvantages. For example, since your Internet traffic passes through multiple nodes, or rather through multiple proxy servers, browsing speed may be slow.
Additionally, many malicious and criminal-minded people use Tor for malicious activities. That's why it doesn't have a good reputation. Many countries have even banned Tor for these reasons.
4) Unplug your modem to get a new IP address
This method allows you to get a new IP address, instead of hiding your existing address.
If you have an internet connection in your home or office, a modem should be installed (it converts your ISP's internet signals into digital internet signals, so you can connect your devices to the internet).
If you want to change your IP address, simply unplug your modem and plug it back in. When you unplug your modem, your IP address will most likely be recycled and you will get a new IP address once you have restored your Internet connection.
This tactic may not work all the time. You need to leave the modem unplugged for a long period of time, such as a fortnight, if you want to get a result.
You can check if your IP address has changed or not. You can Google “What is my IP address” and you will see a new one after you do this.
5) Connecting to a new network also changes your IP address.
When you connect to a new network, like a new Wi-Fi connection, or even when you connect to your mobile data, your IP address. This is one of the easiest ways to change your IP address, if you think your IP address is being tracked or blocked, etc.
But you should always keep in mind that you should connect to a secure network, like those with a password, as open Wi-Fi connections are often subject to the danger of hackers and other cybercrimes.
FAQs
How do you change your IP address?
If you want to change your IP address, you can simply connect to another network and your IP address will be automatically changed. Another easy way to change your IP address is to unplug your modem so you can be assigned a new IP address.
What can the IP reveal?
An IP address can reveal the location and name of the Internet service provider. It can even track your browsing history for marketing and other purposes.
How do I simulate an IP address from another country?
You can easily falsify an IP address to give the impression of residing in another country. The easiest way to fake an IP address is to use a VPN and thus hide your IP address.
There are a number of VPN service providers that allow you to choose from a list of locations around the world, simulate your real location, and access multiple websites that can only be accessed from certain specific locations.
Conclusion
With the emergence of this digital age, cybercrime is also increasing at a high rate. Many people are unaware of the need to hide their IP address.
Most people who are not tech-savvy and who are in some way familiar with the privacy threats of exposing their real IP address think it's hard to hide an IP address.
This article is devoted to the 5 most effective methods to hide your IP address. In the end, we can say that opting for a VPN may be the best choice for hiding an IP address. You may have to pay some fees, but the results are worth it. You will be able to fully protect your privacy and get the speed you want.
If you don't want to pay fees, it's best to go with a proxy server or Tor. You can also change your IP address by changing your Internet network or by unplugging your modem.
These are the easiest ways to hide your IP address. Setting up a proxy server may require some technical knowledge, but all other methods are extremely simple and easy.
