“Hide My IP.” It’s code for somebody saying, “Hide my IP address, so I can stay under the radar on the web.”
Whether you are versed all in IP addresses subnetting, or not that much, with every respect; this page is the right place to be. Don’t worry, we’re not diving deep and about to get very technical here. On that note, if you would like more detailed information, take a look at our article on the IP address basics. That article is additionally very straightforward and written for everybody. We’re going to quickly cover four ways to cover your IP address. Those four ways are:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). We like this option the most.
- Use the Tor browser
- Use a paid proxy server
- Use public Wi-Fi. (Easy but not necessarily safe.)
- Proxy Chains – Linux/Unix
Details on each of the four ways are further down the page. You’ll find links throughout this article to more information we have if you’re interested in learning more.
Shall We?!
Let’s discuss what you actually want to understand about IPs. That is:
- What does hide IP and hiding your IP address actually mean?
- A few reasons why people want to obfuscate their IP
- And why you would possibly want to use an alternative to yours
Hide IP explained: It’s not as complex as it might sound
Obviously, you bought to the present page for a reason, which is that you’ve heard some things about Private IP addresses, and public; and you will be confused. The link we provided before on IP address basics (to a piece of writing called, VPN 101) are some things you ought to take a look at.
Hiding your IP address is basically borrowing a different IP address to go anywhere on the internet and stay hidden. You’re masking your real IP address with a borrowed one.
The reasons why you would possibly want to mask your IP address may include: covering your geographical location, preventing Web tracking, avoiding a digital footprint, or bypassing any content filters, bans, or blacklists.
There are some ways to hide your IP address…that unique number assigned to the network connection on the device.
Four ways to hide your IP address:
OPTION 1: Use a VPN Service – The Most Effective Way
Sign up for one of these services, and after you log on, you’ll show the globe a distinct IP address…one that’s on loan from the service you’re using. There are more advantages to employing a personal VPN service over a proxy, like high-speed bandwidth, usability, a secure connection, private access to blocked sites, and the ability to settle on the country and city you appear to be in. There are many VPN companies you’ll be able to choose from…many of them shady and poor quality. No worries. We’ve reviewed all the highest VPNs out there and recommend, which we concede to be, the most straightforward VPN services: CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Atlas VPN for private internet access. Don’t know which VPN is proper for you?
Try our VPN Simplifier.
OPTION 2: Use the Tor Browser – The Slowest Choice
People from everywhere over the globe use Tor to go looking and buy products and communicate with others with restricted Internet access, like what exists in some foreign countries. The Tor Browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) may be a free software program that you download onto your computer that conceals your IP address when you browse anonymously. This free process is layered with heavy-duty encryption, which suggests your data is layered with security and privacy protection.
OPTION 3: Use a Proxy Server – The Riskiest Method
A proxy server (sometimes called an “open proxy” or simply “proxies”) can be employed to re-route your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, or Edge) around a company’s or school’s content filters. There are risks involved in using free proxies to mask your IP address: Many will hamper your internet connection, some are run on compromised machines, and technology might not be legal in some countries. A safer solution is to use proxies managed by an organization like Smartproxy
OPTION 4: Use Public WiFi – The Long Distance Way
Free Wi-Fi IP address doesn’t travel with you. So if you merely visit a restaurant, bookstore, or hotel lobby and tap into their free Wi-Fi, you may temporarily hide your usual IP address. How so? You’ll be using their network’s IP address for as long as you’re online. But you need to be careful of what types of internet connections you make and where you browse as it is not exactly private and could pose a more significant risk if you are banking or shopping since you might be “sniffed” by hackers. We suggest using a VPN when connecting to Public WiFi or limiting sensitive browsings/communications.
OPTION 5: Linux Proxy Chains
Proxy chains are open-source software for Linux systems and come pre-installed with Kali Linux; the tool redirects TCP connections through proxies like TOR, SOCKS, and HTTP (S), allowing us to chain proxy servers.
With proxy chains, we can hide the IP address of the source traffic and evade IDS and firewalls. We can use proxy chains in many situations, like when we want to avoid giving up our IP address or when scanning a target or visiting a website.
Look at my Prox Chains post to get some direction or basics.
Try it out. First, click show my IP to work out your current IP address, then visit any place with free Wi-Fi, log in to their Internet and recheck it. However, if you’re not employing a VPN at the time, your Internet activity will be in danger of being spied on or intercepted by bad actors without your even knowing it. How likely is it?
Nobody knows!
But don’t make online purchases or check your checking account while drinking your Grande Espresso.
In conclusion…
Use a VPN service for high-speed bandwidth, usability, a secure connection, private access to blocked sites, and also the ability to settle on the country and city where you appear to be.