How to Hide Your IP Address
Your IP address is visible to every website you visit. Learn the three most effective methods to mask it - And which one is right for you.
What Does Hiding Your IP Address Mean?
Every time you browse the web, your real public IP address is sent along with your requests. Websites, advertisers, and third parties can use it to identify your approximate location, your ISP, and build a profile of your behaviour across sites - Including via browser fingerprinting.
Hiding your IP means routing your internet traffic through an intermediary - A VPN server, a proxy server, or the Tor network - So the destination only sees the intermediary's address, not yours.
Why people hide their IP address
- Prevent websites from tracking your approximate location
- Access geo-restricted content (streaming, news, etc.)
- Protect privacy on public Wi-Fi networks
- Reduce targeted advertising based on location
- Avoid IP-based rate limiting or bans - Check your IP against email blacklists
- Communicate and research anonymously - See how to be anonymous online
VPN vs Proxy vs Tor – Full Comparison
Each method has different trade-offs. Use this table to decide which approach fits your needs.
| Feature | VPN | Proxy | Tor |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP masking | Yes – all traffic | Yes – app level | Yes – all traffic |
| Encryption | Strong (AES-256) | None / weak | Multi-layer |
| Anonymity level | High | Low – Medium | Very high |
| Speed | Fast | Very fast | Slow |
| Cost | ~$3–12/month | Free – ~$5/month | Free |
| DNS leak protection | Yes (good VPNs) | No | Yes |
| Covers all apps | Yes | No | Browser only |
| Ease of use | Easy | Easy | Moderate |
| Best for | Everyday privacy | Quick IP change | High-risk anonymity |
Full VPN vs Proxy comparison → | Full Tor vs VPN comparison →
Step-by-Step: How to Hide Your IP
Method 1 – Use a VPN (Recommended)
- Choose a reputable paid VPN service - Avoid free VPNs that log and sell data.
- Download and install the VPN app for your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Linux).
- Open the app and sign in with your account.
- Select a server location - Pick any country you want your IP to appear from.
- Click Connect. Your IP is now replaced with the VPN server's IP.
- Verify the change by returning to this site - Your displayed IP should now match the VPN server. Then run a VPN leak test to confirm nothing is leaking.
Method 2 – Use a Proxy
- Find a trustworthy proxy provider - SOCKS5 proxies offer more anonymity than HTTP proxies.
- In your browser or application settings, navigate to the network or proxy section.
- Enter the proxy server address, port, and any required credentials.
- Save the settings. Your browser traffic will now route through the proxy server.
ⓘ Proxies only cover the application you configure them in. Other apps on your device will still use your real IP. Use the proxy check tool to verify.
Method 3 – Use Tor Browser
- Download the Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website (torproject.org).
- Install and open the Tor Browser.
- Click Connect to join the Tor network. Your traffic is automatically relayed through three nodes - See Tor vs VPN for how this compares to a VPN.
- Browse normally within the Tor Browser. Avoid logging into personal accounts to maintain anonymity.
ⓘ Tor is slower than a VPN because your traffic passes through multiple encrypted relays around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiding your IP address legal?
In most countries, yes. Using a VPN or proxy to mask your IP is legal for personal privacy purposes. However, using it to engage in illegal activities remains illegal regardless of the method used. Check the laws in your specific jurisdiction.
Can a VPN completely hide my identity?
A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic, but it does not make you completely anonymous. If you are logged into accounts (Google, Facebook, etc.), those services can still identify you. Browser fingerprinting can also identify you independently of your IP. Choose a provider with a verified no-logs policy.
What is a VPN leak?
A VPN leak occurs when your real IP address is exposed despite being connected to a VPN. This can happen via WebRTC (in browsers), DNS requests, or IPv6 traffic. Use our VPN Leak Test to check if your VPN is leaking.
Does incognito mode hide my IP?
No. Incognito (private browsing) mode only prevents your browser from saving your history locally. It does not hide your IP address from websites or your ISP. To hide your IP, you need a VPN, proxy, or Tor.
Which method is best for streaming?
A VPN is best for streaming because it is fast, easy to use, and lets you choose a server in a specific country to unlock geo-restricted content. Tor is too slow for streaming, and proxies often lack the reliability needed for video.