Hide My IP
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How to Hide Your Identity Fast
There are various ways to hide your IP address and your identity, which we’ll cover in a second, but by far the easiest and safest way is with a virtual private network or VPN. And the cost is very reasonable as well.
We’ve reviewed dozens of VPNs and highly recommend one of these top-rated providers:
Hide IP explained: It’s not as complex as it might sound
Obviously, you got to this page for a reason, which is that you’ve heard a few things about IP addresses, and you may be confused. The link we provided before on IP address basics (to an article called, VPN 101) is something you should check out.
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 might want to mask your IP address may include: To hide your geographical location, prevent Web tracking, avoid a digital footprint, or bypass any content filters, bans, or blacklists.
There are a few ways to hide your IP address…that unique number assigned to the network connection on the computer.
Four ways to hide your IP address:
OPTION 1: Use a VPN Service – The Best Way
Sign up for one of these services and when you go online, you’ll be showing the world a different IP address…one that’s on loan from the service you’re using.
There are many more advantages to using a personal VPN service over a proxy such as high-speed bandwidth, usability, a secure connection, private access to blocked sites, and the ability to choose the country and city where you appear to be.
There are hundreds of VPN companies you can choose from…many of them shady and/or poor quality.
No worries.
We’ve reviewed the top VPNs out there and feel these are the best of the best:
Don’t know which VPN is right for you? Try our VPN Simplifier.
OPTION 2: Use the Tor Browser – The Slowest Choice
People from all over the world use Tor to search and buy products and communicate with others with restricted Internet access, such as what exists in some foreign countries.
The Tor Browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) is a free software program that you download onto your computer that conceals your IP address every time you go online anonymously. This free process is layered with heavy-duty encryption, which means your data is layered with security and privacy protection. Unfortunately, the browser isn’t built for speed.
OPTION 3: Use a Proxy Server – The Riskiest Method
A proxy server (sometimes called an “open proxy” or just “proxies”) can be used 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 slow down your internet connection, some are run on compromised machines, and may not be legal in some countries.
A safer solution is to use proxies managed by a company such as Smartproxy or Geonode.
OPTION 4: Use Public WiFi – The Long Distance Way
An IP address doesn’t travel with you. So if you simply go to a coffee shop, bookstore, or hotel lobby and tap into their free Wi-Fi, you will temporarily hide your usual IP address. How so? You’ll be using their network’s IP address for as long as you’re online.
Try it out. First, click show my ip to see your current IP address, and then visit any place with free Wi-Fi, log in to their Internet and check it again.
However, if you’re not using a VPN at the time, your Internet activity will be at risk 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 bank account while drinking your Grande Espresso.
In conclusion…
The best way to hide your IP is by using one of our recommended VPNs for high-speed bandwidth, usability, a secure connection, private access to blocked sites, and the ability to choose the country and city where you appear to be.
Here are the best VPNs we’ve found:
Don’t know which VPN is right for you? Try our VPN Simplifier or compare VPNs.
We may receive commission for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our affiliate disclosure.