How to Hide Your IP Address Easily in 2023 — 7 Ways Are Free

There are many ways to hide your IP address, but not all of them are safe or effective. Some put your privacy and security at greater risk, while others can considerably slow your speeds. To make your life easier, I tested several ways to hide your IP address and found 5 that work reliably. The key is to find a method that works best for your situation.

Out of all 5 methods, the easiest and safest is to use a VPN. It’s a simple app that hides your IP address in 1 click. Plus, it encrypts your connection and doesn’t significantly slow your speeds, like some of the other methods do.

ExpressVPN is my top pick. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, too, so you can hide your IP with ExpressVPN risk-free. If you’re not impressed, you can claim a full refund.

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5 Best Ways to Hide Your IP Address in 2023

1. Use a VPN — The Easiest and Safest Way to Hide Your IP

In addition to hiding your IP address, a VPN provides many other benefits

A VPN is a popular and simple way to hide your IP address. It's an app that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a private server. The VPN server's IP address is used instead of your own until you disconnect from it.

Since VPN servers are usually spread out all over the world, you can pick and choose an IP address from many different countries. This allows you to access geo-restricted streaming services like HBO or BBC iPlayer as well as apps, websites, and games that might not be available everywhere.

Another benefit of a VPN is that it encrypts your connection so you can browse, stream, game, or torrent securely. Basically, it adds a level of privacy to anything you do online. A solid VPN does this with a few different features. Firstly, by protecting you against DNS, IPv4/6, and WebRTC leaks so your IP address always stays hidden. Another common feature is a kill switch, which will cut your internet connection if the VPN fails for any reason, so your real IP is never revealed.

VPNs also help you maintain privacy online. Most VPNs use shared IP addresses, meaning other people also use the same IP address as you. This means it’s harder to trace your online activity back to you.

All that being said, not every VPN is trustworthy, so it’s important to choose one that is. For example, it should adhere to a no-logs policy that’s been proven. While your IP is hidden using a VPN service, the VPN provider can still see your IP — a no-logs policy means your IP (or any identifiable information) is never kept by the VPN, so it can’t be shared.

It's also super easy to download and set up a VPN on your device. Once you’ve done that, it only takes a few clicks to hide your IP. VPN It took me less than a minute to download, install, and connect to a server with ExpressVPN on my Windows laptop, for example.

Most VPNs are subscription-based services, where you make a monthly or annual payment to use the full service. The amount is usually just a few dollars per month, making them very affordable. VPNs also tend to come with a money-back guarantee, which lets you use them for free for a limited time. This allows you to claim a full refund (usually within 30 days of purchase) if you’re not satisfied with it.

How to Hide Your IP With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

1. Download a VPN. My favorite is ExpressVPN because you can choose IPs in 94 countries to effectively hide your own. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Choose a server. They are organized by location.
3. Connect to the server. Usually, just clicking on the server location will automatically connect you to your new IP, so you’re good to go in 1 click.

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2. Connect to a Proxy Server — Good for Bypassing Geoblocks, but Not Super Safe

Proxy servers can bypass geoblocks but lack security features

Similar to a VPN, SSL, SSH, or SOCKS proxy servers hide your IP address by sitting between your device and the sites you visit. So when you visit a website, it sees your proxy server's IP address instead of your own. A decent proxy service lets you choose from several different server locations, and they tend to be popular because they’re usually free.

But where a proxy server falls short is its lack of security and privacy features. Since they don’t encrypt your connection and don't cover DNS traffic, unwanted third parties can still see your online activity and collect data about you. They're also more susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks because they lack authentication that VPNs have.

I also experienced slow speeds when using hide.me’s proxy because the server was most likely overcrowded. This is very common with free services since they don’t have enough funds to offer global networks. And since they’re application-specific, they will only hide your IP in your browser, unlike a VPN that hides it across all apps.

How to Hide Your IP With a Proxy in 3 Easy Steps

1. Choose a proxy server. I recommend hide.me.
2. Go to your proxy server’s website. Then, enter the URL of the site you want to access in the proxy server entry form, choose a location (if available), and press “Enter” to load the page.
3. Enjoy your new IP address. You’ll use the website in the same browser window, but using the IP of the proxy server.

3. Use the Tor Browser — Multiple Layers of Encryption, but Very Slow Speeds

The Tor browser is highly secure but very slow

The Tor (The Onion Router) Browser sends your internet traffic through a decentralized, open-sourced network to protect sensitive information. It encrypts your traffic by sending it through multiple servers called “nodes”, which add extra layers of encryption. These layers resemble an onion, hence the name “Tor”. Since websites can only see the IP address of the last server you use (called the exit node), it hides your IP address.

Even though the Tor Browser is free, a big drawback is that its encryption layers significantly slow you down. It took me a little over 10 seconds to load a basic webpage, while activities like streaming and downloading became a chore.

In addition, your ISP can still see that you're using Tor (although won't be able to see what you browse using it), so it's still not as private as a VPN, for example. Another issue is its association with online criminal activity since it’s the main portal to access the dark web — for this reason it is illegal in some countries. And finally, it struggles to bypass geoblocks since you can’t control where the exit node is located.

How to Hide Your IP With Tor in 3 Easy Steps

1. Download the Tor browser. Go to the Tor website and download the installation file for your device.
2. Install the Tor browser. Click on the download file and follow the installation instructions.
3. Enjoy secure browsing with a new IP. Open the Tor browser and use it like your regular browser, knowing your real IP address is hidden.

4. Create a Hotspot on Your Smartphone — A Readily Available Solution, but Sometimes Costs Money

If your actual IP address gets compromised, or you don’t want to use it temporarily, then creating a hotspot on your smartphone can work well. Plus, it’s easy to set up. I just needed to go to my phone settings to enable my hotspot and then connect my laptop to it, which took me a little over a minute.

While this method changes your IP address, there are 3 downsides. Firstly, your mobile carrier can see all of your online activity, so it’s not private. Secondly, you can’t bypass geoblocks because your online location won’t change. And lastly, it can quickly chew up your mobile data and can become costly.

How to Hide Your IP With a Mobile Hotspot in 3 Easy Steps

1. Turn on your personal hotspot. Go to your phone settings, turn off your WiFi, and enable your personal hotspot.
2. Connect your device. Locate the hotspot on your primary device and connect to it.
3. Enjoy your new IP address. Use your smartphone data to browse the internet with the IP assigned by your mobile carrier.

5. Use Public WiFi — Mostly Free to Use, But Leaves Your Connection Vulnerable

Changing your WiFi network can hide your real IP address — even if you switch to a public network. If you can’t access a website or service and have public WiFi access, then this option can be a short-term fix.

But it’s not the safest option because hackers often use public WiFi networks to conduct unsuspecting attacks. Since these networks lack encryption and authentication, hackers can use them to easily obtain sensitive data, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Another issue is the possibility of slow speeds, which result from overcrowding.

Best VPNs to Hide Your IP Address in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — World-Class Privacy Features That Hide Your IP Address

ExpressVPN has leak protection, which ensures that your real IP address isn't accidentally exposed. I tested 5 US and 4 UK servers, and there were no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, so my real IP address was always hidden. In addition, it has its own private DNS servers and an audited and verified no-logs policy. It also uses TrustedServer technology — RAM-based servers that don’t store any physical data, so your real IP and any personal information is unattainable.

I knew my personal data was safe since my real IP was always masked

Its robust security features protect your identity online and make it harder for malicious parties to find out your real IP address. For example, AES 256-bit encryption ensures hackers can't steal your IP or intercept your data. In addition, the kill switch keeps you safe even if the VPN stops working for any reason — essentially, your real IP address is never visible.

ExpressVPN also has really impressive speeds. Usually a VPN will slow your base internet speed a bit because of the encryption (10-20% is normal) and you’ll experience bigger drops the farther away the server is. I didn’t have speed drops of more than 9% while using ExpressVPN’s US servers — even on ones more than 8,000 km away from my real location.

With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN lets you choose from thousands of IP addresses to hide your own. It also bypasses regional geoblocks on sites like Netflix. When I connected to its New York server for a New York IP, I accessed the US Netflix library with ease (not many VPNs are that reliable). Since I had such fast speeds, I didn't experience long loading times or buffering when streaming in UHD, either.

ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN, so its plans are a bit more expensive than other VPNs. The cheapest plan is $6.67/month. Even though ExpressVPN is more expensive, it often has deals that can save you money. I signed up for a 1-year plan, and 3 months of service were thrown in for free.

Its plans are also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you test all of ExpressVPN’s features risk-free. If you’re not satisfied with it, it’s easy to get your money back. I wanted to test this policy, so I asked a customer service representative on the 24/7 live chat to cancel my subscription on day 25. After answering 2 easy questions on user satisfaction, they proceeded with my request, and I got my money back after 2 business days.

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2. CyberGhost — NoSpy Servers Hide Your IP Address and Keep Your Connection Private

CyberGhost has a network of 9,487 servers in 91 countries, including NoSpy servers. These servers are located in CyberGhost’s private data center in Romania and provide extra security since only the VPN’s staff can access them. When I tested a couple of NoSpy servers on ipleak.net, no IP leaks were detected at all. This means your real IP address won’t be revealed, not even accidentally. Plus, it uses AES 256-bit encryption and has a kill switch.

It also has special servers for streaming and torrenting, so it's a great choice if you want to hide your IP to unblock streaming platforms or to torrent safely.

It also has strong privacy features. Its strict no-logs policy has been audited and it doesn’t collect data like your IP address, browsing history, or search preferences. CyberGhost’s Romanian headquarters is good for privacy because it’s outside the 14-Eyes Alliance — a group of countries that share citizen’s data amongst one another.

Its quick connection rates ensure a seamless online experience free of interruptions. In my tests of its US server speeds, I observed only a 16% drop in my download speed. While it may not be as swift as ExpressVPN, it's still remarkable. The speed was ample for streaming content on Disney+ in Ultra High Definition without experiencing any buffering.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s short-term plan is pretty expensive, and I was disappointed that it comes with a shortened 14-day money-back guarantee. But its long-term plans are really affordable, starting at just $2.19/month. You can also upgrade your plan to include a dedicated (or personal) IP address. No one else can use it, plus it makes it easier and faster to access geo-blocked services while traveling.

The long-term plans also come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This means that you can use CyberGhost to hide your IP address and try out all of its other features, knowing that you can get your money back if you're not happy. I tested this policy by asking customer service to cancel my subscription through a 24/7 live chat. After I told them why I was canceling, they approved my refund, and I got my money back in 3 business days.

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3. Private Internet Access — Hide Your IP Address With Customizable Security Options

Private Internet Access (PIA) has robust, customizable security features that keep you safe while hiding your IP address. You can choose between AES 128 or 256-bit encryption, so you can streamline your connection however you want. AES 128-bit will offer faster speeds with less encryption, while 256-bit is a higher encryption standard for maximum safety but will have slightly slower speeds.

Robust security features prevent your IP address from being revealed

It also provides leak protection to stop your IP address from being revealed to third parties. I tested 5 of its US servers on ipleak.net, and my real IP address was never detected. I also tested DNS and WebRTC leaks, and this information was never revealed, either. PIA also offers an automatic kill switch that ensures your real IP address won’t be accidentally revealed.

Initially, I had reservations about PIA due to its location in the US, a central member of the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, PIA's no-logs policy has been legally validated, as the company has never provided any data to law enforcement agencies, primarily because it doesn't possess any information to divulge.

When I checked its pricing plans, the most affordable is $2.03/month. Unlike the short-term plan, this one also gives you one year of Boxcryptor, which lets you encrypt the cloud data you store on iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox. Like with CyberGhost, you can buy a dedicated IP address that only you can use. It’s handy because it stops you from being flagged on safe sites for using a different IP.

You can also test PIA completely free by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. I canceled my subscription through a live chat representative during the 30-day period. All I had to do was provide my reason for canceling, making it an easy process. After 4 business days, I was fully refunded.

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4 Other (Not So Great) Ways to Change Your IP Address

1. Unplug Your Modem

While it may sound silly and obvious, unplugging your modem can sometimes change your IP address. Whenever you disconnect from your ISP, the link with your current IP address gets deleted. Therefore, re-establishing your ISP connection can give you a new IP address. This will only work if your ISP uses dynamic IP addresses, which is common.

The trick with this method is to leave your modem unplugged for as long as possible. However, it isn’t very reliable as it doesn’t work most of the time, so it shouldn’t be your first choice. Plus, your ISP can still see your online activity and it provides no security or privacy protection, so it won’t add any protections. And since you can’t change your location, you won’t be able to bypass geoblocks either.

2. Use a NAT Firewall

A NAT (National Address Translation) firewall lets different devices on the same network use the same public IP address — this only hides the devices’ private IP address. It takes requests from the private IP address of each device and forwards them all through your public IP address before reaching the online destination.

To summarize, a NAT firewall does not conceal your IP address. Although it does shield your devices by concealing their private IP addresses, your actual location and online activities remain visible since your public IP is not concealed.

3. Get Your ISP to Change it For You

All you have to do here is contact your ISP directly and ask them to change your IP address. Just make sure you have all your account information handy, as you’ll most likely get asked. But keep in mind that most ISPs use dynamic IP addresses, which means you won’t always use your new one. If you want to continue using the same IP address, then ask for a static IP address.

Furthermore, it's important to note that this approach solely assigns you a new IP address without offering any additional security measures or bypassing geoblocks. In addition, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) retains the ability to monitor your online behavior and gather data about you, making this method less than optimal when considering privacy.

4. Renew Your Private IP

Connecting to the internet via a WiFi router or ethernet cable gives you a public IP address and private IP addresses for your network devices. Your devices use private IP addresses to communicate with each other. Doing this won’t hide your public IP address; it will only hide the private IP address of your devices. So your online activity and location will still be visible. However, it’s easy to do it in a few simple steps on your device.

On Windows

1. Search for Command Prompt in the Windows menu on the left of the taskbar.
2. Right-click to Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt box.
3. Enter ipconfig /release, then Enter to release your current IP address.
4. Enter ipconfig /renew, then Enter to get a new IP address.

On macOS

1. Open System Preferences from the Apple Menu.
2. Go to Network, and then in the left pane, go to the network you're connected to.
3. Click Advanced and select the TCP/IP tab.
4. Click Renew DHCP Lease to get your new IP address.

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FAQs About Hiding Your IP Address

Does an IP address reveal my real identity?

An IP address on its own won’t reveal your real identity, but it can be combined with other data to identify you. For example, your IP address and browsing activity could be combined to construct a profile that identifies your online presence and movements. Then, advertisers can use this data to target you with specific ads. If you’re concerned about protecting your privacy online, hiding your IP is a solid way to do that.

Keep in mind that some methods are better for privacy than others. The best way to protect your online identity from being tracked is to use a VPN. While other methods like proxies and Tor will hide your real IP in a browser, a VPN takes it a step further by hiding your IP across all apps on your device as well as encrypting your entire internet connection.

Is it possible to hide my IP address on all my devices?

Yes, you can hide your IP address on all of your WiFi devices. Some IP-hiding methods only work with certain operating systems and devices, though. So make sure you choose a method that works for the devices you want to protect. A VPN will have the most compatibility — you can install it on a router, effectively hiding your IP on every device on your home network.

To elaborate, A VPN’s native app will also hide your IP in all the apps you use on your device, whether it runs Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, or iOS. As mentioned, setting up a VPN on your router means you can also change your IP on gaming consoles, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Chromecast. In contrast, proxies only work in your browser and Tor is only compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux (and only hides your IP within the Tor browser itself).

Can I hide my IP address for free?

Yes, it’s possible to hide your IP address for free, but free methods have some pretty big drawbacks. A proxy server is easy to use and is good for bypassing geo-blocks because you can choose one based on its geographical location. However, proxies lack security and privacy features and since so many people use them, they are often really overcrowded and slow.

Because it has many layers of encryption, Tor browser is recommended for safety and privacy. But it’s always really slow as a result, making it unsuitable for streaming and downloading. You also can’t choose your new IP address without a lot of complicated configurations.

There are free VPNs out there, but I don’t recommend them because so many of them don’t actually protect your privacy and have annoying data and speed limitations. A top-quality VPN only costs a small monthly fee, and they are the easiest, safest way to hide your IP (and won’t slow you down, either).

One tip is that most top VPNs offer money-back guarantees, so you can easily claim a refund if you’re not happy with the service (you usually have around 30 days). So, it’s possible to use a high-quality VPN to hide your IP without paying anything if you take advantage of its refund guarantee.

Is it legal to hide my IP address?

Yes, hiding or changing your IP is legal, and it’s one way to protect your online privacy from hackers and other online dangers. However, there are a few ways to hide your real IP address. Different laws and regulations apply to IP spoofing depending on where you are and the method you use. For example, there are no legal repercussions for using a public WiFi hotspot to mask your online identity. Nonetheless, its effectiveness and use are limited. Plus, being on an unsecured public network makes you a target for hackers.

The safest (and easiest) way to hide your IP address is to use a VPN. VPNs are legal in most parts of the world, but there are some countries where they are restricted (like China, the UAE, and Russia). If you’re located in a country with heavy online censorship, then you should always check the most recent local laws to make sure you’re not breaking any rules before you use a VPN.

How do I hide my IP address on Google Chrome?

There are several ways to hide your IP address on Chrome. One way is to use a proxy server, which is easy to use (and free). All you need to do is go to a proxy server website, choose a server, and type the URL of the website you wish to visit. While proxy servers hide your IP address, your ISP can still see everything you do online because there’s no encryption.

If you’re concerned about privacy, most VPNs come with Chrome extensions. But keep in mind these are usually also just proxies and lack strong encryption. The safest way to hide your IP in Chrome, or other browsers, like Safari or Firefox, is to use a VPN app. Not only will it hide your IP in your browser, but in any app you use that needs an internet connection. Plus, VPN apps will also protect you with military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. These features hide your online activity, so even your ISP can’t track what you do online.

As a side note, there’s a common misconception that Incognito Mode will hide your IP address. This isn’t true — all Incognito Mode does is removes all cookies and browsing history from Chrome when you close the window. All of your online activity and data is still visible to your ISP.

Do I need to hide my IP address while torrenting?

Hiding your IP address while torrenting is strongly recommended for privacy and security reasons. Torrenting is a form of P2P sharing, which means you download files from other users and share your own. Therefore, your IP address is revealed to others, who can use it to identify your location or target you.

There are a few ways to hide your IP address while torrenting, but the only one I’d recommend is a VPN. Unlike other methods, it has world-class security features like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. These keep you well-protected from DDoS attacks and malware threats, which can occur while torrenting. Additionally, a VPN’s no-logs policy ensures all your online activity isn’t accessible, so even your ISP can’t see any of your online movements.

Will hiding my IP address let me unblock Netflix?

Yes. You can hide your IP address while watching Netflix by using either a proxy server or a Netflix VPN. Both of these options replace your real IP address with one from a different country, which makes it seem like you’re actually there. For example, connecting to a US server from Australia will make Netflix think you’re in the US, which provides access to Netflix US.

Since Netflix regularly updates its geoblocking technologies, many IP addresses that belong to VPNs and proxy servers get blocked. VPNs have larger server networks than proxy servers, which means there are more options to unblock Netflix. Plus, they have DNS/IP leak protection, which means your real IP address can’t be leaked accidentally. If it was leaked, then your chances of unblocking Netflix are slim.

Why should I hide my IP address?

A visible IP address can reveal a lot about you, making it a significant privacy risk. It can divulge your actual location and personal information to other parties, like your browsing activity. But the biggest issue is that it lets your ISP obtain sensitive data, like your passwords and credit card numbers. These details can be used to link to your online activity and identity.

There are a number of ways to hide your IP address, so here are some reasons why you should (or might want to) hide it:

• Protect your data from malicious parties — If malicious parties get hold of your personal data, they can gain access to personal accounts and target you with unwanted attacks. This also includes viruses, malware, and spyware.
• Torrent safely and anonymously — Torrenting is a form of P2P sharing that involves millions of people sharing files. If your IP address is revealed to online strangers, they can target you with malware and DDoS attacks.
• Bypass regional geoblocks — Many websites and services enforce geoblocks by checking IP addresses and blocking ones that don’t match their location. Hiding and changing your IP address lets you access those sites from anywhere.
• Avoid online surveillance — Certain countries conduct mass surveillance on their population by monitoring online activity. Examples include member states of the 14 Eyes Alliance and China. Your IP address can reveal your online activity, so hiding it prevents unwanted surveillance.
• Stay protected on public WiFi networks — Whenever you use a public WiFi network, you share that network’s IP address. This means hackers can easily penetrate your connection, obtain sensitive data, and take control of your device.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique set of numbers that acts as an online identifier. When you send data to a website or online service to view it, your IP address is sent along with it. This makes your IP address public. It means that your ISP can track your online activities and give that information to the government, advertisers, or anyone else. You can find out what your IP address is by going to a site like ipleak.net. Since making your IP address public has many privacy risks, many people use a VPN to hide their IP address.

A VPN replaces your IP address with a new one in a few seconds by redirecting your internet traffic through a private server. This means you'll use the private server's IP address instead. It also doesn't keep logs of what you do online, so your ISP and other third parties can't see what you do.

In addition, there are 2 types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 addresses are much shorter and more common as they’ve been around for longer. In contrast, IPv6 addresses are longer and were developed to meet the growing demand for global internet use. It’s faster and more secure than an IPv4 address. Both addresses serve the same function, so they’re not overly different.

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Hide Your IP Address Today

Choosing a trusted method when hiding your IP address is always important, as some are more risky and unreliable than others. In particular, you don’t want to use a technique that makes your data visible to unwanted third parties or significantly slows your internet speeds.

Therefore, I tested a number of ways to hide your IP address and shortlisted 5 that work well. All of them have different features, which means some are better suited for certain situations than others.

My favorite method is a VPN. A VPN like ExpressVPN is easy to use, well-rounded in its features, and has fast speeds making it suitable for any online activity. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which lets you try ExpressVPN without risk. If you find it’s not for you, then you can claim a full refund.

To summarize, the best VPNs for hiding your IP address are…