How to hide your IP address

Every site you visit sees your public IP address, which shows your internet provider and approximate location. If you'd rather keep that private, here are the main options and what each one actually does.

Use a VPN

A VPN (virtual private network) sends your traffic through a server run by the VPN company. Websites see the VPN server's address instead of yours, and your internet provider can no longer see which sites you visit.

• Hides from websites: your real IP and location.
• Doesn't hide from: the VPN company itself, which can see your traffic. Choose a provider with a clear no-logs policy that has been independently audited.
• Good for: public Wi-Fi, everyday privacy, and appearing to browse from another country.

Free VPNs often limit speed or data, and some make money from your browsing data. A reputable paid service is usually the safer choice.

Use Tor Browser

Tor Browser bounces your traffic through several volunteer-run servers, so no single server knows both who you are and what you're visiting. It's free and offers strong anonymity, but it's noticeably slower and some websites block it.

Use a proxy

A proxy forwards your web requests through another server, which changes the IP address websites see. Most proxies only cover your browser, not your whole device, and many don't encrypt your traffic, so they offer less protection than a VPN.

Switch networks

Turning off Wi-Fi and using mobile data, or connecting to a different network, gives you a different public IP. It doesn't make you anonymous, but it's a quick way to check whether a problem is tied to your home address.

What doesn't hide your IP

Incognito or private browsing mode only stops your browser from saving history and cookies on your device. Websites and your provider still see your real IP address.

VPN and Tor use is legal in most countries but restricted in some. Check the rules where you live.