Use a VPN, proxy, Tor Browser, mobile data, or another network to change the public IP address websites see. Compare the methods below and verify whether your IP, location, and privacy status changed.
View your public IPv4 and IPv6 address, approximate IP location, ISP, organization, and privacy exposure status.
1. Hide your IP address with a VPN
The best way to hide your IP address is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN routes your traffic through another network, so websites see the VPN server address instead of your real public IP address.
Paid VPN services usually offer stronger performance, more server locations, and clearer privacy policies. Free VPNs can work for casual browsing, but often come with bandwidth limits, slower speeds, or fewer location choices.
If you only need browser-level privacy, many browsers support VPN-style extensions. Chrome and Firefox have provider extensions, and Opera includes a built-in VPN setting with limited location control.
Sponsored provider recommendations may include affiliate links. The comparison guidance above is written to explain the privacy tradeoffs before you choose a provider.
2. Mask your IP address with proxies
A proxy server sits between your browser and the website you visit. The website sees the proxy IP address, while your real address stays behind the intermediary server.
Proxies are useful for selective browsing, testing location-specific content, and working around some network restrictions. They usually do not provide the same full-device encryption that a VPN provides.
Businesses can also hide web server IP addresses with reverse proxies and web application firewalls from providers such as Cloudflare or Imperva.
Sponsored provider recommendations may include affiliate links. The comparison guidance above is written to explain the privacy tradeoffs before you choose a provider.
3. Hide IP Address with the Tor Browser
Tor is an anonymous browser that routes traffic through a distributed network of relays. The destination website sees a Tor exit node rather than your real IP address.
Tor is free and available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. On iOS, users can use Onion Browser, an open-source Tor-powered browser.
Tor can be much slower than normal browsing because traffic passes through multiple encrypted relays. Private or incognito browser windows are not the same as Tor because they still reveal your public IP address.
Using your phone as a personal hotspot can move your traffic from your home ISP to your mobile carrier. When that happens, your public IP address changes to one assigned by the mobile network.
This is a quick way to change networks, but it is not the same as anonymity. Your mobile provider can still associate traffic with your account and device.
Public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, hotel, library, airport, or office uses that network’s public IP address instead of your home network address.
This can change the IP address websites see, but public Wi-Fi can be risky. Avoid sending sensitive information unless the site uses HTTPS, and consider pairing public Wi-Fi with a VPN.
The fastest way to confirm that your IP address is hidden is to compare what this page sees before and after you connect. A working VPN, proxy, Tor session, or alternate network should change the public IP address, location, or network shown in the exposure check.
Start with the IP Exposure Check above and note the public address, location, network, and proxy status.
2. Connect your privacy method
Turn on your VPN, proxy, Tor Browser, mobile hotspot, or alternate Wi-Fi network before opening sensitive sites.
3. Refresh and compare
Refresh this page. Your public IP, location, or provider should change when the connection is masking traffic correctly.
4. Investigate leaks
If the old network still appears, check browser-only VPN settings, IPv6 handling, WebRTC, and DNS resolver behavior.
Choose the right IP hiding method
Method
Hides IP?
Encrypts?
All apps?
Privacy level
Speed
Best for
VPN
Yes
Yes
Usually
High
Fast to moderate
Everyday privacy, streaming, public Wi-Fi, travel
Proxy
Yes
No or limited
No
Medium
Fast to moderate
One browser, app, or website
Tor Browser
Yes
Within Tor
No
Very high
Slow
Anonymous browsing
Mobile data
Changes IP
No
Yes
Low
Varies
Quickly leaving your home network
Public Wi-Fi
Changes IP
No
Yes
Low
Varies
Temporary network change only
Check for WebRTC and DNS leaks
A changed IP address is a good first signal, but it is not the only privacy check. Browser settings, DNS resolvers, IPv6 routing, and app coverage can still reveal clues about your original network.
WebRTC browser leaks
WebRTC can expose local network details in some browser setups. Use a full VPN app when possible, and review browser privacy settings if a browser extension is your only protection.
DNS resolver leaks
DNS requests should use the VPN or privacy provider’s resolver. If DNS still goes through your ISP, websites and networks may infer your normal connection path.
IPv6 exposure
Some privacy tools mask IPv4 but leave IPv6 traffic outside the tunnel. Confirm both address families are protected when your device has IPv6 connectivity.
App coverage gaps
A browser proxy may only cover one browser. Email clients, games, messaging apps, and system services can continue using your real network.
Browser Leak Check
What your browser can still reveal
Current IP version
IPv4
If your VPN only protects IPv4, an exposed IPv6 address can still reveal your normal network.
WebRTC candidates
Checking...
Modern browsers often hide local addresses with mDNS, but older settings can expose network details.
Cookies
Checking...
Hiding an IP address does not remove cookies or account-based tracking. Clear site data or use separate browser profiles when needed.
Device-specific guides
The best method is the same on every device: use a trusted VPN for full-device protection, a proxy for specific apps or browsers, Tor for anonymity, or another network when you only need a different public IP address.
Windows
Install a trusted VPN app, sign in, and connect to a server before opening sensitive websites.
To configure a proxy, open Settings, Network & internet, Proxy, then enter the server and port from your provider.
For browser-only anonymity, install Tor Browser and use it instead of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox for that session.
Refresh this page and check the exposed-IP panel to confirm your public IP, location, and proxy status changed.
Mac
Install your VPN provider app, connect to a server, and keep the app running while you browse.
To configure a proxy, open System Settings, Network, select the active connection, then click Details and Proxies.
Use Tor Browser when you need anonymous browsing and can accept slower speed.
Refresh the IP exposure check above to verify the new public IP address and location.
iPhone
Install a trusted VPN app and allow iOS to add the VPN profile when prompted.
Open the VPN app, choose a server location, and connect before using Safari or other apps.
To use a proxy on Wi-Fi, open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the info icon, then configure HTTP Proxy.
Switch to mobile data when you only need a different carrier IP address, then recheck this page.
Android
Install a trusted VPN app, grant the VPN permission, and connect to your preferred server.
To set a Wi-Fi proxy, open the network settings, edit the connection, and choose Manual proxy.
Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data when you want to leave your current home or office IP address.
Refresh the top IP tool after connecting so you can verify the changed IP and network.
What are the Pros and Cons of each method?
The right method depends on whether you need privacy, speed, location control, or a quick network change.
Method
Pros
Cons
VPN
Strong encryption for private browsing.
Hides your IP for most device traffic.
Can choose server locations around the world.
May reduce speed.
Requires trusting the provider.
Premium services usually cost money.
Proxy
Good for IP masking in specific apps or browsers.
Useful for region testing and content access.
Some proxy services offer free tiers.
Usually less secure than a VPN.
Free proxies can be slow or unreliable.
May not protect all device traffic.
Tor Browser
High anonymity through relay routing.
Free and open-source.
Helps prevent website tracking.
Slower browsing speeds.
Some services block Tor exits.
Not ideal for every online activity.
Mobile Network
Quickly changes your public IP.
Useful backup when home network is blocked.
Carrier can still track activity.
May consume mobile data allowance.
Public Wi-Fi
Uses a different network IP address.
Available in many public places.
Higher security risk.
Little control over network safety.
Why would you hide your IP address?
Hide your identity
Reduce how easily websites, competitors, and ad networks can associate your browsing with the same network identity.
Hide your geographical location
Avoid exposing your approximate city, region, ISP, or organization through IP geolocation data.
Prevent website tracking
Make it harder for websites to connect repeated visits to the same public IP address.
Work around internet censorship
Use a network endpoint in another region when sites or services are blocked locally.
Conclusion
For most people, a reputable VPN is the best balance of privacy, security, and usability. It masks your IP address, encrypts traffic, and gives you a choice of server locations.
Proxies and Tor can be useful in specific cases, while mobile networks and public Wi-Fi mainly change the address websites see. Whatever method you choose, understand the tradeoffs and use trusted providers when privacy matters.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
01Can I hide my IP address for free?
Yes. You can use a free VPN, a free proxy, Tor Browser, a mobile hotspot, or public Wi-Fi. Free options usually have tradeoffs in speed, trust, reliability, or security.
02What is the best way to hide my IP address?
For most users, a reputable VPN is the best option because it hides your public IP address, encrypts traffic, and usually protects traffic from most apps on the device.
03Does incognito mode hide my IP address?
No. Incognito or private browsing mode mainly prevents local browser history from being saved. Websites can still see your public IP address.
04Does a VPN hide my IP address from my ISP?
A VPN hides the websites you visit from your ISP and replaces your public website-facing IP with the VPN server IP. Your ISP can still see that you are connected to a VPN server.
05Can websites still track me if I hide my IP?
Yes. Hiding your IP reduces one tracking signal, but websites may still use cookies, logins, browser fingerprinting, device identifiers, and account activity.
06Can I hide my IP without a VPN?
Yes. You can use a proxy, Tor Browser, mobile data, or another Wi-Fi network, but each option has different privacy and security tradeoffs.
07Is hiding your IP address legal?
Yes, hiding your IP address is generally legal. It simply means masking your current public address with another address. You are still responsible for how you use the connection.
08What does my IP address reveal?
An IP address can reveal an approximate location, ISP, organization, and network. It does not reveal an exact street address by itself, but it can still be used for tracking and access controls.
09Can someone use your IP address to find you?
IP geolocation is not precise enough to pinpoint an exact physical location. It can usually provide a city or regional estimate and may expose the network you are using.
10Can I change my IP address?
Often, yes. You can reconnect to your ISP, restart a router, use a mobile network, join another Wi-Fi network, or use a VPN or proxy. Static IP addresses may not change without ISP help.
11Can you hide the IP address of a web server?
Yes. A reverse proxy can sit in front of a web server, exposing the proxy address while routing requests to the origin server behind it.
Community Q&A
0
Votes
FeaturedAnswered
Can someone track my online activities with my IP address?
Asked by Hemanth Mutyala on Sep 20, 2023
AcceptedOfficial
0 votes
If you're browsing at work, your employer can track your online activities by monitoring a proxy server or VPN service they're using. If you're browsing at home, your activities will be logged on your device (unless you use incognito), and by various servers you're connected to. If you're on a mobile network, and your spouse finds your IP address will not likely reveal your online activities.
Can someone trace my IP address when I use incognito mode?
Asked by Tessa Whitaker on Sep 20, 2023
AcceptedOfficial
0 votes
Using an incognito mode in a browser doesn't hide your IP address, so your IP address is visible to websites and messengers you use online. So, the answer to your question is YES. Someone with your IP address can trace you with the IP address. What incognito mode does is prevent your online activities from logging on your device, but traffic is going through as normal so your company can track the sites you visited.
Disclaimer: We may receive compensation when a purchase is made from a referred link on this page. Recommendations are based on research and user feedback.
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