Your online calling card is your IP address. It becomes visible to the destination server whenever you visit a website or use an online service. 

The issue? Your IP address can be used to initiate a cyberattack against your network and is sufficient to ascertain your identity or physical location.

There are techniques to create a smaller digital footprint that points straight to your identity and home network. We examine five methods in this post to safeguard your privacy and conceal your IP address.

What is an IP address, anyway?

IP addresses enable two-way communication between clients and servers on the internet. Each client’s IP address identifies the requester to servers, enabling IP addresses to identify devices or networks uniquely.

IP addresses guarantee that you receive emails addressed to you, let websites identify visitors, and tell search engines like Google where to send search results. You can search What is my IP on Google to check the accurate IP of your device. 

Put otherwise, the fundamental functioning of the internet is based on IP addresses. Finding your IP address is relatively simple if you want this knowledge. A ‘What’s my IP’ internet tool is one of the easiest methods to find your public IP address.

5 Ways to Hide Your IP

Hiding an IP address implies showing a new IP address to the internet, which isn’t your home router’s IP address. You must avoid using an IP address since connections are only possible with one. However, you can conceal your IP address, and here’s how:

1. Use a VPN

VPN to encrypt internet connections, hide IP addresses, and send data to specific destinations. VPN providers that are popular for privacy stress simple, safe, and user-friendly products.

Here’s how to use a VPN to hide the IP address: Just download and install a virtual private network (VPN), like PUREVPN, log in and activate it to safeguard your internet traffic and IP address.

Pros: 

• The service provides Strong privacy and security features, hundreds of IP addresses, safe and private downloads, and round-the-clock customer support.

Cons:

• Reputable VPNs are expensive and may cause modest performance lags.

How to use a VPN to mask an IP address:

1. Choose a VPN provider with US servers.
2. Install the VPN after downloading it, then connect to any server you want.
3. You may now browse the internet anonymously, and your internet service provider is unaware of your activities.

2. Use a Proxy

As an alternative to a VPN, a proxy is useful. It also functions by using an intermediary server to route your internet connection. In this instance, the connection isn’t encrypted by default, though. Depending on the settings, they might still have a firewall or a web filter so that some security

Pros

• A lot of free proxies are available

Cons

• Comparing data routing to VPNs, the former is less private.
• Precautions are available.

Using a proxy to mask an IP address:

1. Launch your preferred web browser. Chrome and Firefox offer the most straightforward configurations.
2. Go to chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions or addons.mozilla.org.
3. Enter Proxy in the search bar.
4. Install the addon and allow it through your browser.
5. Your browser’s traffic will now be directed through a proxy server.

3. Use Tor

By scaling and making the proxy formula available for free, the Tor network enhances it. You can connect to the internet through a network of randomly selected “volunteer nodes,” or servers, using the Tor browser. 

Before data reaches its destination, it must pass through at least three nodes. Additionally, it is encrypted at every stage of the trip, so no node can ever find out what you are doing.

Your actual IP address is concealed from the website you are currently viewing. Instead, your IP address is now the IP address of the final node that your Internet data passes through.

The slower speed of the Tor network is a drawback. In other words, you probably won’t be able to enjoy downloading files or streaming videos. That’s inevitable, given that every data packet must hop around the world before it reaches you.

Pros:

• Very private and free network

Cons:

• Numerous rogue nodes could be following you.

Using Tor to mask an IP address:

1. Visit torproject.org to get the program.
2. Navigate the installation procedure and give the setup time to finish.
3. After that is finished, click the Tor icon on your desktop to start the program.
4. The browser will ask if you want to add more configuration. If not, simply click Connect.
5. You can now visit after being greeted with their main page.onions.

4. Use Public WiFi

IP addresses can be hidden by free WiFi, causing actions to be directed toward the network rather than your own. Many nations have laws requiring surveillance of these networks, and CCTV cameras can detect matches by examining video streams.

Pros

• This is an affordable solution.

Cons

• Avoid using unprotected public Wi-Fi networks.

5. Use Prepaid Data SIM Cards

For mobile devices, certain countries offer a SIM card with a pre-set data limit. Sharing an internet hotspot makes it possible to access the internet using mobile data rather than WiFi at home. Since the 3G dongle can only be individually identified by its IMEI number, throw away the SIM card after use.

Pros:

• You won’t be connected to an additional phone or a separate SIM card with a 3G dongle.

Cons:

• Your device’s IMEI address might still be used to track you.

How to protect your IP address?

To secure your IP address, use VPNs and Tor to decrease online visibility. This keeps hackers away from your home network and router. 

Updated firewall and router rules, permitting remote SSL connections, avoiding default passwords, and implementing antivirus solutions with online monitoring are all part of network security.

What exactly is IP masking?

IP masking is another word for disguising your IP address. It entails connecting through intermediate servers using a VPN, proxy, or Tor to use their IP address instead of your own. In this sense, the borrowed IP serves as a disguise for your true one.

Is my IP address hidden when I use Incognito Mode?

No, Incognito Mode does not conceal your IP address. This option prevents browsing history, cookies, and site data from being saved. 

Websites, network administrators, and potential hackers can still see your IP address. Look for options such as a VPN or proxy server to keep your IP address hidden.