Your IP address reveals your approximate location and ISP to every website you visit. Hiding it gives you more privacy and can help bypass geo-restrictions. Here are four proven methods.
Method 1: Use a VPN (Recommended)
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the easiest and most reliable method. It routes all your traffic through a VPN server, so websites see that server's IP instead of yours. Your traffic is also fully encrypted.
Advantages:
- Simple apps for all devices
- Encrypted traffic — even your ISP can't see what you do
- Choose any server location
- Fast enough for streaming and gaming
Top picks: NordVPN and Surfshark.
Method 2: Use Tor Browser
The Tor network routes your traffic through three volunteer-run servers worldwide. The exit node's IP appears as yours. No single server knows both who you are and what you're accessing.
Pros: Free, high anonymity, no single point of trust.
Cons: Very slow (unusable for streaming), some sites block Tor exit IPs.
Method 3: Use a Proxy Server
A proxy forwards your requests through an intermediate server, masking your IP. Unlike VPNs, most proxies don't encrypt your traffic.
Good for: quick IP changes, web scraping, bypassing simple blocks.
Not good for: privacy-sensitive activities — no encryption.
Method 4: Restart Your Router
If your ISP assigns you a dynamic IP, restarting your router may give you a new one. Turn off the router, wait 60 seconds, turn it back on. Check the result with our IP checker.
This works sometimes — some ISPs reassign the same IP, or change it only after 24+ hours.
Which Method Is Best?
For most people, a VPN offers the best balance of privacy, speed, and ease of use. Tor is better for maximum anonymity without speed requirements. Proxies work for technical tasks but shouldn't be used for personal privacy.
Verify It's Working
After activating any of these methods, check your IP with our What Is My IP tool. Your real IP should no longer be visible.