Knowing how to change your IP address and how to manage it is essential for controlling our constant online presence and keeping it safe and private.
The IP address is a unique code that identifies a device on the Internet. It is used to trace the connection’s origin; in some cases, knowing how to hide it is essential. This is especially true when you want not to be tracked by sites or Internet providers or to keep your online activities anonymous.
This code can also be masked and modified to appear as if it comes from a specific location. This is useful for unlocking geographically limited content, such as streaming platforms.
This guide, suitable for beginners, explains different techniques for changing or hiding an IP address with a VPN and more. All steps are shown clearly.
What is an IP address?
But first of all, what is an IP address? We could simplify the concept by comparing it to the tax code or identity card number. Every citizen has one, which can be recognized more quickly within the Italian national system. The address above, therefore, represents precisely that “code” assigned to the network or individual devices so that the Internet can recognize the tools used for navigation and their geolocation. However, when talking about IP addresses, we need to focus on a significant difference: private and public addresses.
Private IP address
The private IP address is a unique code that the router automatically assigns to every device connected to its network. This allows the modem to recognize which Device is connected and at what time.
Public IP address
The public IP address is the code that identifies the entire network used by the modem. The Internet uses this address to understand the router’s position and which contents to make available or block for access.
What is my IP address? How do I find it?
Anyone can trace IP addresses, both public and private. The procedure will differ slightly depending on the operating system used, but the steps will still be very simple and immediate.
On a Windows PC, start the command prompt (just click the “Windows” + “R” keys on the keyboard at the same time, and the black window will automatically appear) and type the “ipconfig” command. The connection details, including the IP address, will be displayed immediately.
On Mac, however, you only need to start the System Preferences app and continue with the menu dedicated to “Network.” The assigned private address will be immediately visible on the new screen.
However, if you want to view the code of the public IP address, you will need to use simple and free online tools. Among the most used, we certainly include my IP, IP Location, Find IP Address, and IP2Location.
Why should I hide my IP address?
At first glance, changing your IP address may seem like a practice for hackers or expert users. In reality, everyone should master this technique for their online security or to make the most of all the resources available on the web, such as restrictive content. Let’s see why it is useful to hide the IP address.
When you browse with this code visible, you leave a digital trail that can be followed not only by marketers and advertisers, who use it to profile and send targeted advertising but also by malicious actors with fraudulent purposes.
Changing your IP address, first and foremost, allows you to maintain a higher level of online anonymity. In terms of privacy, this means that your browsing habits, the searches you make and the sites you visit remain private. This is especially important when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, where security standards are more likely to be less than high and you are more likely to be hacked.
Secondly, changing your IP allows you to access foreign catalogs of streaming platforms or foreign sites blocked in your country. This is useful not only for entertainment but also for accessing information and news in countries where censorship limits freedom of expression and access to the Internet.
Additionally, this process can help you bypass blocks at work or school to view a wider range of information and services online.
How to change a public IP address?
Let’s now get to the heart of the guide. In practice, an IP address can be changed manually or automatically through tools such as VPN, proxy or the Tor network. Let’s first see how to act directly.
Windows PCs
You can follow different paths to change the IP address on a Windows PC. If your goal is to change the IP assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), one of the most immediate solutions is to restart your home modem or router. Many ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses to their customers, which change every time the modem is rebooted. However, this method may not work if your ISP assigns a static address.
To change the internal IP address, i.e. the one used within a home network, you can proceed through the network settings of your Windows PC. By accessing the Control Panel, then the Network and Sharing Center section and finally the Properties of the connection used, be it Wi-Fi or Ethernet, you can manually configure your device’s IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) properties. Here, you can make the change by manually entering a new IP address that matches the configuration of your home network. It is important to ensure that the IP you choose is not already in use by another device on the same network to avoid address conflicts.
Another effective method to change your IP address, especially if you want to hide it or bypass geographic restrictions, is to use a virtual private network. By installing a VPN application on your Windows PC, you can connect to servers all over the world, thus obtaining a new IP corresponding to your chosen server’s location. This changes your IP address in the eyes of the outside world and adds a layer of encryption to your internet connection, increasing your online privacy and security.
Mac
The procedure is similar to that described for Windows with some differences. To change your Mac’s internal IP address, you must go to System Preferences. From there, reach the Network section to find the list of available connections, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet. By selecting the active connection, you can access the advanced settings and, under the TCP/IP tab, find the option to configure your IP address manually. Here, by entering a new IP address compatible with your network, ensure it is not already in use to avoid conflicts. Also, in this case, it is possible to use a VPN for Mac, thus facilitating the process.
iPhone
If you want to change the IP address your internet service provider assigns when you’re connected via cellular data, your options are limited. Cellular IP addresses are managed directly by your carrier and are usually dynamic, changing every time you reconnect to the network. However, you can try it by activating and deactivating airplane mode, a forced way for the device to reconnect to the cellular network and receive a new IP.
To change the IP address of an iPhone connected to a Wi-Fi network, you must act directly from the device settings. To access the Wi-Fi section in Settings, tap the “i” next to the Wi-Fi network you are using to view the details. If your network allows it, you can manually configure the IP by selecting the “Configure IP” option and then “Manual.” After entering a new network-compatible address, ensure it doesn’t conflict with other connected devices to avoid connectivity issues.
Another effective method of changing an iPhone’s IP address and offering advantages in terms of security and privacy is to use a virtual private network. VPN apps for iPhones are available on the App Store and can be easily set up by following the providers’ instructions.
Android
As with iPhones, operators assign dynamic addresses for Android devices that change every time you connect to the network. Again, a simple solution could be to activate airplane mode for a few seconds and then deactivate it, thus forcing the phone to re-establish the connection to the cellular network and obtain a new IP address. This method does not always work, it all depends on the operator’s policy.
With Android, when connected to Wi-Fi, you can change the IP from the device settings. By accessing the Wi-Fi network settings, please select the network you are connected to to view its details, and then change the IP settings from DHCP (which automatically assigns an IP address to the device) to static. At this point, you can manually enter a new address that is compatible and not already used by another device on the network. Also, in this case, you can use a VPN for Android.
Smart TVs
Changing the IP address on a smart TV can be useful for various reasons, such as accessing geo-restricted content, improving privacy, or fixing internet connection problems. The specific process may vary depending on the device model and operating system, but some general guidelines exist.
If your smart TV is connected to the internet via a home router, the easiest way is to restart the router. If this is set to assign static IP addresses, you can adjust the network settings on your device.
They’re usually found in your TV’s network settings menu, where you can select your Wi-Fi network or set up a wired connection. The IP must be configured manually by entering the required details such as the subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers. It is important to ensure that the IP address does not conflict with other devices on your network.
If you choose to use a virtual private network, remember that not all smart TVs support VPN apps. The virtual private network must be configured directly on the router, or a dedicated device such as a VPN gateway must be used.
Which VPN to choose?
As we have seen, the easiest and fastest solution is represented by VPN services, which can mask the public IP address and allow all users to browse privately and securely. In fact, VPN platforms have hundreds of different servers installed worldwide, offering anyone the opportunity to use them and to be connected to a network with a completely anonymous IP address, even kilometers away from the real location of the network.
In this way, it will also be possible to resolve the problem of the impossibility of accessing certain sites as they are not located in the country of reference. It will be enough to use one of the servers available to make the Internet believe that you are in a country different from the real one. But what are the best VPNs of the moment?
1. NordVPN
VPN platforms may all seem the same; their service differentiates them. The servers available, for example, in addition to being many, must still be fast, secure and capable of protecting the user’s privacy. NordVPN is probably one of the best in this respect, as it has more than 6,200 servers in more than 100 countries and unlimited bandwidth.
2. SurfShark VPN
SurfShark, on the other hand, has a very interesting feature: its network can be used simultaneously on an unlimited number of devices, whether desktop or mobile. In this case, thousands of servers present worldwide will also be possible.
3. CyberGhost
Among the most famous in Italy is CyberGhost, which has all the features to be considered one of the most reliable. Among its advantages is the possibility of using its service on 7 different devices with a single subscription, whether desktop or mobile.
4. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN, known and used worldwide, cannot be missing from the top of the best VPNs. It is a service born in Sweden and can count on very stable and well-established servers. Furthermore, thanks to the desktop and mobile apps, it will be possible to take advantage of its options on up to a total of 10 devices simultaneously.
5. ExpressVPN
One of the VPN platforms that can count on multiple countries is ExpressVPN. It has servers installed in 105 countries, with 160 locations scattered everywhere. The more countries available, the wider the choice of servers to connect to.
6. PureVPN
PureVPN, on the other hand, is certainly the most accessible platform, as it is compatible with more than 20 different devices. This can be used on Windows PC, Mac, Android smartphones and tablets, iPhone, iPad, Linux computers, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, Kodi, Roku, Raspberry Pi, Xbox, Play Station, Amazon Fire TV, and many others.
7. Private Internet Access
Among the VPNs with the most experience, we find Private Internet Access. It can count on more than 10 years of experience in the sector, 15 million customers spread across the globe, customer support active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and completely open-source software that anyone can view at any time.
8. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is perhaps one of the best alternatives to PureVPN in terms of the number of devices it supports. Today, it guarantees Windows PC, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad, TV, Roku, Chrome, routers, and more.
9. HMA VPN
HMA VPN is perhaps the most underrated platform, but it can offer unique features. This world’s largest network is based on over 1,000 servers in over 290 locations in over 210 countries.
10. IPVanish
Among the notable features of IPVanish are a network of 75 countries covered by servers, always-available support, zero tracking, shared IP addresses, advanced encryption, unlimited supported devices, and much more.
How to hide IP without a VPN?
Hiding your IP address without a VPN is possible through proxy services and the Tor network, both effective methods that offer varying levels of anonymity and online security.
Proxy servers work as intermediaries between your device and the websites you visit, hiding your real IP address behind a temporary one provided by the proxy itself. When using a proxy service, the Internet request is first sent to the proxy server, which then forwards it to the recipient website. This process not only masks the real IP but can also lead to access to blocked or censored websites. However, it’s important to note that while proxies can offer a certain level of anonymity, they don’t encrypt your internet traffic like a VPN, meaning the information you send or receive may not be completely private.
On the other hand, the Tor network, also known as The Onion Router, routes traffic through a vast network of volunteer servers, encrypting the data multiple times and passing it through several nodes before reaching the destination site. This tortuous path makes it extremely difficult to track online activity or determine the true starting IP address. Tor is particularly prized for its ability to provide a high degree of anonymity and privacy; however, due to the extra time required to encrypt data and route it across the network, it can be significantly slower than a direct Internet connection or use of a simple proxy.
Proxies and Tor represent valid solutions for those who want to browse the web while keeping their IP address hidden without a VPN. While proxies offer a simple, straightforward solution, Tor provides a superior level of privacy and security, albeit with some speed and ease of use trade-offs. In any case, choosing the most suitable method depends on your specific needs for privacy, security and access to content on the internet.
How to change a private IP address?
To change the private IP address, you must perform different steps based on the operating system used: Windows or Mac.
On a Windows PC, you must open the settings application, access the tab “Network and Internet,” and then “Network and Internet settings.” Now you must click on “Status” and then “Properties”, carefully choosing the network you are connected to. Now just click on “Edit” to the right of “IP Assignment” and choose the “Manual” option in the drop-down menu that appears at the top. Activating the “IPv4” toggle and modifying the underlying data to your liking will be sufficient.
On a Mac, however, you will need to open the “System Preferences” application, continue with “Network,” click on “Advanced” at the bottom right, and access the “TCP/IP” tab. You must choose the “Manually” option from the “IPv4” menu and change the details yourself.
Final thoughts
To conclude the guide on changing your IP address, it is essential to reiterate the usefulness of this practice for accessing content that would otherwise be out of reach, but above all for safeguarding your privacy and security while browsing online. Changing your public address can transform how you use your favorite devices. From this perspective, VPN services emerge as indispensable and very practical tools.
Solutions to hide an IP address for free must always be evaluated in terms of quality and security.