When to use a VPN really depends on what you want it for.
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If you’d like to make sure your IP has changed, open up a browser and search for “What’s my IP address” and click on one of the results. You’re now browsing with a new IP address. To change your IP address, you simply open your VPN app, select the server location you’d like to connect to, and you’re done. Does a VPN change my IP address?Įvery internet connection (like your cable modem) is assigned a unique set of numbers called an IP address, which is tied to information such as geographic location, ISP, etc. A VPN replaces your actual IP address to make it look like you’ve connected to the internet from a different location: the physical location of the VPN server, rather than your real location. This is just one reason why so many people use VPNs. This can be handy when you want to hide from advertising trackers or protect your search history. What that means is, when you turn your VPN app on, your device makes a secure connection to a specialized computer that routes internet traffic, called a VPN server. You also may have heard that your connection is “wrapped in an encrypted tunnel” which means your device and the server share a secure connection so only you can see what you’re doing on the internet. You may have heard that VPN apps live on your device and allow you to connect to the internet securely.
#Can i hide my ip address install
What is a VPN and how does it protect me?Ī VPN is an app that you install on your device to help keep your personal data safe as you browse the internet If you can hide IP addresses you can get around these types of limitations.There’s a lot of misinformation about Virtual Private Networks, what they do, and the security benefits they offer. For this article, I’d like to do some myth-busting about how a VPN actually works and why you should use one. Hiding your IP address can get you around these blockades and allow you to access any site on the Internet.īypassing organizational online restrictions - Your workplace or school may restrict access to sites when you are using their network and IP address.
#Can i hide my ip address download
In some cases, this is due to the enforcement of copyright laws that are intended to prevent you from accessing a site that provides torrents with which to download media content. You don’t want them to see your real IP address and perhaps use it against you.Īccessing geo-blocked content - There are restrictions enforced in many geographic locations regarding the streaming or downloading services that you can access.
#Can i hide my ip address free
Free and unsecured WiFi networks are notorious for enabling hackers to compromise the data of unsuspecting users. While it sounds great, using free WiFi without hiding your IP address can be a recipe for disaster. Using public WiFi safely - Free WiFi is everywhere these days and can be very attractive to users on the go or individuals who might not have their own WiFi network at home. This opens you up to potential malware and other types of digital attacks. These nefarious entities may not just want to monitor your movements and may be able to learn your identity and location through the IP address.
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Protection from hackers - Just as your ISP, search engines, and governments can follow you around by using your IP address, so can hackers. A way around this practice is to hide IP addresses whenever you go online. This data may be used against you in an attempt to prove anti-government sentiments and lead to criminal charges or worse.
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This way you can surf while maintaining your anonymity.Įvading government censorship – Certain governments monitor and censor the online activities of their citizens. If you want to move around the Internet without being tracked by your ISP, ad networks, or search engines, the only way is to hide the IP address. Preserving your online privacy – As we have demonstrated by displaying your IP address on this page, there is no place you can go online without someone watching. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones. You might want to hide your IP address for a variety of reasons.