How to change your IP Address with a VPN
Before understanding how to change your IP address, it is imperative that one enlightens themselves on what it is exactly. An IP address is a sequence of characters used by all kinds of devices- computers, smartphones, laptops, and more, employing the Internet Protocol to communicate and interact. This sequence of characters is primarily used to identify the device you are using. Each and every device requires a unique IP address to function.
Kinds of IP Addresses
The most used IP address kind is the internet protocol version 4 (IPv4), which looks like 123.45.67.89. It is used by websites and servers, for online games, and other devices connected to the internet. An upgrade that is gradually replacing IPv4 addresses is the internet protocol version 6 (IPv6), which can appear as 2002:0db9:95a3:0000:0000:9a2e:0370:7334. This kind has more advanced features.
The Wi-Fi you are connected to right now probably has a shared public IP address, but your device has its own private IP address. When using data, the public IP address on your device may be unique.
Why would one want to change their IP address?
The reasons can be many- you might want to enhance your security, access geo-restricted data or websites of another country or access your country’s sites from abroad. In such situations, you need to change your IP address. Read on to learn how to do so.
Connect to a VPN
Connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will provide you with a valid IP address that is acceptable in your country. This might also come in handy when you are travelling. Your banking or streaming channels might get geo-restricted. Connecting to VPNs in such situations also help you access your local services from abroad.
Apart from this, you can also use VPNs to access content that has otherwise been restricted in your current location.
A lot of VPNs in the market currently can help you with changing your IP address. Some of them are mentioned below:
NordVPN
It is considered one of the best VPNs with quick servers in over 50 countries. You don’t need to log into your account to get the services. Also, it is compatible with a lot of streaming services.
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WHY I LIKE NORDVPN: NordVPN has long been regarded as one of the strongest brands in cybersecurity. With one of the largest server offerings on my list and support for most, if not all operating systems, making NordVPN an obvious choice for many. They have 24/7 customer support if you need help getting started. Their app is one of the most well-designed apps I have ever used. NordVPN even accepts cryptocurrencies as payment for extra anonymity.
Surfshark
This VPN is pocket friendly with ad blocking and malware filtering. You can access unlimited connections with a 30-day cash-back guarantee.
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WHY I LIKE SURFSHARK: Surfshark VPN is perfect for those who want a cheap and reliable VPN that also has many extra features. "Camouflage Mode" hides your usage from your ISP, "Kill Switch" suspends your connection and protects your information if you temporarily lose Internet access, "MultiHop" to connect from multiple countries at the same time just to name a few. My favorite feature of Surfshark is "Whitelists" which allow the user to exclude specific apps and programs from the VPN connection.
CyberGhost
It is great for beginners and is available in over 80 countries.
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WHY I LIKE CYBERGHOST: CyberGhost VPN is the first choice of many other cybersecurity experts, and the reason is clear; they have the most complete VPN service. An incredible number of extra features that are best suited for the more advanced users but also work flawlessly for every-day purposes like P2P-filesharing. Cyberghost VPN also has the longest stretching money-back guarantee at a full 45 days.
PrivateVPN
Torrenting, Kill–switch, obfuscation features, AES encryption, and fast speed are some of the benefits that this VPN offers in over 60 countries.
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WHY I LIKE PRIVATEVPN: PrivateVPN is the strong underdog in the world of VPNs. With a shy number of servers, it is evident that they are focusing on quality over quantity. Overall, PrivateVPN is a very decent choice of VPN, especially if you had enough of the excessive advertising by some of the other more known brands in this list. Setting up the VPN requires extremely little intervention, and you can even pay with Bitcoin.
Connect to a VPN to change your IP address
A VPN encrypts the internet connection and directs it to your required location. Only your VPN server’s IP address will be visible to everyone and not your actual IP address. The following are the steps-
- Log in to a VPN provider.
- Download and open the app or browser extension.
- Select a server in the country where it’s unblocked.
- You will now have a different IP address.
Use a proxy to change your IP address
This method needs an intermediate server so that your proxy server- IP address is visible. Proxies lack encryption and hold the risk of leaking your IP address. Thus, it should only be used for simple functions like watching local shows from another country. Following are a few options for IP addresses that you may consider.
- HTTP/S proxies
- SOCKS proxies
- SSH proxies
Use Tor to change your IP address for free
The Onion Router (Tor) is an anonymous network. You simply need to download and then install the TOR browser. It encrypts the connection, and sends your data through multiple servers, each of them removing a layer of encryption and making it almost impossible to trace it back. But this method is slower.
Change IP addresses by unplugging your modem
Unplug your modem, wait, and plug it back. You’ll get a new IP address. Your ISP recycles and assigns you a brand-new IP address.
Ask your ISP to change your IP address
You may also simply request your ISP for a new IP address by submitting your account and current IP address information. Also, you can also ask for a static IP address by paying extra.
Change networks to get a different IP address
Another method to change your IP address is to simply disconnect from the present internet connection and connect to another password-protected network.
Changing IP address on Mobile
Again, you simply require a VPN. Following are the steps for how this can be done-
- Install the VPN app or browser extension.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Select a VPN server and connect.
- The IP address will now change.
FAQ
Will I have to face CAPTCHA after changing my IP address?
Yes, your IP address may be shared with other users. Therefore, you need to verify that you are human.
Does my ISP know my IP address?
Yes, your ISP will always know your IP address. It is the ISP that assigns you an IP address and transmits data through the internet.
How can I change my private IP address?
You can change your local IP address or get a different private IP address by troubleshooting or configuring your devices.
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