Method 1: Using a VPN
VPN stands for virtual private network, but is much simpler than it sounds. Basically, you can connect your computer or device to someone else’s network, then browse the web through their network. Whatever activity you’re doing looks like it’s coming from them, not from you.
When you connect to a VPN, you’re masking your IP address with one of the IP addresses on that network
Method 2: Using a Web Proxy
A web proxy works in much the same way as a VPN: you connect to the proxy server, then all your web traffic flows through the proxy server. As such, your IP address gets hidden by the proxy server’s IP address.
But there are two major differences between proxy and VPN.
First, web proxies are typically unencrypted. Even if your IP address is masked by a proxy, the traffic itself can still be sniffed by ISPs and governments. Not only that, but some websites may still be able to see your real IP address using Flash or JavaScript.
Second, some browsers let you route only browser traffic.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Firefox
- In the main menu, select Options.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab, then the Network section.
- Under Connection, click Settings…
- Select Manual proxy configuration, then type in the proxy’s address and port in the HTTP Proxy field.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Microsoft Edge
- In the main menu, select Settings.
- Scroll down and click View advanced settings.
- Scroll down and click Open proxy settings.
- Under Manual proxy setup, enable Use a proxy server, then type in the proxy’s address and port in the Address field.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi
- In the main menu, select Settings.
- Under Network, click Change proxy settings…
- In the Connections tab, click LAN settings.
- Enable Use a proxy server for your LAN, then type in the proxy’s address and port in the Address field.
Method 3: Using Public Wi-Fi
Instead of routing your traffic through another person’s network, you can opt to connect directly to their network—and the easiest way to do this is to hop onto public Wi-Fi.
The funny thing is that this is really the only way to hide your home IP address. When you’re on public Wi-Fi, there’s no way for someone to trace it back to your home. And if it’s a popular hotspot (e.g. Starbucks), your activity will be obscured by dozens of other users at any time. But remember that public Wi-Fi has its own risks!
By default, most public Wi-Fi hotspots are unencrypted. All your activity while connected can be seen by anyone else on the network (if they’re sniffing it out), which includes login details for websites like banks and e-commerce shopping. Public Wi-Fi hotspots can also spread malware infections to your device.
On top of this, there are several other ways for hackers to steal your identity on public Wi-Fi. So while you might be hiding your IP address, you’re still opening yourself up to a whole host of other privacy and security risks.
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