A VPN replaces your real IP address with one from a secure server and encrypts your connection. This adds a powerful layer of privacy and helps protect your online activity.
Hide your IP address with Surfshark VPN
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Replace your IP address in just one click
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Encrypt your internet traffic to keep your browsing private
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Connect to high-speed servers in 100 countries
What is the best way to hide your IP address?
The most reliable way to hide your IP (Internet Protocol) address is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN routes your online traffic through a secure VPN server, replacing your IP address with the server’s IP.
Whenever you hop online, your device is assigned an IP address provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider), which serves as a digital ID.
While your IP helps websites know where to send the information you request, it also leaves a trail that can reveal your physical location and track your online activities.
By using a reputable VPN like Surfshark, you can quickly get a different IP address, stay secure, and limit the chances of anyone — even your ISP — spying on your browsing habits.
Hide your IP address in 3 easy steps
1. Create a Surfshark account
Choose the pricing plan that works for you and subscribe to Surfshark.
2. Download the Surfshark app
Download the Surfshark VPN app and log in.
3. Connect to a VPN server
Choose your preferred server location, and click Connect. Your IP is now hidden.
6 privacy tools side-by-side: which actually hide your IP address?
Surfshark VPN
When you connect to a VPN, your chosen VPN server’s IP address masks your actual IP address. Any website you visit won’t see who you are unless you do something to reveal yourself. In addition, your internet traffic is encrypted, so not even your ISP will catch a whiff of your online activity.
| Pros | Cons |
| Keeps your IP address hidden | Charges a fee (but since it keeps your data safe, it’s likely worth it) |
| Lets you choose from various servers | Requires an app or browser extension |
| Encrypts your data | May impact connection speeds slightly |
Proxy server
A proxy server uses its own IP address to hide your location. Proxies are also commonly used as parental controls because they can block access to specific websites based on their IP address. However, users usually can’t switch proxy servers, and internet traffic isn’t encrypted. As a result, a proxy server offers less protection than leading VPN providers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Hides a user’s IP address | Doesn’t let users choose a specific proxy server |
| Doesn’t require an app | Doesn’t typically encrypt internet traffic |
| Can filter out explicit content | May only work for browser traffic |
Private browser
An internet browser’s private mode — like Incognito on Google Chrome — only hides your online activity from people who will use your device after you’ve closed these private windows. It may make search engines more private, but going incognito won’t give you a private IP address, encrypt your data, or let you surf the internet anonymously.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free | Doesn’t hide your IP |
| Offers temporary privacy while using search engines on a single device | Doesn’t encrypt data |
DNS changer
A DNS (Domain Name System) changer modifies the DNS settings on a specific device. It alters how your device translates website names into IP addresses, but doesn’t actually change your IP address. A DNS changer can improve internet speed and access some blocked websites, but your online activities and approximate location will remain exposed without proper IP masking.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can bypass certain blocks | Lacks IP masking |
| May improve internet speed | Doesn’t encrypt data |
Public Wi-Fi
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network at an airport or coffee shop, your IP address changes to match the hotspot you’re using. You’re basically assigned a public IP address, not your own. However, while no one will see your private IP address from back home, a public Wi-Fi network won’t protect your internet activity. These networks are often unsecured, so your sensitive information can still be exposed to risks like hacking or snooping.
| Pros | Cons |
| Doesn’t require any installation | Doesn’t hide your IP address |
| Usually free | May expose your device to security threats |
Tor
The Tor Browser routes your connection through multiple volunteer-run servers, hiding your public IP address behind layers of encryption. Users are given different exit nodes, so no two devices will share the same IP address. However, these nodes can be compromised by malicious actors who can intercept your data. Using an anonymous browser like Tor won’t let you choose a specific IP address to connect to, and it often leads to significantly slower internet speeds.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free | Doesn’t let you choose a specific IP address |
| Hides your real IP address | Can be compromised by malicious actors |
| Encrypts your data | Slows your internet connection |
What’s the optimal choice for hiding your IP address? Here’s a snapshot comparing a VPN service like Surfshark to proxy servers, public Wi-Fi networks, and more.
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Surfshark VPN
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Proxy server
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Private browser
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DNS changer
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Public Wi-Fi
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Tor Browser
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Hides IP address
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Encrypts data
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Allows for quick server switching
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Surfshark vs. free VPNs
Free VPNs often compromise on privacy and performance. Surfshark VPN offers a more secure browsing experience you can trust.
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Free VPNs
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Surfshark VPN
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Data collection risk
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High: free options often track your activity and share data with third parties
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Low: Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy is independently verified
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Speed and bandwidth
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Restricted: speed throttling and bandwidth limits are common
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Unlimited: no bandwidth or speed caps are in place
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Ads and trackers
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Common: free tools may inject ads or allow trackers
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Blocked: built-in ad and tracker blocking
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Customer support
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Limited: often no live help and slow response times
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24/7: round-the-clock live chat support
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VPN servers and locations
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Few: frequently have overloaded servers that slow your connection
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Thousands: lets you connect to 4,500+ high-speed servers in 100 countries
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Encryption
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Unreliable: may lack strong encryption standards
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Strong: modern AEGIS-256X2 and encryption standards AES-256 and ChaCha20 for increased protection
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Why hide your IP address with Surfshark VPN?
Hiding your IP address isn’t just about staying private — Surfshark allows you to browse, stream, and work securely without limits.
Stop ISP bandwidth throttling
Don’t let your ISP slow down your connection just because you’re streaming or gaming. Surfshark VPN encrypts your traffic, so your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online, allowing you to avoid activity-based throttling and enjoy consistent, fast speeds.
Block third-party tracking
Surfshark helps you keep your browsing habits safe from snooping ISPs, intrusive government agencies, and aggressive advertisers. Masking your IP address can even help block data brokers from building a profile of you and bombard you with targeted ads.
Protect your sensitive data
When you hide your IP address, you stop websites from tracking your digital footprint. Combine that with Surfshark’s industry-leading encryption, and your personal information becomes significantly harder for hackers and malicious actors to intercept.
Stay secure on public Wi-Fi
Connecting to free Wi-Fi at a cafe or airport leaves your data vulnerable. While a public network provides you with a temporary IP address, it offers no security. Surfshark encrypts your connection on unprotected networks, keeping your passwords and private data secure.
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.
Surfshark security features
Encryption
Safeguard your data with AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20 and AEGIS-256X2 encryption, the same standards used by cybersecurity experts and governments worldwide.
Post-quantum protection
Future-proof your security online with Surfshark’s advanced post-quantum implementation on WireGuard, designed to resist potential threats from future quantum computers.
No-logs policy
Your browsing habits are your business, which is why Surfshark never tracks, collects, or shares your activity. Our no-logs policy has been independently verified by Deloitte, ensuring total transparency.
Jurisdiction
Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark operates in a favorable legal environment with no mandatory data retention laws. This jurisdiction allows us to uphold our strict no-logs policy with no interference.
Obfuscation
Obfuscation hides your data and makes it much harder to identify that you’re using a VPN. This technology helps you browse freely even in places that highly restrict internet usage.
RAM-only servers
Surfshark’s entire network runs on diskless, RAM-only servers that automatically wipe all data with every reboot. This hardware-level security ensures that no information can ever be physically retrieved from our servers.
Kill switch
Protect your data from accidental exposure with a kill switch — an automatic safety net that cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops. This ensures no unencrypted data leaves your device.
Double VPN
Boost your protection online by routing your traffic through two different VPN servers at once with Multi Hop. This process encrypts your connection twice, making it virtually impossible for anyone to trace your digital footprint.
Everlink
Experience a self-healing connection with Surfshark’s patented Everlink infrastructure that keeps your VPN stable. If a server requires maintenance, Everlink seamlessly switches you to a new one without interrupting your session.
DNS leak protection
Surfshark routes all your DNS (Domain Name System) requests through private, encrypted tunnels. This prevents Wi-Fi eavesdropping and your ISP from seeing which websites you visit, ensuring your browsing history stays private.
Split tunneling
Use Bypasser, Surfshark’s VPN split tunneling feature, to choose which apps and websites need VPN protection and which can access the internet directly without encryption — perfect for IP-sensitive services. iOS users can also add websites to Bypasser directly from Safari without any manual entry.
Rotating IP
Stay ahead of trackers by automatically changing your IP address every few minutes without disconnecting. This constant IP rotation makes it much harder for advertisers and data brokers to profile your online behavior.
More than a VPN
Get a complete cybersecurity suite including a built-in ad blocker, antivirus, and identity masking tools. From blocking malware to generating an alternative persona, Surfshark takes protecting your digital presence to another level.
What’s the best VPN to hide your IP?
Every VPN says it’ll hide your IP address, but some providers stand out from the pack. Surfshark is an excellent choice not just for IP masking but also for enhanced overall cybersecurity.
Surfshark has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, meaning you can use the VPN app to get an IP address from your preferred location. Surfshark is also supported on every major operating system, so whether you need protection on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, Linux, or more — Surfshark has your back.
Compare Surfshark’s plans
Surfshark Starter
Comes with a VPN & Alternative ID — essentials for your daily browsing.
- VPN: surf safely online
- Personal data masking: protect your identity
- Ad blocker: block ads & pop-ups
Surfshark One
Shields you with all-round security for your browsing, devices, and identity.
- VPN: surf safely online
- Personal data masking: protect your identity
- Ad blocker: block ads & pop-ups
- Antivirus: armor your devices
- Data leak monitoring: get notified of leaks
Surfshark One+
Keeps your online activities & devices safe, with extra focus on identity protection.
- VPN: surf safely online
- Personal data masking: protect your identity
- Ad blocker: block ads & pop-ups
- Antivirus: armor your devices
- Data leak monitoring: get notified of leaks
- Incogni: reclaim your data
See why millions trust Surfshark
Check out what users and tech experts around the world have to say about Surfshark.
The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
The reviews quoted on this page have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.
I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!
When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.
We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.
The reviews quoted on this page have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.
“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”
“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”
“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed…”
The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I completely hide my IP address?
While you cannot be 100% invisible on the internet, you can completely hide your real IP address from the websites you visit and the apps you use. When you connect to a VPN, your ISP can see that you are connected to a VPN server, but they cannot see the final destination of your traffic. To the rest of the web, your real IP is completely hidden and replaced by the VPN’s IP address.
How do I hide my IP address on iPhone?
The easiest and most reliable way to hide your IP address on an iOS device is to download a reputable VPN app from the App Store. Once you install an app like Surfshark and connect to a server, your iPhone’s internet traffic is instantly encrypted, and your real IP is masked. While proxies exist, a VPN is the only tool that simultaneously masks your IP and encrypts your data.
Can Google hide my IP address?
No, standard Google services do not hide your IP address. While Chrome’s Incognito Mode stops your local browsing history from being saved on your device, it doesn’t mask your IP or hide your activity from your ISP or the websites you visit. For effective IP masking, you need a dedicated third-party service like a VPN.
Can a free VPN hide my IP address?
Yes, a free VPN can mask your IP, but it often comes with hidden costs. Free VPN services typically impose strict data limits, slower speeds, and offer fewer server locations. More importantly, some free VPNs log and sell your browsing data to advertisers to turn a profit.
Paid VPN services, like Surfshark, provide strict no-logs policies, faster speeds, and reliable encryption without compromising your privacy.
What does my IP address reveal?
Your IP address can reveal many pieces of information, including:
- Geolocation: your IP usually shows your approximate location, such as the city or region you’re in;
- ISP: others can see which service provider is supplying your web connection;
- Online activity: when combined with other tracking methods, a website or online service can track your browsing habits and preferences.
What is IP masking?
IP masking is the process of hiding or replacing your real IP address with a different one by routing your internet connection through an intermediary server. This is commonly done through tools like VPNs or proxy servers and helps you protect your online privacy.
How do I know if my IP address is hidden?
You can check if your IP address is hidden with the following steps, as long as you have a VPN:
- Connect your VPN to your preferred server location.
- Go to Surfshark’s What is my IP address? page.
- Your IP address isn’t hidden if you see a red window labeled Not Protected that shows your exact location. If you see a green Protected window that lists your VPN server’s location, your real IP isn’t visible.
Is hiding your IP address the same as using incognito mode?
No. Incognito mode (or private browsing) only prevents your browser from saving your local search history, cookies, and temporary files on your actual device. It doesn’t hide your IP address or encrypt your internet traffic. Your ISP, network administrator, and the websites you visit can still see your real IP address and monitor your online activity unless you use a VPN.
