IP addresses are the exclusive numbers assigned to a particular device connected to the internet. Most authorities, websites, streaming sites, cyber-attackers, and third parties use this public identifier to extract your online details, especially your location.
This information helps them know your coordinates, guess your location-based interests, and apply content restrictions. However, some effective workarounds are available today to help you change your IP country.
In this article, we will explain some effective methods to tweak your IP address.
Tweaking your Internet Protocol address with a VPN – The quick guide
Rushed? Here is how to change your IP country quickly:
- Sign up for a reliable VPN, our privacy experts, or cybersecurity researchers (including me) all recommend NordVPN to be the best VPN for the cause (for multiple reasons).
- Install the VPN app, if you went with NordVPN, it has an app for all the known devices which makes it very easy for you to get going.
- Connect to a server available in the country of whom you want to get the IP address (for example, if you need a US IP outside it, you may connect to a US VPN server).
- That is it, once connected to the selected VPN server, your country IP should already be changed.
How does an IP address work?
Like your physical address that leads anyone to your home, you also have an online address. The internet labels it as your IP address.
In technical terms, your IP address is a specific number assigned to your device as an online identifier.
Whether it is your mobile phone, your laptop, or any other device you access the internet, every device has a unique IP address that it receives from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The IP address isn’t just a random number; it encloses many more details.
This single resource lets anyone know about your device, network information, browsing habits, and exact physical location.
Whenever your device connects to the internet, this IP address is what the websites, advertisers, government authorities, and other online entities track about you.
But, if you know how to change the public IP address of your device, you may easily ditch all these trackers.
Similarly, your IP address lets the content providers decide their target audience.
That is why you see different kinds of news online from different places.
Likewise, you may not access BBC iPlayer outside the United Kingdom because the service provider tracks your location via IP address.
However, if you effectively change your IP to another country, you can bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy browsing freedom.
Reasons to change IP address
Your IP address reveals not only your location but also a lot more details.
Perhaps, you cannot even imagine the extent of information you unknowingly disclose online through your IP.
In short, your privacy and security are always at risk when your true IP is visible online.
So, it makes complete sense to mask or hide your IP address and protect yourself.
But if you wonder why exactly you or anyone else should do that, here are a few important reasons.
1. Browse websites anonymously
Ever wondered why you start seeing ads for products you bought or viewed right after you leave an e-store?
Or why do you see ads related to your purchases on your Facebook Newsfeed? This is because the websites track you!
You get information from that site and share yours with them because of advanced cookie tracking that businesses deploy today while visiting a website.
Almost every website has certain tracking elements that keep chasing you as you browse online. These trackers prey on your IP address, through which they get information about your device, location, network, and other devices connected to your network.
All this data suffices to let them have enough information about you. They can then use this data to show you relevant ads (whether you wish to view them or not).
Sometimes, these trackers are so robust that the websites you visit don’t let you in unless you turn off your ad-blocker. Ultimately, you are compelled to share your data with them.
Of course, you can’t stop the other side from spying on you.
But you can fake your online profile. Hence, changing the IP address country is the only viable solution for this tracking.
When websites can’t track your real IP, they can’t know your country, device, and other data.
In turn, you can enjoy anonymous browsing without worrying about online trackers.
2. Limit search engines from tracking your browsing history
For most of you, to ‘Google’ something is the easiest way to find anything.
But only a few people would realize that this seemingly harmless activity also shares your own data with Google.
In fact, it is not about Google only. Rather, almost every search engine also loves to track what you do online.
These common search engines like Google and Bing build a profile of yourself based on your browsing habits.
They then use this data to adjust your search results for accuracy and ad targeting. Of course, they link all this data to your IP address and place cookies on your device.
If you don’t want these search engines to track you, delete cookies from your device and spoof your IP address.
However, we recommend using private search engines instead of Google and would like to eliminate this tracking issue for good. These search engines, like DuckDuckGo, respect your privacy.
3. Access content blocked at your place
Most schools block social media platforms and homework-help websites to avoid student distractions.
Likewise, employers also block social media like Facebook at the workplace to restrict employees from wasting time.
Some organizations doing sensitive work also block such platforms to avoid any sort of information leak.
While that is all rational to do, you may not always like such restrictions. (At least I don’t want to be restricted like this).
So, once again, you have a workaround for unblocking websites.
Since the content restrictions are applied to the IP address assigned by the appropriate place’s network, once you spoof it for your device, you can bypass all such restrictions.
4. Bypass content geo-restrictions
Content restrictions based on location are another annoying thing in the online world.
Sometimes, the content providers restrict their audience to a specified location. Such as BBC iPlayer isn’t available outside the UK.
Whereas in most cases, government authorities block various websites to limit their people from accessing certain information. This can be done to achieve various political or ethical gains. Anyhow, that’s not a part of our discussion.
Our point is that we, as free humans, reserve the right of freedom of online browsing (ethically).
So, if you are fed up with such geo-restrictions, know how to change the country’s IP to another one. This will lift any content blocking from you since your online location would appear differently from where you are present.
5. Use Netflix and other streaming services anywhere
Ever missed watching BBC iPlayer when you’re abroad? Can’t watch your favorite Netflix show just because you traveled to another country?
Then, you surely need to alter your IP address to a different country.
Streaming platforms such as Netflix often have various geo-restrictions enabled on their content. This can either be a requirement from the media studios, or they have to block certain content in a region based on the media policies of that country.
Either way, it is you, the user, who suffers.
These services track your IP address to know your location and apply content restrictions.
So, as a workaround, simply change the IP country of your device to the one where the content you want to access is available.
Doing so would change your online location, and you can unblock Netflix USA and others similar as they won’t be able to track your exact location. Hence, you can continue to enjoy your favorite shows no matter where you are.
6. Evade government tracking and eavesdropping
Apart from content censorship, government authorities also frequently eavesdrop on you.
Although, the extent of this eavesdropping may be different.
Some countries like China and Iran are known for their extremely strict citizen tracking. Whereas the USA also frequently eavesdrop on users via their NSA.
Likewise, the government authorities in other countries also check their users’ online activities, whether they publicly disclose them or not.
These authorities precisely track your IP address to see what you do online. While that’s bad, what’s terrible and somewhat dangerous is how countries share citizens’ data.
Today, massive spying alliances, such as 5 Eyes and 9 Eyes, have made data sharing among the countries way easier.
Although that’s needed to contain criminal activities, this is also a breach of the privacy of common users.
However, if you know how to get a new IP address for your device, you can easily evade such eavesdropping.
7. Prevent your ISP from tracking You
Whether you use a private search engine, frequently clear your browsing history, or do anything to prevent online tracking, one such resource constantly keeps track of you. That is your Internet Service Provider (or the ISP).
Your ISP has control of everything you do online. They log all your activities, even browsing, in incognito mode.
They then save them and share them with law enforcement and government authorities as and when needed.
While you can’t stop them from spying on you, you can certainly protect yourself by masking your public IP. Your ISP can only track you if you continue to browse with the IP address they provide.
But, if you get a fake country IP address, especially with a VPN that encrypts your data, your ISP won’t know anything about your online activities.
8. Stay out of the radar of hackers
Changing the IP address isn’t just required to protect your privacy but your security, too.
Like websites and government authorities, criminal hackers always look for your online information.
In fact, they actually wait to spot your weaknesses, whether it is about the vulnerabilities in your device security system or your personal life.
Once they get a hint of your weak spot, they don’t waste a minute preying on you. They can then achieve long-term benefits, including financial gains from you.
From cyberbullying and identity theft to malware and ransomware attacks, you can’t even imagine the extent of threats you are exposed to while surfing online.
But you can certainly fend off all such threats simply by changing your IP.
As most black hat hackers trace your IP address to build your profile, changing this important detail makes them lose track.
They can’t link the false IP address to you or your device; hence, you remain safe. (Pretty simple!)
9. Safely use public WiFi
Public Wi Fis are a wonderful source to let you stay online always. Most of these are free to use, so they attract many users.
However, these public Wi Fi networks also serve as a safe haven for hackers since they can target multiple users.
These WiFi networks are usually unsafe for performing sensitive activities, such as financial transactions.
However, since most users are unaware of it, they continue to browse online and log in to different accounts.
Thus, the hackers present on the network intercept your data transmitted online. They cannot only steal important information but also cause financial damage.
Like always, these perpetrators prey on your IP address to reach your device.
Hence, when you hide or change IP addresses, the hackers won’t be able to trace your device through false IPs. And so you can browse safely.
For enhanced online protection, you can use a VPN that masks your IP address and encrypts all your data.
10. Saving money on flight tickets
Many factors affect ticket prices, including your location. So, you can tweak your IP address to a less developed country to get a cheaper flight ticket. This is a great way to save money if you travel a lot.
4 methods to change IP country easily
Although, you may not change your physical address as frequently as you want. Except for a regular to and fro between your workplace and your home, you cannot really move your location all the time.
Fortunately, that is not the case with your internet address. You can, in fact, change the IP location of your device as many times as you want.
You can even change the IP address country and bluff all online trackers. Here, we list the most effective methods for it.
1. Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network, or simply a VPN, is one of the most viable methods in which a VPN replaces your IP address with another country’s IP address.
Talking about the pros of VPNs, Besides masking your IP, a VPN encrypts all the data transmitted from your device.
Thus, you can rest assured that nobody can view or track your online work after intercepting your network.
Moreover, VPNs also provide a range of different IP addresses from across the world. Therefore, you can choose any location depending on the content you want to access.
For example, if you want access to BBC iPlayer, simply choose a UK server through your VPN, and that’s it.
Likewise, you can enjoy the content from Netflix USA from any part of the world simply by choosing a USA server.
However, not every VPN may work well with streaming services like Netflix.
In fact, Netflix frequently blocks VPNs, making it difficult for users to access them.
So, you should make sure that you use a robust VPN that evades Netflix blocking.
We recommend NordVPN. Installing it is also quite easy. It has a neat interface suitable even for an average user. Also, it supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Yet, before installing any VPN, make sure to go through their system requirements.
Also, look at their Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, especially if you are concerned about data logging.
The only downside of using a VPN is that most good VPNs aren’t free.
However, if you want a VPN to change the IP address to a different country and have no problem with its average services or data logging, you can find some free VPNs here.
If you haven’t previously heard about VPNs or haven’t used one yet, please read our Ultimate Guide to VPNs for Beginners.
Benefits you get:
- Wide range of locations to choose your IP from.
- Multiple IP addresses globally.
- Encrypted data transmission.
- Fast upload and download.
2. Use Tor Browser
Another savvy option to alter your IP address without hassle is changing your browser to the Tor browser.
From the makers of Mozilla Firefox, The Onion Router or TOR browser is powered by the TOR technology initially developed for the US military. So, you can imagine the level of safety and privacy this browser offers users.
Simply put, Tor masks your IP address, encrypts your data, and provides you with an anonymous browsing experience.
However, these features come with the downsides of slow browsing speeds. Hence, it isn’t wise to use Tor for video streaming.
A major problem with Tor is that it is a direct opening to the dark web – a hub for cybercriminals. That’s why law enforcement and ISPs actively track Tor users.
So, unless you are a privacy freak or an emerging hacker (it must be a white hat), you should better drop the idea of using Tor. Instead, you may use a VPN.
Benefits you get:
- IP masking.
- Free to use.
- Onion encryption.
3. Use a Smart DNS
Like VPNs, you can also use a Smart DNS to change IP to Canada, the US, or any country you want. Apart from IP masking, it also offers fast browsing speed, making it perfect for streaming.
However, this speed isn’t advantageous because Smart DNS does not support data encryption. Therefore, whatever data your device transmits over the network remains visible.
That means anyone intercepting your network can contact you despite a false IP address.
Hence, you can use a Smart DNS if you merely need to alter your IP address without affecting speed. But if you’re concerned with privacy and data security, use a VPN.
Moreover, a VPN is still better than Smart DNS if you mask your IP address across multiple devices.
Another problem with Smart DNS comes for Netflix users. As we mentioned above, Netflix frequently blocks fake IP addresses. So, like most VPNs, it also blocks Smart DNS IPs.
Thus, if you want a great Netflix experience, we highly recommend using NordVPN only.
Benefits you get:
- IP masking.
- Fast upload and download speeds.
4. Use a Web Proxy
If you are unwilling to pay for a VPN or simply wish to temporarily switch IP locations on your device, use a web proxy.
Like a VPN, a free web proxy also masks your IP address. Moreover, it also lets you choose your desired country, similar to a VPN.
However, it lags behind a VPN because it does not encrypt your data – like a Smart DNS.
It means using a web proxy is just a quick option to change your online location and bypass content restrictions. The websites you visit might not directly link your IP with your device.
However, using a web proxy doesn’t make you entirely anonymous. And someone tracking your data (which remains unencrypted) can still figure out your browsing activities.
Moreover, not every web proxy service efficiently masks your IP address. Some robust websites can still restrict you from accessing their content if they detect your false IP address.
Benefits you get:
- Faking IP address.
How to change your private IP address?
If you’re connected to a WiFi router, all devices in your network share a public IP address. However, each device has its unique private IP address.
Changing your private IP address has a minimal impact on your device’s interactions with other servers or devices. However, when configuring your household devices, such as IoT or printers, or troubleshooting errors, you might want to consider changing your private IP address.
Renew your local IP address
You can alter your IP address directly from your device or via the router admin panel. Changing the private IP address varies based on the operating system of your device.
For your Windows devices, you can change your private IP address by following these steps:
- Go to the command prompt.
- Run as administrator by right-clicking it.
- Type ipconfig/release.
- Type ipconfig/renew.
Once done, a new local IP address should be displayed.
On your macOS device, use these steps:
- Go to Apple Menu.
- Click ‘System Preferences.
- Select ‘Network’ and highlight the one you’re connected to.
- Select ‘Advanced.’
- Select the ‘TCP/IP tab.’
- Choose ‘Renew DHCP Lease.’
Your Mac device should now have a new private IP address. When changing your private IP address via your router, you should first access the router’s admin dashboard by keying in ‘192.168.0.1’ or ‘192.168.1.1’ in your web browser’s address bar. However, the specific process may vary depending on your router’s manufacturer and firmware.
What is the best method to get a fake country IP?
In the section above, I have shared with you the top four methods to change the IP address to any country you wish.
However, if you ask “how to change the IP address on a phone, laptop, or any other device,” a VPN remains the best option.
This is because a good VPN changes your real IP address and offers tremendous privacy features.
Here is a quick list of the best VPNs
- NordVPN– A popular VPN that offers a large server network and top-notch security features.
- ExpressVPN– A well-known VPN due to its excellent speeds and wide array of server networks.
- Private Internet Access (PIA)– A cost-friendly Virtual Private Network that offers premium security features to protect your online privacy.
- Surfshark– Known for its ability to support unlimited simultaneous connections and an extensive server network.
Best VPNs for changing your IP – Our hands-on review
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server network | 6,098 in 61 countries | 3,000 servers in 105 countries | Undisclosed servers in 91 countries | 3,200 in 100 countries |
| Avg speed | 133Mbps | 147Mbps | 96Mbps | 111Mbps |
| Supported devices | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, routers, Linux, smart TVs | Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, Linux, routers | Android, Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, routers | MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV |
| Popular sites unblocked | 95% | 98% | 89% | 92% |
| Cheapest plan | $3.99/month | $8.32/month | $1.98/month | $2.19/month |
Best VPNs to change your IP address to any country
1. NordVPN
Key features:
- 5,000+ servers in 60 countries
- No-logs policy
- Double VPN protocol
- Static IP address
- IKEv2/IPSec protocol
- Split tunneling
- AES 256-bit encryption
- DNS leak protection
- Automatic kill switch
- 24/7 customer support
NordVPN ranks in the same class as ExpressVPN. It is an excellent choice for changing your IP address due to its over 5,000 servers available in 60 countries worldwide. With such an extensive collection of servers, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to changing your location. This is particularly helpful if you wish to unblock geo-restricted content.
To ensure you preserve your privacy, NordVPN doesn’t store any logs. This means that the provider won’t retain your connection logs or web activities as you surf the web. As such, third parties cannot access your data.
NordVPN offers many protocols, including IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx. These protocols add an extra layer of protection to your privacy by encrypting your data and routing it through a secure tunnel. As such, even after changing your IP address, you don’t have to worry about your security or privacy being compromised.
Moreover, the VPN is highly compatible with many devices and boasts an automatic kill switch. This makes it an ideal VPN for changing your IP address while keeping your internet activity private.
Pros:
- Unblocks geo-restrictions
- A strong encryption protocol
- Double VPN protocol improves online protection
Cons:
- Incompatible with some platforms
2. ExpressVPN
Key features:
- Over 3000 servers in 94 countries
- No logs policy
- Split tunneling
- Automatic kill switch
- AES 256-bit encryption
- DNS leak protection
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day Money back guarantee
If you want to change your IP address, then ExpressVPN is an ideal choice. The VPN is one of the leading VPNs in the industry and boasts premium features that are tweaked to protect you from online threats and safeguard your privacy.
A key feature that renders ExpressVPN a good choice for changing your IP address is its vast network of servers. The VPN has over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. As such, you’re spoilt of servers to choose from when changing your IP address.
With AES 256-bit encryption, ExpressVPN ensures that your private data and online activities are kept safe and secure from third parties. On top of that, the no-logging policy means that the VPN doesn’t store or monitor your connection logs or web activity.
The VPN’s automatic kill switch is another feature that adds to its superiority. This feature automatically disconnects you from your network connection if your internet drops. With this feature, you’re free from exposure to the government or IPSs even after changing your IP address.
Its high compatibility also ensures you can use any mainstream platform, such as Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, or Linux, to change your IP address.
Pros:
- A reliable customer support team is available 24/7 via email and live chat
- Super-fast speeds
- A wide server network
- User-friendly apps for multiple platforms
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other VPNs such as PIA
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Key features:
- Over 35,000 servers in 84 countries
- AES 256-bit encryption
- A strict no-logs policy
- IKEv2/IPsec protocol
- 100% open source
- Automatic network kill switch
- Unlimited device protection
- Split tunneling function
- WireGuard protocol
- 24/7 support team
PIA is a famous VPN known for its pricing point and its premium features. A standout feature of the VPN is its strong encryption protocol. The AES 256-bit encryption is standard among government agencies and military institutions.
Another feature that makes PIA ideal for changing your IP address is its secure protocol, including IKEv2/IPSec. These protocols create stable links with multiple servers, thus making it ideal for changing your IP address.
PIA’s no-logs policy feature ensures they don’t retain your connection logs or any other digital footprint. If you’re seeking additional protection besides changing your IP address, the split tunneling feature offers just that. With this feature, you can divide your traffic into two. On the one hand, some of your traffic travels through a secure tunnel while others via a local area network.
Its wide compatibility ensures you can change your IP on devices running different platforms, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Furthermore, there is no limit on the number of devices you can connect to the same VPN account.
Pros:
- A strong encryption
- Unlimited device connections
- A reliable customer support
- Blocks ads and malware
Cons:
- Relatively slow
4. Surfshark
Key features:
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries
- No logs policy
- Ad and malware blocker
- Clean web
- Unlimited number of device connections
- Support Two-factor Authentication
- WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols
- 24/7 customer support
One attractive feature that makes Surfshark the best choice for changing your IP address is its unlimited simultaneous device connection policy. With this feature, you can connect all your devices to one VPN profile and change your IP address in all of them. Such a feature is especially useful for household or business use.
On top of its multiple compatibilities, Surfshark boasts a camouflage feature that is beneficial if you want to change your IP address. The feature ensures that other parties cannot tell if you’re using a VPN. This can be helpful if you want to alter your IP address without drawing attention to yourself. Surfshark also uses the IKEv2 and IPsec VPN protocols, which work together to boost your protection.
The IKEv2 protocol establishes a secure connection between your device and the VPN’s servers. Furthermore, the IPSec protocol initiates end-to-end security for your network. When used together, the two protocols provide a secure and fast connection that offers maximum security against online threats after changing your IP address.
Pros:
- Relatively cheap
- A strong encryption protocol
- Can block ads and malware
- Unlimited number of device connections
Cons:
- Obsolete desktop app
How to choose the best VPNs to change your IP address
When selecting the best VPN to change your IP address, there are certain factors you should consider. These include:
- VPN’s server network: The more extensive the network, the more likely the provider can offer you an IP address based in the country you need.
- Speed: Fast download and streaming speeds are essential when unblocking geo-restricted content. You should avoid VPNs restricting user usage with data caps or network throttling.
- Value for money: The worth of any VPN provider is determined by comparing its set of features to its subscription charges. If a VPN charges a premium price while lacking top security features, remove it from your list of considerations.
- Ease of use: Using VPNs to change your IP address shouldn’t be rocket science. A good VPN should have a straightforward guide on how to set up and change your IP address. In addition, the VPN should have user-friendly apps.
- Security and privacy: These are vital considerations when selecting a VPN service. Choosing a VPN that offers AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, an automatic kill switch, and other premium security features is essential. VPNs that provide extra features, such as malware and virus protection and ad-blocking, are even better.
- Unblocking capabilities: Any VPN worth considering should offer reliable unblocking of streaming services. We recommend VPNs with top-notch unblocking abilities for streaming.
- Compatibility: Good VPNs should support multiple platforms such as Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, routers, macOS, and smart TVs. This will give you a lot of flexibility when using the VPN.
- Customer support: Choosing a VPN that has a reliable support team should be your priority. Always ensure the VPN has 24/7 support you can reach via live chat or email.
Can I change my IP address with a free VPN?
Using a free Virtual Private Network might be tempting, but we advise against doing so due to various reasons. First, free VPNs tend to attract too many users for their limited network resources to handle. For this reason, you might experience slow speeds, buffering, and even disconnections from the servers due to overcrowding.
Additionally, free VPNs are typically the first to be blocked by most providers, so there is a high likelihood that you might not access the services you want.
Rather than billing the user directly, free VPNs opt for other ways of making money. For instance, they might add target ads to web pages or promise higher speeds at a certain fee.
However, a key challenge is that some providers use shady tactics. For example, most of them store tracking cookies on your device to collect valuable consumer data that they then sell to third parties such as advertisers. These free services rob you of control over private information by doing. Therefore, using a premium VPN with a proven track record is the best way to protect yourself from online threats.
How to change IP to any country? 5 simple steps!
Below is the step by step guide on how to change your IP location:
- Subscribe to a top-notch VPN like NordVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Launch the app and log in.
- Connect to a server in another country to change your IP address.
- Confirm if the VPN has changed your IP address.
How to change your IP address in Windows 10
Changing your IP address doesn’t always require using a dedicated tool like VPN. Sometimes, you have to change your IP address manually.
Especially large organizations that predominantly use Windows systems frequently require their employees to change IP addresses for various reasons.
For example, organizations may do so when they suffer IP blocklisting after mass emailing.
So, for all Windows 10 users, here we quickly explain how to change the IP address in Windows 10.
- On the bottom-right of your screen, right-click on the internet icon of your Windows computer.
- Click on ‘Open Network & Internet Settings.’
- Scroll down your screen and click on the ‘Network and Sharing Center.’
- Now click on your internet connection, and then click on the ‘Properties’ button at the bottom.
- On the new pop-up window, click the ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4)’ option and again click ‘Properties.’ You can access the ‘Properties’ window by double-clicking the IPv4 address option.
- Enter the desired IP address, the Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway details (if required).
- Click ‘OK.’
- And this is it. You are now connected to the internet with the new IP address.
How do I change my IP address on my mobile device?
You don’t need to be tech-savvy to change your IP address on your smartphone. These steps can help you tweak the IP address on your mobile device:
- Select and sign up for a VPN discussed above.
- Install the app using Google Play Store or App Store.
- Launch the app.
- Log in using your credentials.
- Select a preferred server and connect.
- Your IP address will change after a successful connection.
Way to change your router IP
Before wondering how to change the router’s IP address, let’s see how it works and why you should change its IP.
A router is a dedicated networking device that connects one or more devices to the internet. Most good routers support up to 5-10 devices at a time.
To manage these many connections, the router bears a public IP address, whilst all connected devices receive private IP addresses.
So, whenever you connect to the internet with a router, all your devices appear online with the public IP address.
For example, connecting your laptop and mobile phone to the internet via your router will have the same IP address. (To check this, simply type “my IP” in the search bar of your device’s browser. You will see your public IP address.)
Hence, if you wish to browse anonymously while connected to a router, you need to change the router’s IP address.
Here I list two different methods to change router IP.
Method 1: Restart your router
Most ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses. Hence, you can change your router’s IP address by turning it off for a minute and then turning it back on.
However, since the DHCP usually remembers the device, it may assign the same IP address to the router again.
In such cases, you should either try to restart your router multiple times.
Or, you may leave the router turned off overnight. The next morning, your router will likely have a new IP address.
Method 2: Reconnect to ISP via the router admin portal
If you know your router’s admin dashboard, try this method to change the IP address.
Simply log in to your router’s admin panel. Disconnect it from the upstream ISP and then reconnect. You will now get a new public IP address.
Most vendors offer this option, though the UI may be different. So, if you know your router’s admin panel, you will easily find the reconnect button.
Why can’t I get an IP address for some countries?
It is common to find servers in UK, US, and Canada having more traffic than servers in other locations. However, you might find few or no servers available in some regions. Some of the reasons for this include:
- Lack of user demand
- Limitations from local laws
- Lack of adequate infrastructure, high-danger areas, or low internet usage
- A country-wide firewall put in place by the government to block VPN traffic
- The servers’ maintenance costs outweigh their benefits
It is worth mentioning that some VPN servers may appear to be situated in remote areas such as Grenada and Mauritius. However, these servers are usually not physically located there.
Instead, these servers are virtual and located in another region (usually where the VPN service is based or a nearby country) and make your traffic appear as if it originates from that remote location.
This means you may experience faster speeds compared to a physical server. On the other hand, your provider may be subject to different data privacy laws due to traffic flowing through that server. However, this should not worry you if your provider doesn’t store private data. Virtual servers are often indicated as such on the VPN’s server list, but if you’re not sure, you can always confirm with the VPN provider.
The home truth: You cannot completely hide IP from your ISP
Your Internet Service Provider naturally (and technically) has a complete hold on your online activities.
Of course, when you are using their resources, they would keep an eye on whether or not you are doing anything that goes against their policies.
While that’s an apparent truth, they also have various reasons to spy on you. These include government orders, obligations from law enforcement, technical requirements, and many more.
Therefore, your ISP can still track you regardless of your efforts to learn how to change the country’s IP. Since they know your IP address, they can link your online activities, including your private browsing.
Nonetheless, you still have one such method that serves as a barrier between you and your ISP – a VPN.
But not every VPN is as efficient in blanketing you. Many VPNs continue to leak IP addresses via DNS. Some leak your IP address upon disconnection.
However, NordVPN is such a service that ensures foolproof protection.
At first, it encrypts all your data before it leaves your device.
Hence, even if your ISP knows your device is generating data, it cannot meddle with NordVPN’s military-grade encryption. Thus, you can enjoy anonymous browsing while ditching your ISP.
FAQs
Changing your IP address can prompt a CAPTCHA request since most websites use them as a security measure to protect against bots and other automated activity.
You do not require a dedicated IP address. However, if you wish to acquire remote access to particular devices or services, you can choose to have a dedicated IP address.
Yes, you can request a new IP address from your ISP. However, you might require some technical assistance from the support team.
VPN providers allow you to choose a server location. Once the VPN establishes a successful connection, it will assign you a new IP address.
To get a US IP address, you only need to select a server located in the US.
Corporate VPNs are monitored and controlled by the firm’s IT administrators. They can collect your logs and tell you how you use their network facility.
Most paid VPNs offer a static IP address. The VPNs discussed in this article all offer static IP addresses.
No. While both help you unblock geo-restricted content, key differences exist. On the one hand, a VPN encrypts your traffic, while a proxy doesn’t. Therefore, a proxy can expose your data since it’s not protected.
