IP & Privacy Guide

How to Hide Your IP Address

You cannot use the internet without an IP address, but you can route traffic through another system so websites see that system’s address instead of your normal public address. This is better described as masking or changing the visible IP.

Use a reputable VPN

A VPN encrypts covered traffic between your device and the VPN server. Destinations normally see the server address. Confirm the change using the Terbit IP checker, then run the DNS and WebRTC checks.

Understand proxies

A web or application proxy forwards selected traffic but may not protect other applications. Encryption and logging practices vary. An unknown free proxy can observe traffic or inject advertising, so do not send sensitive information through a service you have not evaluated.

Privacy networks and mobile connections

Specialised privacy networks can separate traffic from its direct origin but may be slower and are not suitable for every task. Changing from Wi-Fi to mobile data also changes the exit network, but it does not provide anonymity and the mobile operator can still associate activity with the subscriber.

What remains visible

Websites may still recognise you through sign-in details, cookies, browser storage, fingerprinting, device information and behaviour. Payment and delivery details can directly identify a user. Masking an IP address is therefore only one privacy layer.

Practical checklist

Use updated software, HTTPS, multifactor authentication and privacy-conscious browser settings. Review application permissions and remove unnecessary extensions. Test the visible address before and after making a change, and avoid claims that any single tool provides complete anonymity.

Reviewed 10 September 2026. This guide explains lawful privacy practices and does not guarantee anonymity.