Network guide
How to hide your IP address
Reviewed 10 September 2026 · 5-minute read
You cannot connect to an internet service without a source address, but a VPN, Tor relay or proxy can make the destination see an intermediary's address instead of your access-network address.
Common intermediary options
VPN
Tunnels device traffic to a provider. The destination usually sees the VPN exit, while the provider can observe connection metadata.
Tor Browser
Routes supported browser traffic through the Tor network. It does not automatically protect traffic from other applications.
Web or network proxy
Relays selected traffic. Encryption, scope and operator trust vary substantially.
Mobile or shared network
Can present a carrier or gateway address, but this is not an anonymity guarantee.
What an IP change does not hide
Accounts, cookies, browser characteristics and information you submit can still associate activity. An intermediary is a routing choice, not a complete identity barrier.
Verify the visible address
Record the homepage result before connecting, then reload after the connection is established. A changed result confirms the source address seen here, not protection against every tracking method.