Everyday Privacy
How to Hide Your IP Address (and What It Really Hides)
Your IP address is the return address on everything you do online. Hiding it stops sites and trackers from tying your activity to your home connection, but it is only one piece of identity.
Last updated October 18, 2026 · By Harbor Privacy
What Your IP Address Reveals
Your IP address tells a site roughly where you are, usually your city or region, and which internet provider you use. It is not your street address, but combined with other data it helps advertisers and trackers recognize you across sites and sessions.
Ways to Hide It
- VPN. Your traffic exits from the VPN server, so sites see its address. The most practical option for everyday use. See Do you need a VPN?
- Proxy. Swaps your address for the proxy's, but usually does not encrypt your traffic.
- Tor. Routes through three relays for strong anonymity, but is slow. See VPN vs proxy vs Tor.
- Mobile data. Swaps your home address for your carrier's, which is shared across many customers, but your carrier can still link it to you.
What Hiding Your IP Does Not Do
- It does not hide you from sites you log in to.
- It does not stop cookies and browser fingerprinting. See browser fingerprinting.
- It does not hide your activity from the VPN or proxy itself, so the provider's policy matters.
Check That It Worked
01
Note your current IPSearch for your IP address with the VPN off.
02
Connect and search againThe address and location should change to the VPN server.
03
Test for leaksSee how to test for a DNS leak.
Related guides: VPN vs proxy vs Tor, Are free VPNs safe?, DNS leaks.
Common Questions
Can I hide my IP address for free?
You can switch to mobile data or use Tor for free. Free VPNs and proxies often log or sell data, so be careful. See the free VPN risks guide.
Does incognito mode hide my IP?
No. It only stops your browser from saving history locally. Sites and your ISP still see your IP.
Is it legal to hide my IP address?
In most places, yes. Using a VPN or proxy is legal in the US. It does not make illegal activity legal.
Can someone find my location from my IP?
Only a general area, usually the city. Your internet provider can link the address to you, but websites cannot.
Does a VPN hide my IP from my ISP?
Your ISP still sees your real IP connecting to the VPN, but not the sites you visit.
TRY HARBOR VPN
Your IP is replaced by the VPN server, with threat-blocking DNS and no connection or browsing logs. See Harbor VPN.