What is a VPN?
A virtual private network routes covered internet traffic through an encrypted connection to a VPN server. Websites then see the server’s public IP rather than the address normally assigned to your connection. A device-level VPN app can cover browsers and other apps, depending on its settings.
How to hide your IP with a VPN
- Check your current public IP on our homepage.
- Choose a provider with clear ownership, a readable privacy policy, and credible security audits.
- Install its official app from the provider or your device’s app store.
- Connect to a server and review split tunneling, DNS handling, IPv6 support, and the kill switch if offered.
- Refresh your public IP. Separately test DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC behavior; our checker does not test those leaks.
What a VPN protects
A properly configured VPN encrypts the connection from your device to its server. This can help protect traffic across a local network and mask your usual public IP from the websites reached through the VPN.
A VPN does not erase cookies, hide a signed-in identity, prevent every kind of malware, or disable GPS and browser location permissions. Your ISP can generally see a connection to a VPN server. You shift trust to the VPN operator.
Choosing a provider
Evaluate data collection, business model, independent audits, supported devices, and connection reliability. Neither a paid subscription nor a no-logs claim is a guarantee. Free plans may limit data, locations, or speed.
Read EFF’s guide to choosing a VPN for questions to ask before choosing a service.
VPN, proxy, or Tor?
A VPN can cover most device traffic. A proxy usually covers configured apps or requests. Tor Browser routes browsing through several relays. Compare coverage and limitations in our guide to hiding your IP.