Your IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet. It helps identify your location and online activity. However, in today’s digital world, many users want to hide or change their IP address to browse the web anonymously, unblock restricted websites, or protect their online privacy.
The good news? You can do this easily with proxy servers or IP masking software. In this guide, we’ll show you how to hide and change your IP address using different methods — from manual proxy setup to one-click IP masking tools.
Why Should You Hide or Change Your IP Address?
Changing or hiding your IP address can be useful in several situations:
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Privacy Protection – Prevent websites, advertisers, and hackers from tracking your online activity.
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Bypass Geo-Restrictions – Access websites, apps, or streaming services blocked in your country.
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Unblock Websites – Visit restricted websites at school, work, or in countries with censorship.
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Avoid IP-Based Bans – Get around blocks from online forums, games, or services.
👉 Example: If a website is blocked in India, changing your IP to a US-based IP address lets you access it instantly.
Methods to Hide and Change Your IP Address
1. Manually Configure Proxy Settings
If you have a proxy list, you can manually enter proxy details in your browser or PC network settings. This changes your IP to the proxy server’s IP.
Steps:
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Go to your Internet Options / Network Settings.
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Enter the proxy IP and port from your list.
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Save and reconnect.
⚠️ Note: Free proxy lists are often unreliable, slow, and unsafe.
2. Use Proxy Software or IP Masker Tools
The easiest way to change your IP is with specialized software, often called IP Maskers or Proxy Switchers. These tools automatically hide your real IP and replace it with another from a country of your choice.
One popular example is SafeIP, which allows you to:
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Instantly change your IP with one click.
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Choose IP addresses from multiple countries like the US, UK, Canada, etc.
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Protect your privacy while browsing, streaming, or downloading.
Step-by-Step: Hide IP Address Using Proxy Software (2025 Update)
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Download & Install an IP masking tool such as SafeIP.
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Open the software and click “Change IP”.
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The tool will automatically assign you a new IP address.
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To select a preferred location, choose from the list of available countries.
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Done! You’re now browsing anonymously with a hidden IP.
Pros and Cons of Using Proxy Software
✅ Pros:
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Simple one-click setup.
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Multiple locations worldwide.
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Protects privacy and security.
❌ Cons:
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Free software may slow down browsing.
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Some IPs may be detected by streaming services or websites.
💡 Pro Tip: For faster speeds and better security, consider using a premium VPN instead of free proxy tools.
FAQs: Hide & Change IP Address with Proxy Software
Q1. What’s the difference between a Proxy and a VPN?
A proxy hides your IP address but may not encrypt traffic. A VPN hides your IP and encrypts your data, offering more security.
Q2. Is it legal to change your IP address?
Yes, changing your IP address is legal in most countries as long as it’s not used for illegal activities.
Q3. Can proxy software unblock streaming services?
Sometimes, but many streaming platforms detect free proxies. VPNs are usually more effective.
Q4. Will IP masking make me completely anonymous?
Not 100%. It hides your location, but other tracking methods (cookies, browser fingerprinting) may still identify you.
Q5. What are the best free tools to hide IP?
SafeIP, Hide.me proxy, and ProtonVPN (limited free plan) are popular options.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to hide and change your IP address using proxy software or IP masker tools is an easy way to stay anonymous online. Whether you want to unblock a restricted website, bypass geo-blocks, or protect your privacy, these methods give you control over your digital identity.
👉 Start with a free tool like SafeIP, and if you need more speed and security, upgrade to a trusted VPN service.