How do I change my IP address? VPN, Tor and Proxy

The internet is now an integral part of our everyday lives. Yet many of us underestimate the importance of your IP address – the unique identifier of your device. Whether you want to protect your privacy, access content from other countries or bypass internet restrictions, changing your IP address is an invaluable tool.

1. What is an IP address and why change it?

The Internet Protocol(IP) address is the basic identifier of every device connected to the Internet. Think of it as your home address – without it, the Internet couldn’t deliver any information to you.

Types of IP address

1. Public IP address: seen by the websites and services you visit. This address is a priority when you change it if you want to hide your location.
2. Local IP address: identifies the device on your home or business network. You can change this address, for example, to resolve IP conflicts.

Reasons to change your IP address

• Access to blocked content: For example, watching foreign streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, VOYO, CT Sport and iBroadcast etc.
• Increase privacy: you hide your real identity and make it harder to track your online activity.
• Bypassing censorship: in countries like China or Russia, certain sites can be blocked.
• Enhanced security on public WiFi: Prevent hackers from monitoring your internet traffic.
• Web application testing: developers or marketers can simulate connections from different countries.

2. History and technical background of IP addresses

The Internet has evolved dramatically since its inception, as has IP address technology. The first IPv4 addresses (four numbers separated by dots) are no longer sufficient due to the huge number of connected devices. Therefore, the IPv6 standard was introduced, which offers an almost unlimited number of unique addresses.

How IP addresses work

• Address assignment: your IP address is usually dynamic, which means it can change every time you connect.
• Static Addresses: these addresses are fixed and provide more control, but usually at an additional cost.

IP addresses ensure that Internet requests (for example, to open a web page) arrive at the right place – just like mail.

3. The best ways to change your IP address

Changing your IP address is not as complicated as it might seem. There are a few main methods to do this:

3.1. VPN: The easiest and most secure solution

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet traffic through an encrypted server in another country.

Benefits of VPN:

• It changes your IP address in seconds.
• It offers encryption to protect your data from eavesdropping.
• Allows access to content from other countries.

How to do it:

1. Sign up with a VPN provider such as NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN.
2. Download the app and log in.
3. Select a server in the desired country and connect.

TIP: Avoid free VPNs that often sell user data.

3.2. Tor Browser: free anonymity

Tor is a special browser that redirects your communication through a network of volunteer nodes. This makes you virtually invisible.

Advantages of Tor:

• Free to use.
• Extreme level of anonymity.

Disadvantages:

• Low speed, not suitable for streaming.
• He may be suspicious in the eyes of the ISP.

3.3. Proxy servers

Proxy servers work like VPNs, but without encryption. Your connection is routed through a server in another location.

Proxy types:

• HTTP proxy: for web browser only.
• SOCKS proxy: also suitable for applications like games or P2P sharing.

A proxy is a fast alternative, but it doesn’t offer the security of a VPN.

3.4 Contacting the Internet provider

If you have a dynamic IP address, you can request a new one from your provider. However, this method is less flexible because you cannot control the location of the new IP address.

3.5 Restarting the router

Simply turning the router off and on can assign a new dynamic IP address.

4. Comparison of VPN, Tor and Proxy

5. Using IP address changes in practice

5.1. Streaming foreign services

Want to watch content that’s only available in other countries? A VPN allows you to get an IP address from that location and unblock streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max and etc.

5.2. Torrenting

Changing your IP address when torrenting protects your identity and prevents your ISP from slowing down your connection when you download P2P files.

5.3 Access to censored content

In countries with limited internet, such as China or Iran, a VPN allows you to connect to websites and services without restrictions. Since Albania banned TikTok in December, for example, hundreds of thousands of people have been using VPNs to access it.

6. Best VPN for changing IP address

1. NordVPN

• 7,000 servers in 118+ countries.
• Top safety and high speed.
• Ideal for streaming and anonymity.

2. Surfshark

• Affordable option.
• Unlimited number of devices.
• Double VPN for greater anonymity.

3. ExpressVPN

• Speed and reliability.
• Servers in more than 106 countries.
• A great choice for demanding users.

7. The future of IP addresses and anonymisation

The transition to IPv6 opens up new possibilities. Data anonymisation is becoming increasingly important, leading to the development of technologies such as advanced VPNs and decentralised anonymous networks.

In conclusion

Changing your IP address is not just a technical matter, but also a practical tool for everyday life. From privacy protection to accessing blocked content to enhanced security, the ability to change your IP address opens countless doors.

Whether you use a VPN, Tor, or any other method, always think about the security and trustworthiness of the tools you use.