Your IP address is visible to every website, app, and service you connect to. This guide explains what that means, why it matters, and what options exist for protecting your privacy.
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You might not realise it, but your IP address is leaking information every second you're online.
The vast majority of websites log your IP address and share it with advertisers and data brokers.
IP addresses are a key data point in almost every major data breach and cyberattack.
Your Internet Service Provider records every website you visit and can sell or share this data depending on your country's laws.
A VPN routes your connection through a secure server, replacing your real IP with a private one. Nobody can trace activity back to your real address.
A VPN is the most common solution, but several approaches exist — each with different trade-offs.
Encrypts all traffic and replaces your IP system-wide. Easy to use, fast, and works for most purposes. Requires a paid subscription for reliable service.
Routes traffic through multiple relays, providing strong anonymity. Significantly slower than a VPN. Free and open-source. Best for high-privacy browsing.
Hides your IP for specific apps or browser traffic only. Does not encrypt your connection — not suitable for privacy-sensitive use cases.
Switches to your carrier's IP address. Still logged by your mobile carrier. A temporary measure, not a privacy solution.
A technical option for developers and advanced users. Highly secure but requires server access and configuration knowledge.
Designed for anonymous communication within the I2P network. Highly private but complex to set up and limited in what regular websites you can access.
Browse our neutral overview of well-known VPN providers — features, jurisdictions, and use cases, with no rankings or affiliate links.