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Did you know that your computer has an address revealing your physical location information, just like your home address? Upon finding this out, many try to find a way to hide it from internet service providers. One way is through accessing the best VPNs. However, VPNs cost money, and many don’t want to fork over a monthly subscription fee. Luckily, there are ways to do this free of charge. So keep reading as we show you how to change an IP address without a VPN.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
On the other hand, if you are interested in a virtual private network, you can begin by reading our manual on the best VPNs for privacy. Then, once you’re subscribed and set up, you can confirm your security by understanding how to answer the question, “Is my VPN working?”
Insider Tip
For Windows users, ensure that your network discovery settings are switched on before changing your IP location.
The “IP”_ _in IP address stands for “Internet Protocol.” The address is a string of numbers and periods (or full stops) and, as stated above, reveals unique location information whenever you access the internet. Therefore, the address and online activity can be traced by advertisements, hackers, governments, or any website looking to cash in on your info.
When a computer or phone establishes an internet connection, public or private, it’s assigned an IP address by the internet service provider (ISP). All users connected to a single Wi-Fi network share a public IP address. On the other hand, a private IP address is unique to a home or office router and is used to connect devices within that network.
Manually, changing your IP address to a proxy server has many benefits. First, it adds a layer of protection to online security by removing the ability for your internet traffic to be geo-targeted. Also, shrouding your server location can give users access to streaming services and content restricted by location.
While manually setting up a proxy server offers benefits, a trustworthy VPN is always more secure. They also allow you to change the VPN location to servers throughout many countries, which increases security and removes censorial restrictions.
Another handy trick for VPN users facing pushback from websites and governments is to know how to bypass a VPN block.
Enter into your computer’s settings menu, and press the option that says “Network and Internet.” From there, click on the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
Click on “IP Assignment,” and under “Edit Network IP settings,” change the option from automatic to manual. Then, enter the proxy servers’ public or private IP addresses.
Head into your systems preferences and then click on “Network.” Then click “Network Connection.”
There will be an option to “Configure IPv4.” After clicking this, select the manual option and enter the new IP address.
First, go to your general settings, and tap “Wi-Fi.” Then, under your current Wi-Fi network, press the information icon.
Press the “Configure IP” option and then press “Manual.” From there, enter the new IP location address.
Open your general settings and then go into “Wi-Fi.” Next, press on the private or public Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to.
Press the gear icon, and then open the advanced settings. Switch the option from automatic to manual. Then, enter the new IP address.
Warning
Using a proxy server changes your IP location address but doesn’t encrypt your data, leaving it traceable. Therefore, it’s best to use a form of data encryption for all highly sensitive data.
STAT: According to a study, 64% of VPN subscribers share the mutual concern that companies are using their data to threaten personal privacy. (source)
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