What Is My IP Address on a VPN?

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Updated September 22, 2022

If you are new to the world of personal network solutions, you may ask, “What is my IP address on a VPN?” The best VPNs, after all, mask your actual IP address and give you a new one, but where to find that new IP address, and what are the benefits of using a VPN in the first place? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • An Internet protocol address, or public IP address, indicates your network location when you are using the web.
  • VPNs assign you a brand new private IP address as per your wishes, and you can find this information in the settings tab of your proxy server.
  • VPNs also help reduce, or even eliminate, the frequency of targeted ads while you pursue online activities, and you won’t be spied on by your Internet service provider.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address is a unique identifier that indicates your home wireless network and Internet connection, which is exactly what a VPN hides. Virtual private networks give you a brand new IP address, among other privacy-enhancing features, if you are comparing a proxy vs a VPN. These services help you get around geographic restrictions, which is handy when learning the definition of an L2TP.

Insider Tip

Free VPNs may not offer as many robust services as paid VPNs, so read the specs ahead of time.

VPNs do plenty more if you are wondering about the definition of a P2P VPN, but it can be helpful to access your shiny new IP address.

What is My IP Address When Connected to a VPN?

With a regular connection, you can find your IP address by heading into network settings. When you are connected to a VPN, however, that won’t work. The actual process for finding your “rented” IP address differs from VPN to VPN, but it generally includes surfing over to the settings and looking for something related to the IP address.

As a note, most VPNs will allow you to not only view the associated IP address but also change it whenever necessary.

Benefits of a VPN

There are plenty of benefits of going with a VPN over a standard-issue Internet connection.

Access More Content

Have you ever traveled abroad and realized you could no longer sign in to your Netflix account or that certain titles are missing from various streaming services? Each country has its own deal in place with various streams, so content varies. Get around that by using a VPN and changing your IP address to match a location that integrates with whatever content you want to watch.

STAT: A VPN routes your internet traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel so that no one, not even your ISP, can see what you’re doing online. (source)

Privacy Concerns

VPNs mask just about everything you do online, from websites visited to content watched and beyond. These services increase your privacy by keeping this information away from governmental agencies, hackers, and whoever else wants to snoop around your data. You will also find minimized targeted ads while using a VPN.

VPN IP FAQs

What is your biggest concern about using the Internet?

Internet traffic on public Wi-Fi is a big concern, as hackers have been known to use these physical locations to violate online privacy. Otherwise, the biggest concern about using the Internet is identity theft.

Why should I hide my IP address?

Hiding your public IP address is a great way to keep snoopers and hackers away from your business as you pursue various online activities, as private IP addresses constantly change as you use your VPN service.
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