آپ ایک آئی پی ایڈریس کو کیسے چھپا سکتے ہیں؟

We explain why you might want to hide your IP address and how to do it safely

IP addresses tell websites and other services who you are and where you can be found on the internet. They exist so when you request information, the server you’re requesting the information from knows where to send the response back to.

However, this information can tell others a great deal about you, including actors that could be waiting to intercept or track your activity.

Why you might consider hiding your IP address
Although hiding an IP address can be viewed as something a little suspect, there are plenty of reasons why business users may consider hiding their IP addresses from the wider world.

If you’re sending confidential company information virtually, you want want that information to stay secure, wherever you’re using the internet. If you hide your IP address, your connection is much more secure, meaning hackers are unable to trace where the information or user originated from.


If you’re using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, your IP address, as well as other information on your computer could be left open to interceptors. Using an IP address to hide this information from unprotected networks where hackers could be waiting to steal data.

Another reason you may consider hiding your IP address would be to use services not available in your country. For example, if you want to stream content from the US version of Netflix, you need to have a US-based IP address to use it. By hiding your IP address, you are able to access such service, even if you’re not currently in the country the service originates.

If your workplace blocks certain websites it deems unsuitable, masking your IP address means you should be able to access them. Of course, this may be against your company’s IT policies, so if it’s a website you need to access as part of your job role, you may want to check in with your IT department to make sure they’re happy for you to access the blocked website.

Finally, hiding your identity online also means you can hide from surveillance and tracking programmes, including those used by search engines, governments and your ISP.


How to hide your IP address
There are two main ways you can hide your IP address. One involves using a VPN, while the other utilises an anonymous proxy server to hide your identity online. You could also use the Tor browser, which allows you to browse without exposing your IP address, or use a third party network (such as one in a coffee shop or hotel), although using a public network comes with its own security risks.

A VPN works by changing your IP address so it appears to be originating from a different location. All traffic sent to and from your computer is routed through the VPN service when it’s connected, so your true ISP address - as assigned by your ISP - is hidden.

Using a VPN also means you can access services only allowed from certain localities, so if you opt to route your connection through a US-based VPN server for example, you are able to use services only usually available to people in the US.


VPNs vary in functionality, so it’s important you choose the right one for your business needs. Take a look at our guide to the best VPN services for 2018 if you need some pointers.

Using a proxy server means your network requests are routed via a third-party server, which relays the information between you and the end server, where the information you’re looking for resides. Because the requests are routed through the proxy, only that IP address is revealed, rather than your one.

There are lots of different types of proxy servers. Some allow your IP address to be seen, others assign a ‘fake’ IP address, while a third type completely hides it. It’s important to choose the right one for your business, so check out the options before committing.