An IP address is your unique identifier online or in a network. Each computer has a unique IP address which is assigned statically or dynamically by internet network provider (ISP) and connected to a TCP/IP network that is used to connect your computer to a network.
An IP Address is separated by dot (.) written in binary format. Through IP Address, you will be able to send/receive data from the internet or a network without losing the data because technically, these servers will likely now where they will send the response.
This is what an IP Address looks like: (123.456.78.901)
Type of IP address:
- Dynamic IP address – This type of IP Address changes.
- Static IP address – This type of IP Address does not change.
Changing Your IP Address
Changing your machine address is not really difficult. There are very straightforward methods on how you can change your computer address. Sometimes, you can just unplug and plug in your modem and you will have a new IP address.
But sometimes, it takes more than that. But before you get to those methods, here are some basic reasons why you need to change your IP address:
- To unblock a website which is not allowed in be accessed from your network or location.
- To unblock a website that has intentionally blocked or banned your public IP address.
- To access a website without being traced to your original location.
- To access a website to secure your online privacy.
Unplug Your Modem
This method of changing your IP Address is very simple. All you have to do is unplug your modem for at least a couple of minutes and wait before you plug it back in. You need to wait for the system to restart and refresh itself before it comes with a new IP address for your computer.
Really easy right? Even a kid can do it.
Use a Proxy Address
This method is quite technical and complicated to implement especially for non-computer savvy users. While there are tutorials on how to get this done, It is still difficult to process because not all proxy servers work really well.
This is a simple process to manually change your Proxy Address:
Step 1. Look for a proxy IP Address – There is a lot of proxy address list out there. You can try each whatever works well for you and fit your requirements.
Step 2. Choose Your IP Address – Once you have a list of proxy address, use any IP address that is working well on your end.
Step 3. Change Your IP Address – This is a very important step because the change literally happens here. For example, if you are using Google Chrome, go to – chrome://settings/ and click advanced settings at the bottom of the page.
Step 4. Provide your new information from the research in Step 1.
Notes:
- If this is the first time you will ever change your IP address, don’t forget to save elsewhere your default network configurations.
- Make a record of your Public IP address and check once you have made the configuration on your network.
Step 5. Check your IP Address by checking on Google.
Important Note:
Some Proxy IP Addresses are blocked or not working. Some are not English language so you’ll need to find a proxy the works well for you.
Use a Web Proxy
This approach is easier than the previous two methods. You don’t need to configure your default settings manually or you don’t need to unplug your modem to have another IP. All you need to do is search for a web proxy and you will see a list of web proxy sites you can use to change your IP.
Note: This does not change your machine IP address literally but masks your true identity when searching online.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
If you want secured protection, with customer service and with multiple ranges of IP address selection, you can just get a virtual private network (VPN). This option is undeniably easy and no technical knowledge is needed or required.
However, you will have to spend a few bucks in order to get a license key specifically for your own computer.
Use TOR Project
Similar to VPN, TOR Project was designed to initiate anonymous communication and hide your browsing activities.
If you are not willing to purchase a VPN, TOR is the most advisable for you for higher level anonymity.
All you need to do is download and install the TOR project and start browsing anonymously.
To date, TOR is the most reliable open source software you can use for anonymous surfing because it constantly changes your IP address to avoid detection.
While TOR is the most popular software in terms of anonymity surfing, some of TOR’s IP address will be assigned to you when you search the web through TOR may not be fully working well for you. For instance, you get an IP that is located in Russia, Search Engines are likely to return in the Russian language.
Use Web Proxy Browser Extensions
Another option you can choose is browser extensions or plugins. Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is capable of using browser tools which enables them to change IP in just a few clicks. All you need to do is find a web proxy Chrome extension and you will see a few of tools you can implement.
While this is easier than the others, you can only use limited servers in this approach which at some point will no longer be useful for you.
Take a look at AnonymoX in the image above, you can only use 11 proxy servers to hide your identity, if you already use those servers to hide your identity and somehow get those servers, you can no longer accessible using the same identity.
Conclusion
There are several methods you can implement to change your IP Address. Some are easy, some are difficult and require technical knowledge. There are also downloadable computer programs or browser extensions you can install which can enable you to change your IP.
Just keep in mind, you don’t always need to change your IP but if you are concerned about your privacy and protection, you can always use any methods above to help you get started.
