Tor: Most people use Chrome as their web browser, 2 but another option is Tor, open-source software that hides your IP address and browsing history.

Learn how to set up a VPN in just a few minutes, or dive into how much VPNs cost.

VPNs: Not only do they hide your IP address, but VPNs hide your browsing activity as well, giving you even more anonymity online.

Our preferred method is to connect to a VPN, but we’ll explain some alternatives as well. If you don’t want someone seeing your location, hiding your IP address is a necessity, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. How to Prevent Others From Seeing Your IP Address Private IP addresses are more secure than public IP addresses because even without a VPN, no one can see your private IP address but you (and your internet service provider, of course). Whether it’s dipping into a new country’s library or chatting with cuties across the sea, it all starts with finding your IP address.įYI: Private IP address and public IP address are terms used interchangeably with internal IP address and external IP address. By changing your public IP address, you change your location, meaning you can change your Netflix region, change your Hulu location, or even change your Tinder location. When we talk about hiding your IP address, we are referring to your public IP address. Both addresses reveal your network’s location, but that’s where the similarities end. Not to confuse you too much, but your Mac actually has two different IP addresses: a public IP address, also known as an external IP, and a private IP address, or internal. So yes, IP addresses are necessary if you want to use the internet. IP addresses are also associated with specific websites for every domain name out there, there’s also a unique IP address. Do We Need IP Addresses?ĭevices like Macs need IP addresses to connect to other devices, whether they’re in-network (on the same router) or out-of-network (on different routers). IP addresses are necessary for the Mac to receive information, but they also reveal the Mac’s location via its region and postal code. It comes from either the internet service provider or the router, and lets the Mac communicate inside and outside of its network. What Is an IP Address?Īn internet protocol address, otherwise known as an IP address, is a Mac’s (or any device’s) identifying number. Set up a VPN on your Mac so no one knows where you’re coming from, or learn more about how to find your computer’s IP address.

1Ĭhanging your location on your Mac usually requires a Mac VPN. To see your public IP address, type curl.

Enter ipcongif getifaddr en0, and your local IP address will show up.In the Spotlight search, type in Terminal.Make sure your Wi-Fi network is next to Network Name. You’ll see your IP address under IPv4 Address.Under Network Name, make sure it’s the correct network connection for your wireless network.

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