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How to Change the IP Address on Your Android Phone: The Best Free Methods
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Every device connected to the internet has a unique IP address, which is either assigned to you or to the network you're using. Devices connected to the same subnetwork, whether static or dynamic, share this IP address.
To hide your IP address, you can use VPN applications. This guide will explore the best ways to mask your IP.
Table of Contents
- TunnelBear VPN
- Using Proxy Servers
- Using TOR
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an IP address?
- How do I delete an IP address?
- Does the phone's IP address change with each new connection to the internet?
- How can I find the current IP address of my Android phone?
- How to verify that your IP address has changed
TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear is another popular and reliable VPN service. The only significant limitation in the free version is the limited data allowance (around 10 GB). However, the TunnelBear app is excellent for masking your location and assigning a different IP address.
Here’s how to change your IP address:
- Download the TunnelBear mobile app on your phone.
- Launch the TunnelBear app.
- Create an account by providing your email, username, and password.
- Log in with the credentials you used to register.
- Once inside the app, you'll see a toggle button at the top center—click it to activate the VPN.
- This will enable secure VPN mode, and your IP address will be masked while the connection is active.
- On some phones, a pop-up notification may appear asking for additional permissions to manage traffic. Make sure to grant access.
- You can change the country and IP address at any time by selecting a server from the list.
Note: By default, you get 10GB of secure browsing per month without any charges. You can increase this amount by clicking on the "Free traffic" button directly in the app.
Using Proxy Servers
This method of IP address masking works differently from a VPN. With a proxy, you get an anonymous and secure IP address.
Attention: If you're using Android, you must activate root permissions on your phone to hide your IP address effectively. You’ll also need to spend time finding functional proxy servers.
Here’s a simple way to change your IP address using a proxy:
- Install a proxy list management app such as Blue Proxy.
- Find a list of free or paid proxy servers online.
- Open the Blue Proxy app with root access enabled.
- Enter the proxy server's IP address (the numbers before the colon) in the "Address" field.
- Enter the numbers after the colon in the "Port" field.
- Adjust other settings if necessary.
- Tap the ON/OFF switch at the top to enable a secure connection and change your IP address.
This method has its downsides. Free proxy servers can be slow or overloaded, and paid proxy addresses come with costs.
Using TOR
The TOR network, also known as the Darknet, ensures data is encrypted and transferred through multiple computers across the globe.
You can use the Orbot app to access the TOR network without complicated setup.
- Install the Orbot app on your phone.
- Tap the VPN mode switch.
- If the connection fails*, enable Bridge mode by toggling the appropriate switch.
(In case your mobile operator blocks TOR)
The downside of using TOR is that TOR-dependent services can be resource-intensive, potentially causing your phone's battery to drain faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IP address?
An IP address is the digital address of the Internet Protocol, a unique number assigned to all devices when connecting to mobile internet or a Wi-Fi access point. It is necessary for identification and communication on the web. Every device, whether it's a computer, tablet, or mobile phone, has an IP address when connected to the internet.
How do I delete an IP address?
It’s not possible to delete or refuse an IP address when connecting to the network. However, you can change your current IP address, and doing so is perfectly legal. Read the guide above to learn how.
Does the phone's IP address change with each new connection to the internet?
There is no exact answer. The DHCP protocol can assign a new IP address to your phone each time it connects. However, this doesn’t guarantee that your IP will change or that you’ll remain anonymous when reconnecting to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
How can I find the current IP address of my Android phone?
There are many services that can show your IP address, but here’s the easiest method:
- Do not change your phone's IP address.
- Visit whatismyipaddress.com (before you enable any IP masking service).
- Turn on a VPN or another IP masking service.
- Refresh the page to view your current IP address under My IP Address is.
How to verify that your IP address has changed
It's easy to confirm if your IP address has changed:
- Open your browser and go to whatismyipaddress.com (or any similar service).
- Apply the proxy or VPN settings on your phone.
- Check if the number under My IP Address is has changed. The My IP Information section will also show details about your ISP.
- If the IP information hasn’t changed, try using other apps or services for IP masking.
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I'm Vladimir, your guide in the expansive world of technology journalism, with a special focus on GPS technologies and mapping. My journey in this field extends over twenty fruitful years, fueled by a profound passion for technology and an insatiable curiosity to explore its frontiers.