What Is a VPN and How Does It Hide My IP?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. When connected, websites see the VPN server’s public IP instead of yours. This helps protect privacy on public Wi‑Fi, bypass regional limits, and reduce profiling. In this guide, you’ll learn how VPNs hide your IP, what encryption and protocols do, how to prevent DNS/WebRTC leaks, and how to set up and test your connection properly.
How a VPN hides your IP
After you connect to a VPN app, all traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server (gateway). The server forwards your traffic to the internet using its own public IP. To the destination site, the apparent source is the VPN’s shared exit IP, not your ISP‑assigned address. Replies come back to the VPN, which returns them to you through the same tunnel.
- Encryption: prevents intermediaries from reading traffic contents.
- NAT at the VPN server: many users share the same exit IP, adding crowding/obfuscation.
- Location shift: choosing a different server region changes the geolocation signal.
VPN vs Proxy vs Tor (quick view)
| Method | Hides IP? | Encrypts traffic | Scope | Speed | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Full tunnel | System‑wide | Fast–Medium | Privacy, streaming, work |
| HTTPS/SOCKS Proxy | ✅ Per app | ⚠️ Partial/None | Single app | Fast | Bypass per‑app limits |
| Tor Browser | ✅ Yes | ✅ Multi‑hop | Browser only | Slow–Medium | High anonymity for web |
Protocols & features that matter
| Protocol/Feature | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | Modern UDP‑based protocol | Fast, simple, widely adopted |
| OpenVPN | TLS‑based over UDP/TCP | Battle‑tested, flexible, slightly heavier |
| IKEv2/IPsec | Secure, stable on mobile | Good for roaming devices |
| Kill switch | Blocks traffic if VPN drops | Prevents real IP exposure |
| Split tunneling | Choose apps to bypass VPN | Balance speed vs privacy |
| Custom DNS | Force DNS through VPN | Reduces resolver leaks |
| Multi‑hop | Route via 2+ servers | Extra obfuscation; slower |
| No‑logs policy | Provider minimizes data | Check audits and jurisdiction |
What a VPN does not do by itself
- It doesn’t make you invisible if you’re logged into the same accounts (correlation).
- It doesn’t fix WebRTC or DNS leaks unless configured correctly.
- It doesn’t stop advanced fingerprinting (browser/device signals) by itself.
Set up & verify (5 quick steps)
- Install a reputable VPN (prefer WireGuard/OpenVPN; enable kill switch).
- Connect and choose region that suits your goal (privacy, streaming, work).
- Check your IP on What is My IP — confirm it shows the VPN’s server IP and region.
- Run leak tests: WebRTC and DNS Lookup — ensure they align with the VPN.
- Harden the browser: limit third‑party cookies; use separate profiles to avoid account correlation.
Performance & legal notes
VPNs add encryption and routing overhead; minor speed loss is normal (server choice matters). In most countries, using a VPN is legal for privacy and security. Do not use VPNs to violate laws or terms of service.
Test now: see your public IP on What is My IP, then verify WebRTC and DNS to ensure there are no leaks.