Can a VPN Change Your IP Address? All to Know

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is marketed as a privacy tool that can hide your identity and location. One of its main features is IP masking, making it seem like your traffic comes from somewhere else.

But does a VPN really change your IP address, and if so, how reliable is it? This guide explains how it works, what can fail, and how you can make sure your IP address is properly changed.

Everything You Need to Know About VPNs and IP Addresses

Key Concepts Before You Start

• Public vs private IP addresses: Public IP is what websites see; private IP is your local device’s address.
• Dynamic vs static IPs: Some ISPs change your IP regularly, others keep it fixed.
• IPv4 vs IPv6: Many VPNs only mask IPv4; leaking IPv6 can expose you.
• Leak types: DNS, WebRTC, IPv6, or traffic leaks during disconnections can reveal your real IP.

How a VPN Changes Your IP Address

1. You connect to a VPN server through an encrypted tunnel. Learn more in this guide on what is a VPN server.
2. Your traffic exits through the VPN server’s IP instead of your ISP’s.
3. Your ISP sees only encrypted traffic, not your destination websites.
4. Websites and apps see the VPN server’s IP, not your real one.

Server selection is key — you can choose a country or city, making your IP appear to be from that location. If you want to set one up yourself, see how to configure a Windows 11 VPN server.

Why You Might Want to Change Your IP

1. Protect privacy on public Wi-Fi: Prevents exposure of your IP to others on the same network. Learn how VPNs compare to Wi-Fi security in detail.
2. Access geo-restricted content: Unlock streaming sites or blocked websites in your country.
3. Avoid tracking: Stop advertisers and websites from profiling you. For more detail, see this breakdown of what a VPN can track despite IP masking.
4. Extra security: Useful for sensitive browsing or political environments. If privacy is your goal, compare VPN vs Tor to see which offers stronger anonymity.

Common Failures and Leaks

• DNS leaks: DNS queries bypass VPN and go to your ISP.
• WebRTC leaks: Browser APIs can reveal your real IP.
• IPv6 leaks: If the VPN doesn’t support IPv6, traffic may bypass it.
• Traffic leaks on disconnect: If the VPN drops, your ISP IP is used again.

Many competitor articles stop at listing these leaks – here we go further with actual fixes and tests. For a deeper look at VPN encryption, see how VPN encryption works.

Solutions and Best Practices

1. Pick VPNs with leak protection: Ensure DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 protection plus kill switch.
2. Use obfuscation protocols: Stealth servers disguise VPN traffic to bypass detection. To see how protocols differ, check out the best VPN protocol guide.
3. Prefer RAM-only servers: These reset on reboot and store no logs.
4. Choose shared, dedicated, or rotating IPs: Shared IPs enhance anonymity, dedicated IPs bypass blocks, rotating IPs help evade bans. If you’re evaluating alternatives, read this comparison of VPS vs VPN vs Proxy.
5. Test regularly: Use tools like ipleak.net or browserleaks to confirm changes.
6. Set firewall rules: Block non-VPN traffic on your OS for extra safety.
7. Switch servers: If one IP is blocked, try another region.
8. Keep apps updated: Only use reputable, audited VPN providers.

Competitor Comparison

Competitor	Covers Well	Misses	How We Outdo Them
Comparitech	Step-by-step guides, provider lists	Doesn’t test IPv6 leaks	Add technical fixes, edge-case testing
SSL Store	Lists leak types	No configuration fixes	Provide actionable fixes + provider audits
UKITA	Basic explanations	Little technical depth	Add provider comparison, advanced practices

We also explore where VPNs overlap or differ from other networking tools. For example, see this comparison of VPN vs VLAN or this guide on VPN vs VPC for enterprise use cases.

Best VPN Providers for IP Masking

VPN Provider	Strengths	Weaknesses	Best For
NordVPN	Audited, kill switch, obfuscation, leak protection	Dedicated IP extra cost	All-round privacy + streaming
Surfshark	RAM-only servers, rotating IPs, affordable	Occasional slower servers	Budget-friendly privacy
ExpressVPN	Audited, reliable apps, strong obfuscation	Higher price	Reliable privacy and bypassing blocks
ProtonVPN	Strong transparency, Secure Core servers	Limited servers in free plan	Privacy-focused users

How to Verify Your VPN Changed Your IP

1. Check “what is my IP” before and after connecting.
2. Confirm IPv4 and IPv6 are both masked.
3. Test DNS and WebRTC leaks with online tools.
4. Test kill switch by disconnecting your internet — ensure no traffic leaks.

Device-Specific Setup Tips

• Windows/macOS: Disable IPv6 if unsupported, enable firewall rules.
• iOS/Android: Use the official app, disable GPS/location services.
• Browsers: Install WebRTC-blocking extensions.
• Routers: Configure VPN on router to protect all devices; ensure firmware supports kill switch and IPv6.

Summary

Yes, a VPN can change your IP address. But without the right configuration and provider, leaks and failures can expose your real IP. Reliable IP masking requires leak-proof VPNs, correct setup, and regular verification.

FAQs

Conclusion

A VPN is one of the most effective ways to change your IP address, but you must choose the right provider and configure it properly. With leak protection, kill switches, and regular testing, you’ll stay in control of your online identity and privacy.