Fake Proxy Android
How to Use a Fake IP Address and Mask Yourself Online
As the notion of privacy gets trampled on with each passing year, online privacy only becomes even more important.
That’s why many people use fake IP addresses. To be clear, “fake IP address” is a bit of a misnomer that implies creating a new one out of thin air. That’s not possible. The best you can do is hide your IP address behind someone else’s already-existing IP address. This is called IP masking. So how do you spoof your IP address?
1. Use a VPN
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, but is much simpler than it sounds. Basically, you can connect your computer or device to someone else’s network, then browse the web through it. Whatever activity you’re doing looks like it’s coming from them, not from you.
When you connect to a VPN, you’re masking your IP address with one of the IP addresses on that network. To trace the traffic back to you, the VPN would have to give you up (or your IP address would have to be revealed via DNS leak).
For best results, use a paid VPN service because free VPNs come with too many risks and downsides. The most important one is that you can never quite trust a free service. Are they selling your data? If asked, would they give up your true IP address? It does happen.
As such, we only recommend using a logless VPN. Such VPNs don’t keep activity logs, so they can’t give up your IP address even if requested. Plus, most logless VPNs encrypt all of your traffic to and from the network, preventing any snooping by ISPs or governments.
VPNs are useful in so many circumstances, but there are too many myths about them that might put you off; you should dispense with misinformation and use a VPN for secure searching.
Which Is the Best VPN For You?
ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are both excellent options. If neither suits you, have a look at our overview of best VPN services. Long story short: whichever service you pick, you just download the app, run it, and use it to connect to the VPN on demand. It’s really that simple.
Use this link for up to 49% off ExpressVPN plans!
2. Use a Web Proxy
A web proxy works in much the same way as a VPN. You connect to the proxy server, then all your web traffic flows through the proxy server. As such, your IP address gets hidden by the proxy server’s IP address.
But there are two major differences between proxy and VPN.
Firstly, web proxies are typically unencrypted. Even if your IP address is masked by a proxy, the traffic itself can still be sniffed by ISPs and governments. Not only that, but some websites may still be able to see your real IP address using JavaScript and the now largely-defunct Flash, which are another set of threats to your online security.
Secondly, some browsers let you route only browser traffic. To use a web proxy, you go into your web browser’s settings and manually input the proxy server’s IP address. This allows applications and devices outside the web browser, like Skype, to still use your actual IP address.
Find a free web proxy using a site like PremProxy or Proxy List. Using a proxy server in your country will keep it fast, but using a proxy server in another country can be useful for bypassing region-blocked content and adding a tiny layer of extra obscurity.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Firefox
In the browser, select Preferences from the dropdown menu in the top-left corner.
In the General section, scroll down to Network Settings.
Click on Settings.
Select Manual proxy configuration, then type in the proxy’s address and port in the HTTP Proxy field.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Microsoft Edge
On the homepage, click on three dots from the top-left corner.
Select Settings.
Search for proxy in search settings, and selectOpen your computer’s proxy settings.
In the Settings window, toggle the Use a proxy server option, and type in the proxy’s address and port in the Address field.
Click on Save to finalize your proxy setup.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi
In the main menu, select Settings.
Under Network, click Change proxy settings…
In the Connections tab, click LAN settings.
Enable Use a proxy server for your LAN, then type in the proxy’s address and port in the Address field.
Note: Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, and other Chromium-based browsers do not have a built-in browser-specific proxy feature. Instead, they only use system-wide proxy settings. However, you can use an extension like Proxy Switcher & Manager to use web proxies that only affect browser traffic.
3. Use Public Wi-Fi
Instead of routing your traffic through another person’s network, you can opt to connect directly to their network—and the easiest way to do this is to hop onto public Wi-Fi.
The funny thing is that this is really the only way to hide your home IP address. When you’re on public Wi-Fi, there’s no way for someone to trace it back to your home. And if it’s a popular hotspot (e. g. Starbucks), your activity will be obscured by dozens of other users at any time.
But remember that public Wi-Fi has its risks.
By default, most public Wi-Fi hotspots are unencrypted. All your activities while connected can be seen by anyone else on the network (if they’re sniffing it out), which includes login details for websites like banks and e-commerce shopping. Public Wi-Fi hotspots can also spread malware infections to your device.
On top of this, there are several other ways for hackers to steal your identity on public Wi-Fi. So while you might be hiding your IP address, you’re still opening yourself up to a whole host of other privacy and security risks.
4. Use Tor Browser
Tor browser, sometimes also called the Onion router, is a free browser that hides your IP address every time you connect to the internet. It does this by connecting you with the Tor network at the start, which transmits your data through random relay servers hosted by worldwide volunteers.
For most people not living in authoritarian countries like China, Venezuela, etc. (where Tor is banned), it’s a handy tool to have in your arsenal of privacy solutions.
To get started, go to the official Tor website and install the browser from there. When the setup is complete, click on Connect. The Tor browser will then link up to the Tor network. This could take a few minutes, so you’ll have to wait a short time.
When it’s done, you’re free to browse the internet anonymously. If you’re using Tor for the first time, though, make sure that you read up on all the online security tips about using Tor efficiently. They are given on the homepage itself!
And That’s How You Can Hide Your IP Address!
Now you know all the different ways you can mask your IP address. If you’re like us, and just can’t accept that “big brother” is prying on you all the time, these tricks will be enough to get started with securing your online anonymity.
Privacy vs. Anonymity vs. Security: Why They Don’t All Mean the Same ThingWhat’s the difference between security, anonymity, and privacy? And when should you prioritize one over another?
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Joel Lee
(1521 Articles Published)
Joel Lee is the Editor in Chief of MakeUseOf since 2018. He has a B. S. in Computer Science and over nine years of professional writing and editing experience.
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How to Configure a Proxy Server on Android – HowToGeek
Android allows you to configure proxy settings for each Wi-Fi network. This is sometimes required to access the Internet on a business or school network, for example. Your browser traffic will be sent through the proxy you configure.
RELATED: What’s the Difference Between a VPN and a Proxy?
The proxy you configure will be used by Chrome and other web browsers, but may not be used by other apps. Each app developer can choose whether it uses Android’s proxy or not. That’s another good reason why you should use a VPN instead of a proxy. WIth a VPN, you can force all app’s network traffic through the VPN connection. It’s a better way to hide your IP address or access geoblocked websites that aren’t available in your country.
This process is the same for all modern versions of Android, from Android 4. 0 through 7. 1. Some device manufacturers change the way Android’s Settings screen looks and functions, so you may find your Wi-Fi or proxy settings in a slightly different location.
Open Android’s Settings app and tap “Wi-Fi” to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.
Long-press the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to change the proxy settings for. Tap “Modify Network” when a menu appears.
If you haven’t already connected to the Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to connect to the Wi-Fi network and enter its passphrase before you can access the “Modify Network” options.
Expand the “Advanced options” section on this screen. Tap the “Proxy” option and select either “None” for no proxy, “Manual” to manually enter proxy server settings, or “Proxy Auto-Config” to automatically detect the appropriate settings for your network.
The “Proxy Auto-Config” option may not be available on older versions of Android.
If you select “Proxy Auto-Config”, Android will prompt you to enter the address of a proxy auto-configuration script, also known as a file. If your organization or proxy service provider needs a file, your network administrator or service provider will provide you with the address of the file you need to enter here.
Unlike other operating systems—Windows, macOS, iOS, and even Google’s own Chrome OS—Android does not support the Web Proxy Auto-discovery Protocol, or WPAD. This is sometimes used on business or school networks to automatically distribute proxy settings to devices on the network. If you enable “Proxy Auto-Config”, nothing will happen unless you also provide the address of a file where Android can acquire the proxy settings.
On a network that uses WPAD, you’ll have to either point Android at the appropriate automatic proxy configuration script or manually enter proxy server settings.
If you select “Manual”, you can manually enter the proxy server’s details. Enter the address of the proxy in the “Proxy hostname” box. Despite the name of the box, you can enter both hostnames like “” and IP addresses like “192. 168. 100” here. Provide whichever type of address you have. Enter the port the proxy requires in the “Proxy port” box.
If you want to have Android bypass the proxy for any addresses, enter them in the “Bypass proxy for” box, separated by commas. For example, if you wanted Android to access and directly without using the proxy, you’d enter the following text in the box:,
Tap “Save” to save your settings when you’re done.
Each Wi-FI network has its own proxy server settings. Even after you enable a proxy server for one Wi-Fi network, other Wi-Fi networks will continue to not use a proxy server by default. Repeat this process if you need to change the proxy server settings for another Wi-Fi network.
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How To Change Your IP Address in 2021 | Get a Private IP Adress
How to Change
What is an IP Address
Where to Find It
Pros & Cons
Recap
Even though you may be in cyberspace, you’re still in a specific, virtual location, and that location is defined by your IP address. But for those of us that want to stay private, get around government restrictions, and the like, changing your IP address is a simple first step. In this article, we’ll tell you how to change your IP address, step-by-step, along with providing you with more information about the types of IP addresses, the pros and cons of changing them, and more. Get your invisibility cloak ready because we’re about to go private, or at least as private as you can be online.
ExpressVPN is the #1 Way to Change Your IP Address
See the exact steps to changing your IP address on an iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows computer. Also, learn why you would want to change your IP address in the first place.
How To Change Your IP Address
There are a few different ways to change your IP address, and the most straightforward ways simply involve adjusting your device’s settings. If you already have a replacement IP address, then you can enter it in the settings section of your device. Here are more detailed instructions for how to change your IP addresses manually on different types of devices.
How to Change Your IP Address on Mac Manually
Go to System Preferences.
Click Network.
Click Network Connection.
Click Configure IPv4.
Select Manually.
Type in your IP address.
Changing You IP – Command Prompt on Windows
How to Change Your IP Address on Windows Manually
Click Administrator Account.
Click Start.
Click Control Panel.
Select Local Area Connection.
Click Properties.
Select TCP/IP.
Type in the IP address.
How to Change Your IP Address on Android Manually
Go to your Android Settings.
Navigate to Wireless & Networks.
Click on your Wi-Fi network.
Click Modify Network.
Select Advanced Options.
Change the IP address.
Changing You IP – On Android, Scroll to IP address to see your IP address.
How to Change Your IP Address on iOS Manually
Go to your iOS device’s Settings.
Click Wi-Fi.
Select IPv4 Address.
Click Configure IP.
Enter your IP address.
How to Change Your IP Address on Router Manually
Turn off your router.
Turn it back on a day later.
Go to your administrative interface and reconnect to your ISP.
If you want your device to pick a new IP address for you automatically, here’s what to do.
How to Change Your IP Address on Mac Automatically
Go to your Mac’s System Preferences app.
Select Network Connection.
Click Configure iPv4.
Select Using DHCP.
How to Change Your IP Address on Windows Automatically
Enter your Administrator Account.
Go to Network Connections.
Click Location Area Connection.
Click Obtain An IP Address Automatically1
How to Change Your IP Address on Android Automatically
Click Settings.
Select Connections.
Select the network you’re on currently.
Click Advanced.
Select either DHCP or Static.
How to Change Your IP Address on iOS Automatically
Go to your iPhone or iPad’s Settings.
Select Network.
Select your network.
Click IPv4 Address.
Choose Automatic.
If you don’t already have a new IP address or you don’t want one the automatic address from your device, then you can connect to a Virtual Private Network or VPN. VPNs will replace your IP address and encrypt all of your web activity. You may get the same IP address every time you connect (static), or a different one each time (dynamic). Some VPNs also offer dedicated IP addresses, if you want to be the only one with that address. With any VPN:
How to Change Your IP Address with a VPN
Download the VPN app.
Create an account.
Click Connect.
To learn more, read about the best VPN for every occasion or our comprehensive VPN guide.
A sister to VPNs is proxy servers, intermediary devices that hide IP addresses. 2 Here’s how to connect to a proxy server on your Mac, Windows, Android or iOS device.
Ivacy VPN iPhone Screenshot
How to Connect to Proxy Server on Mac
Open Safari, Macs’ default browser.
Click Preferences.
Select Change Settings.
Update the Settings with the information that the network administrator provided in the System Preferences pop-up.
How to Connect to Proxy Server on Windows
Go to your Administrative Templates.
Select Windows Components.
Click Data Collection and Preview Builds.
Click Configure Authenticated Proxy Usage.
Select Disable Authenticated Proxy Usage.
Hit Apply.
How to Connect to Proxy Server on Android
Go to your Android’s Settings.
Select Wi-Fi.
Select your networks’ name.
Hit Modify Network.
Select Manual.
Enter in your proxy port and hostname.
Click Save.
How to Connect to Proxy Server on iOS
Enter your phone or tablet’s Settings.
Click on the “I” button next to username.
Click HTTP Proxy.
Select Edit Proxy Settings.
Turn on Authentication.
Return to the previous window.
Tor
Tor is a secure browser that, along with hiding your IP address, will also prevent tracking and targeted ads. Once you’re off a website, its cookies will clear as will your browsing history. Both your IP address and your web activity will be encrypted not once, not twice but three times. 3 Just download the browser from Tor’s website to hide your IP address when browsing online!
Note: Although the websites you visit won’t be able to see your private IP address, Tor will log it themselves, according to their Privacy Notice. If you don’t want your IP address logged, choose a VPN with a strict privacy policy.
What Is An IP Address?
Of course, some people may not be totally clear on what an IP address actually is; no shame here! An IP address, which standards for an internet protocol address, is a device’s identifying number associated with a specific computer or network of computers. Basically, IP addresses let computers send and receive information, but they can also be used to track the physical locations of users, 4 a nightmare for those concerned with privacy. And according to our VPN usage research, that accounts for 40 percent of VPN-users.
Get Started with ExpressVPN and Change Your IP
Types of IP Addresses
Not all IP addresses are created equal! Rather, they can be divided into a few different categories, some of which have certain advantages over others.
Public: Each and every internet-connected device has a public IP address, distributed by the Internet Service Providers vis-à-vis the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. What, you haven’t heard of ICANN? Nevertheless, these public IP addresses are searchable on the web, which is why we can find our printer simply by Googling its IP address.
Private/ local: In contrast to public IP addresses, private IP addresses aren’t searchable on the web. Rather, they’re numbers that routers assign the devices on their networks so that they can communicate with each other.
Dynamic: Dynamic IP addresses, as we mentioned before, are any type of IP address that change every time you connect, usually through a VPN. This makes users hard to track online, as their literal address keeps changing.
Static: Static means that the IP addresses do not change. With VPNs, static IP addresses are usually shared with thousands of users in order to obscure their identities. However, some websites block these shared IP addresses, which necessitates users getting dedicated IP addresses. What a convenient transition!
Dedicated: Dedicated IP addresses are assigned to only one user rather than being shared by several. They usually cost a different fee on top of the regular VPN subscription.
Changing You IP – On Windows, Turn on IPv4 and fill out the fields IP address, Subnet prefix length, and Gateway. Hit Save when you’re done
IPv4: Internet Protocol version 4 is used by 99 percent of networks, but since it can only store 4. 3 billion addresses, it’s being replaced by IPv6, which we’ll get to in a second. Unlike IPv6, IPv4 addresses are four one bite numbers separated by dots like 555. 555. 1. 1.
IPv6: While they’re only used by less than 1 percent of networks, IPv6 has its advantages over IPv4, namely that it can provide an infinite number of addresses. It also allows for larger payloads and is compatible with a greater number of mobile networks. Although they’re starting small, eventually, IPv6 will replace IPv4. 5
Where To Find Your IP Address
Feeling lost in the sauce? Finding your IP address isn’t that complicated, even if you’re not a tech expert like us.
Where to Find Your IP Address on Mac
Enter your Mac’s System Preferences.
Select your Wi-Fi network.
Look where it says IPv4 Address.
Changing You IP – Advanced Settings on Mac
Where to Find Your IP Address on Windows
Enter your TaskBar.
Click on Wi-Fi Network.
Look under IPv4 Address.
Where to Find Your IP Address on Android
Enter your phone’s Settings.
Click About.
Click Status.
Look at the IP Address.
Where to Find Your IP Address on iOS
Click on the “I” button next to Network.
ILook under IPv4 Address.
Changing You IP – Proxy Settings on iPhone
Pros and Cons of Changing Addresses
Of course, there’s always the debate of whether or not to change your IP address in the first place. While the angel on your shoulder tells you it’s a great way to increase your privacy and access other country’s servers, the devil tells you that it could be costly, that some websites won’t work and that your ISP will still be able to see your address. There’s truth to both of these sides, so we recommend making your decisions on a case-by-case basis. That being said, we broke down the main reasons why you should and shouldn’t change your IP address.
Why You Should Change Your IP Address
Avoid tracking: If you’ve ever searched for anything related to consumerism, then you probably already notice how your searches seem to follow you around the internet like you owe them money. This sort of tracking is made possible by cookies, which some antivirus software can disable.
Bypass government restrictions: Governments like China greatly restrict internet usage in their country, so if you want to bypass firewalls, changing your IP address is a must.
Access international servers: Maybe you simply want to see what’s on Netflix Canada from your apartment in California. By changing your IP address to a Canadian one, you can trick the streaming giant into showing you a whole lot of new content.
FYI: Not all VPNs are compatible with Netflix. To find one that’s right for you, read our review of the best VPNs for Netflix.
Gain privacy: Maybe you’re an activist, a journalist, or anyone else handling sensitive information, or maybe you just don’t want your Internet Service Provider to track your every move. If that’s the case, changing your IP address is a step in the right direction in terms of privacy.
Increase security: Most people think nothing of joining public Wi-Fi networks (and depending on your settings, this may even happen automatically). However, using public Wi-Fi opens up a slew of security risks, with hacking at the forefront. But by hiding your real IP address, you greatly lower your risk of hackings.
Why You Shouldn’t Change Your IP Address
Some websites won’t work: Some websites, like the aforementioned Netflix, won’t work with certain VPNs or proxies. So while they may be able to bypass government restrictions, that doesn’t stop individual websites from blocking certain IP addresses.
Not always legal: Depending on where you are, VPNs may not be legal; they’re banned in China, Belarus, Iran and a few other countries, so keep that in mind before you connect.
May slow down connection: Any added encryption will slow down your browsing speeds, although the exact slowdowns will differ from service to service. Still, if you’re performing tasks that require a lot of bandwidth like streaming video or video chatting, you might experience some frustrating lag.
VPN may log data: Again, depending on the service, your VPN company may be logging the very information you want to hide, like your IP address and web traffic. Our advice? Always read the VPN’s privacy policy, which we cover in our individual VPN reviews.
Could cost money: Not all VPNs are free (except of course, the ones that are; check out the best free VPN is to see what we’re talking about). Still, free VPNs typically have limits on time, data, or servers, so if you want full coverage, you might have to pony up some dough.
ISP will still be able to see IP: Even with a new IP address, your Internet Service Provider will be able to see it, so you’re never truly “private” when you’re online.
Conclusion
Overall, we’re of the faith that changing your IP address is a necessity at times, and we love that there’s more than one way to do it. We hope we answered all of your questions about changing your IP address, but if we didn’t, read on.
FAQs
Being public digital security experts, we’re constantly inundated with a number of questions surrounding changing your IP address. Here are those questions, with, you guessed it, answers.
Is there a way to change your IP address?
You can change your IP address in your device settings or by using the Tor browser, a VPN or a proxy server.
Is changing your IP address illegal?
Changing your IP address may or may not be legal; it depends on how you do it and where you’re located. For example, using a VPN to change your IP address is legal in the U. S but illegal in China.
Why does my IP address show a different city?
Your IP address may show a different city if you’re connected to a VPN or proxy server with servers in that city. That may be the closest server to you, or simply the one that allows for the lowest bandwidth usage.
Does resetting my router change my IP address?
Resetting your router may or may not change your IP address, depending on how long you wait before you turn it back on. We recommend waiting for about a day in order to get a new IP address.
Frequently Asked Questions about fake proxy android
Can I use proxy on Android?
Android allows you to configure proxy settings for each Wi-Fi network. This is sometimes required to access the Internet on a business or school network, for example. Your browser traffic will be sent through the proxy you configure.Jul 12, 2017
How can I fake my Android IP address?
How to Change Your IP Address on Android ManuallyGo to your Android Settings.Navigate to Wireless & Networks.Click on your Wi-Fi network.Click Modify Network.Select Advanced Options.Change the IP address.Sep 9, 2021
Can you fake IP address?
IP spoofing is when a hacker changes a packet’s original IP address to a fake one, most often making it look like the traffic is coming from a legitimate source. Hackers can also make it work the other way round and mask the receiver’s IP instead.Dec 30, 2019
