Ip Changer For Online Games
Best VPNs for playing and hosting online games – Comparitech
We take a look at the best VPNs for gaming including the factors you should consider when choosing a VPN service suitable for both playing and hosting online games.
@pabischoff UPDATED: May 17, 2021
Want a good online gaming VPN to play Dota 2, League of Legends, Starcraft 2, World of Warcraft, Counter Strike, Fortnite, Minecraft, Overwatch, PUBG or any other online game?
We’ll cover several gaming VPNs for PC, console, Android, and iOS. If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s a summary of recommended VPNs for gaming:
Best VPNs for gaming:
NordVPN: Best gaming VPN. Extremely fast, servers in 60+ countries, and strong security. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark: Best budget alternative. Solid choice for gaming. Reliable servers, great multi-platform support, and a wide range of privacy features.
ExpressVPN: Operates servers in 94 countries. Fast connections and works with a wide range of devices.
IPVanish: Fast servers in more than 60 countries. Tier 1 network.
CyberGhost: Great value VPN. Solid provider with plenty of useful features for gaming online.
VyprVPN: Tier 1 Network provider with servers in 60+ countries.
We cover more details on each of these VPNs below. Our rigorous testing and analysis process helps us to only recommend the VPNs which can provide the best service. We reveal exactly which features helped each of these 6 VPNs rank top for gaming but if you’d like to know more about the decision process skip ahead to our methodology section.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE? NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for gaming with no restrictions for a month—great if you are going on a short trip.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Why use a VPN for online gaming?
Online gamers want the fastest connection to a game server they can get, so it might seem counter-intuitive at first to use a VPN. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN service encrypts a device’s internet connection and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of the user’s choosing.
The encryption and re-routing process usually tends to slow down connections and increase lag. Dig a bit deeper, however, and gamers can find several ways to utilize VPNs.
Why you should use a VPN for gaming:
Access geo-locked games inaccessible from your country of residence. Is your favorite game limited to South Korea or Japan? No problem! Just connect to a VPN server in those countries and brush up on your language skills.
Bypass IP bans. Did you get unjustly IP banned from a game that you love? A VPN will change your IP address so you can get back in the action.
Access to Steam and other marketplaces when traveling abroad. Steam and other online game stores may not accept payment if your IP address does not match up with the country in your profile. A VPN can help you get around this.
Protection from DDoS attacks. If you’re a competitive gamer and the other team is using dirty tactics to target your IP address with a denial-of-service attack, many VPNs have built-in protections against that.
Protection from hackers and snoops. Leaving your connection open to a game for long periods of time can be a security risk. The encryption and IP masking a VPN offers will help keep you safe.
Play games not yet released in your country. If you live in Europe and want to get your hands on a game only available in the US, a VPN can help you get earlier access. Just make sure you’re not breaking any terms of service.
Access to other regions’ game servers. If you have a friend in another country you want to play with but the game’s servers are split up by region, a VPN can let you play together.
Unblock Discord. Discord is blocked in some countries and certain environments. All of the VPNs we recommend support split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. You can unblock Discord with a VPN while at the same time using a direct connection for games.
Access to game streaming services. Game streaming services like Google Stadia and XCloud are only available in certain countries. You can unblock them with a VPN.
Some online gaming VPNs claim they can even lower ping time and lag. We recommend you take that claim with a big grain of salt. In some cases, a VPN will give you access to a game server that’s performing better or even find a faster route between you and the game server, but in the vast majority of cases, the encryption process and re-routing through an extra server will increase ping time.
See also: Fastest VPNs
Best VPNs for online gaming
All of the VPNs we recommend meet certain criteria for gaming online. They also meet our speed, privacy, and security standards:
Number and location of servers. A lot of servers to choose from around the world will give you access to more games and less latency.
NAT firewalls and anti-DDoS protection. These will help protect you from hackers and denial-of-service attacks.
Speed and reliability. Good old bandwidth and a stable connection will go a long way in keeping you in the game and playing competitively.
Dedicated gaming servers. Some VPNs have servers optimized specifically for gamers.
Tier 1 Network. A Tier 1 network means the VPN provider connects its servers to the fastest possible network available. It does not settle for a downstream ISP that buys its bandwidth from a bigger company and then resells it. Essentially, a VPN that uses only Tier 1 networks is directly hooked into the backbone of the internet.
Split tunneling. A feature that allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which use a direct connection. For example, if Discord is blocked in your country, you can set Discord to use the VPN and use a direct connection for games.
1. NordVPN
Oct 2021
Apps Available:
PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
NordVPN is our first choice for a gaming VPN. It boasts more than 5, 000 servers in 60 countries. A handful of those come with built-in anti-DDoS protection for super stable connections. NordVPN is extremely fast. In fact, it beat out all competitors in our latest round of testing.
Next to each server listed in the app is the server load and the number of miles between yourself and the server, which should give you some indication of ping time. You can “favorite” a server to find it quickly later on. NordVPN supports split tunneling on Chrome and Firefox browser extensions and on mobile apps.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. If you want to connect a game console, NordVPN’s website includes dozens of tutorials on setting up the VPN on several types of wifi router.
Pros:
Superfast, low-latency servers
Operates a network of more than 5, 000 servers in 63 countries
Server loads and distances are indicated for ping time estimation
You can save favorite servers when you find a reliable one
Offers router installation tutorials for PS and Xbox users
Customer service available via 24/7 live chat
Cons:
Can choose server locations but not able to choose specific servers
BEST VPN FOR GAMERS:NordVPN is our #1 choice. With a vast range of servers dotted around the globe, including dedicated gaming servers, Nord VPN sets the standard for gamers. Also hard to beat on Privacy and security features. Allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money back guarantee so you can try them risk-free.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
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2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a low-cost provider that operates 1, 700 servers in 63 countries, which means you’re effectively guaranteed a low-latency connection wherever you are in the world. It also allows you to automatically connect to the fastest available server, and to see each server’s current load at-a-glance. With decent speeds, no connection limit, and plenty of security features (including 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy), this VPN is well worth your time.
A split tunneling feature called Whitelister is built into the Windows and Android apps.
Surfshark comes with apps for MacOS, iOS, Linux, Android, and Windows. Looking to use a VPN on your games console? Surfshark’s website even offers step-by-step guides to installing its software on your home router.
High enough speeds for lag-free gaming
Large network of low-latency servers
Strong on security and privacy
Accepts Bitcoin
Some servers are much faster than others
BEST BUDGET PICK:Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you like, which means you can game, browse, or stream safe in the knowledge that no one is watching. This security-conscious VPN keeps no logs and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
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3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN operates over 3, 000 servers in 94 countries around the world. Its desktop app comes with a built-in speed tester so you can quickly deduce which servers have the lowest ping time in milliseconds. The VPN consistently scores well in our speed tests, offering more than enough bandwidth to keep up with opponents online. Split tunneling is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and ExpressVPN’s router firmware.
If you’re a console gamer using a PlayStation or Xbox that doesn’t support VPN apps, ExpressVPN sells pre-configured routers and makes free router firmware for certain models that will let you route all the traffic connected to them through the VPN. This is far more user-friendly than trying to flash an open-source firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato onto your router and manually configuring a VPN, which is also a pain whenever you need to switch servers.
ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain wifi routers.
Built-in speed tester for lowest ping time determination
Fast, low-latency servers are great for gaming
PS and Xbox users can install software on certain routers or get pre-configured ones
Live customer support around the clock
Not the cheapest provider here
Limited advanced features in apps for power-users
TICKS ALL THE BOXES:ExpressVPN holds its own. A fast and reliable choice for gaming. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. Pricier than others on this list. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
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4. IPVanish
IPVanish runs over 1, 200 servers in over 60 countries and exclusively uses Tier 1 networks. It’s one of the very few providers that actually owns its servers rather than renting them. That means if your priority is to play on a VPN without lag, IPVanish is an excellent choice. The app allows you to see the current load and ping time of each server and even filter by ping time, protocol, and country. The service includes a NAT firewall.
I read some earlier articles saying IPVanish has gaming-optimized servers. That might have been true at one time, but I can’t find any reference to that in the current version of the desktop app. The Android app supports split tunneling.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. IPVanish can also be configured on wifi routers, which will cover your game console.
Owns and operates all the servers on their network, providing good speeds
Can filter, rank, and chose servers according to their protocol type, ping time, and by country
Apps automatically connect to low latency servers
Impressive speeds and reliable connections
Look elsewhere if you need to use apps in China
GREAT GAMING VPN:IPVanish has a large network of servers which makes it solid for gaming. An uncongested network that achieves that good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. Could do with having live customer support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
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5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an easy-to-use VPN that comes packed with all sorts of features that can help you tailor the service to your gaming needs. All of the servers available on CyberGhost tier are DDoS-protected, and a NAT firewall comes built-in. Our speed tests show CyberGhost is among the fastest VPNs out there. It’s reliable, too, offering stable connections to 5, 000+ servers in 89 countries. You can toggle on or off useful settings like extra speed and data compression. A NAT firewall is built into the service. 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy ensure your data is secure.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Split tunneling, or split-exclude in CyberGhost parlance, is available on Windows and Android.
Hundreds of low-latency speedy servers, some of the fastest in our tests
DDoS-protected, and a NAT firewall comes built-in on the apps
Apps are easy to install and use, and are highly configurable for your gaming
Power users would prefer more control over advanced features
BEGINNERS CHOICE:CyberGhost is great for beginners, is good value and is easy to use. Vast server representation is great for gaming. Stores no logs and streams HD video reliably. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
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6. VyprVPN
Like IPVanish, VyprVPN utilizes Tier 1 network providers and owns all of its own server infrastructure around the world, which means very little lag and a lot of bandwidth for gamers. It operates data centers in over 60 countries. The desktop app shows the ping time for each so you can find the one with the least amount of lag. A NAT firewall is built in to stop hackers and botnet attacks. German eSports professional team Roughnex famously uses VyprVPN to prevent DDoS attacks during tournaments.
VyprVPN’s parent company, Golden Frog, is now alpha testing a new service it describes as an “optimized gaming network” which promises to lower ping time, reduce lag, and reroute traffic to avoid network congestion. We’ll add more details as they become available.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. The “connection-per-app” feature supports split tunneling on Android. VyprVPN also makes an app for routers that have compatible firmware.
Uses Tier1 ISPs for low lag and high bandwidth connections, ideal for gaming
Well-known for their strong DDoS protection
Speeds are fast and stable
Could have more options for advanced configuration
No cryptocurrency payment options
Two-tier pricing structure can be confusing
USER FRIENDLY:VyprVPN has fast servers which is great for gaming. Solid privacy and security features. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
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Methodology for assessing the best VPNs for gaming
Deciding which VPN to use for gaming can be tricky. After all, they’re fairly complex pieces of software and the choices are almost limitless, with new providers popping up all of the time. To determine which VPNs are best, we need to first identify which aspects have the biggest impact on gaming, and then set a base standard for each. Here are the criteria we used to separate the best from the rest:
Speed: The most important consideration for a gaming VPN. Low speeds often result in lag, stuttering, and sporadic disconnections. To prevent this, all of the services we recommend must provide above-average speeds in our most recent speed tests.
Network size: Generally, the closer your chosen server is, the lower your latency (although other factors impact this as well). It’s important that a gaming VPN has solid global coverage so that you always have access to a nearby server. Our recommendations all cover at least 55 countries.
Security features: Gamers come up against all kinds of threats, from DDoS attacks to targeted harassment (including particularly dangerous types such as SWATTING). The best VPNs for gaming must include a variety of tools (like encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection) designed to keep your true identity and location anonymous.
Bandwidth limit: Some services restrict the amount of data you can use each month. Others reduce your speeds after a certain allowance. To ensure you can game as much as you like, our top VPNs for gaming must offer unlimited bandwidth and must not throttle your speeds under any circumstances.
Logging policy: For maximum anonymity, these services must not log any data that could identify you. Ideally, they’d keep no logs at all, since this prevents them from divulging any user info, at any time. Find out more about each VPN’s logging policy here.
Unblocking ability: If your game isn’t available worldwide, doesn’t let you switch regions manually, or holds region-exclusive events, you may have to bypass its geographic restrictions using a VPN. Our top VPNs must be able to evade detection to reduce the chance of any consequences, such as a temporary ban.
Of course, this is just the first step. These tests form part of the VPN testing and analysis our team performs as part of our wider research process.
Gaming VPN FAQs
Does a VPN reduce ping time and lag? In most cases, no. A VPN sends your data through an intermediary server, which is typically slower than a direct connection. On top of that, all the data must be encrypted and decrypted between your device and the VPN server, further increasing lag and ping time. A few exceptions do exist, such as when the VPN allows the player to bypass congested bottlenecks between their device and the game server. But this largely depends on the player’s environment, the game’s servers, and their I play games from other regions? Yes, a VPN changes your IP address, which is how most games will determine your location. If you want to play a game that’s only available in Japan, for example, just connect to a VPN server in Japan. Likewise, many online games segregate players by region, forcing them onto region-specific servers. A VPN can get you onto servers from any region where it operates servers. Bear in mind that you might also require a local payment method and a local game I use a free VPN for gaming? Not really. Free VPNs tend to be much slower and less reliable than paid VPNs. On top of that, they offer fewer server locations, limiting your region-unblocking options. Free VPNs are also less secure and often harvest your personal data to make money from targeted does a VPN protect me when gaming? If someone launches a DDoS or other attack against your IP address while gaming, that attack will hit the VPN servers instead of your device. This will shield you from attack and hide your real IP address. A VPN will also prevent any third parties on your local network from snooping on your it legal to use a VPN for gaming? Generally, yes. Some games might prohibit the use of VPNs and other proxies in their terms of service. However, even in cases where that is true, it would be difficult for game administrators to detect whether or not you’re using a I use a VPN to access Steam/Xbox Live/PlayStation Network while abroad? If you’re in a country where your preferred game network is blocked, then a VPN can unblock it. In China, for example, many game networks like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network are censored. Just make sure to use a VPN that works in China. A VPN can also help in purchasing situations when you’re traveling abroad. A game might not be available on Steam in certain regions, or you might require a local form of payment, for example. A VPN can help you access your local version of Steam so you can purchase games should my VPN settings be for gaming? Typically the default settings on your VPN app should work just fine. All you need to do is select a server location where you can access the games you want to play. Servers that are geographically closest tend to offer the best ping times. Most VPN protocols offer roughly the same speed. If your VPN allows it, use a lower-strength encryption and disable extra privacy features like modulating IP addresses and traffic I unblock games at school or work? Yes, a VPN should allow you to unblock games that are normally filtered by firewalls at offices and schools. Your internet connection is completely private while connected to a VPN, so no third parties can see the websites your visit or the games you play.
VPNs for hosting games online
Now you know which VPNs to choose from if all you want to do is play a game online. But if you want to host one? That requires a couple more criteria to consider:
Port forwarding. Games often only operate on certain ports. Game servers and older LAN games will require a VPN equipped with port forwarding. This allows other gamers to find and connect to your public IP address through the forwarded port. Note that it’s not necessary or even recommended to port forward your router and the VPN at the same time. Only the VPN requires port forwarding, or else risk opening yourself up to attack.
Static IP addresses, also sometimes referred to as dedicated IPs, though the two differ slightly. A static IP address will allow you to run a reliable game server that won’t change IPs all the time. They can also allow friends to connect to your host computer via LAN apps like Hamachi and Evolve without constantly updating your IP address.
With those criteria in mind, here are a few VPNs for hosting online games:
LiquidVPN: Servers with dedicated IPs can be found using the “topology” dropdown in the LiquidVPN app and choosing “dedicated. ” You can open ports in the firewall and have them forwarded to your IP address right from the control panel. For an extra fee, LiquidVPN offers private static IP addresses to users. These IPs are exclusive to the user and not shared with others. Read our full review of LiquidVPN.
NordVPN: Offers a handful of static IP servers at no extra cost. Port forwarding is not yet supported, but the company says it plans to implement it in a forthcoming update.
AirVPN: Each Air VPN server has one static exit-IP address with which clients connected to that server are “visible” on the internet. No specific setup is necessary. Users may forward up to 20 ports simultaneously from the client area dashboard on AirVPN’s website. Private dedicated IPs are available and can be requested by contacting AirVPN.
TorGuard: You can add dedicated server IPs to a list in the TorGuard app in the settings menu, under the Servers tab. It will then appear at the top of the server selection list on the main client. To set up port forwarding, you’ll need to request it on the TorGuard website. Processing is usually instant. Go go My Services > View Details >> Management Actions >> Port Management.
VPNs that gamers should avoid
BolehVPN
We like BolehVPN on the whole, but not for gaming. We’re only singling it out here because we’ve seen multiple other sites claiming that BolehVPN offers gaming optimized servers and game hosting services. In fact, it never offered gaming-optimized servers and has since quit selling game hosting services. With only 14 countries to choose from, it’s just not great for gaming.
Free VPNs
Free VPNs usually have a limited number of servers, cap data transfers, require queueing to connect, and throttle bandwidth. They also tend to have worse security and privacy policies compared to paid VPN services, so they are unsuitable for gaming.
Using PPTP for a faster connection
Normally we never recommend PPTP over other protocols like OpenVPN, SSTP, or L2TP. If those are too slow, however, you may consider using the PPTP protocol when gaming. PPTP tends to be faster than the other options and is still widely supported both by VPN providers and operating systems.
Be warned, however, that you shouldn’t depend on a PPTP VPN connection to keep you secure. The protocol has known security vulnerabilities. Don’t use it for any privacy-critical tasks.
SOCKS5 proxy for gaming
If all you want to do is access a game that’s geo-blocked in your area, consider using a SOCKS5 proxy. Because SOCKS5 proxies don’t encrypt traffic by default, they tend to be faster than VPNs (not the overloaded free ones, mind you).
Bear in mind, however, that SOCKS5 proxies don’t come with any of the security bonuses of VPNs. The provider can mine your traffic for personal data and inject malware or advertisements. You won’t get a NAT firewall or DDoS protection.
NordVPN subscriptions come with free SOCKS5 proxies and plenty of locations to choose from. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about them abusing your data.
See also: If you are looking for speed, check out our list of the fastest VPN services.
How to keep kids safe when gaming online
Privacy and security are just as important when you game as when you browse the internet. Kids who game online can put themselves at risk of a range of threats including cyber harassment, malware infection, SWATTING, invasion of privacy, and generally conversing with strangers that you’d rather them not communicate with.
Here are a few precautions you can implement to keep your kids safe online while gaming:
Use a VPN. This will mask your home’s real IP address and replace it with that of the VPN server, making it much more difficult for any third party to track your location or identify your device
Keep your devices and software up to date. Don’t sit on security updates for your computers, smartphones, and game consoles. Likewise, update apps and games as soon as updates are available
Avoid pirating games and only download games from reputable sites and vendors
Use the parental controls and filtering built into your game console or Steam to steer kids away from mature content
Wipe personal details and other data from unused devices
Disable the voice chat on games that use public matchmaking to team up with strangers
Don’t use a webcam when streaming on Twitch
Don’t use a real photo as an avatar
Don’t use your real name in your gamer handle or profile. In fact, don’t fill out any non-essential information in your profile.
Configure your account settings so that your child cannot spend money on games or microtransactions without your permission
While all that can help protect your child online, the best protection is awareness. Talk to your child about the risks of divulging personal information to strangers. Here are a few guidelines for kids:
Never reveal your real age, name, school, or location
Never arrange to meet someone you met in the game in real life
If you are bullied or made to feel uncomfortable, tell an adult. Kids should not be punished for confiding in their parents
Don’t believe what strangers tell you online
Don’t be a troll
How to change your IP address (6 ways, 5 are free) – Comparitech
Want to change your IP address? Whether you’re conscious about online security or trying to access blocked content from abroad, a new IP address is very useful. We explain, step-by-step 6 ways you can change your IP address online, 5 of which are free!
@pabischoff UPDATED: March 30, 2021
Most devices on the internet use IPv4 addresses to communicate, and the world is slowly adopting IPv4’s replacement, IPv6. Every device connected to the internet needs a unique IP address in order to connect and communicate with other devices online.
An IPv4 address looks like this:
123. 45. 67. 89
And an IPv6 address looks like this:
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
If you’re connected to wifi right now, you probably share a public IP address with everyone else connected to the same wifi network, but each device has its own local IP address. However, if you’re on a smartphone and using a mobile data connection, you might well have your very own public IP address.
When most people talk about changing their IP address, they’re referring to their public IPv4 address. This is the address seen and used by most websites, servers, online games, and other devices on the internet.
This article, however, will cover changing your IP address whether it be IPv4 or IPv6, public or private.
How to change your public IP address
Here are a few ways to change your public IP address(es):
1. Connect to a VPN to change your IP address
Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a location of your choosing. Websites, online services, and other devices on the web will only see the VPN server’s IP address and not your real IP address.
VPNs are useful for torrenting, unblocking region-locked content like that from Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and bypassing censorship at schools, in offices, and in countries like China.
Most VPNs can easily hide your IPv4 address, but many VPNs can leak your IP address through various security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, not all VPNs hide your IPv6 address. Choose a VPN that either disables IPv6 or can prevent IPv6 leaks by default.
If you’re not sure how to set up a VPN just follow the simple steps below.
Here’s how to change your IP address with a VPN:
Sign up for a suitable VPN provider (we recommend NordVPN).
Download the appropriate VPN app for your device.
Open the VPN app and select a server, within your own country is fine although if you want to access a specific service make sure to choose a server in a country where it’s unblocked.
That’s it! You should now have a different IP address.
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There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
2. Use a proxy to change your IP address
Proxies work similarly to VPNs but with far less versatility and security. Your internet connection goes through a middleman server so that websites and other online resources see the proxy server’s IP address and not your own. Unlike VPNs, proxies often lack encryption, only affect certain apps, and can leak your IP address through other means.
A few different types of proxies can be used to change your IP address:
HTTP/S proxies – Usually either browser extensions or special websites that work like a browser within your browser. They only change the IP address on data sent to and from your browser, but do not affect other apps or even DNS traffic. If encryption is included, these are sometimes called SSL proxies.
SOCKS proxies – General purpose proxy servers that can be configured for specific apps including most web browsers. SOCKS5, the latest version, includes support for encryption.
SSH proxies – SSH proxies forward internet traffic from apps like your web browser through a Secure Shell (SSH) connection to a server, so your IP address is changed to that of the server. Although encryption is included, SSH is not a particularly fast protocol, and many websites and apps might not function properly when connected.
3. Use Tor to change your IP address for free
Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a volunteer-run anonymity network. The easiest way to get started with Tor is to download and install the Tor Browser, a barebones web browser that routes all web traffic through the Tor network. Tor encrypts your connection several times and then sends data through multiple nodes—servers operated by volunteer Tor supporters. Each node strips away one layer of encryption, and the sequence of nodes used changes every time you access a different website. This makes it nearly impossible to trace Tor traffic back to the source.
Websites will see the IP address of the last node in the chain, called the Exit Node.
Tor is free, but has its drawbacks. It’s relatively slow and only really suited for basic web browsing. Tor’s anonymity means it is often associated with illicit activity and the dark web, so even though it’s not illegal, using it might draw unwanted attention from your ISP and possibly even law enforcement. Those entities can’t see what you do while connected to Tor, but they can see that you are connected to Tor nodes.
4. Change IP addresses by unplugging your modem
You might be able to get a new IP address by unplugging your internet modem, waiting a few minutes, and then plugging it back in again. When this happens, you release your existing IP address so that your ISP can recycle it. When you reconnect, your ISP assigns you a new IP address.
This method isn’t guaranteed to work because your ISP might just give you the same IP address again. The longer you leave your modem unplugged, however, the higher the chance your IP address changes. If unplugging for a few minutes doesn’t get the job done, consider leaving it unplugged overnight.
Your ISP must use dynamic IP addresses in order for this to work. Most do.
5. Ask your ISP to change your IP address
Another option is to ask your ISP for a new IP address. Every ISP has different policies about how they handle such requests, so responses may vary. At minimum, you’ll need your account information and current IP address on hand.
Most ISPs use dynamic IP address systems, meaning IP addresses occasionally change and get recycled as devices connect and disconnect from the internet. With that in mind, note that your new IP address might not stay the same forever.
In some cases, you can request a static IP address from your ISP, though this might require paying an extra fee and/or going through an application process. Once provided with a static IP address, you can enter it into your device’s network settings. Static IP addresses never change unless you manually change them.
6. Change networks to get a different IP address
This might seem obvious, but you can get a different IP address by disconnecting from whatever network you’re currently connected to and connecting to a different one. You can switch to a different wifi network, for example, or switch from wifi to a mobile data connection if you’re on a smartphone.
Remember that public and open wifi hotspots are often prime hunting grounds for hackers. Try to stick with a wifi network that requires a password and is encrypted with WPA2.
How to change your private IP address
If you’re connected to a wifi router, then you probably share a public IP address with all the other devices connected to the same network. Each device, however, has its own private, or local IP address.
Changing your local IP address won’t really affect how your device communicates with other devices and servers over the internet, but there might be instances in which you need a different private IP address. These include troubleshooting a malfunctioning router or configuring how local devices, such as printers and IoT devices, function on your home network.
Renew your local IP address
If you’re connected to wifi or some other type of local network, you can change your private IP address from the router admin panel or from the device itself. I’ll show you how to do it on Windows and MacOS.
Here’s how to renew your IP address on Windows:
Search for the Command Prompt and right click it to Run as administrator
Enter ipconfig /release
Enter ipconfig /renew
You should now see a new local IP address.
Here’s how to renew your IP address on Mac:
Click the Apple menu and open System Preferences
Select Network
Highlight the network that you’re connected to in the left pane
Click Advanced…
Select the TCP/IP tab
Click Renew DHCP Lease
You Mac should now be assigned a new local IP address.
The process for changing local IP addresses on the router varies depending on your router manufacturer and firmware. You can usually access your router’s admin dashboard by opening a web browser and entering 192. 168. 0. 1 or 192. 1. 1 in the address bar.
Your ISP always knows your IP address
No matter what methods you use to change or hide an IP address, public IP addresses are always known by the internet service provider. This is inevitable because in order to connect to the internet at all, your ISP must assign you an IP address, and it must know what that IP address is in order to transmit communication and data from the internet to your device.
So even if you used one of the above methods to mask your IP address from websites, services, and other devices on the internet, your ISP is an exception that can see behind the mask.
Even if your ISP can identify you by your IP address, however, you can hide your online activity through encryption. A VPN or Tor will encrypt all data before it ever leaves your device, so even though your ISP can see that you are communicating, it cannot see the contents of those communications.
If you need an easy way to change your IP address to that of a different ISP, try switching between wifi and your smartphone’s mobile data connection. Chances are, your phone carrier and home internet use different ISPs.
Why You Need a Static IP for Gaming – PureVPN Blog
Before we dive into the use of a static IP for online gaming, we need to understand the concept of an IP address and its types.
Since each device connected to the Internet has its own has IP (Internet Protocol) address, you can conveniently send and receive data from other devices and servers.
An IP address is issued to you by your Internet service provider (ISP). Normally, ISPs issue their users with two kinds of IP addresses:
Static IP addresses – remains the same
Dynamic IP addresses – changes periodically
What is a Static IP?
A static Internet Protocol (IP) address (static IP address) is a permanent number assigned to a computer by an Internet service provider (ISP).
Static IP addresses are useful for gaming, website hosting, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Speed and reliability are key advantages. Because a static address is constant, systems with static IP addresses are vulnerable to increased security risks which is why you need a Static IP VPN.
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A static IP address is also known as a fixed address. This means that a computer with an assigned static IP address uses the same IP address when connecting to the Internet.
Another good thing about a static IP is that when you make a temporary game server with your friends, you just have to remember your IP and tell it to your friends and not have to waste time looking for your IP.
Common Difference Between a Static IP and Dynamic IP
The most common difference between Static and Dynamic IP is that you are assigned an IP address on a Static IP, so when your ISP provided modem/wireless device comes online or is reset, it always gets the same WAN IP address.
Dynamic means that you will have a WAN IP address for a period of time and depending on what your ISPs policy is, when your modem/wireless device is reset or rebooted, the IP address may change to something else as they may set a lease time frame on IP addresses that are Dynamic.
Learn more about a Static IP and Dynamic IP.
Will a Static IP Improve My Gaming Experience?
A Static IP address is renowned amongst the hosting and gaming community for the very reason that it offers a seamless internet experience. You don’t have to worry about your IP being blacklisted just because of someone else.
Since you are the sole owner and user of that particular IP, you can customize it to however you deem necessary. However, having a static IP in comparison to a dynamic IP (with everything else being equal) will not increase or decrease network performance.
Learn why you need a static IP for security cameras.
Quite often Static IP’s come with business packages whereas most home packages come with dynamic IPs, and in some countries such as the UK and USA, business packages tend to get greater priority across the central networks so pings are better and data transfer is higher.
If you’ve upgraded your package to one with a static IP, it might come with extra benefits such as higher priority but it’s no guarantee (check with your ISP first), and some ISP’s do offer changes from dynamic IP’s with static ones without changing the package in which case you’ll see no benefit at all.
When it comes to gaming, a static IP address is preferred for a dedicated internet connection that isn’t interrupted nor influenced by other user’s online activities. Since online gaming is a rejoice activity, the last thing you want is to experience network issues commonly faced by Dynamic IP users.
Learn about PureVPN’s Gaming VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions about ip changer for online games
How do I change my IP for online gaming?
How to change your public IP addressConnect to a VPN to change your IP address. … Use a proxy to change your IP address. … Use Tor to change your IP address for free. … Change IP addresses by unplugging your modem. … Ask your ISP to change your IP address. … Change networks to get a different IP address. … Renew your local IP address.Mar 30, 2021
Which IP is best for gaming?
Static IP addresses are useful for gaming, website hosting, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Speed and reliability are key advantages. Because a static address is constant, systems with static IP addresses are vulnerable to increased security risks which is why you need a Static IP VPN.Jan 14, 2020
Is a VPN good for gaming?
A virtual private network, or VPN, can be a powerful tool for securing your internet connection. But even the best VPNs can interfere with your connectivity, sometimes to the point where your favorite PC game becomes laggy or even unplayable. Some games may even block you from using a VPN altogether.