4 Benefits of Changing Your IP Address (and How to Do It)

Have you ever searched for a product on Google only to be bombarded by ads for the item on social media platforms and websites? 

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Everything you do online can be tracked through your IP address. Think of it as an identification number connected to your devices that keeps track of every website you visit. Sometimes, you may not be able to access content on websites because of your IP address. Those websites usually use geographical restrictions to prevent people from accessing their content from specific locations. 

But you can change your IP address to get past geographical restrictions and avoid bombardment by annoying ads. 

A VPN is the safest and easiest way to change your IP address. It allows you to use a different IP address when browsing online, so your online activity cannot be traced back to you. 

This article will show you the benefits of changing your IP address. 

1. Overcome Geographical Content Restrictions 

Certain websites prevent users from accessing content based on their physical location. For example, many websites can only be accessed when you are in the US or Canada. So if you’re in Africa, you may not be able to consume content on that website while using your actual IP address. 

By changing your IP address, you can overcome these geographical content restrictions. For example, if you connect to a USA VPN server, the VPN provider will route your data, so it appears you’re accessing the website from the United States. 

2. Protect your data from government surveillance 

Many governments keep an eye on the online activity of their citizens. They do so to identify potential threats to national security. Governments also track internet activity to identify the needs of their citizens and the possible solutions. 

You may not be doing anything wrong, but the government will track you. So, if you value your privacy, you should change your IP address when browsing the internet.

3. Stop ad networks from tracking you 

When you sign up to use a social media platform or browser, you automatically permit them to track your activity while using their service. They will study your browsing history to determine your preferences and then target you with personalized ads. 

For example, if you search for Chesterfield sofas, the websites you visit will have similar ads. And sometimes, even your social media feed will be filled with Chesterfield sofa ads. If you don’t want to be in this annoying situation, you can hide your identity by changing your IP address. 

4. Hide Your Sensitive Research 

Many people work in professions that involve sensitive research. For example, journalists and political candidates sometimes research information they may not want to get tracked back to them. Using a different IP address enables you to safely conduct sensitive research on any topic without worrying about being discovered. 

Conclusion 

Privacy is an important issue when it comes to internet browsing. People want to be assured that no one will track their online activity. And changing your IP address is one of the best ways to hide your identity online.