Change IP to Bypass Proxy

TL;DR

Your proxy is blocking access? Change your public IP address to bypass it. This guide shows you how, covering methods from simple router restarts to using a VPN or Tor.

How to Bypass a Proxy by Changing Your IP Address

When a proxy server blocks access to a website or service, changing your public IP address can often resolve the issue. Here’s how:

1. Understand Your Current IP

1. Find your current IP: Use a website like WhatIsMyIP or IPInfo to see your public IP address. Note it down – you’ll need this to confirm the change later.

2. Simple Methods: Router Restart & ISP Re-allocation

1. Restart Your Router: This is the easiest first step. Power off your router and modem for 30 seconds, then power them back on. Most ISPs dynamically assign IP addresses, so a restart often gets you a new one.
   • Wait several minutes after restarting to check if your IP has changed using the websites mentioned in Step 1.
2. Contact Your ISP: If restarting doesn’t work, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and ask them to re-allocate you a new public IP address. They may do this automatically or require a manual reset on their end.

3. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

1. Choose a Reputable VPN: Select a well-known and trusted VPN provider (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark). Free VPNs often have limitations or security concerns.
2. Install the VPN Software: Download and install the VPN application for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
3. Connect to a Server: Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a different location. This will mask your real IP address with the server’s IP.
   • Select a server geographically distant from your original location for better anonymity.
4. Verify Your New IP: Check your public IP address again using WhatIsMyIP or IPInfo to confirm it has changed.

4. Using Tor (The Onion Router)

Tor provides a high level of anonymity by routing your traffic through multiple relays. It’s slower than a VPN but more secure for sensitive situations.

1. Download and Install the Tor Browser: Download the Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website.
2. Launch the Tor Browser: Open the Tor Browser application. It will automatically connect to the Tor network.
   • The first launch may take a few minutes as it establishes connections.
3. Verify Your New IP: Once connected, check your public IP address using WhatIsMyIP or IPInfo to confirm it has changed.

5. Using a Proxy Server (Different from Your Blocked One)

This is less reliable than VPNs and Tor, but can sometimes work.

1. Find a Public Proxy: Search online for free proxy lists. Be cautious as many are unreliable or insecure.
2. Configure Your Browser/System: Configure your web browser or operating system to use the new proxy server’s address and port.
   • Example (Chrome): Settings > System > Open your computer’s proxy settings. Choose ‘Manual proxy setup’, enter the proxy server address and port, then save.
3. Verify Your New IP: Check your public IP address using WhatIsMyIP or IPInfo to confirm it has changed.