TL;DR
When you use a VPN, your internet traffic goes through a server owned by the VPN provider before reaching websites. This makes it look like your IP address is the VPN server’s IP address, not your own. Without a VPN, websites see your real IP address assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Why Different IPs?
- Your Real IP Address: Your ISP gives you an IP address when you connect to the internet. This is like your home address on the internet. Websites use this to identify your location and provide content.
- You can find your real IP address by searching “what is my ip” on Google or using a website like WhatIsMyIP.
- VPNs and IP Masking: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server.
- All your internet traffic is routed through this server.
- Websites see the VPN server’s IP address instead of yours. It’s like sending a letter from a different post office – the return address is that post office, not your home.
- Dynamic vs. Static IPs: Your ISP might give you a dynamic IP address which changes periodically (e.g., when you restart your router). VPN server IPs can also change.
- If you query for your IP address without a VPN shortly after restarting your router, it may be different to the one you saw before.
- VPN providers often have multiple servers and rotate IPs for security and performance reasons. Connecting to a different VPN server will almost certainly give you a new IP address.
How to Check Your IP Address
- Without a VPN:
- Open your web browser and search for “what is my ip”. The first result will usually show your public IP address.
- Alternatively, you can use a command-line tool:
curl ifconfig.me
- With a VPN:
- Connect to your VPN server.
- Repeat the steps above (search for “what is my ip” or use
curl ifconfig.me). You should see the IP address of the VPN server.
Why Use a VPN?
- Privacy: Hides your real IP address and location.
- Security: Encrypts your internet traffic, protecting it from eavesdropping.
- Accessing Geo-Restricted Content: Allows you to access content that is blocked in your region by making it appear as if you are browsing from a different country.