Does a VPN Hide Your IP Address?
A VPN normally changes the public IP address that websites see, but that does not make every form of identification disappear. Here is what changes, what does not, and how to check your connection.
What a VPN actually hides
When a VPN is connected correctly, your internet traffic is routed through the VPN service before reaching public websites. Those sites generally see the VPN server's public IP address instead of the public IP assigned to your home or mobile connection. This can also change the approximate region associated with the visible IP.
What a VPN does not hide
A changed IP address is only one privacy signal. Websites can still recognize accounts you sign into, cookies stored in your browser, information you submit, and potentially characteristics of your browser or device. A VPN should therefore be treated as one layer of privacy rather than an invisibility switch.
How to check it
Run NetPrivacyScan before connecting to your VPN and note the public IP and approximate location. Connect to the VPN, reload the scan, and compare the results. You can also review DNS and WebRTC results for unexpected public information.