A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted "tunnel" between your device and a VPN server. Inside that tunnel, your ISP and anyone else on the same network can't see the contents of your traffic.
What happens to your IP when you use a VPN?
You appear to browse the internet from the VPN server's IP address. Sites you visit see the VPN provider's IP, not your real one. You can verify this yourself with our IP lookup tool — check before and after connecting.
What a VPN fixes — and what it doesn't
- Fixes: traffic snooping on open Wi-Fi, your ISP seeing your browsing history, some geographic restrictions.
- Doesn't fix: being identified through logged-in accounts, browser fingerprinting, or malware.
How to choose a VPN
Be cautious of "no-logs" claims that aren't backed by an independent audit. Some free VPNs fund themselves by selling user data — which defeats the whole purpose.