How to Enter IP Address via VPN – An Illustrated Guide
You connect to a VPN, and everything seems good. You browse the web, stream movies, and even log in to sites like Gmail and Facebook without any problems. All your traffic is encrypted and secured. So, why then would you want to enter an IP address manually when you can avoid using one altogether?
Why You Might Want To Manually Enter An IP Address
The biggest security risk when connecting to a VPN is having your IP address exposed to the public. While most VPNs will use advanced encryption techniques to keep your traffic secure, it’s still theoretically possible for someone to intercept your connection and see what sites you visit. So, manually entering an IP address is usually not a good idea, but it’s also not practical to use public addresses all the time. There should be a way for you to enter your preferred IP address whenever you want without having to memorize it or put it in a configuration file.
Further, it’s usually not ideal to use the same public IP address for every site you visit, as your ISP could potentially block all or some of your activities due to bandwidth concerns. For instance, if you use a public IP address to visit sites that are illegal or threatening in any way, your ISP could block those sites from loading in the first place. Still, using a VPN is generally the best option if you’re concerned about your privacy, especially if you use the same public IP address frequently. You can read more about the privacy risk of VPNs here.
How To Manually Enter IP Address Without A VPN
If you don’t want to use a VPN to secure your network traffic but you still need to manually enter your IP address, you have a few options. First, you could use a specialized VPN to bypass ISPs and load a different IP address each time you connect. The most popular and well-known VPN of this type is IPVanish. You can download the app and connect to a different IP address each time you use it. Alternatively, you could use a VPN on your mobile phone to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots and enter an IP address manually (more on this below).
In most cases, entering an IP address manually isn’t a difficult task, but it’s not something that’s typically done by experienced users. For most people, connecting to a VPN is a simple process that takes all of 5 minutes. Still, if you’re not happy connecting to a VPN and would like to enter an IP address manually, there’s really nothing stopping you.
Using A VPN On Your Mobile Phone
A VPN is a valuable tool for keeping your personal data secure while using public Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t do anything for your mobile phone data. Luckily, there’s a way for you to use a VPN even when you’re on the move. You can download a mobile app that will allow you to connect to a VPN and secure your data when you use Wi-Fi. Most people choose to use the Google-owned app called Google WiFi since it’s free, easy to use, and has a community-driven app store that’s loaded with trustworthy apps. You can get started with Google WiFi easily enough. Once the app is installed on your mobile device, you can connect to a VPN to secure your data whenever you use public Wi-Fi. This is especially useful if you’re traveling since you can set the app to automatically reconnect you whenever you disconnect from a network.
While using a VPN on your mobile device is perfectly safe and secure, it’s also not the most convenient option. If you decide to use Google WiFi, you can set the app to automatically reconnect to a VPN server whenever you disconnect from a network. Still, it’s better to manually enter your IP address whenever you want than to use the app, since you have to remember to manually reconnect after every session. Even worse, if you forget to reconnect after every session, you’re putting your privacy at risk since anyone sniffing on the network could potentially see your activity. Aside from the fact that entering an IP address manually is generally not a good idea, using a VPN on your mobile phone is also a much less direct route to securing your privacy. Still, if you’re the kind of person who needs a more direct route to security than the average user, you could try out a VPN for mobile phones.
Choosing A VPN After You Manually Enter An IP Address
Once you’ve entered an IP address manually, it’s time to choose a VPN. Your first port of call should be a reputable and trusted source that has a good presence in the VPN community. You want to find a VPN that has servers located all over the world so that you can access its servers when you want. If possible, choose a VPN that has a no-logging policy, as this will prevent your data from being recorded and stored by third parties like ISPs and governments. In addition, make sure that the VPN you choose supports P2P file sharing and has a good privacy policy in place. Most importantly, make sure that the VPN you choose has a strong security protocol to protect your data.
After you’ve entered an IP address manually and done your research on the topic, it’s time to choose a VPN to protect your network traffic. Again, your first port of call should be a reputable and trusted source that has a good presence in the VPN community. Just remember, the safer the VPN, the more complicated it can be to use. Unless you’re tech-savvy, it’s usually a good idea to go for a simpler solution that is more widely used and, in turn, trusted by the community. Having said that, if you’ve decided that entering an IP address manually is the best way to go, simpler and less trustworthy VPNs might be your perfect choice. In any case, choosing a VPN after you’ve entered an IP address manually is a safer and more enjoyable experience than choosing one beforehand. You can also use the Google Play store to find a VPN that suits your needs, as these are generally the most trustworthy apps available. Alternatively, you could use a web browser to browse through a handful of VPNs that suit your needs. Finally, make sure that the VPN you choose has a no-logging policy so that you’re not constantly monitored by third parties like ISPs and governments. In addition, read the VPN’s terms and conditions before you connect.
To recap, entering an IP address manually when connecting to a VPN is usually not a good idea, as it can put your privacy at risk. Still, if you want to enter an IP address manually and don’t want to use a VPN, there are several options available to you. First, you could always use a specialized VPN that will allow you to manually enter an IP address, bypassing the need to connect to a server. If you decide to use Google WiFi, you can set the app to automatically reconnect you whenever you disconnect from a network. In most cases, this is the best option since it keeps your privacy intact while maintaining a secure connection. If you want to find a VPN that has a strong presence in the community, reputable source, and good pricing, you could either use the Google Play store to find a VPN or head over to ProtonVPN and get a free trail. Or, if you decide that having a VPN is worth the convenience for you, you can purchase a VPN that is fully compatible with your device.