Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

How to Browse the Web Anonymously

by Natasha Stokes on September 05, 2019

There are plenty of reasons why you'd want to stay anonymous online. Maybe you want to avoid those creepy targeted ads for things you Googled earlier in the week. Or perhaps you just don't want your previously visited websites turning up in your partner's browsing session. Whatever the reason, privacy online is becoming a big deal as it becomes clear how little of it we really have, thanks to ubiquitous website trackers that collect data on our movements.

From turning on your browser's incognito mode, to downloading a plugin to erase your tracks, here are some tips on surfing the web without leaving (too much of) a trail.

Use a private browser window

Private Microsoft Edge Browser

If you share a computer – or are at a public computer – turning on private mode prevents your browsing history from being stored on the computer, thus preventing the sites you visited from popping up later, say, in an auto-completed web address.

Third-party cookies – small text files that track your movement between various sites – are also blocked, and first-party cookies (which track your movement within a site in order to keep track of, say, your shopping basket or preferences) are deleted at the end of the session, so that the next time someone visits that site, it won't be clear that you'd been there too.

What to do: Head into the toolbar of your browser and select a private or incognito mode.

Kill all cookies

Blocking or deleting third-party cookies (do it by heading into your browser's Privacy settings) stops some kinds of tracking, but not all. Flash cookies, or so-called super cookies, can store more information and are left by sites that run Flash, which is almost any site with video content. These super cookies can track your movements across different browsers and even regenerate third-party cookies you previously deleted.

What to do: Download the free CCleaner to clear both Flash and regular cookies, but be warned – some sites use third-party cookies to track you within the site, so you may find yourself having to sign in repeatedly.

Stop your browser sending location data

Nearly all browsers have a feature that sends your geographical location to sites you visit, in theory to provide you with more relevant, useful experiences – for example, so a flight comparison site automatically knows where you’re booking from, or so Google can return with nearby search results. However, advertisers or sites can use that very same information to add to that ad profile of you.

What to do: Deny location requests from websites where it isn’t vital. While the default option is always opt-in, i.e., your browser will ask you the first time a website wants your location, you can also disable the feature entirely:

Chrome – Preferences > Settings > Advanced > Content settings, and choose to either disallow any site to track your physical location, or ask when a site wants to track.

Safari – Preferences > Privacy, where you can disable location services, or let each website make a request.

Firefox – Type “about:config” in the URL bar, then “geo.enabled”. Double-click to disable location entirely. Otherwise, Firefox always asks before sending your location to a website.

Microsoft Edge – You don't set this using the Edge browser. You'll need to turn off location tracking using your computer's main Settings > Privacy and then scroll down to Choose apps that can use your precise location and toggle Microsoft Edge to Off. 

Microsoft location tracking

Search anonymously

Google accounts for 93% of U.S. search traffic, with billions of search queries processed each month. It uses this data to deliver ever more personalized search results, which are highly relevant for most of us, but it also creates a bubble of you-centric search that could prevent you from seeing certain webpages based on what you've clicked on in the past.

What to do: You can turn off Google's personalized search by hitting Search Tools > All Results > Verbatim. To prevent your searches being tracked – and affecting the ads you're shown – switch to a private search engine such as DuckDuckGo.

Stop Google tracking you

Thanks its varied combination of services – Gmail, Calendar, Google+, YouTube, Search – Google is in a unique position to build a profile of who you are, what you like and what you do online. Its unified privacy policy means that it can track you across all its services – including scanning your email  - and use the information cross-product to personalize your experience. The pros are handy things like getting location-specific calendar reminders, but the cons include targeted ads based on your email content or your picture turning up on items you've liked while logged into Google+.

What to do: Opt out of “shared endorsement” in ads and turn off ad personalization (you'll still be shown ads, but they won't be targeted). Finally, download the Google Analytics Browser Add-on to stop Google Analytics using data on your movements to create profiles for its ad partners

Stop social sites figuring you out

It's no secret that social network sites have amassed a huge amount of information on us based on what we do within their sites – things we like, people we click on most and what we search for. But sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn track users even after they've logged out of their accounts. One way is when you click on social media sharing buttons, such as a Facebook Like button, or a Twitter share button. But even if you don't share content, the very act of visiting a webpage that contains such buttons sends the information back to the mothership, allowing advertisers to continue showing the same ad to someone who has visited their webpage and left (perhaps because they browsed but didn't buy).

Facebook, which operates its own mobile ad network, uses an alternative to a tracker called a conversion pixel that advertisers use to track how many clicks or sales they receive. The information goes back to Facebook, regardless of whether the advertiser's site had a Facebook button on it.

What to do: Head to Facebook's Settings / Adverts to control whether ads are targeted based on your clicks in and out of Facebook; for Twitter, Settings / Security and Privacy, then uncheck the box for “Tailor ads...”; for LinkedIn, Privacy & Settings / Account / Manage Advertising Preferences.

(You can check out our giant guide to Facebook privacy settings too.)

In each of these cases, you won't receive ads based on your browsing, but you'll still be tracked, ostensibly for security reasons. (However, some sites, including Twitter, honor the Do Not Track setting found in your browser's privacy settings, which means they will not log your presence at their site.)

Opt out of tracking

Every site on the internet is embedded with tracking cookies in the various pieces of content they contain – for example, ads, comment boxes, sponsored links. These cookies are placed by different ad networks comprised of myriad advertisers who get data on what sites you click on within particular ad networks. This data is then used to create a profile that’s shared among the members of an ad network so they can target advertising based on your perceived preferences and habits.

What to do: Head into your browser’s privacy settings and turn on Do Not Track. To minimize data collection on your web movements further, you can also opt-out of tracking at Network Advertising Initiative and Digital Advertising Alliance, by any advertisers who are part of these organizations. You can also opt-out directly at major ad networks including BlueKai and Acxiom. You’ll still see ads - but they won’t be targeted.  

Block all trackers

Opting out can stop you being tracked by many sites, but many more may not honor such requests. Anti-tracker browser plugins can prevent these cookies from “following” you around the internet.

What to do: Download an anti-tracker plugin such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation's Privacy Badger, Ghostery, or Disconnect, which blocks tracking cookies to prevent ad analytics companies from building a grand profile of just where you like to go on the internet.

Disable Java and unused plugins

Plug-ins are downloadable, tiny programs that enhance your browser’s capabilities, for example, playing certain video or animations. (These are not to be confused with browser Extensions, which are essentially web pages that load information within another web page.) Unfortunately, two of the most commonly required plugins, Adobe Flash and Java, are also to blame for exposing identifying details about your browser.

In particular, Java is well-known to “fingerprint” a browser by displaying to sites a glut of identifying details such as IP address, fonts downloaded and more.

What to do: Since plugins are also a common way for malware to find its way into a browser, it’s not a bad idea to disable them, particularly lesser-used ones. And, where once the vast majority of sites needed Java to run their various animations or interactive pieces, these days more and more sites are built using code that can be natively run by browsers.

Chrome:Settings > Privacy and security > site settings. There you'll find Java and Flash. We recommend that you set both the disable. If you use a site frequently that uses Flash or Java, you can add websites under Allow, so it will run just on approved sites. 

Firefox: Settings > Addons then select Plugins. You can choose to activate the plugins always, never, or only after asking permission.

Safari: Head to Preferences > Security > Plug-in Settings to turn each on or off.

Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings > Advanced. There you can turn off Flash. There is no support for Java.

If you receive messages on certain sites that you need to run these plug-ins, you may want to invest in a script-blocker extension such as  NoScript (Firefox) or ScriptNo (Chrome). These stop all Flash and Java by default, with options to build a whitelist of trusted sites that need these plugins.

Use a proxy network

All of the above options are great for dodging tracking cookies that can give marketers what they need to create incredibly detailed profiles of who you are. But you can still be tracked and identified via the IP address of your browser. IP addresses can identify your approximate location, as well as how often you visit particular sites.

To regain a little more anonymity, a virtual private network (VPN) masks your IP address and reassigns you a new one, so that you appear to be surfing from a separate location. Each time you log into the VPN, you get a new IP address, preventing people (such as your employer, say) from monitoring what websites you visit.

In countries where certain sites are banned, such as China, many people make use of VPNs to surf via IP addresses that appear to be from another country, in order to access social media including Facebook. Here in the U.S., it’s worth noting that the FBI has the power to hack any computer using a VPN.

What to do: Not all VPN services are created equal. Some do a far better job of protecting your privacy than others, offer faster speeds and better usability. Based on our own testing, as well as third-party analysis, such as PC Mag, we recommend NordVPN. Keep in mind that services like Netflix may not let you connect if you're using a VPN service. Check out our tips on how to use a VPN and still access Netflix. Using a VPN is also a good way to protect your data on public WiFi networks.

Download a private, anonymous browser

Plugins, proxies and remembering to turn on private browsing can make for a cumbersome web experience. If you're willing to give up the comfort of your favorite browser, you can download a whole new browser that offers all of the above features – including the ability to turn on a proxy network through a switch in the toolbar.

The Epic browser is based on the Chrome browser but with privacy settings dialed up so that third-party cookies are automatically blocked, search and browsing history is never logged, and trackers are always blocked. You'll still see ads, but you won't be tracked – and the homepage displays a fascinating counter showing how many trackers tried to log your movements today.

What to do: Get Epic Privacy Browser. Privacy doesn't necessarily come at the expense of convenience – you can enable auto-fill to complete web forms with previously entered data (assuming it isn't a problem that someone else with access to your computer sees this), and though passwords can't be saved within your accounts' sign-in forms, you can download a password extension that does the work for you. 

Tor https explanation from EFF

Click for interactive graphic from the EFF

Go dark with TOR

For the deepest level of anonymity, check out the TOR browser, which distributes your internet traffic through a network of TOR servers (nodes) so that a website you visited can view only the IP address of the exiting node. Using TOR makes it very difficult for anyone to track you, but it does slow down browsing. For extra anonymity, TOR can be used in combination with VPN. TOR can be used for any kind of browsing that requires privacy and security, including visits to sites in the Deep Web not accessible by regular browsers. While these sites largely tend towards illegal activity and products, safe havens for whistle blowers and political dissidents also exist – and TOR is one of the only ways they can be accessed.

Use digital currency

Purchasing things online is a great way to tie your identity to particular profiles and websites – after all, you're using your credit card details. If you don't want certain purchases associated with a profile – for example, maybe you want to make a private donation to a controversial site such as Wikileaks - you should consider using a digital currency such as Bitcoin, which, like cash, isn't tied to any identifying details about you. 

However, because bitcoin transactions are public, a determined sleuth could track specific amounts to eventually build a profile about who's spending it – and tie it back to an individual. A growing crop of anonymity-focused digital currencies are rising, such as are rising, such as Zcash, which has a market cap of 331 million. However, it's not as widely accepted as Bitcoin (which itself isn't exactly the next Mastercard).

At the end of the day, staying anonymous online takes extreme effort – tech giants and service providers go to great pains to make It very convenient and easy for us to display our movements and profiles in exchange for a free service. While there are benefits to being tracked, perhaps the key issue today is for people to realize that not only are free services at the expense of our privacy, but that our information is valuable – and we should question every company that requests it, invisibly or not.

Updated with new recommendations 9/5/2019

[image credit: private browsing concept via BigStockPhoto, Microsoft, EFF]


Topics

Computers and Software, Internet & Networking, Computer Safety & Support, Tips & How-Tos, Privacy, Tech 101


Discussion loading

gravatar

From Louise on April 24, 2012 :: 1:13 pm


When asked if I want my login info to be remembered “for this site”,  will private browsing prevent this from happening.

It also begs another question.  Is someone picking up my login and password when I agree to this query?

Thanks.

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on April 24, 2012 :: 11:53 pm


Yes, private browsing will prevent storing of usernames and passwords. Though it’s possible certain third party id/password vaults may not recognize the private browsing function on certain browsers and ask to store usernames and passwords.

When you agree to the query, the username and password are stored on your computer. The information won’t be transmitted to anyone else, but other people who use your computer with the same login will have access to those usernames and passwords.

Reply

gravatar

From Pramanik on December 10, 2019 :: 6:20 pm


Despite the Settings being optimum,my P.B.in FF still shows the searches when I right Click on FF. Why is that and how to remedy this?

Reply

gravatar

From Tired Mom on October 11, 2017 :: 1:48 am


What can be done when someone steals your ID more than once?  Does anyone know what to do about this?  Do not trust
Do not trust anyone that uses sex to get what they want.

Reply

gravatar

From Baboon2 on May 10, 2020 :: 6:17 pm


Our dear parents used sex to get us .

Reply

gravatar

From Bordo on April 29, 2012 :: 1:18 pm


What do you think about this tool?
http://www.stayinvisible.com
A couple of times it detected my real IP even when I used proxy.

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on April 29, 2012 :: 9:53 pm


What proxy are you using? It couldn’t detect my info using the two proxy services we recommend above.

Reply

gravatar

From Rod @ Anonymous Browsing on April 30, 2012 :: 1:17 am


It should be noted that even without activity logs, your online activity can still be pinned to you with a court order.  Any legitimate VPN service is going to keep “time logs” or “time stamps” to keep track of time you sign in and which IP addresses you use to locate abusive users (Spam, Cyber Crime, etc).

If an IP is associated with an activity that catches someones eye, and they contact your VPN service saying that X IP was doing Y activity, with a court order they can get your real IP and other personal information.  Happened with Lulzsec last year.  That was an example of catching a hacker, but with SOPA, PIPA, and ACTA, we might all be accused of some sort of cyber crime in the near future.

Reply

gravatar

From AB on May 12, 2012 :: 11:39 pm


CISPA is the new Patriot Act of the internet. All this privacy talk will be moot once providers are able to share your private and personal information freely without fear of repercussions. CISPA was fast tracked through the House of Representatives a week ago and all the big companies, especially the ones with your private info, are supporting it.

Reply

gravatar

From Mia Pray on June 21, 2012 :: 12:50 am


I use PirateRay to be anonymous and secure in the web.
The servers are protected and located in different countries of the world. This way I may unblock the sites if needed, hide my IP and privacy, download anything anonymously and be safe.

Reply

gravatar

From Genevieve Fontana on September 19, 2012 :: 4:25 am


I find it really funny that Christina admits Tor can be used by Government and hackers to steal your data and yet still recommends it. Tor and all of it’s flavors have been shown to have bad security many times over.. just do a google search. Tor is popular but has a lot of Hype with it.

There are now some good Free VPNs that offer unlimited bandwidth, fast speeds and keeps no logs, such as VPNDirect Lite or Spotflux. VPNDirect will even let you download torrents. These coupled with only using Https encrypted sites or using Https Everywhere, is the way to go IMO.

JT

Reply

gravatar

From Gurt on November 23, 2017 :: 2:24 pm


A VPN is not TOR, TOR is way more advanced then your run of the mill VPN and uses a special internet protocol. So you can’t really compare them because they aren’t the same.

Reply

gravatar

From sojan on September 25, 2012 :: 4:19 am


will it help not to save it to my wired network, i mean the urls i accessed?

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on September 25, 2012 :: 7:08 am


If you’re just using the private browsing setting on your browser, the URL would still be visible through your local network. However, using one of the other services (web proxy, Tor, or VPN) will also make your destination invisible to your local network. People sniffing your local network would be able to see that you’re using one of those services, but not the URL you’re visiting.

Reply

gravatar

From Ilaya on December 29, 2012 :: 3:44 am


how to save automatic my browsing website address to computer?

1. i am browsing for http://www.google.com

2. this address automatically save my computer in any location.

its possible my computer settings or i am using any one technology.

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on January 02, 2013 :: 1:30 am


Hi Ilaya,

I’m not clear on what question you’re asking. Do you want to save a website to your computer? That is, bookmark it? Or are you asking how your computer saves the addresses of which sites you visit and how to prevent that?

Reply

gravatar

From CJ on January 23, 2013 :: 12:26 pm


Update: just click on Firefox and select Start Private Browsing.

Reply

gravatar

From lexa on March 09, 2013 :: 8:17 pm


ye sure, look at this security tests https://www.browserleaks.com/ and this https://www.torproject.org/projects/torbrowser/design/, many of described things can leak even many of described things can leak in private browsing mode.

Reply

gravatar

From Beth on July 04, 2013 :: 7:37 pm


I am wondering if you can tell me if there is anyway to block anonymous browsers from visiting my website? I am not especially tech savvy. Thank you

Reply

gravatar

From PhootThaiMaiDai on July 23, 2013 :: 4:01 am


If our personal data, searches, purchases, etc are being stored by government agencies or third parties, I would think there should be some protocol to accessing your own file? How would we go about that? Any ideas? 

Curious what the they have compiled with my name on it, and who they’ve constructed me to be…

Reply

gravatar

From Anonymous on October 23, 2014 :: 8:51 am


TWO rules to succeed with it :

1. Never tell everythings

Reply

gravatar

From Laura Hopkins on April 20, 2016 :: 3:30 am


By surfing anonymously, no one knows who you are, where you’re connecting from or what sites you are visiting. You should check the features that Hide My IP provides. It’s good to not rely on Free ways.

Reply

gravatar

From James Potter on June 02, 2016 :: 4:37 am


I agree with all the things you mentioned in this article except proxy service. It is better to use a VPN like Ivacy VPN instead of a proxy service. Moreover, if a user use TOR he will not even need proxy service.

Reply

gravatar

From Tiffancy Francis on July 15, 2016 :: 6:14 am


I can highly recommend PureVPN. They offer secure VPN connections and anonymous IP if you want to use it.

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on July 15, 2016 :: 8:35 am


We have a huge deal in our Techlicious Deals store for a lifetime subscription to PureVPN. You can find it here: https://deals.techlicious.com/sales/lifetime-of-purevpn

Reply

gravatar

From Asr on October 19, 2017 :: 7:26 am


Are lifetime VPN subscriptions sustainable? As far as I know running a VPN service involves a lot of resources and costs.

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on October 19, 2017 :: 11:29 am


Lifetime subscriptions are usually done as a promotion to build up a critical mass of users, but are often in addition to subscription services the company offers. So a company that offers a lifetime subscription isn’t necessarily more or less sustainable. However, I would compare that lifetime cost with the monthly cost so you’re comfortable in case the VPN does go under.

On another note, we just learned that PureVPN assisted the FBI in tracing down a cyberstalker. They were able to do this because, despite claims on their site that they “do not keep any logs”, they do, in fact, keep logs of user access to the service. They provided this information to the FBI and the FBI was able to correlate those access timestamps with the timing of the harassing activity. Because PureVPN is not being truthful to its users and is logging information that could be used against them, we strongly recommend not using PureVPN.

Instead, we recommend NordVPN, which we’ve tested and has received very strong reviews from PC Mag and others. You can learn more here: https://go.nordvpn.net/SHMb.
(Disclosure: we have an affiliate relationship with NordVPN)

gravatar

From D on August 05, 2016 :: 11:58 am


I understand how to affect history, cookies, etc on my specific PC.  What I want to know is if there is a way to browse the internet where my home network won’t “know” where I’ve been, what I’ve been looking at, etc.

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on August 05, 2016 :: 12:02 pm


Using either Tor or a VPN will prevent the network you are using from seeing what sites you are visiting.

Reply

gravatar

From D on August 05, 2016 :: 1:01 pm


Sorry, just wanted to clarify…..when I asked about the network, I mean my home network.  I am connected to the network and going out through an ISP.  I don’t think a VPN is an option for me, but will Tor keep my home network from logging/storing any browsing info?

Reply

gravatar

From D on August 05, 2016 :: 2:01 pm


Thank you, sir.  I appreciate your taking time to explain it to me.

gravatar

From John on March 15, 2017 :: 8:43 am


Natasha/Josh,

I agree with you on many parts of this article - especially on disabling Java (huge security loopholes still in 2017) and using proxies/VPN-s to hide IP and keep your data secure.

I haven’t used Epic Privacy Browser, but it seems like a solid browser. For your information, NSS conducted a test in 2016 to find out most secure browsers (more information on that here: https://thebestvpn.com/safe-internet-browsing/) and Microsoft Edge came out as a winner, Chrome was second, Mozilla third.

So here’s my question: Is Epic Browser also possible to use as an “add-on” on Microsoft Edge?

John
In y

Reply

gravatar

From Bazoonga on October 21, 2019 :: 6:13 pm


No,John,it’s not possible to use Epic as an add-on.
I use this exclusively.They are now going to release an android version as well.The existing Epic Privacy on android isn’t the same.

I rarely use Firefox now but the Search Option can be changed.Use DuckDuckGo there.
Also,there is a possibility to harden FF for privacy and security. https://vikingvpn.com/cybersecurity-wiki/browser-security/guide-hardening-mozilla-firefox-for-privacy-and-security

I hope this helps.

Reply

gravatar

From Greg Williams on March 29, 2017 :: 8:48 pm


I do not have a computer,but do have a Samsung smartphone and tablet, so what about us. I will probably never own a computer because of all the added problems they introduce out weighing the advantages. So what can we do to ensure our privacy?

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on March 30, 2017 :: 1:07 am


Many VPNs offer an app that protects mobile browsing, as well. I’ve tested NordVPN on my Android phone and found that it works pretty well.  You can learn more here: https://go.nordvpn.net/SHMb.
(Disclosure: we have an affiliate relationship with NordVPN)

Reply

gravatar

From Wayne Terrysson on July 31, 2017 :: 2:13 am


Many people worry about safety when surfing the internet. If you want to browse the internet anonymously and securely, you have to start using either free or paid proxy. A proxy hides your original IP address and protects your important data.

Reply

gravatar

From ts on August 06, 2017 :: 10:01 am


ive been trying to find a free proxy thats genuine. if anyone knows any that are widely available thatd be gr8 m8

Reply

gravatar

From Danh Hào on October 30, 2017 :: 3:24 am


hi Natasha.
I agree with all of the things you mentioned in this article except for the proxy service. It is better to use a VPN like Ivacy VPN instead of a proxy service. Also, if a user uses TOR, he does not even need a proxy service.
I am a programmer and very in need of security and privacy. I’ve created a lot of wepsite and the biggest is the Game page. Thanks to the article I can protect the privacy of the browser as well as many of my Ip pages.

Reply

gravatar

From Mark on February 27, 2018 :: 5:20 am


If you are not technically savvy on computer, you might not correctly implement the configuration provided above. There are indeed available proxy browsers you can choose from such as whoer or proxy-site.site..

However, use at your own risk.

Reply

gravatar

From Sum Wan on July 11, 2018 :: 5:35 am


Why do you have to make your font so goddamn tiny?I have to increase to 150% and it’s still ridiculously tiny. WTF would anyone choose to read your stuipd blog? I didn’t!

Reply

gravatar

From Ann Onymous on December 12, 2018 :: 11:43 pm


Tor does NOT protect anonymity.
Look for other alternatives.

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on December 13, 2018 :: 10:27 am


Tor does protect anonymity. There are some steps you need to be aware of to ensure full protection (https://www.torproject.org/about/overview.html.en#stayinganonymous) but, overall, Tor provides a very high level of anonymity. If there are some specific weaknesses you want to highlight, it would be helpful for you to do that rather than a blanket (and incorrect) statement about its usefulness.

Reply

gravatar

From James on December 21, 2018 :: 11:06 pm


TOR is not actually anonymous as the exit nodes are hosted by many government organizations. Everyone is free to host a tor exit node, so why wouldn’t the government with a lot of money with the intention of spying on citizen host as many nodes as they can? exit nodes have to know where the connection are coming from.

Epic browser is not private like they claim, their browser ranks very bad on EFF’s panopticlick test. https://panopticlick.eff.org. Also who knows what their proxy servers hold as they cannot sustain being a free browser. Also, their extension can be ported to any other chromium browser, https://www.jucktion.com/epic-proxy-extension-chrome-chromium.

You also forgot to mention DNS over TLS. Also mentioning pi-hole would help users.

Reply

gravatar

From John on January 10, 2019 :: 3:31 pm


How do I mask the fact that I am using a VPN?
Regards John

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on January 11, 2019 :: 12:34 pm


It depends who you are trying to mask it from. If you are trying to mask it from someone monitoring your local network, that is tricky because they would be able to track that you are routing out to a VPN IP address. I don’t know of a good way to hide that, except to use TOR as a substitute - perhaps one of our other readers has a suggestion, If you are trying to mask it from the end site, you could use TOR over VPN, in which case the end site would see the TOR node IP address, not the VPN IP address.

Reply

gravatar

From John on January 11, 2019 :: 1:41 pm


A little back ground. I am an Amazon prime member I am also a serviceman Stationed overseas. I use an APO address for snail mail which Amazon has. I use a local Isp address. I used to enjoy watching Amazon Prime movies and used a VPN to watch them. About 18 months ago Amazon said I could no longer watch movies if I use a VPN and of course if I don’t use a Vpn then I can’t either. I have spoken to them a half dozen times or more to with negative results. And that is why I want to mask that I am using a VPN. Are there other serviceman or women who have the same problem and what do you do. I guess thank you for your service doesn’t wash with Amazon?? John APO AP

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on January 11, 2019 :: 2:28 pm


That context is helpful. Ideally, the gov should create its own VPN network that allows service members to connect from overseas bases, and then make sure that VPN is whitelisted with Amazon. But until that happens…

One option is to VPN shop. Try the free version of various VPNs to see which haven’t yet been blocked by Amazon. Though even if you find one, it may get blocked in the future.

A more permanent solution may be to set up your own VPN with a family member here the the US.  I’m assuming that Amazon is blocking VPNs by using known VPN IP addresses or because it sees many users coming in through through the same IP address and blocks it. So creating your own VPN would avoid this issue.

Setting up a VPN isn’t rocket science, though it is for those more comfortable with technology. Some routers already have the capability baked in. I’m not an expert in this area, but if you do a Google search on creating your own VPN, you’ll find plenty of advice out there.

Reply

gravatar

From Nick on July 11, 2019 :: 10:21 pm


Natasha thanks for the Help.  Good job.  Good job.  So, how do I find incognito mode now?  Thank you Natasha.

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on July 12, 2019 :: 1:59 pm


You can open a private/incognito window for each browser either using the browser’s menu or with a keyboard shortcut.

Keyboard shortcut for private browser window:
Firefox: Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+P
Chrome: Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+N
Safari: Safari/Private Browsing
IE/Edge: Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+P

Menu option for private browser window:
Chrome – Click on the wrench in the far upper right of your screen, then “New Incognito Window.”
Firefox – Click on “Tools” then “Start Private Browsing.”
IE – Click on the tools cog in the far upper right of your screen, then “Safety” and “InPrivate Browsing.”
Edge – Click on the hamburger menu in the far upper right of your screen, then “New InPrivate Window.”
Safari – Click on “Safari”, then “Private Browsing.”

Reply

gravatar

From Raymond elliott on November 27, 2019 :: 4:28 pm


Remove all hackers and spywear

Reply

Read More Comments: 1 2

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.