Your IP address is assigned by the Internet Service Provider to your device whenever you connect to the internet. You may get a static IP address or a dynamic IP address, but this depends on the kind of internet access that you have. Since your IP address is unique, if a particular website bans it for some reason, you won’t be able to access that website. If someone else was misusing the website and you just happen to share the IP address, it can be unfair to be blocked from your favorite website. There are different reasons why an IP address may get banned. Some websites may ban an IP address simply because the incorrect login details were entered multiple times and the website is trying to prevent possible fraud.
Another reason why the IP address may get banned from some websites is that there are multiple accounts created using that same IP address. This is not allowed in some cases and it may result in the IP address being banned. Another case in which a ban may be placed on the IP is when the computer or network you are using is compromised with malware. Maybe, unknown to you, there have been spam emails being sent from that IP address. Of course, if you were acting against the terms of service or rules of the service or website, your IP address may get banned. In the case of a game server, if you are caught cheating or breaking the rules, you are likely to get banned.
What to do if you IP address is banned?
If you broke the rules or did something that lead to your IP address getting banned, it is advisable to contact the website admins first to try to solve the situation. If you were unfairly banned and they don’t fix the problem, there is something that you can do to get around the ban. By changing your IP address, you will be able to defeat the blocks. You can manually change your IP address, if this is something that your modem/router or computer allows. Alternatively, you can use a VPN service. Let’s start with the manual method to change your IP address.
Changing your IP address in Windows
The first thing to do, if you are connecting via ADSL line is to disconnect and then connect again. You can also reset the modem/router. If you are using a cable connection, you can follow these steps:
- Go to Start
- Type cmd or click on Run
- Type: ipconfig /release and then ipconfig /renew
That is all, now you will be able to modify the IP address in Windows.
Changing your IP address on Mac
- Close all the applications that are connected to the internet
- Go to System Preferences
- Go to View menu and choose Network
- Go to the Show menu and select Active Network Ports
- Now, deselect the checkbox for the port you are using to connect to the internet
- Hit Apply Now, select again the port checkbox and click Apply Now again
The above should help you to manually change the IP address in your Mac computer. However, if the manual methods for Mac and Windows are not working for you, there is something else you can try.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and its is a technology that supports point-to-point connection online, routing your internet traffic to secure servers. The VPN access the internet before transferring the data or information back to you. With a VPN, it is possible to change your IP address, all you need to do is to run the VPN in your device and connect to a server and your real IP address will be replace with the server’s. Apart from allowing you to mask your IP address, a VPN encrypts your online data, which means that other parties (including your ISP), won’t be able to see what you do on the internet.
By changing your IP address, a VPN can also help you to overcome geographical restrictions. You can connect to a server in a different country and enjoy content that is not available in your location. For instance, you will be able to overcome restrictions in game servers and play online games that are only available in other regions. With a VPN, you will be able to unblock websites and services that are blocked in your location. This technology gives you freedom to access streaming platforms, games, blogs, apps and anything else that may be blocked in your location.
What VPNs should you use?
There are many VPN services available in the market since more and more people are looking for ways to bypass blocks and enjoy protection for their privacy when they are connected to the internet. Choosing the best VPN can be challenging since there are many options in the market, but in order to enjoy high security, fast speeds and reliable performance, it is important to opt for a good quality solution. The below providers are known for offering strong protection and advanced technology to help you to overcome blocks and access your favorite content without issues.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a provide that offers top security and since it is a zero logs solution, it is ideal for people who are mainly concerned about online privacy. Apart from supporting advanced security features like Tor over VPN and double VPN encryption, NordVPN has fast servers in over 60 countries and it supports up to 6 simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN
One of the most popular names in the industry and with good reason. ExpressVPN offers a high quality VPN solution that protects your online activities from prying eyes. They allow you to connect to servers in over 90 countries and thanks to the impressive speed of the service, you will be able to overcome restrictions seamlessly.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is in charge of its own network of servers, which allows the provider to ensure that its customers ensure a secure and fast service. There are over 200,000 IP addresses available and you can connect to servers in more than 70 global locations. VyprVPN also offers strong security to keep your data protected against attacks and eavesdroppers.
Private Internet Access
PIA is another well-known name in the VPN industry, thanks to a combination of convenience, low pricing and strong security. Features like kill switch, protection against DNS leaks and a practical SOCKS5 proxy, are included when you subscribe to PIA and the plans are very affordable. You can connect to thousands of servers in nearly 30 countries.
