It’s definitely uncomfortable to think that unknown entities are keeping tabs on your every move.

Is someone tracking you online?

The short answer is yes many websites, advertisers, and even internet providers track your activity.

How to Browse the Web Anonymously: Completely Free Tools

Short on Time?

Beyond privacy, a VPN also helps bypass geo-restrictions, letting you securely access your favorite content from anywhere.

My recommendation is ExpressVPN for its military-grade encryption, excellent speeds, and audited no-logs policy.

Screenshot of the DuckDuckGo browser download page

There are several options, including DuckDuckGo, Tor, Firefox, and Brave.

With these browsers, you’ve got the option to limit the amount of data websites collect.

Step 1.Open your online window, navigate to theDuckDuckGo download page, and choose theDownloadbutton.

A screenshot of DuckDuckGo installation

Step 2.After the download is finished, choose it to pop swing open the setup file.

Proceed with the installation by clicking on theInstallbutton.

Step 3.With the installation done, you might start using the DuckDuckGo surfing app and surf the web privately.

A screenshot of DuckDuckGo

In Chrome, you could also open a new tab and search forchrome://parameters/search.

Step 2.Click onChange, grab the search engine from the list, and tap theSet as defaultbutton.

Chrome doesnt let you add a search engine of your choice, so I recommend selecting DuckDuckGo.

A screenshot of Chrome’s search engine settings

The best services also offer encryption for added privacy.

That way, your email activity cant be linked back to you either.

By randomizing your MAC address, you prevent networks from recognizing your gear over multiple sessions.

Screenshot of Chrome’s search engine list

This keeps your identity hidden and prevents your movements from being tracked based on your gear identifiers.

Step 1.Press theWindows keyto openSearch.

In the search bar provided, search for the WiFi prefs and punch the first result.

Screenshot of BugMeNot

Heres how:

6.

Secure browsers like DuckDuckGo, Brave, or Tor come with WebGL disabled by default.

Step 1.Press theWindows keyto openSearch.

Screenshot of BugMeNot logins

In the search bar provided, typePrivacy Settingsand choose the first result.

Click onPersonalized Adsin the top right corner and tap onTurn offin the tab that appears.

For Android/iPhone.Go toSettingsand search forAdsin the search box provided.

Screenshot of the Windows search bar

Tap onAds > Ads privacy > Ad topics, and turn off the toggle forAllow ad topics.

For macOS.hit the Apple menu from the desktop and thenSystem configs.

After the parameters are loaded, clickPrivacy & Securityand then turn off the toggle next toPersonalized ads.

Screenshot of the Windows WiFi settings

For iPhone/iPad.OpenSettingsand tap onPrivacy and Security.

Now, scroll down, tap onApple Advertising, and turn off the toggle forPersonalised Ads.

To access regular websites, you would need an outproxy, but this compromises anonymity.

Screenshot of the Android settings to change your MAC address type

I2P can also be slow because of the amount of encryption and rerouting.

For the everyday user, a VPN is probably an easier and more practical solution.

Third parties can use this information or even leak it in data breaches, exposing personal details.

Screenshot of the Windows search looking for privacy settings

For example, I chose uBlock Origin.

Step 2.hit the extension from the results.

Once loaded, tapAdd to Chrometo install it.

Screenshot of Windows' General settings

How Does Web Tracking Work?

Your search engine history can be tracked too.

Whats the Difference Between Privacy and Anonymity?

Screenshot of Google’s My Ad Center

You still have an identity online, but what you do with it is kept hidden.

With this, you might browse without leaving any trace that could be used to identify you.

How Do I look to see if Im Anonymous Online?

Screenshot of Android Ad topics

After implementing the recommended methods to stay anonymous online, you might be wondering if youve truly achieved anonymity.

Likewise, VPN encryption hides your DNS requests from your ISP.

To test for leaks, use anIP address test tool.These tools scan for exposed IP or DNS information.

Screenshot of Apple’s advertising settings

A WebRTC leak leaves you vulnerable to tracking.

This method can be used to identify you, even if youre using a VPN.

Check your fingerprint usingamiunique.orgorpanopticlick.eff.org.These sites show how trackable your net internet ride is.

Screenshot of Apple’s advertising settings

If your net online gate has a highly unique fingerprint, you’re easier to track.

Privacy browsers likeDuckDuckGo and Tor block tracking cookies automatically.

It’s better touse a secure surfing app to stay anonymous.

Screenshot of Chrome’s web store search

Is there a completely anonymous net net app?

Can I use a free VPN to stay anonymous online?

At worst, they can log your online activity or sell your data to third parties.

Screenshot of uBlock Origin installation

For better security and anonymity, its recommended touse premium VPNs with trustworthy money-back guarantees.

Conclusion

Achieving full anonymity online isnt easy, but its definitely possible with the right approach.My advice?

References

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

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Visit ExpressVPN

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Screenshot of the DuckDuckGo browser download page

A screenshot of DuckDuckGo installation

A screenshot of DuckDuckGo

A screenshot of Chrome’s search engine settings

Screenshot of Chrome’s search engine list

Screenshot of BugMeNot

Screenshot of BugMeNot logins

Screenshot of the Windows search bar

Screenshot of the Windows WiFi settings

Screenshot of the Android settings to change your MAC address type

Screenshot of the Windows search looking for privacy settings

Screenshot of Windows' General settings

Screenshot of Google’s My Ad Center

Screenshot of Android Ad topics

Screenshot of Apple’s advertising settings

Screenshot of Apple’s advertising settings

Screenshot of Chrome’s web store search

Screenshot of uBlock Origin installation