When you buy crypto, join a wallet, or even visit a blockchain site, your IP address, a unique number assigned to your device when it connects to the internet. Also known as internet protocol address, it acts like a digital fingerprint that reveals where you are, what network you’re on, and sometimes even who you are. Most people don’t realize that every time they interact with a crypto exchange, airdrop site, or DeFi platform, their IP is logged—often by the platform itself, but also by third-party trackers, advertisers, and even government agencies. This isn’t just about ads. In countries like Russia, Iran, or Jordan, where crypto is restricted or monitored, your IP can get you blocked, flagged, or worse.
That’s why tools like VPNs, virtual private networks that mask your real IP by routing traffic through another location. Also known as virtual private network, they are essential for bypassing censorship and hiding your digital footprint. and non-custodial wallets, wallets you control without handing over your keys to a company. Also known as self-custody wallets, they reduce the need to share personal data with exchanges. have become lifelines. Look at Iran: users there rely on DAI on Polygon and Tor-enabled browsers to avoid banking blocks. Russia’s P2P traders use cash pickups and local payment apps to sidestep KYC checks that tie transactions to their IP. Even in places like Portugal, where crypto is tax-friendly, your IP can still be used to track your activity if you’re not careful. The truth? If you’re not hiding your IP, you’re not truly anonymous in crypto.
It’s not just about avoiding surveillance—it’s about control. Your IP tells companies what country you’re in, which affects what tokens you can access, what fees you pay, and even whether you’re allowed to trade at all. That’s why platforms like Interdax and Kim v4 offer no-KYC trading: they know full well that if they collect your IP, they’re inviting legal risk. Meanwhile, fake airdrops like BXH Unifarm or AST.finance often ask for your IP under the guise of "verification," just to build a list of targets for phishing later. Spotting these traps starts with understanding how IP tracking works—and how to stop it.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how people in restricted countries use crypto without getting tracked, how to pick exchanges that don’t log your IP, and how to use tools like decentralized networks and privacy layers to stay hidden. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.
IP address tracking and geolocation verification can link your crypto wallet to your real identity-even if you never used your name. Learn how it works, which coins are vulnerable, and what you can do to protect yourself.