Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has the ability to track your online activity, monitor the websites you visit, and even sell your browsing data to advertisers. If you value your online privacy, here’s how to stop your ISP from tracking you.
How Does Your ISP Track You?
Your ISP can:
✔️ Monitor the websites you visit.
✔️ Track your IP address and online behavior.
✔️ Log your browsing history (unless prohibited by law).
✔️ Sell anonymized data to advertisers.
🔴 Even Incognito Mode or Private Browsing does NOT stop your ISP from tracking you!
Best Ways to Prevent ISP Tracking
1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) – Best Solution
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it unreadable to your ISP.
✔️ Hides your IP address and location.
✔️ Encrypts your data, preventing ISP snooping.
✔️ Bypasses censorship and geo-restrictions.
🛠️ How to Set Up a VPN:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a secure server to encrypt your traffic.
How to Stop Your ISP from Tracking You
2. Use Tor Browser for Anonymity
Tor (The Onion Router) routes your traffic through multiple servers, making it hard for your ISP to track you.
✔️ Best for anonymous browsing.
✔️ Hides your identity using multi-layer encryption.
🚨 Warning: Tor slows down internet speed and some websites block Tor users.
3. Use Encrypted DNS (DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS)
By default, your ISP resolves domain names, allowing them to track your activity. Using an encrypted DNS prevents this.
🛠️ How to Enable Encrypted DNS:
- Google Chrome & Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Use Secure DNS.
- Firefox: Enable DNS over HTTPS in Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Windows 11: Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Network Settings.
🚀 Best Encrypted DNS Providers:
✔️ Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
✔️ Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4)
✔️ Quad9 (9.9.9.9)
4. Switch to a Privacy-Focused ISP
Some ISPs, like ProtonVPN or Mullvad, do NOT log browsing data. Check if your country has privacy-friendly ISPs.
✔️ No-logs policy
✔️ Stronger encryption
✔️ No data selling
🔴 Problem? Most users are stuck with major ISPs that track data. In this case, use a VPN + Encrypted DNS.
5. Use a Privacy-Focused Browser
Regular browsers (Chrome, Edge) still allow some tracking. Switch to:
✔️ Brave Browser – Built-in ad blocker & Tor integration.
✔️ Firefox (Hardened) – Privacy-focused with anti-tracking settings.
✔️ DuckDuckGo Browser – Blocks trackers by default.
BONUS: Extra Privacy Tips
✅ Use HTTPS Everywhere (enabled by default in modern browsers).
✅ Turn on Do Not Track (DNT) – though not all websites respect it.
✅ Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal instead of SMS.
✅ Avoid using ISP-provided email services – they can be monitored.
Conclusion
To stop ISP tracking, your best defense is a VPN + Encrypted DNS + Private Browser. By implementing these privacy measures, you can browse securely without your ISP monitoring your activity.
Take control of your online privacy today!