Step-by-Step Guide on Using Python and Tor to Change Your IP Address

Using Python with Tor (The Onion Router) can effectively change IPs. This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to make it. After reading the blog, we hope you can know how to set up Tor, configure it properly, and write a Python script to control dynamic IP changes. Let’s start!

What Is Tor and How Does It Work?

Tor is an open-source software that can anonymize your internet traffic by routing it through a network of volunteer-operated servers called nodes. Each time your traffic passes through these nodes, your IP address appears as if from a different location, masking your real identity.

The Tor network is widely used for:

• Anonymizing online activity.
• Bypassing regional restrictions.
• Enhancing privacy when browsing the web.

Tor usually automatically assigns a new IP address when you connect. With some extra configuration and Python scripting, you can take control and request new IP addresses programmatically whenever needed.

Why Use Python to Change IP Address with Tor?

While Tor is powerful, integrating it with Python offers additional flexibility and automation.

• Automation: You can automatically change IP addresses without manual intervention.
• Control: You can programmatically request a new IP address whenever required.

This is particularly useful for tasks like web scraping without IP bans, testing applications from different IP locations, and enhancing privacy on sensitive projects.

Python’s wide range of libraries, particularly the Stem library, makes it easy to interact with Tor’s control interface.

Prerequisites for Using Python and Tor to Change Your IP

Before we start, you’ll need the following tools and software:

1. Tor Browser or Tor Service

Install Tor on your system. Download Tor here.

You’ll also need to configure Tor to allow control connections (explained below).

2. Python

Install Python 3.x. You can download it from Python.org.

3. Stem Library

This is a Python library for interacting with Tor’s control protocol. Install it using pip:

For copy:

pip install stem

4. Requests Library

To make HTTP requests through the Tor network:

For copy:

pip install requests

How to Configure Tor for IP Rotation

Before we can use Python to interact with Tor, we must configure Tor to allow external control. This involves editing the torrc file, which is Tor’s configuration file.

Step 1: Locate the torrc File

The torrc file is where you define Tor’s behavior. Its location depends on your operating system:

• Windows: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Tor\torrc
• macOS/Linux: /etc/tor/torrc or ~/.torrc

Step 2: Edit the torrc File

Add the following lines to enable the control port and set a password:

For copy:

ControlPort 9051

HashedControlPassword <your_hashed_password>

Here’s what these settings mean:

• ControlPort 9051: Enables Tor’s control port, which allows external programs to send commands.
• HashedControlPassword: Protects the control port with a password. You can generate a hashed password using the tor --hash-password command.

Step 3: Restart Tor

After editing the torrc file, restart the Tor service to apply the changes.

Python Script to Change IP Address Using Tor

Now that Tor is configured, let’s write a Python script to automate IP changes. This script will:

1. Connect to Tor's control port.

2. Authenticate using the control password.

3. Request a new IP address.

4. Verify the new IP address.

Full Python Script

For copy:

from stem import Signal

from stem.control import Controller

import requests

# Function to request a new IP address through Tor

def change_ip():

    with Controller.from_port(port=9051) as controller:

        controller.authenticate(password='your_password')  # Replace with your control password

        controller.signal(Signal.NEWNYM)  # Send the NEWNYM signal to get a new IP address

# Function to get the current IP address through Tor

def get_current_ip():

    # Proxies to route traffic through Tor

    proxy = {

        'http': 'socks5h://127.0.0.1:9050',

        'https': 'socks5h://127.0.0.1:9050',

    }

    try:

        response = requests.get('https://api.ipify.org?format=json', proxies=proxy)

        return response.json()['ip']  # Extract the IP address from response

    except Exception as e:

        return str(e)  # Return the error if something goes wrong

if __name__ == "__main__":

    print("Current IP:", get_current_ip())  # Print the current IP

    change_ip()  # Change IP address

print("New IP:", get_current_ip())  # Print the new IP address

How It Works:

1. get_current_ip() sends an HTTP request through Tor to check the current IP address.

2. change_ip() sends a signal to Tor’s control port to request a new IP address.

3. The script prints your current IP, changes it, and then prints the new IP.

Tips on Using Tor and Python to Change IP Addresses

To ensure smooth operation, please follow:

1. Avoid Overuse: Changing your IP address too frequently can raise flags and even slow Tor’s network.

2. Handle Errors Gracefully: Ensure your script handles errors, for example, connection timeouts or failure to change IP.

3. Respect Website Policies: If you’re using this for web scraping, comply with the website’s terms of service.

4. Test Your Setup: Before deploying, test the script to confirm that the IP change works as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to fix them:

1. Tor Control Port Connection Error

Ensure the control port (9051) is open and the password is correctly configured in the torrc file.

2. IP Not Changing

Tor might assign you the same IP for exit nodes limited. Wait a few seconds before requesting a new IP.

3. Requests Not Routing Through Tor

Check that your Python script uses the correct proxy settings (socks5h://127.0.0.1:9050).

Conclusion

Using Python and Tor to change your IP address can efficiently enhance your online privacy and anonymity. For easier solutions, you could consider integrating rotating proxies into your workflow. This combination will provide better security and flexibility. Ideal for web scraping and accessing geo-restricted content. 

If you are looking for proxies to improve your work, consider reliable providers like MacroProxy. Quality proxies at reasonable prices. You can get a free test chance before payment to check the effectiveness.