IP Pinning & Rotation: What It Is and How to Set It Up
Introducing IP Pinning and Rotation: Two innovative features designed to give you more control, privacy, and freedom while using Windscribe. Whether you're dealing with frustrating logins, security questions, or site bans, these features make your browsing experience smoother.
What is IP Pinning?
IP Pinning is like having a VIP seat reserved for you at your favorite sites. With IP Pinning, you can lock your VPN connection to a specific IP address every time you connect. This ensures you won't be flagged for logging in from a new location each time, which can often trigger extra security steps like answering security questions, verifying your identity, or even getting locked out.
It’s perfect for sites that need consistency, like your bank or a remote work dashboard. Instead of being treated like a stranger each time you connect, your IP is recognized, and your browsing experience is seamless.
IP Rotation, on the other hand, allows you to keep the same location while switching to a new IP address instantly, without needing to disconnect from your VPN. This is incredibly useful if a website starts blocking your current IP or throws up a CAPTCHA challenge. Instead of reconnecting, simply hit the rotate button and get a fresh IP address in seconds, allowing you to continue browsing uninterrupted.
Both features work over a "zero-knowledge" API, which means we have no record of the IPs you use, ensuring that your browsing remains private. So, whether you need to maintain stability for a specific site or quickly evade a ban, IP Pinning and IP Rotation provide enhanced privacy and smoother browsing. They ensure fewer disruptions, more control, and ultimately, a more secure online experience.
How to Set Up IP Rotation and IP Pinning in Windscribe
You know that feeling when something just works? That’s this update. Starting with desktop app v2.18.8 and the latest mobile releases (Android 3.95.1925 and iOS 3.9.7), Pro and Build-a-Plan users (in the countries they pay for) can now rotate or pin your IP address right inside Windscribe.
No reconnecting. No app restarts. No waiting. Just two buttons that make your VPN faster, smarter, and a little more “you.”
When we briefed our illustrator for this announcement, he just said, “Man, Windscribe is neat.” He’s not wrong.
IP Rotation: New IP, Same Connection
Sometimes you need a clean slate, but not the hassle that comes with reconnecting. With IP Rotation, you can now swap to a new IP instantly, without ever dropping your VPN session.
That’s right. You stay connected, your apps stay running, and your connection doesn’t skip a beat.
How it helps:
- Get a brand-new IP without disconnecting
- Helps with issues streaming, CAPTCHAs, or temporary IP bans
- Avoid annoying logouts caused by full reconnects
- Perfect for power users who multitask and hate interruptions
1. While connected, click on the three dots next to your connected IP
2. Click on the circular arrow
3. Boom! IP ROTATED
IP Pinning: Consistency Without Commitment
Then there are times when you don’t want change - you want reliability. Some websites, banks, and remote dashboards freak out if they see a new IP every login. With IP Pinning, you can lock in one that works and keep it for as long as it’s available.
Find a great IP? Pin it. Windscribe will reconnect you to that same IP every time you choose that location.
Why it’s useful:
- Keeps logins and security checks consistent
- Great for online banking, remote work tools, and smart devices
- Reduces “unusual login” flags
- Offers static-IP stability without the setup or extra purchase
1. While connected, click on the three dots next to your connected IP
2. Click on the Heart icon
3. That’s it, your IP is pinned
Re-Connecting to a Pinned IP Address
1. Click on Locations
2. Click on Heart icon
3. Click on your pinned IP
Static IPs Still Matter
Don’t worry, our Static IPs are still alive and kicking. They’re a great choice if you need a guaranteed, permanent address, with options for Residential or Data Center IPs.
IP Pinning just gives everyone a lighter version of that experience. It’s flexible, instant, and great for everyday browsing.
In short:
- Static IPs: permanent, reserved, and professional-grade.
- Pinned IPs: persistent, convenient, and user-controlled.
Different tools, different purposes.
The Fine Print
IP Pinning works on a best-effort basis. Servers come and go, IPs get reassigned, and the internet occasionally does what it wants.
If your pinned IP disappears, just pick a new one. You’ll survive.
The Bottom Line
Windscribe now gives you full IP address control:
- Rotate IPs instantly without dropping your connection.
- Pin IPs for a familiar, reliable experience.
- Use Static IPs when you need guaranteed permanence.
Update your app and try it out. Whether you’re refreshing your IP mid-binge or sticking with one that just works, the power’s in your hands.
If you aren't Pro yet and want IP Pinning and Rotation, upgrade here: