How to change IP address on Android
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Learn moreChanging the IP address on your Android is an effective way to safeguard your online privacy and bypass geo-restrictions on various websites and streaming platforms. The most secure and straightforward method to obtain a new IP address on your Android device is picking and downloading a reputable VPN service.
Using proxies or simply requesting a new IP address from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) are among other methods of changing the IP address on Android. However, most of them compromise your security and anonymity.
Read on to find easy-to-follow instructions that will assist in changing your IP address on Android. You’ll also find guidance on selecting the appropriate VPN for the job and explore alternative methods for changing your IP on Android.
How to change IP address on Android with a VPN in 5 steps
- Download a reputable VPN from Google Play. We suggest NordVPN, now 74% OFF!
- Install the app and launch it.
- Log in or create an account.
- Connect to a server of your choice.
- Start surfing with a new IP address.
How to find your IP address on Android?
- Open your Android’s settings.
- Select wifi option from the list.
- Click additional settings.
- You can see your IP address and network information on the new page.
There are two ways of finding your IP address on Android. You can go to your Android settings, click on wifi, and see your IP address in additional settings.
However, you can also check it easily via dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net. Both pages will additionally provide you with more information about your connection, device, and IP address.
Why would you need to change your Android IP address?
Changing your Android IP address is beneficial because it helps bypass geo-restrictions, unblock websites or social media platforms, and stops ISP from throttling your connection. Here are all benefits of changing your IP address on Android:
- Security and privacy online. The IP address is capable of hiding your location and ensuring that neither third parties, ISPs nor hackers can access your data or violate your privacy online.
- Access geo-restricted content. You can access geo-blocked content on various streaming platforms, gaming sites, and more with a foreign IP address.
- Bypass website blocks. A new IP address can help bypass website bans or restricted social media platforms. It’s especially beneficial if you’re looking to unblock content in highly-restricted countries.
- Avoid ISP throttling. Some ISPs tend to throttle your Internet speed when they detect data-heavy activities. Altering your IP address helps obscure your online activities and prevent your ISP from slowing down your Internet.
Change public Android IP address with a VPN: detailed guide
It only takes a few minutes to change a public Android IP address, and here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it with a VPN:
- Check your IP address. Follow our step-by-step guide or check it on dnsleaktest.com and ipleak.net.
- Pick a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF!
- Go to Google Play and install the NordVPN app.
- Connect to any server you want.
- You can check your new IP address again and surf securely with a new one.
Other methods of changing your Android IP address
Although a VPN is the most secure option to change your IP address, there are more methods to do it. While not all of them deliver equally robust security, alternatives are:
- Using a proxy. When you use a proxy server, you are connecting to the Internet through that server instead of directly through your ISP. This means that any website or service you access will see the IP address of the proxy server instead of your device's IP address.
- Switching to another network. When you connect to another network, such as switching from your home wifi to a public one, you simultaneously connect to a different ISP. Therefore, your device is assigned a new IP address.
- Requesting your ISP for a new IP address. When you reset the modem or router, it releases and renews your IP address. You can also contact your ISP and request a new IP address.
- Using the Tor browser. Tor browser uses heavy-duty encryption. Each time you request or send data on the Internet, it masks your IP and adds an extra security layer to your traffic.
- Restarting your modem. It’s not a 100% reliable method, as there’s not a guarantee that it will work. But try unplugging your modem for a minute or two, and you might get a new IP address. There’s a higher chance you’ll get assigned a new IP address if you unplug it for a longer time.
VPN | Proxy | Switching to another network | New IP address from ISP | Restarting modem | |
Security and privacy | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Hides identity | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Unblocks geo-restricted content | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Bypasses website blocks | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Avoids ISP throttling | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Public vs. private IP address on Android
Public vs. private IP addresses are also called external and internal. Here’s how they differ:
- Public IP address is assigned to your device by your ISP. A public IP address is a tool to communicate with other servers and websites. Therefore, it can be traced back to you.
- Private IP address is assigned to your devices by the router. Internal IP addresses are used to identify all devices within the network. Therefore they require an identification, which is the IP address in this case.
While a public IP address is available to anyone and can easily reveal your actual location, parties outside your network can’t access your private IP address. Either way, you should be careful online, as your IP addresses can be traced back to you.
How to change your private Android IP address?
Go to your Android Settings and select Connections or Network & Internet.
- Go to your Android Settings and select Connections or Network & Internet.
- Click on your wifi network and hold until you see the menu.
- Tap Modify Network or Manage Network Settings.
- Change IP settings from DHCP to Static, and click 'Save'.
How to choose a VPN to change IP on Android
The best VPN to change IP on Android depends on what you’re looking for in the provider and whether you’ll use it for security or entertainment. The top aspects to consider when choosing an Android VPN include:
- Android app. VPN navigation experience shouldn’t be a head-scratching puzzle. Choose a VPN with an easy-to-use interface where you can switch IP addresses without spending too much time. And, to do so, pick a VPN that supports the Android operating system.
- Servers. Choose a VPN with a large server fleet. Server-rich provider offers many locations you can choose from, and therefore, change your IP address easily. It’s one of the most important things you should consider if you’re planning to change your IP address often.
- Security. A reputable VPN should offer top-notch security features. Just to name a few, it must include the AES-265 encryption, safe and fast tunneling protocols, and a kill switch. Also, keep an eye on the provider’s no-log policy. A VPN should run independent audits and ensure data protection practices.
- Features. When choosing a VPN to change your IP on Android, you should also look for a feature-rich suite. It can include features like split tunneling, leak protection, safe browsing function, malware, and ad blockers, etc. Next to an easy IP address rotation, you’ll receive all-round protection online.
- Streaming capabilities. If you want to change your IP address with a VPN for streaming purposes, research VPNs for streaming that unblock your desired media. It should be able to bypass geo-blocked libraries and provide you access to major streaming services, like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and more.
If you’re looking for a VPN that ticks all the boxes, then NordVPN is your top pick. Its large server fleet allows an easy IP address switch on Android. In addition, it bypasses geo-restrictions, so you can enjoy foreign content on your device in just a few clicks – securely and anonymously.
Conclusion
There are various methods to change your IP address on Android, like using a proxy or switching to Tor browser. However, a VPN is the most secure and reliable way to do it. Simultaneously, it ensures top-level security, blocks third party tracking, and circumvents geo-restrictions despite your location.
You can get it all with our top recommendation – NordVPN. You can switch between 6300+ servers in 111 countries and use its extensive feature selection while staying protected with unbreakable AES encryption.
FAQ
Can you change your IP address on an Android phone?
Yes. You can manually change the IP address on your Android phone by following this detailed guide. You can also do it using VPN, requesting your ISP a new IP address, or simply switching to a Tor browser. Find how to do it via VPN in this step-by-step guide.
What happens if you change your IP address on your phone?
A newly assigned IP address makes it difficult to track you. Therefore, nobody can track your location and third parties can’t access and violate your data or online activities.
How to set up a static IP address on Android?
You can set up a static IP address on Android by going to your Settings, clicking wifi, and changing your IP settings from DHCP to Static. Find a detailed guide on how you can do it on Android.
How can I hide my IP address for free on Android?
You can hide your IP address for free on Android using a proxy or Tor browser. However, to do it securely, you can use a free VPN, like Proton VPN, and hide your IP address without risking your online security.
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