How to change IP address on Android
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Changing the IP address on your Android is an effective way to improve your online privacy and bypass geo-restrictions on various websites and streaming platforms. The most secure and simple method to obtain a new IP address on your Android device is a reputable VPN.
Using proxies or simply requesting a new IP address from your internet service provider (ISP) are among other methods, although they’re more complicated and not always as secure as a VPN.
Read on to find out how you can change your IP address on Android, its benefits, and risks.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. I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Install the app and launch it
- Log in or create an account
- Connect to a server of your choice
- Connect securely with a new IP address
How to find your IP address on Android?
- Open your Android’s settings
- Select Wi-Fi option from the list
- Click Additional settings
- You can see your IP address and network information on the new page
However, you can also easily check it 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 and stops your 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. For example, a TikTok VPN lets you use TikTok in countries where it’s restricted.
- Avoid ISP throttling. Some ISPs tend to throttle your internet speed when they detect data-heavy activities. Changing your IP address hides your online activities from your ISP and prevents it 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:
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Check your IP address. Usednsleaktest.com or ipleak.net to see your IP
- Pick a reliable VPN provider. I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
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Go to Google Play and install the NordVPN app
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Connect to any server you want
- Check your IP address to see if your real IP address has been hidden
Other methods of changing your Android IP address
Although a VPN is the easiest way to change your IP address, there are other methods. While not all of them deliver equally robust security, alternatives are:
- Using a proxy. When you use a proxy server, you connect 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 Wi-Fi to a public one, you simultaneously connect to a different ISP. Therefore, your device is assigned a new IP address. This method is useless if you want to change your IP address to bypass geo-restrictions.
- 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 router. It’s not a 100% reliable method, but unplugging your router for a minute or two can create 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 | |
Increases security and privacy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Unblocks geo-restricted content | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Avoids ISP throttling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Public vs private IP address on Android
Public vs private IP addresses are also called external and internal. Here’s how they differ:
- A 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.
- A 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?
Changing your private IP address on Android is easy. Here’s what you have to do:
- Go to your Android Settings and select Connections or Network & Internet
- Click on your Wi-Fi 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. Here’s what you should consider:
- Supports Android. Navigating a VPN shouldn’t be difficult. Choose a VPN with an easy-to-use interface where you can switch IP addresses at the click of a button
- Server network. If your primary goal for changing IP addresses is to access geo-restricted content, make sure to choose a VPN with a large server fleet. Server-rich providers offer many locations you can choose from, and therefore, change your IP address easily.
- Security. A reputable VPN should offer top-notch security features, such as industry-standardAES-265 encryption, safe and fast tunneling protocols, and a kill switch. Also, keep an eye on the provider’s no-log policy, and check if it undergoes independent audits to ensure data protection practices.
- Features. Advanced features can improve your online security and privacy. If that’s a priority, look for VPNs with features like split tunneling, DNS and IP leak protection, safe browsing functions, and built-in malware, and ad blockers, among others.
- 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, Max, Hulu, and others.
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 a Tor browser. However, a VPN is the most secure and reliable way to do it quickly and efficiently. It ensures top-level security, blocks third party tracking, and circumvents geo-restrictions despite your actual location.
You can get it all with our top recommendation – NordVPN. You can switch between 7700+ servers in 118 countries and use Threat Protection, its online security suite, to stay protected online.
FAQ
Can you change your IP address on an Android phone?
Yes, you can change your IP address on an Android by connecting to a VPN, such as NordVPN. You can also request a new IP address from your ISP, use a proxy, or simply switch to the Tor browser.
What happens if you change your IP address on your phone?
If you use a VPN to change your IP address, you’ll hide your online activity from your ISP and potentially avoid ISP throttling. Changing your IP address to one in a different country also lets you access geo-restricted content, such as Korean Netflix.
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 Wi-Fi, and changing your IP settings from DHCP to Static.
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 the Tor browser. However, for a more secure option consider using a free VPN like Proton VPN, which hides your IP without compromising your online security.