How to change the IP address on Mac

Changing your IP address on Mac can conceal your online identity. With a new IP, you can access geo-restricted content, bolster your privacy and resolve local network issues.

Fortunately, changing your IP address on a Mac is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. There are also a few methods to choose from. You can either input a new IP manually or use a proxy server. Yet, the most effective and secure way is to get a reliable VPN.

In this article, we will walk you through several methods that will change your IP address on Mac and what are the benefits of this. So, continue reading for beginner-friendly solutions.

How to change the IP address on Mac with a VPN in 5 steps

1. Pick a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN, now at 63% OFF!
   
2. Download the VPN app and install it.
3. Log in or create an account.
4. Connect to a server of your choice.
5. Start surfing with a new IP address.

Try NordVPN

How to find an IP address on Mac?

Finding your IP address depends on whether you're looking for private or public IP. Your private IP address, assigned by your local network to identify your device within the network, is displayed on your device.

The public IP address is assigned to your device by ISP and is used to identify your device online. You can find it with the help of such websites as WhatIsMyIP.com.

Here's how to find private IP address on Mac:

• Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
• Then, select "System Preferences."
• Go to "Network."
• Now, click on your current network connection in the window on the left-hand side.
• You will see your IP address under the "Status" section.

A more tech-savvy user may prefer to use the terminal. Here's how to do it:

• Go to your Launchpad.
• Open the terminal window.
• Type ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1 and press enter.
• Find your IP in the "inet" line.

Follow these steps to find your public IP address on Mac:

• Start by opening your browser.
• You can either enter "my IP address" in the search bar or navigate to WhatIsMyIP.com
• On top of the page, you'll see a string of numbers with periods – that's your IP address.

Why would you need to change your Mac IP address?

In some cases, changing your IP address on Mac is not a choice but a necessity. It is especially true when two devices on a local network appear to have the same IP address. Here are some more benefits you may not know:

• Resolving network issues: changing your IP address on Mac can help resolve the "Another device on the network is using your computer's IP address" notification and other issues. It can enable you to connect to an otherwise unavailable network.
• Protecting privacy: changing your IP address boosts your online privacy. Since your IP address is unique, websites and advertisers can track your online activities.
• Accessing geo-restricted content: some websites and streaming services limit access to certain regions. Changing your IP address can help you bypass these restrictions and access the content you want.
• Avoiding internet censorship: in some countries, governments restrict access to certain websites and services, limiting your basic human rights. By changing your IP address, you can bypass these restrictions.
• Preventing hacking attempts: changing your IP address can help prevent hacking attempts by making it more difficult for hackers to find your device and launch attacks against it.

Change public Mac IP address with a VPN: a detailed guide

There are several methods to change a Mac IP address, but we recommend doing it with a VPN. This way, you'll get access to a wide range of worldwide IPs. Not only will you be able to conceal your identity, but you will also be able to unblock restricted content.

Here's the process of changing your IP on Mac:

1. Start by checking your IP address in the ways above.
   
2. Pick a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN, get it now at x OFF!
3. Go to the App store and download the VPN app and sign in.
4. Connect to your preferred server.
5. Check your IP again.

That's it! You successfully changed your IP and now can enjoy full privacy protection.

Other methods of changing your Mac IP address

While VPN is a simple and useful way to change your IP, there are some alternatives. The first is manually changing it on your Mac device. The second option is to use a proxy server.

Change the local IP address

The process may seem challenging if it's your first time changing the local IP address on a Mac device. To help you out, we broke it down into simple steps:

• Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences."
• Click on "Network."
• Select the network connection you want to change the IP address for.
• Click on "Advanced" in the bottom-right corner of the window.
• Then, go to the "TCP/IP" tab.
• In the "Configure IPv4" dropdown menu, select "Manually."
• Now, type in your network's subnet mask and router address in their respective fields. You can find this information in your router's settings or by contacting your network administrator.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

Use proxy

Proxy servers are used to change your real IP address. They work similarly to a VPN. However, the security they provide is subpar. Unlike VPNs, proxy servers merely change your address without encrypting your traffic. But they can be useful when you have an issue on your local network and don't need additional security.

Here's how to use proxy servers on Mac:

• Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences."
• Click on "Network."
• Select the network connection you want to change the IP address for.
• Select the "Proxies" tab.
• Choose the type of proxy you want to use
• Enter the proxy server's address and port number in the respective fields.
• If the proxy requires a username and password, enter them in the respective fields.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

How to choose a VPN to change IP on Mac

Whether you'll be using your VPN for bypassing geo-restriction or safeguarding your privacy, there are several criteria you need to consider. So, before committing to a VPN subscription, evaluate if the provider fits this criterion:

• Security: look for a VPN with strong encryption and a no-logs policy to ensure your online activities are private and secure.
• Speed: make sure you choose the fastest VPN provider that doesn’t impact your initial connection speeds too much. Slow speeds can affect your internet experience, especially if you use a VPN for streaming or torrenting.
• Server count: check how big is the server fleet. A large network of servers prevents traffic congestion and helps you maintain a fast connection. It is also important to check the VPN provider has servers in your preferred location, as this will allow you to access geo-restricted content.
• Server count: check how big is the server fleet. A large network of servers prevents traffic congestion and helps you maintain a fast connection. It is also important to check the VPN provider has servers in your preferred location, as this will allow you to access geo-restricted content.
• Compatibility: ensure the VPN provider has a dedicated Mac client or offers a manual setup guide that works on your macOS version.
• Price: consider the pricing and subscription plans offered by the VPN provider to ensure they fit your budget. Remember to evaluate the price-to-quality ratio. Some providers, such as NordVPN, deliver plenty of features at a much more competitive price than other providers.

Conclusion

Changing your IP address can benefit you in various ways. You can bypass restrictions on streaming services, such as Netflix or Hulu. A new IP address can also be necessary to solve network problems, especially when devices on your local network have duplicate IPs. Additionally, getting a new IP hides your identity from hackers and advertisers.

Overall, changing your IP is a simple process. You can do it manually or by using a proxy server. However, the best and most beneficial way is to use a VPN service, such as NordVPN. With a server fleet of 5500+, you can connect to any location worldwide. The strongest AES-256 encryption and other robust security features will protect your traffic and privacy.

FAQ