How to change your IP address on any device

Knowing how to change your IP address can help you access websites, streaming services, and online tools unavailable in your location. It’s also a useful privacy measure that helps protect your personal information, mask your online activity, and keep your browsing secure.

A VPN is the most reliable tool for this, but it has limitations. A VPN can change your IP address and encrypt your traffic, but it can't change your GPS location, pass ID and KYC checks, or change your app store region, so some services might still block your access.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to change your IP address on iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows devices manually or by using a VPN. I will also explain the limitations of changing your IP address and in which cases it might be unsuccessful.

What is an IP address?

Your IP address is your device's address on the internet. The way someone needs to know your home address before they can send you a package is the same way the internet needs to know your device’s location so it can send you the page you asked for. “IP” stands for "Internet Protocol," and the address is a set of numbers, such as 192.168.1.1.

There are different types of IP addresses, and each one has a unique purpose:

• Public IP address. This is the address the whole internet sees when you go online. It shows your general location, so it's the one you'll most want to change for privacy.
• Private IP address. This address stays inside your own network at home or work. It helps your router tell your phone apart from your laptop and other connected devices.
• Static IP address. This type of address always stays the same. It’s useful if you run a website and need to log in remotely.
• Dynamic IP address. It changes automatically from time to time. Most home connections use it, and it’s better for your privacy than a static address.
• IPv4 and IPv6. These are just two versions of IP addresses. IPv4 is the older and shorter format, while IPv6 is newer and can handle a large number of devices connecting to the internet at the same time.

Why would I change my IP address?

Changing an IP address is useful for increasing your privacy and bypassing geo-restrictions. It can also protect you against third parties that keep your browsing history or track you.

If someone knows your IP address, it might cause you many problems. For example, someone can send you malicious files via FTP or take control of your computer using tools like Windows Remote Desktop. Also, your IP address gives away your approximate physical location. These reasons are more than enough to want to change your IP address and increase your privacy.

How to change your IP address

There are 4 main methods for changing your dynamic IP address: using a VPN, a proxy server, a different network, or a DHCP lease. I recommend trying them on your desktop computer rather than your phone, as mobile apps often use your GPS location, not just your IP address, to locate you. If they see a mismatch between these two, they will block you from accessing them.

Also, keep in mind that bypassing geo-blocks may break services’ terms, which can lead to account suspension. Additionally, in some countries, VPN use is restricted, so always check your local laws before accessing any blocked content.

In the guide below, I discuss the four methods in more detail.

Using a VPN

Using a VPN is one of the most common ways to change your IP address. The best VPNs allow you to connect to servers in other locations around the world by providing a secure tunnel between your device and the server and then connecting you to the internet. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sign up for a VPN service. I’m using NordVPN as an example, but the process will be similar for most VPNs.
2. Install the VPN on your device.

   

3. Choose a server to connect to.

   

4. Enjoy unrestricted access to the internet.

For more detailed instructions on how to change your IP address using a VPN, our team has prepared a video guide:

If you can’t decide which VPN to choose, I recommend NordVPN. It has thousands of servers in 224 locations, offers advanced security features, and consistently shows high speed retention of around 86% in our tests. At the moment, you can also get it at 75% off.

Using a proxy server

Proxies are very similar to VPNs, but for the most part, they lack some crucial features. While a proxy can change your dynamic IP address, some apps and online services may still reveal your true IP address. Plus, VPNs have additional features that improve online security and anonymity. However, a proxy may work well for simple tasks like bypassing geo-blocking. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose a reliable proxy service
2. Obtain the proxy details, which typically include an address, port number, and potentially a username/password
3. Enter the obtained proxy details into your browser's settings and activate the proxy connection

Connecting to a different network

The simplest and, sometimes, quickest way to change your IP address is to connect to a different network. Head down to your local coffee shop or the office and connect to their network. Your IP address will change as you connect to a different router in a new location.

Renewing your DHCP lease

Renewing your DHCP lease is a simple process that can be done on most devices. However, because routers prefer efficiency, simply renewing your lease will often result in the router assigning you the exact same IP address you just had. To force an actual change, you have to fully release the old address first. Here's how to do that on Windows and Mac.

Windows

1. Type cmd into Windows Search and open Command Prompt
2. Enter ipconfig /release to release the current IP address – this will temporarily disconnect you from the internet

   

3. Then, enter ipconfig /renew to force the router to assign a new IP address

macOS

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)
2. Go to Network and select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
3. Click the Details… (or Advanced…) button
4. Select TCP/IP and then Renew DHCP Lease
5. Click OK to confirm

Why change a public (dynamic) IP address?

Some websites and online services may restrict access based on your geographical location. For example, Netflix’s full content library might not be available in your region, but you can change your device’s IP address to one in a region where the streaming service offers more content (e.g., the US), and it might help you access it. However, note that some streaming services use additional location checks, such as your device’s GPS location, so it might not work for all of them.

Changing the IP address on your device can also enhance your online privacy. When you change your IP address, you’re making it more difficult for websites and online services to track your online activities. It’s a good way to avoid online tracking and profiling, leading to fewer targeted ads. You can even avoid targeted attacks or unauthorized access to your network or devices.

Switching to a different IP address could also help you regain access to websites or online services that ban users for violating their terms of service. But keep in mind that doing so may breach the website’s terms as well, which can lead to a renewed ban or suspension.

Changing your dynamic IP address to one in another country could also help you bypass censorship and access some blocked websites or online services.

Why change a static (dedicated) IP address?

Changing a static IP address is less common than changing a dynamic IP address. Altering a static IP is more about troubleshooting than security, privacy, or online freedom. For example, changing a static IP address may be beneficial if you move to a new location or connect to a different network.

Sometimes, two devices on the same network may end up with the same static IP address, which can cause conflicts and network issues. This often happens with network devices like printers.

Additional methods for changing the IP address

The method of changing your IP address can also vary depending on the operating system you are using. Below, I provide additional platform-specific guides on how to manually change your IP address on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, a router, and Comcast.

Note that this method comes with some trade-offs. It gives you full control over the IP address within your local network, is useful for setting static IP addresses, and can help avoid address conflicts. However, you will still only change your private IP address. If you want to change your public IP address as well, you’ll need to either unplug your modem for 10 to 15 minutes so that your ISP can reassign a new IP address or contact your ISP directly.

How to change a static IP address on Windows 10 and 11

1. Open Settings and click on Network & Internet
2. Select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Properties
3. Under IP assignment, click Edit, choose Manual, and turn on IPv4
4. Enter your desired local IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, and DNS
5. Click Save

Changing a static IP address on macOS

1. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions) and click Network
2. Choose your network and click Details… (or Advanced…)
   
3. Open the TCP/IP tab, select Manually in the Configure IPv4 section, type in your new IP address, subnet mask, router gateway IP address, and click OK

   

Changing a static IP address on Android

1. Go to Settings and tap on Connections or Network & Internet
2. Next to your current Wi-Fi network, tap the gear icon
3. Tap View more or a pencil icon
4. Tap IP settings and change it from DHCP to Static

   

5. Add the new IP address (may be filled in automatically), fill out any other required fields, and tap Save

Note: Changing your IP address on your phone doesn’t mask your GPS location, so the websites or apps you’re trying to access might still see your real location.

Changing a static IP address on iOS

1. Go to Settings and tap Wi-Fi
2. Tap the "i" icon
3. Select Configure IP

   

4. Select Manual, enter the new static IP address, subnet mask, router gateway, and tap Save
   

Note: Your GPS location will remain the same even if you change your IP address, so apps and websites might still see your actual location.

Changing the static IP address on a router

You can set a static IP address on specific devices using a router. In this case, every device connecting to the internet through your router will adopt the same static IP address. To perform the steps below, you must know the MAC address of the particular device.

Note: The final configuration depends on the router brand and model, but the main principles are the same.

1. Access your router’s configuration page via your browser
2. Look for Static IP addresses, DHCP reservations, or LAN settings
3. Enter the device’s MAC address and the static IP address you want to assign
4. Save the changes and restart the device

Changing the static IP address on Comcast

You can only get a static IP address with the Comcast Business plan. Here’s how to change your static IP address:

1. Go to your Comcast Business Gateway Admin Tool
2. Select Connect Devices
3. If your device is already on the network, click Edit, select Reserved IP, and then Save; if your device is not on the list, select Add a device with reserved IP
4. Enter the Host Name, MAC Address, and Reserved IP Address and then click Save

Conclusion

Changing your IP address can help you access geo-restricted or censored content and improve online privacy. Depending on the problem, you can either change to a dynamic IP address or a static IP address. Dynamic IP addresses are used to bypass censorship, geo-restrictions, and personal bans, while static IP addresses are used to troubleshoot network issues.

Whether you need a static or a dynamic IP address, I recommend using a VPN service. My top choice is NordVPN, which has excellent performance and thousands of servers in 224 locations, giving you plenty of options for IP addresses.

However, even the best VPN can only change your virtual location – it can’t bypass identity checks, change your app store region, provide a local payment method, or mask your device’s GPS location. As a result, some websites or services might still block your access.

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