How to change your IP address on any device

Want to access content unavailable in your location, or troubleshoot technical issues that are throttling your connection? Knowing how to change your IP address can help with both, giving you the ability to reach websites, streaming services, and online tools that might otherwise be blocked. But that’s not all – changing your IP address is also a useful privacy measure that helps protect your personal information, mask your online activity, and keep your browsing secure.

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.

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

Using a VPN

Using a VPN is one of the most common ways to change your IP address. 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 premium VPN service – I recommend NordVPN, now 75% OFF
2. Install the VPN on your device (you can use NordVPN on 10 devices simultaneously)

   

3. Choose a server to connect to
4. Enjoy unrestricted access to the internet

   

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

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. Here's a breakdown for Windows and Mac.

Windows

1. Type cmd into Windows Search and open Command Prompt
2. Enter ipconfig /release to release the current IP address

   

3. Then, enter ipconfig /renew to obtain a new IP address from the DHCP server

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 press Renew DHCP Lease
5. Click Apply to confirm and obtain a new IP address

Why change a public (dynamic) IP address?

Some websites and online services may restrict access based on your geographical location. For example, ESPN 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 is available (the US), allowing you to bypass geo-blocking restrictions and access the stream without any issues.

Changing the IP address on your device can also enhance your online privacy. When you change your IP, 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 unauthorised 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. This can also help you bypass blocks that are imposed due to censorship. Changing your dynamic IP address to one in another country allows you to bypass censorship and access any website or online service.

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.

Of course, regularly changing your static IP address can also help improve your online privacy and security. Again, this makes it more difficult for potential attackers to track or target a specific device on the network, giving you more privacy and anonymity online.

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 change your IP address on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, router, and Comcast.

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 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 your new IP address, subnet mask, router, and click OK

   

Changing a static IP address on Android

1. Go to Settings and click on Connections or Network & Internet
2. Tap on your current Wi-Fi network and hold until you see the menu
3. Tap Modify Network or Manage Network Settings
4. Tap IP settings and change from DHCP to Static, and save

   

5. Add the IP address (may be filled in automatically) and click Save

Changing a static IP address on iOS

1. Go to Settings and tap Wi-Fi
2. Click the ‘i’ icon
3. Select Configure IP

   

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

Changing the static IP address on a router

You can set a static IP address on specific devices using the 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
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

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, then Save

How to change the public IP address to any location

The public IP address on your device – also known as a dynamic IP address – is the IP that is visible to online services and websites that you use. For example, Netflix uses your public IP address to identify which region you’re in and recommend content based on your location. Changing your dynamic IP address can come with some benefits, including better privacy, access to geo-blocked content, and improved security for your devices.

1. Choose a trustworthy VPN with a vast global fleet of servers (and IP addresses) – I recommend NordVPN, now 75% OFF
2. Download and install the application onto your device
3. Connect to a VPN server in any country to change your IP address
4. Browse the web as if you were connecting from a different location

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 over 9,500+ servers in 149 countries, giving you plenty of options for IP addresses.

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