Change your IP address easily in 2024

Your IP address is a key part of your device. It’s a unique identifier that contains all the information that websites need to know about, mainly your location and the type of device you’re using. This is how a website knows what geo-location you’re accessing it from.

Changing your IP address can come in handy, especially if you’re trying to access content that’s restricted in your country or region. But it can also be an important part of your online privacy and security defence by making it more difficult for your online activities to be tracked.

You can change your IP address manually or by using a VPN. In this guide, I demonstrate how to use both of these methods on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.

How to change 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 thousands of servers (and IP addresses) globally – I recommend NordVPN, now 74% 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

Looking for information on how to change static IP address? Follow this guide.

Why would I change my IP Address?

Before we look into why you might want to change your IP address, it’s important to understand the difference between dynamic and static IP addresses.

A dynamic IP address, also known as a public IP address, is automatically assigned by your network (like your router) each time you connect, and it can change frequently. Think of it as a rental address.

A static IP is more like owning a permanent address. It's manually configured for a specific device and remains the same after reboots or disconnections. Static IPs are useful for devices that need to be easily located on a network, like servers or network devices (like printers).

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 United States), 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 the static IP address is less common than changing the dynamic IP address. Altering a static IP is more related to troubleshooting rather than security, privacy, or online freedom benefits. For example, changing a static IP address may be beneficial if you’re moving to a new location or connecting 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 such network devices as printers. Changing the static IP address can resolve these issues.

Of course, changing the static IP address regularly can help improve your online privacy and security as well. 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.

4 ways to change public (dynamic) IP address

If you wish to change your dynamic IP address, you can apply 4 different methods:

• Using a VPN
• Using a proxy server
• Connecting to a different network
• Renewing your DHCP licence

Use a VPN to change IP address

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 74% 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

Video guide

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

Use a proxy server

Proxies are very similar to VPNs, but for the most part, they are lacking in some crucial areas. 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 security features that give you improved security and anonymity online. 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: you'll typically get an address, port number, and potentially a username/password
3. Configure your browser’s proxy settings. You'll need to enter the obtained proxy details and activate the proxy connection

Connect to a different network

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

Renew 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 Windowss search and open Command Prompt
2. Enter ipconfig /renew to get a confirmation about DHCP release

macOS

1. On the Terminal
2. Enter dscacheutil -flushcache (macOS 10.6 and earlier) or sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (macOS 10.7 and later)
3. Enter your administrator password when prompted

6 ways to change static (dedicated) IP addresses

If you wish to change your static IP address, here’s how to do it on different operating systems:

• macOS
• Windows 10 & 11
• Android
• iOS
• Router
• Comcast

How to change static IP on Mac

1. Go to System Preferences > Network
2. Choose your network and click Advanced
3. Open the TCP/IP tab, select Manually in the Configure IPv4 section, type your new IP address, and click OK

How to change static IP address on Windows 10 & 11

1. Go to Settings > Network and internet
2. Click Advanced network settings > Hardware and connection properties
3. Write down your current IPv4, Subnet mask, Default gateway, and DNS address
4. Go back to Network and internet – if you’re using Wi-Fi, click Properties near your connection name at the top; if you’re using Ethernet, click Ethernet
5. Click Edit next to IP assignment, select Manual, set IPv4 on, and click Save
6. Enter your IPv4, Subnet mask, Default gateway, and DNS address and click Save

How to change static IP address on Android

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi
2. Open current network and tap View more
3. Tap IP settings and select Static
4. Add the IP address (may be filled in automatically) and click Save

How to change static IP address on iOS

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
2. Open your current connection
3. Under IPv4 address, select Configure IP
4. Select Manual, enter the static IP address, and tap Save

How to change 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

How to change 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:

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

Conclusion

Changing your IP address comes with several benefits, from accessing geo-restricted or censored content to improving your online security and privacy. While dynamic IP addresses are usually changed to bypass censorship, geo-restrictions, and personal bans, static IP addresses are normally changed as a way to troubleshoot network issues.

If you choose to change your static IP address, you can do so manually via your operating system’s settings menu. And if you want to change your dynamic IP address, you can use a proxy or renew DHCP settings, but I recommend employing a trusted VPN.

NordVPN is the best VPN in 2024, and it has a server fleet of X+ servers. That means you have as many IP addresses you can switch to at a momen’t notice. Whether you want to access a different Netflix library, bypass strict censorship in your country, or simply enhance your privacy and security, NordVPN is there to solve all problems.

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