Accessing the internet involves a series of private and public connections between networks and devices.

And in a world with over five billion internet users, that’s a lot of connections.

How do the wires keep from getting crossed, so to speak? The secret to an organized global network is the IP address.

Changing yours can help you do everything from troubleshooting your home Wi-Fi to letting you stream your favorite shows while you’re on holiday.

What is an IP address?

Your IP address is the unique set of numbers that identifies your devices as they communicate across networks. IP addresses are essential for getting online and transmitting data.

You may want to change your IP address for several reasons, whether technical or personal. We’ll go over a few different ways you can manually or automatically change your IP address.

Reasons to change your IP address

There may be some instances where you’ll want to change your IP address. The reasons for this include:

Access content online that is otherwise restricted in your physical location (for example, accessing Netflix’s U.S. library while on a trip abroad)
You can’t connect to Wi-Fi and you don’t know why
Prevent tracking and leave no digital footprint
Avoid throttling from your internet service provider (ISP)
Encrypt data for increased security and data protection
Bypass firewalls
Fix an incorrectly configured IP address
Use a router that provides unusable IP addresses
Two devices on your network share the same IP address How to change your IP address automatically

These are some simple ways to change your IP address automatically:

Switch networks. The simplest way to change the IP address of your device is to switch to a different network. For example, if you’re browsing on your home Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone, you can turn the Wi-Fi setting off and use mobile data. This will change the IP address because a different one is assigned for each network connection.
Connect via Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN will keep your public IP address private and signal to the network that you’re connecting via a different location, thus changing your IP address. This happens through an encrypted tunnel, and your ISP won’t even be able to see your activity. Check out options like TunnelBear, ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Use a proxy server. Change the proxy settings in your web browser settings so that it automatically configures. The Web Proxy (HTTP) setting is good for basic web browsing, though you might need more specific settings depending on your needs. How to change your IP address by resetting your router

Resetting your router is the easiest way to change your IP address. After writing down the IP address, unplug your router for 5 to 10 minutes (longer than a regular reset). Plug it back and restart. Once it’s up and running, check the address again – it should be a new one.

If you’re looking to change your IP address to fix a connectivity issue, learn how to properly set up your internet and fix a broken connection.

How to change your IP address manually

Resetting your IP address manually generally involves entering a chosen IP address into the settings on your device. Here are a few different ways you can navigate to your network IP settings on different devices:

Windows 10: Make sure you’re working from an administrator account and click start
Navigate to the control panel
Click network connection
Scroll down to find IP settings and click edit
Select manual
Type in your new IP address Mac: Navigate to system preferences
Click network connection
Click configure IPv4
Select manually
Type in your new IP address iOS: Go to settings
Select Wi-Fi
Select network
Select IPv4 address
Click configure IP
Type in your new IP address Benefits of changing your IP address

Security: Changing your IP address can secure your online privacy by protecting you from website tracking and hackers.

Troubleshooting: Sometimes routers assign devices the wrong IP address, so changing it can help you solve this problem.

Access content while abroad: If you want to access certain content from a country while abroad, changing your IP address can help you navigate regional content blocks.

Changing your IP address FAQs
What is my IP address?

You can find your private IP address through your device’s system settings. For a Mac, click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen, then select system preferences > network. Choose your connection and you’ll see your IP below the status section.

For a Windows device, select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Properties.

Finding your public IP address is even simpler. You can type “what is my IP address into your search engine,” and it will show you the result.

Am I allowed to change my IP address?

Yes, you are allowed to change your IP address.

Can I change my IP address with a VPN?

Yes, to change your IP address through a VPN, open your VPN app, select the server location you want to connect to and you’re all set.

What the difference between a VPN and proxies?

According to Forintent.com, “Proxies strictly act as a gateway between the internet and users. On the other hand, VPN traffic runs through an encrypted tunnel and the user’s device, making VPNs an effective solution for ensuring network security.”

Does it cost money to change my IP address?

No, you can change your IP address for free on your devices. If you use a VPN to change it, you’ll be paying for that platform’s subscription.

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