What an IP address is and why you might change it

An IP address is a number assigned to your device that identifies it on the internet — similar to a mailing address for your computer or phone. Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns this number when you connect. Most people have two types: a public IP address (what websites see) and a private IP address (what your home network uses).

You might want to change your IP address for privacy reasons, to troubleshoot connection problems, to bypass a temporary network block, or to reset your connection after moving. The method depends on which type of IP address you want to change and what device you are using.

Key Takeaways

  • Restarting your modem and router is the simplest way to change your public IP address, though it may take a few minutes to take effect.
  • Your private IP address (the one your home network assigns) can be changed in your device settings without affecting your internet connection.
  • A VPN masks your public IP address by routing your traffic through another server, but this is different from actually changing your assigned IP.
  • Contacting your ISP directly can force a public IP change, though they may charge a fee or require you to rent their equipment.
  • The method you use depends on whether you need to change your public IP (what the internet sees) or your private IP (what your home network uses).

Changing your public IP address by restarting your modem

Your public IP address is assigned by your ISP and is what websites and online services see when you connect. The fastest way to change it is to restart your modem — the device that connects your home to the internet.

Unplug the power cable from your modem and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait for the lights to stabilize (usually 2 to 5 minutes). Once the connection lights are steady, your device should have a new public IP address. You can check this by searching "what is my IP" in any browser — the number should be different from before.

If you have a combined modem-router unit, restart that device instead. If restarting does not change your IP after several attempts, your ISP may have assigned you a static IP address, which does not change on restart. In that case, you will need to contact your ISP directly to request a change.

Changing your private IP address on Windows

Your private IP address is the one your home network assigns to your device. This is different from your public IP and only affects how your device communicates within your home network. You can change this in your network settings.

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then Status. Click "Change adapter options" and right-click on your active network connection. Select Properties, then double-click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)". Choose "Use the following IP address" and enter a new private IP in the range your router uses (usually 192.168.1.X, where X is a number between 2 and 254). Enter your router's address as the Default Gateway (usually 192.168.1.1) and click OK.

If you are unsure what private IP range your router uses, restart your device and the router will assign you a new private IP automatically. This method is useful if your device is having trouble connecting or if you need a specific private IP for a local network application.

Changing your private IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Preferences and click Network. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Advanced. Go to the TCP/IP tab and change the "Configure IPv4" dropdown from "Automatic" to "Manual".

Enter a new private IP address in the range your router uses (usually 192.168.1.X). Enter your router's address as the Router field (usually 192.168.1.1). Click OK and then Apply. Your Mac will now use the new private IP address on your home network.

Changing your private IP address on iPhone or Android

On iPhone, go to Settings, Wi-Fi, and tap the network you are connected to. Tap "Configure IP" and change from "Automatic" to "Manual". Enter a new private IP address in your router's range and tap Save.

On Android, the process varies by manufacturer. Generally, go to Settings, Wi-Fi, long-press your connected network, and tap "Modify". Look for an option to change from DHCP to Static IP. Enter a new private IP address in your router's range and save the changes. If you cannot find these options, your phone may not support manual IP assignment — in that case, restart your phone and your router will assign a new private IP automatically.

Using a VPN to mask your IP address

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) does not change your actual IP address, but it masks it by routing your internet traffic through a server in another location. Websites will see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours.

To use a VPN, download a VPN application on your device, create an account, and open the app. Select a server location and click Connect. Your traffic will now be routed through that server. Keep in mind that a VPN slows your connection slightly and some websites may block VPN traffic. VPNs are useful for privacy but are not the same as changing your actual IP address.

Contacting your ISP to change your public IP

If restarting your modem does not change your public IP address, your ISP may have assigned you a static IP — one that does not change automatically. You can contact your ISP directly and request a new public IP address.

Call your ISP's customer service number (on your bill or their website) and explain that you need your public IP address changed. Some ISPs will do this at no charge. Others may charge a fee, require you to rent their equipment, or ask you to wait a certain amount of time before requesting another change. Ask about their policy before requesting the change. The process usually takes a few minutes to an hour to take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address affect my internet speed?

Changing your private IP address will not affect speed. Restarting your modem to change your public IP may briefly interrupt your connection but should not permanently slow you down. Using a VPN will slow your connection because your traffic is being routed through another server.

Can I choose what my new IP address will be?

For your public IP, no — your ISP assigns it and you cannot choose the number. For your private IP on your home network, yes — you can manually set it to any unused address in your router's range (usually 192.168.1.2 through 192.168.1.254).

How often should I change my IP address?

Most people do not need to change their IP address regularly. Change it only if you are troubleshooting a connection problem, moving to a new location, or have a specific privacy or security reason. Restarting your modem occasionally (once a month or when you have connection issues) is normal maintenance.

What if my device still will not connect after I change the IP address?

If you changed your private IP manually and lost connection, restart your device and your router will assign a new private IP automatically. If you changed your public IP by restarting the modem and have no connection, wait 10 minutes for the modem to fully restart. If connection still does not return, restart the modem again or contact your ISP.

Is changing my IP address the same as hiding my IP address?

No. Changing your IP address means your ISP assigns you a new one. Hiding your IP address means masking it so websites cannot see it — usually done with a VPN or proxy server. These are different actions with different results.