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, and it changes based on your connection type and location.

Most people have a dynamic IP address, which changes automatically every time you restart your modem or router, or after a set period (often 24 to 30 days). A smaller number have a static IP address, which stays the same unless you request a change from your ISP. You might want to change your IP address to troubleshoot connection problems, reset your network, or for privacy reasons when using public Wi-Fi.

The method depends on whether you want to change your address on your home network (which you control) or on a public network (which you do not). Changing your home IP is straightforward. Changing your address on someone else's network is not possible without their permission.

Key Takeaways

  • Restarting your modem and router is the simplest way to get a new dynamic IP address from your ISP, usually taking 5 to 10 minutes.
  • On Windows and Mac, you can manually set a static IP address in your network settings if you want a permanent address that does not change.
  • On mobile devices, switching between Wi-Fi networks or toggling airplane mode will assign you a new IP address on each network.
  • A VPN (virtual private network) masks your IP address by routing your traffic through a remote server, but does not change your actual home IP.
  • You cannot change your IP address on a public or work network without administrator permission, and attempting to do so may violate the network's terms.

Restart your modem and router to get a new dynamic IP

The fastest way to change your dynamic IP address is to power cycle your modem and router. This tells your ISP to assign you a new address the next time you connect.

Unplug the power cable from your modem (the device that connects to your ISP's line). Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for all lights to stabilize — usually 2 to 3 minutes. Then unplug your router (the device that broadcasts Wi-Fi), wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait another 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully restart. Your devices will reconnect automatically, and your ISP will assign a new IP address during this process.

If you have a combined modem-router unit, unplug it once and wait 5 minutes before plugging it back in. Check your new IP address by opening a web browser and searching "what is my IP" — you should see a different number than before.

Set a static IP address on Windows

If you want an IP address that does not change, you can manually assign a static address to your Windows device. This is useful if you run a home server or need consistent access to your computer from another location.

Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet and select Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you use a wired connection). Click the network you are connected to, then scroll down and select Edit next to IP settings. Change the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual. Toggle on IPv4, then enter a static IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.100), a subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), and a gateway address (usually 192.168.1.1 — check your router's label or manual). Save the changes.

Your device will now use this IP address whenever it connects to that network. If you want to return to automatic assignment, go back to the same menu and select Automatic (DHCP).

Set a static IP address on Mac

On a Mac, you can assign a static IP through System Preferences. Click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, then select Wi-Fi (or Network for wired). Click Details next to your network name, then select the TCP/IP tab.

Change the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual. Enter a static IP address (like 192.168.1.100), a subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), and a router address (usually 192.168.1.1). Click OK and then Apply. Your Mac will now use this address on that network.

To switch back to automatic assignment, return to the same menu and select Automatic (DHCP).

Change your IP on mobile devices

On iPhones, iPads, and Android phones, you cannot manually set a static IP through the settings menu the way you can on a computer. Instead, you can get a new IP address by switching Wi-Fi networks or by toggling airplane mode.

To get a new address on the same network, turn on Airplane Mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. Your device will reconnect and may receive a new IP from the router. To get a new address on a different network, disconnect from your current Wi-Fi and connect to a different one — each network will assign you a new address.

If you need a permanent static IP on mobile, you can configure it through your router's admin panel instead. Log into your router (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser), find the DHCP or device settings, and reserve a specific IP for your phone's MAC address. This keeps the same address assigned to your device without changing your phone's settings.

Use a VPN to mask your IP address

A VPN (virtual private network) does not change your actual IP address, but it hides it from the websites you visit. When you use a VPN, your traffic is routed through a remote server, so websites see the VPN server's IP instead of yours.

To use a VPN, download a VPN app (examples include ProtonVPN, NordVPN, or Mullvad), install it on your device, and open the app. Select a server location and click Connect. Once connected, your internet activity appears to come from that server's location. Your actual home IP remains unchanged, but it is hidden from external websites.

VPNs are useful for privacy on public Wi-Fi networks, but they do not change your home IP address or your ISP's records. If your ISP assigns you a new dynamic IP through a modem restart, a VPN will not affect that process.

Troubleshoot if your IP address is not changing

If you restart your modem and router but your IP address stays the same, your ISP may have assigned you a static address. Contact your ISP's customer service and ask whether your account has a static IP. If it does, request that they change it to dynamic, or ask them to manually assign you a new static address.

If you set a static IP on your computer but it is not working, check that you entered the correct gateway address (usually found on a sticker on your router). Also verify that your subnet mask is correct — it is almost always 255.255.255.0 for home networks. If the address still does not work, restart your device and try again.

If you are on a public or work network and cannot change your IP, this is normal — network administrators restrict these changes to prevent conflicts. You can only change your IP on networks you own or have permission to modify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address affect my internet speed?

No. Your IP address is just an identifier — changing it does not affect how fast data travels to your device. If you notice slower speeds after a restart, the issue is usually something else, like your modem or router needing time to fully stabilize. Wait a few minutes and test again.

Can I change my IP address on public Wi-Fi?

You cannot change the IP address the network assigns to you without administrator access. You can toggle airplane mode to request a new address from the same network, but the network controls whether you get a different one. If you want to hide your IP on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN instead.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.1 (four numbers separated by dots). IPv6 addresses look like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 (longer, with letters and colons). Most home networks still use IPv4, but IPv6 is becoming more common. Both can be set to static or dynamic in your network settings.

Do I need to change my IP address regularly for security?

No. Changing your IP does not make your device more secure. Security depends on strong passwords, updated software, and a firewall — not on your IP address. If you are concerned about privacy on public networks, use a VPN instead of trying to change your IP.

What happens if I set a static IP that conflicts with another device?

If two devices on the same network have the same static IP, both will experience connection problems — usually dropping offline or losing internet access. To fix this, change one device's static IP to a different number (like 192.168.1.101 instead of 192.168.1.100), or switch it back to automatic assignment.