Need to change your IP address? Whether for privacy, troubleshooting, or accessing geo-restricted content, this guide covers all the methods that actually work in 2025.
Quick Answer
The fastest way to change your public IP address is using a VPN service. Simply connect to a VPN server in any location, and your IP address changes instantly. For changing your local (private) IP address, you can modify your network settings in Windows, macOS, or your mobile device.
Table of Contents
How To Change Your Public IP Address (5 Methods)
1. Use a VPN (Fastest Method)
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most reliable way to change your public IP address. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is routed through that server, and websites see the server’s IP address instead of yours.
How it works:
- Download and install a VPN app
- Connect to a server in your preferred location
- Your IP address changes immediately
- All your traffic is encrypted for added privacy
Best for: Privacy protection, accessing geo-restricted content, hiding your location from websites and trackers.
Popular VPN services include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. Check our VPN comparison to find the best option for your needs.
2. Restart Your Router
If your ISP uses dynamic IP addressing (most do), you may get a new IP address by restarting your router. This works because your ISP’s DHCP server may assign a different address when your router reconnects.
Steps:
- Unplug your router from power
- Wait 5-10 minutes (the longer, the better)
- Plug it back in and wait for it to reconnect
- Check your new IP address
Note: This doesn’t always work. Some ISPs assign the same IP for extended periods, especially with fiber connections. If you have a static IP, this method won’t change your address.
3. Contact Your ISP
You can request a new IP address directly from your Internet Service Provider. Most ISPs will accommodate this request, though some may charge a fee or require a reason.
When to use this method:
- Your IP has been blacklisted or banned
- You’re experiencing targeted attacks
- You need a static IP for business purposes
4. Use Mobile Data
Switching from WiFi to mobile data gives you an entirely different IP address assigned by your mobile carrier. This is a quick way to get a new IP without any configuration.
Your mobile IP also changes periodically as you move between cell towers or when you toggle airplane mode on and off.
5. Use a Proxy Server
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. Websites see the proxy’s IP address instead of yours. However, unlike VPNs, most proxies don’t encrypt your traffic.
Learn more about the differences in our VPN vs Proxy vs Tor comparison.
How To Change Your Local (Private) IP Address
Your local IP address is the one assigned to your device within your home network (usually starting with 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x). Changing this is useful for network troubleshooting or when setting up static IPs for servers or smart home devices.
On Windows 11
- Open Settings (Windows + I)
- Go to Network & internet
- Click on your connection (WiFi or Ethernet)
- Click Edit next to IP assignment
- Select Manual and toggle on IPv4
- Enter your desired IP address, subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), and gateway
- Click Save
For detailed instructions, see our complete Windows 11 IP Address Guide.
On macOS
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions)
- Click Network
- Select your connection and click Details
- Go to TCP/IP tab
- Change “Configure IPv4” from DHCP to Manually
- Enter your IP address, subnet mask, and router address
- Click OK
See our full macOS IP Address Guide for more options including Terminal commands.
On Android & iOS
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi → tap your network → Edit → Show advanced options → IP settings → Static
iOS/iPhone: Settings → WiFi → tap (i) next to your network → Configure IP → Manual
For complete mobile instructions, read our Mobile IP Address Guide.
Public vs Private IP Addresses
It’s important to understand the difference between these two types of IP addresses:
| Public IP | Private IP |
|---|---|
| Assigned by your ISP | Assigned by your router |
| Visible to websites you visit | Only visible within your local network |
| Unique across the internet | Can be the same across different networks |
| Example: 203.45.167.89 | Example: 192.168.1.100 |
When most people talk about “changing their IP,” they mean their public IP address – the one that websites and online services can see. Learn more in our guide: What Is My IP Address?
Why Change Your IP Address?
Privacy & Security
Your IP address can reveal your approximate location and be used to track your online activity. Changing your IP helps protect your privacy from advertisers, data brokers, and potentially malicious actors.
Access Geo-Restricted Content
Many streaming services, websites, and online services restrict content based on location. By changing your IP to another country, you can access content that would otherwise be unavailable.
Bypass IP Bans
If your IP has been banned from a service (sometimes unfairly, especially with shared IPs), getting a new IP address can restore your access.
Network Troubleshooting
IP conflicts on local networks can cause connection problems. Changing your local IP can resolve these issues, especially when setting up multiple devices or servers.
Free IP Changer Software
Our IP Address Changer is a lightweight, free tool for Windows that lets you quickly switch between different IP configurations. It’s especially useful for IT professionals and anyone who regularly needs to change network settings.
Features:
- Portable – No installation required, runs directly from a USB drive
- Fast switching – Save up to 4 different IP configurations
- Free & Open Source – No ads, no tracking, completely free
- Lightweight – Under 1MB download
Works with Windows 10, Windows 11, and older Windows versions.
Note: This tool changes your local IP address (network settings). To change your public IP address that websites see, you’ll need a VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to change your IP address?
Yes, changing your IP address is completely legal in most countries. Using a VPN or proxy is legal for privacy purposes. However, using these tools to commit illegal activities remains illegal regardless of IP masking.
How often does my IP address change automatically?
With a dynamic IP (most home connections), your IP may change every few days to several weeks, or when your router reconnects. Some ISPs keep the same IP for months. With a static IP (often business connections), it never changes unless you request it.
Does a VPN completely hide my IP address?
A VPN replaces your visible IP with the VPN server’s IP for all your internet traffic. Websites and services see the VPN’s IP, not yours. However, your ISP still knows your real IP (they just can’t see what you’re doing). Learn more: How to Hide Your IP Address
Can someone track me using my IP address?
Your IP address reveals your approximate location (usually city-level) and ISP. It cannot reveal your exact address or personal identity by itself. However, combined with other data, it can be used for tracking. This is why privacy-conscious users use VPNs.
What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.1 (four numbers separated by dots). IPv6 addresses are longer, like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. IPv6 was created because we’re running out of IPv4 addresses. Most devices now support both. The methods to change your IP work for both versions.
Will changing my IP address improve my internet speed?
Generally, no. Your IP address doesn’t affect your connection speed – that’s determined by your internet plan and network conditions. However, if your IP is being throttled by a service, using a VPN with a different IP might help in that specific case.
Summary
- To change your public IP: Use a VPN (recommended), restart your router, contact your ISP, or switch to mobile data
- To change your local IP: Modify network settings in Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS
- Best method for privacy: A reliable VPN that encrypts your traffic and hides your real IP
- For network configuration: Use our free IP Changer software to quickly switch between settings