Need to change your IP address on a Mac? Whether you’re using macOS Sonoma, Ventura, or an older version, this guide covers all the methods to modify your IP settings.
Quick Answer
Open System Settings → Network → WiFi (or Ethernet) → Details → TCP/IP. Change “Configure IPv4” from DHCP to Manually, enter your new IP address, subnet mask, and router, then click OK.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Using System Settings (macOS Ventura & Later)
Apple redesigned System Preferences to System Settings starting with macOS Ventura (13.0). Here’s how to change your IP in the new interface:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open System Settings – Click the Apple menu () → System Settings, or press
Command + Spaceand search for “System Settings” - Go to Network – Click “Network” in the sidebar
- Select your connection – Click on “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” (whichever you’re using)
- Click Details – Next to your connected network, click the “Details…” button
- Go to TCP/IP tab – In the details window, select the TCP/IP tab
- Change Configure IPv4 – Click the dropdown next to “Configure IPv4” and select “Manually”
- Enter your IP settings:
- IP Address: Your desired IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
- Subnet Mask: Usually 255.255.255.0
- Router: Your router’s IP (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Click OK – Your new IP is now active
Method 2: Using System Preferences (macOS Monterey & Earlier)
If you’re using macOS Monterey (12.x) or earlier, you’ll use the classic System Preferences:
- Open System Preferences – Click the Apple menu → System Preferences
- Click Network – Select the Network icon
- Select your connection – Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet from the left sidebar
- Click Advanced – Located at the bottom right
- Go to TCP/IP tab – Click the TCP/IP tab at the top
- Change Configure IPv4 – From “Using DHCP” to “Manually”
- Enter your settings – IP Address, Subnet Mask, Router
- Click OK, then Apply
Method 3: Using Terminal Commands
For advanced users, Terminal provides quick network configuration options.
View Your Current IP
ipconfig getifaddr en0en0 is typically WiFi, en1 is often Ethernet. To see all interfaces:
ifconfigSet a Static IP (Temporary)
This command sets a temporary IP that resets after reboot:
sudo ifconfig en0 192.168.1.100 netmask 255.255.255.0Set a Persistent Static IP
For a permanent static IP via Terminal, use the networksetup command:
# For WiFi
sudo networksetup -setmanual "Wi-Fi" 192.168.1.100 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1
# For Ethernet
sudo networksetup -setmanual "Ethernet" 192.168.1.100 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1Set DNS Servers
sudo networksetup -setdnsservers "Wi-Fi" 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4Switch Back to DHCP
sudo networksetup -setdhcp "Wi-Fi"Renew DHCP Lease
To request a new IP from your router:
sudo ipconfig set en0 DHCPUsing Network Locations
macOS has a powerful feature called Network Locations that lets you save different network configurations and switch between them instantly.
Why Use Network Locations?
- Switch between home and office network settings with one click
- Save different IP configurations for different networks
- Quickly toggle between static IP and DHCP
Create a New Location
In macOS Ventura+:
- Go to System Settings → Network
- Click the three-dot menu (⋯) at the bottom
- Select “Locations” → “Edit Locations”
- Click + to add a new location
- Name it (e.g., “Home Static IP”)
- Configure the network settings for this location
In macOS Monterey and earlier:
- Go to System Preferences → Network
- Click the Location dropdown at the top
- Select “Edit Locations”
- Click + to create a new location
Switch Between Locations
Click the Apple menu → Location → select your desired location. Or use Terminal:
sudo networksetup -switchtolocation "Home Static IP"Change Your Public IP on Mac
The methods above change your local IP address. To change your public IP – what websites see – you have these options:
Use a VPN (Recommended)
A VPN is the most reliable way to change your public IP on Mac:
- Download a VPN app from the Mac App Store or the provider’s website
- Install and sign in
- Connect to any server location
- Your public IP changes immediately
Popular VPN services for Mac include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
Restart Your Router
If your ISP uses dynamic IP addressing, unplugging your router for 5-10 minutes may result in a new public IP when it reconnects.
DHCP vs Manual: When to Use Each
| DHCP (Automatic) | Manual (Static) |
|---|---|
| IP assigned automatically by router | You choose the IP address |
| IP may change periodically | IP stays the same |
| Best for general use | Best for servers, port forwarding |
| Zero configuration needed | Requires knowing your network settings |
Use DHCP if you’re a regular user browsing the web, streaming, etc.
Use Manual/Static if you’re running a server, need port forwarding, or have devices that need to find your Mac at a consistent address.
Troubleshooting
No Internet After Changing IP
Cause: Wrong router/gateway address or subnet mask
Fix: Your Router field should match your router’s IP. Find it by checking another device on your network, or temporarily switch back to DHCP to see what settings are automatically assigned.
IP Conflict Errors
Cause: Another device is using the same IP
Fix: Choose a different IP address, preferably one outside your router’s DHCP range. Try a higher number like .200 or .250.
“Self-Assigned IP” Warning
Cause: Mac can’t get an IP from the router
Fix: This usually indicates a network problem, not an IP configuration issue. Try:
- Restarting your Mac
- Rebooting your router
- Forgetting and rejoining the WiFi network
- Renewing DHCP lease: System Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Details → TCP/IP → Renew DHCP Lease
Can’t Find Network Settings
Cause: Looking in System Preferences instead of System Settings (or vice versa)
Fix: Check your macOS version (Apple menu → About This Mac). macOS Ventura and later use System Settings; earlier versions use System Preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my current IP address on Mac?
Local IP: System Settings → Network → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) → Details → TCP/IP. Or in Terminal: ipconfig getifaddr en0
Public IP: Visit ipchange.net to see your public IP, or in Terminal: curl ifconfig.me
Does changing my Mac’s IP affect other devices?
No, changing your Mac’s local IP only affects your Mac. Other devices on the network keep their own IPs. Just make sure you don’t choose an IP already in use by another device.
Can I use the same IP for WiFi and Ethernet?
Only if you’re not connected to both simultaneously. If both interfaces are active, each needs a unique IP. macOS handles this automatically with DHCP, but if you set static IPs, make sure they’re different.
Why won’t my Mac connect after setting a static IP?
The most common causes are: wrong router/gateway address, incorrect subnet mask, or an IP conflict. Double-check all values match your network. When in doubt, switch back to DHCP, note the automatic settings, then use similar values for your static configuration.
Summary
- System Settings (macOS Ventura+) or System Preferences (older) is the easiest way to change your IP
- Terminal commands offer quick configuration for advanced users
- Network Locations let you save and switch between different IP configurations
- To change your public IP, use a VPN or restart your router
- Most users should stick with DHCP unless they have specific requirements