Need to change your IP address on your phone or tablet? This guide covers how to modify IP settings on Android and iOS devices, including both WiFi and mobile data connections.
Quick Answer
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi → tap your network → Edit (pencil icon) → Show advanced options → IP settings → Static
iPhone/iPad: Settings → WiFi → tap (i) next to your network → Configure IP → Manual
Table of Contents
Change IP Address on Android
Method 1: Through WiFi Settings
This method works on most Android devices, though menu names may vary slightly between manufacturers (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.).
- Open Settings – Swipe down and tap the gear icon, or find Settings in your app drawer
- Go to Network & Internet – On Samsung devices, this is “Connections”
- Tap WiFi
- Long-press your connected network – Or tap the gear icon next to it
- Tap “Modify network” or “Manage network settings”
- Expand “Advanced options” – You may need to tap “Show advanced options”
- Change IP settings from DHCP to Static
- Enter your network settings:
- IP address: Your desired IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
- Gateway: Your router’s IP (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Network prefix length: Usually 24 (equivalent to subnet mask 255.255.255.0)
- DNS 1: Primary DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8)
- DNS 2: Secondary DNS (e.g., 8.8.4.4)
- Tap Save
Samsung Galaxy Devices
Samsung uses slightly different menus:
- Settings → Connections → WiFi
- Tap the gear icon next to your connected network
- Tap “View more” at the bottom
- Tap “IP settings” and change from DHCP to Static
- Enter your settings and tap Save
Google Pixel Devices
- Settings → Network & Internet → Internet
- Tap the gear icon next to your WiFi network
- Tap the pencil icon (edit)
- Tap “Advanced options”
- Change IP settings to Static
Change IP Address on iPhone & iPad (iOS/iPadOS)
Method 1: Configure IP Manually
- Open Settings
- Tap WiFi
- Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network
- Tap “Configure IP”
- Select “Manual”
- Enter your 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)
- Tap “Save”
Method 2: Renew DHCP Lease
If you just want a new IP from your router (without setting a static IP):
- Settings → WiFi → tap (i) next to your network
- Tap “Renew Lease”
- Your device requests a new IP from the router
Note: This may or may not result in a different IP depending on your router’s configuration.
Configure DNS on iOS
- Settings → WiFi → tap (i) next to your network
- Tap “Configure DNS”
- Select “Manual”
- Remove existing servers and add new ones (e.g., 8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1)
- Tap “Save”
Change Your Mobile Data IP
Your mobile data IP (3G/4G/5G) works differently than WiFi. It’s assigned by your carrier and you can’t manually configure it through settings.
How to Get a New Mobile IP
Toggle Airplane Mode:
- Turn on Airplane Mode
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn off Airplane Mode
When your phone reconnects to the cellular network, you may receive a new IP address.
Restart Your Phone: A full restart forces a new connection to your carrier’s network, often resulting in a new IP.
Wait: Mobile carriers frequently rotate IP addresses. Your IP likely changes every few hours to days automatically.
Why Can’t I Set a Static Mobile IP?
Mobile carriers use CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT), meaning many users share the same public IP address. You can’t manually configure this – it’s controlled entirely by your carrier.
Change Your Public IP on Mobile
The WiFi settings above change your local IP only. To change your public IP – what websites and apps see – use these methods:
Use a VPN App (Recommended)
A VPN is the most reliable way to change your public IP on any mobile device:
- Download a VPN app from the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android)
- Create an account and sign in
- Allow VPN configuration when prompted
- Connect to a server in any country
- Your public IP changes immediately
Popular mobile VPN apps include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
Switch Between WiFi and Mobile Data
Your WiFi and mobile data connections have different public IPs. Switching between them gives you a different IP:
- Turn off WiFi to use mobile data IP
- Connect to WiFi to use your home network’s IP
Connect to a Different Network
Different WiFi networks have different public IPs. Connecting to a coffee shop’s WiFi gives you a different IP than your home WiFi.
WiFi IP vs Mobile Data IP
| WiFi IP | Mobile Data IP |
|---|---|
| Assigned by your router | Assigned by your carrier |
| Can be manually configured | Cannot be manually set |
| Shared among devices on the network | Often shared with other carrier users (CGNAT) |
| Typically more stable | May change frequently |
| Location based on your router | Location may vary with cell towers |
Troubleshooting
Can’t Connect After Setting Static IP
Cause: Incorrect gateway, subnet, or IP conflict
Fix:
- Switch back to DHCP/Automatic
- Note the settings that were automatically assigned
- Use similar values but change only the last number of the IP
“IP Address Unavailable” on Android
Cause: Router couldn’t assign an IP (DHCP issue)
Fix:
- Forget the network and reconnect
- Restart your router
- Try setting a static IP manually
IP Settings Keep Resetting
Cause: Some devices reset IP settings when reconnecting to a network
Fix: After setting a static IP, tap Save/Done and ensure the settings stick. On some Android devices, you may need to “Forget” the network and set it up fresh with static settings.
VPN Won’t Connect on Mobile
Cause: VPN permission not granted or blocked by network
Fix:
- Grant VPN configuration permission when prompted
- Try a different VPN protocol in the app settings
- Switch between WiFi and mobile data
- Some networks (corporate, school) may block VPN traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my phone’s IP address?
Android: Settings → About Phone → Status → IP Address
iPhone: Settings → WiFi → tap (i) next to your network → IP Address
Public IP: Visit ipchange.net in your browser
Does my mobile IP change when I move?
Sometimes. As you move and connect to different cell towers, your carrier may assign different IPs. This happens automatically and you can’t control it. WiFi IP stays the same as long as you’re on the same network.
Can apps track me using my mobile IP?
Your IP reveals your approximate location and can be used for tracking. However, mobile IPs often change and are shared among users (CGNAT), making precise tracking harder than with static home IPs. For privacy, use a VPN to mask your real IP.
Why does my phone have a 10.x.x.x or 100.x.x.x IP?
These are private IP ranges used in CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT). Your carrier assigns you this private IP, and multiple users share a single public IP. This is common with mobile carriers to conserve IPv4 addresses.
Should I use a static IP on my phone?
Most users should keep DHCP (automatic). Static IPs are useful only in specific cases, like running a server from your phone or needing a consistent address for network applications. For regular use, DHCP is simpler and more reliable.
Summary
- WiFi IP on Android: Settings → WiFi → long-press network → Modify → Static
- WiFi IP on iPhone: Settings → WiFi → (i) → Configure IP → Manual
- Mobile data IP: Can’t be manually configured; toggle Airplane mode for a new IP
- Public IP: Use a VPN app for reliable, instant IP changes
- Most users should keep automatic/DHCP settings for WiFi