How To Change IP Address? [PC And Smartphone]

Every device connected to the internet has a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. There are several ways to change your IP address, such as using a VPN or modifying the proxy settings. It can bring various benefits for the user, like enhancing privacy and keeping your data secure from threats.

Key Takeaways

• An IP address sets your device apart from other devices on the network or your local internet for hassle-free communication and data transfer.
• You can alter the IP address for your device computer through TCP/IP configurations, enabling a proxy, turning on VPN, or simply restarting your internet router.
• It has many advantages, such as providing access to geographically blocked or restricted content, masking your virtual location, and fixing network errors or connectivity problems.     

How To Change Your IP Address

In this section, we will discuss many ways to edit your device’s IP address on a computer and smartphone to hide your location from advertisers or resolve persistent internet issues.

Restart Your Internet Router

Dynamic IP addresses can be changed simply by restarting your internet router. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns your device, like a smartphone or a PC, a new IP address every time it connects to the network. We also recommend conducting a power cycle. 

1. Go to your internet router and locate the “Power” button at the backside.

   

2. Press it once to turn off the device.
3. Wait for a minute before turning the router back on.

Use A VPN

Turning on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you modify your IP address and change your virtual location to another available region. Secure VPNs like NordVPN, SurfShark, and Private Internet Access intercept your internet traffic, encrypt and send it through a remote server which can be traced to different countries.

Consequently, you can view websites and content blocked in your country while protecting your identity and data. On a side note, use a reputable VPN to secure your data and personal files from malicious viruses and hackers. Our detailed guide will make setting up a VPN easier for you. Though, turn off the VPN if any website malfunctions upon its usage.

NordVPN

1. Download NordVPN on your device.
2. Create an account and pick the best package based on your needs.
3. Once set up, you will see a “Quick Connect” button on the bottom of your screen. When you press this button, your device will be connected to the best server available.

   

4. You can also choose a specific country from the list of 5400 servers.

Surfshark

1. Begin by downloading Surfshark on your PC or mobile.
2. Select a pricing package and create your account in the app.
3. Press “Quick Connect” to automatically connect to the fastest server available. You can also manually connect to any server from the list.

   

4. Once connected, the message will change to “Protected. Your Connection Is Safe.”

   

Switch Networks

Connecting to another WiFi or internet network will change your IP address on the device. Disconnect from the current network and switch to a different one.

Also Read: Intel WiFi 6 AX200 Not Working 

Use Command Prompt/Terminal

Executing a specific command on your Windows and Mac computers removes your device’s current IP address, making it available for other devices on the network. You can then request a new IP address from Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Windows

1. Hold the “Windows+R” keys on your keyboard to launch the “Run” box.

   

2. Type “cmd” and press “Enter” to launch the Command Prompt.

   

3. Execute the command “ipconfig/release” and let the content load. It will release the current IP address.

   

4. Type the following command, “ipconfig/renew.“ Hit “Enter” to request a different IP address from the server.

macOS

1. Open “Terminal.”
2. Type and enter the code “sudo ipconfig set en1 DHCP” for DHCP to issue you a new IP address.

Also Read: How To Update Drivers?

Contact Your Internet Service Provider

Another way is to request that your ISP grant you a new IP address. However, remember that if they use a Dynamic IP address, it will change every time you re-connect to the network. However, a Static IP address will stay the same unless you manually alter it.

Resort To A Proxy

Proxy servers are a bridge between your device and the internet. Enabling proxies route the internet traffic through its servers rather than directly to its destination. Consequently, you can enjoy better privacy and access to a broader range of content.

Windows

1. Open the “Control Panel” from “Desktop.”

   

2. Go to “Network And Internet.”

   

3. Choose the second option, “Internet Options.”

   

4. A dialog box will appear on your screen.
5. Head to the “Connections” tab.
6. Select “LAN Settings.”

   

7. Mark the box beside “Use A Proxy Server For Your LAN” and press “OK.”

   

8. On the following dialog box, press “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

macOS

1. Press the “Apple” symbol on the top menu and choose “System Preferences” from the drop-down.

   

2. Pick “Network.”

   

3. Stay on the “Ethernet” section and click the “Advanced” button.
4. Move over to the “Proxies” tab.

   

5. Select a protocol to configure, for example, HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS or another.
6. Type the IP address and port number in the “Web Proxy Server” box.
7. Put a tick on the option “Proxy Server Requires Password,” and enter the credentials in the boxes below.
8. Click “OK” to save the proxy settings.

   

Also Read: How To Fix NVIDIA User Account Is Locked

Android

1. Open the “Settings” menu.

   

2. Head over to “Connections.”

   

3. Go to “WiFi” to view more details and options.

   

4. Tap the “Settings Icon” besides the connected WiFi.

   

5. Select “Advanced” to expand the menu.

   

6. The “Proxy” settings will be set to “None” by default.

   

7. Tap on it and pick “Manual” from the sub-menu.

   

8. Now, enter the proxy details provided by your host.

   

iOS

1. Move to “Settings.”

   

2. Tap “WiFi” to view more settings.

   

3. Press the “i” symbol. It should be located in front of the connected WiFi.

   

4. Find the “Configure Proxy” option and click on it.

   

5. Set it as “Manual.”

   

6. Type the proxy details and save the settings.

Also Read: Origin: We’ve Noticed Your Computer Is Offline [FIXED]

Configure TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a system of networking protocols that overlooks how data travels on the network. The TCP/IP settings determine how the connected devices communicate among themselves and with the internet.

Modifying these settings can resolve connectivity errors and enhance the network’s performance on your device.

Windows

1. Select “Network And Internet” on the “Control Panel” menu.

   

2. Click on the first option, “Network And Sharing Center.”
3. Locate the option “Change Adapter Settings” on the left bar of this window. Click on it.

   

4. Right-click on your connected WiFi network.
5. Choose “Properties” from the drop-down.

   

6. In the next dialog box, highlight “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and press the “Properties” button.

   

7. In the “General” tab, select “Use The Following IP Address.”
8. Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
9. Hit “OK” to save the settings.

   

macOS

1. Launch “Network” settings from the “System Preferences” menu.

   

2. Click on “WiFi” and then go to “Advanced.”

   

3. Select the “TCP/IP” tab from the upper set of options.
4. Set “Manually” in the box next to “Configure IPv4.”
5. Next, type the new IP address next to “IPv4 Address.”
6. Press “OK.”

   

Through Smartphone Settings

You can use a few methods mentioned above (enabling VPN, contacting ISP, switching networks, restarting the internet router) to change your smartphone’s IP address. Apart from that, editing IP from the settings is also an option.

Android

1. Tap “Settings” from the “App Screen.”

   

2. Click on “Connections.”

   

3. Go to “WiFi.”

   

4. Tap the “Settings Gear” beside your connected WiFi network.

   

5. Expand the “Advanced” section.

   

6. The IP Settings are set to “DHCP” by default.

   

7. Tap on it and pick “Static” from the drop-down.

   

8. Type the preferred IP and Gateway.
9. “Save” the settings.

   

Also Read: How To Fix GPU Keeps Crashing [11 Methods]

iOS

1. Head to the “iPhone Settings.”

   

2. Choose “WiFi.”

   

3. An “i” symbol should be next to the connected WiFi network. Tap on it.

   

4. Now, scroll down and select “Configure IP.”

   

5. Pick “Manual” to modify the IP address, subnet mask, and router.

   

6. Apply the settings.

Why Should You Change Your IP Address?

Changing your IP address may become crucial in a particular situation, for instance, when you want to access a website or content banned in your country by the local government. Also, you can trespass on online location barriers to using websites and services not available in your country.

Furthermore, altering your IP address prevents advertisers and hackers from accessing your geolocation data, thus keeping your files and data safe from malware and website tracking. However, if you encounter malware or viruses on your PC, find out how to eliminate them with our guide.

In addition, it helps troubleshoot common internet connectivity problems and network-related errors on your device, such as wrongly configured IP addresses. Plus, using a virtually fake IP address allows you to bypass firewalls and surf the web without leaving any digital footprints. Besides, learn how to disable the firewall on your device with our guide.

Final Words

These are all the detailed methods on how to change IP addresses on different devices. Doing so acts as an added security layer by masking your location from hackers and malicious websites. On the other hand, you should consult your ISP or a network security expert if your device malfunctions after changing IP addresses.

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