How to Change Your IP Address (Windows 11, Mac, Phone) 2026
How do I change my IP address? An IP (Internet Protocol) address is the number that identifies your device on a network, much like a postal address for data. You might want to change IP address details to fix a network conflict, get around a temporary block, test a website from another location or improve privacy. First you need to know which IP you want to change: the public IP the internet sees, or the local IP your router gives your device. Here is how to change IP address settings for both in 2026.
Quick answer: To change your public IP, restart your router (unplug it for a few minutes), switch to mobile data, or use a VPN. To change your local IP on Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet > your network > IP assignment > Edit, choose Manual and enter a new address. On Mac use System Settings > Network > Details > TCP/IP.
Table of Contents
Public IP vs local IP
- Public IP: assigned by your internet provider to your router. Every device at home shares it online. Search “what is my IP” in Google to see it.
- Local (private) IP: assigned by your router to each device, such as 192.168.1.15. Used only inside your home network.
Static vs dynamic IP
- Dynamic IP: handed out automatically by DHCP and may change over time. Most home connections use this.
- Static IP: fixed. ISPs charge extra for a static public IP; at home you can fix a local IP for a printer, NAS or game console.
How to change your public IP address
- Restart the router: turn it off for 5 to 10 minutes, then on. Many ISPs hand out a new dynamic IP. Some keep the same one for days.
- Use a VPN: websites see the VPN server’s IP instead of yours, and you can pick a country. Choose a reputable paid VPN; free ones often log or sell data.
- Switch networks: mobile data, a hotspot or another Wi-Fi network gives you a different public IP instantly.
- Ask your ISP: they can assign a new IP, or a static one for a fee.
How to change local IP address on Windows 11
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Click Wi-Fi (then your network’s properties) or Ethernet.
- Next to IP assignment, click Edit and choose Manual.
- Turn on IPv4 and enter the IP address, subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), gateway (your router, e.g. 192.168.1.1) and DNS.
- Save. To go back, set IP assignment to Automatic (DHCP).
Quick refresh of a dynamic local IP: open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew.
How to change IP address on Mac
- Open System Settings > Network and select Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Click Details next to your network, then TCP/IP.
- Set Configure IPv4 to Manually and enter the address, or click Renew DHCP Lease for a new automatic one.
How to change IP address on iPhone and Android
- iPhone: Settings > Wi-Fi > tap (i) next to the network > Configure IP > Manual, or tap Renew Lease.
- Android: Settings > Network & internet > Internet > tap the gear next to your Wi-Fi > Edit (pencil) > Advanced options > IP settings > Static. Menus vary by brand.
Tips to avoid problems
- Pick a manual local IP outside the router’s DHCP range, or reserve it in the router instead, to avoid conflicts.
- Write down the old settings before changing anything.
- Changing your IP does not make you anonymous. Learn how to protect your IP address and privacy online.
FAQ
Is it legal to change your IP address?
Yes. Restarting a router or using a VPN is legal in most countries. Using it to commit fraud or break a site’s terms is not.
Why doesn’t my IP change after restarting the router?
Some ISPs keep the same IP for days or bind it to your router. Leave it off longer, or use a VPN.
Does incognito mode change my IP?
No. Private browsing only stops your browser saving history; your IP stays the same.
Originally written by guest author Amit Bhawani, who writes a tech blog at AmitBhawani.com. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.
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Nice article, but that won’t appear to make use of my router ip address, any hints?
Thank you for sharing informaion on “How Do I Change My IP Address”…
Excellent site, where did you come up with the knowledge in this summary? Im glad I found it though, ill be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.
how to change static ip address bandwith
this doesn’t seem to work for me. There isn’t a internet connections button in my control panel…
I’m getting error message. It says “TCP/IP CP reported error 735: The requested address was rejected by the server”
How can i change my IP?
now, i will try to change ip.
Unfortunately the methods here will not work for most residential cable/DSL customers using a router. You’ll need to try powering the router down for a least 8 hours. See https://whatismyipaddress.com/ for additional proven methods.
@SATISH: There are some ISP that give you more than one “static” IP, so go to command prompt and type ipconfig -all, then jot down the data, set your config in Network connections from automatic to “Use the following IP adress”, and change the last digit of the ip adress. The other data, put it as ipconfig -all states.
The number one question for concerned internet travelers who wish to surf the web anonymously is a truly perennial one: “Which is the best proxy to use online?”
The sad fact is, there is no answer. A fast reliable one would be the best way to go, but these appear and disappear so quickly online, it wouldn’t be worth it to recommend one. The reason is a simple, economical one: Bandwidth costs big money. Having people surf the internet through an anonymous proxy you set up costs a boatload, so why do people do it?
Often times, the user doesn’t realize a proxy is set up. A proxy could be configured by accident if a server is set up incorrectly, and an administrator would notice a large hit on the speed of his connectees…. Or a large hit on his bank account. This is a rather common mistake, but thankfully, can be fixed easily.
The next reason is a big more insidious: crime. Thieves can set up a free proxy, and while they do incur the bandwidth expenses, they can run rampant on your bank accounts, internet passwords, and other sensitive information. These hackers could actually access an unsecured server, and set up a proxy without the owner’s consent. Then they could reap the benefits of information, and send the bill to the unfortunate and unknowing host.
These proxies are too dangerous to warrant their use. If you absolutely must, however, be careful what information you put into the program. Never put anything that you wouldn’t mind others seeing, and never disclose any bank, login, or password information.
If you must change your IP address from time to time, then you should consider one of the respected proxy companies out there such as Proxify, Anonymizer or Private Proxy.
From this blog I got an idea of changing ip address.
Easiest way to change IP is to restart the modem, provided you have a dynamic IP.
A small correction in my previous comment
[..In broadband providers context, a (Static) Internet (WAN) IP will help you stay in the..]
The explanation of Static IP is not explained well, or actually wrong. Static IP is not the same across WAN, LAN etc.. In broadband providers context, a Internet (WAN) IP will help you stay in the same unique address each time u connect to internet.
@Anuraj Bhateja – you are right, you have to do that only to change ip address in internet. I guess you do that for downloading from rapidshare ;)
Changing the LAN IP is not related to internet IPs. You can have any IP in ur LAN, but not on Internet. Though if your ip address is not the in the same Subnet(Sorry for the jargon ;) google to learn more) as the broadband modem you wont be able to access internet.
In my LAN settings, it is set to: Obtain an IP address automatically! and Obtain DNS address automatically!
How to change the IP address now? Should I just select the Use the following IP/DNS address and enter something?
dear sir,
you can click on ” Use the following IP address” there you can assign a new IP address and same DNS address.
thx
sivakumar
Interesting post mate. Normally I just restart modem to get another dynamic IP. But will surely give this one a try too!