Don’t be concerned. Changing your IP address is convenient, even if you’ve never done it before. It’s also completely safe and legal as long as you’re not breaking any other laws. IP addresses are assigned to your computer and phone in a variety of ways (short for web convention, a one-of-a-kind series of numbers that distinguish your particular device with your web-based perusing), In any case, we’ll emphasise on the ones that are typically distinct in order to defend your privacy when browsing, and those that make you appear to be in another country.
Using a proxy server or a VPN is the greatest approach to not only alter your IP address momentarily but also secure your privacy. If you merely want to change your IP address without the added privacy benefit, you may either input it manually or force your device to acquire a new one automatically.
Remember that changing your IP address will momentarily break any internet-connected services or apps on your device. There is no harm caused, but it has the same effect as if you had suddenly lost your Wi-Fi. Spotify may experience a slowdown. Media streaming services will experience a brief brain freeze. You may need to restart if you’re sending or receiving files. You may also need to log back into any protected site you are presently using.
What will you see here?
Why should I update my IP address?
Many internet services are geo-restricted, which means they are not available outside of the nation from whence they originated. Connecting to a VPN server in that region is the only method to access such services from overseas. This provides you with a legitimate IP address and restores access to the website or online service.
When you are on vacation overseas, services from home, such as online banking or streaming services, will be geo-restricted. As a result, in order to obtain an IP address in your home country, you will need to utilize a VPN.
Finally, a VPN can assist you in circumventing government, ISP, or local network limitations. You may acquire an IP address in a nation where locally prohibited material is still available by connecting to a VPN. You may access normally blocked services without being traced thanks to the anonymity provided by the VPN.
6 ways to change IP Address
Using a VPN or proxy server, you may change your IP address.
When you utilize one of the virtual private networks, The service will automatically make you appear to have an IP address from a different country than the one you select. Simply use your VPN software and connect to any city other than your present one; your IP address will appear to be from anywhere you chose in less than 30 seconds.
Browser-based VPNs and proxies are far lighter than standalone VPN programs. There are several significant privacy issues that I’ve discussed previously, but using a proxy also alters your apparent IP address. Proxies and browser-based VPNs are available in Chrome, Firefox, and Brave Browser. Introducing a VPN on your iPhone or Android cell phone is equivalent to introducing some other programming.
Some Best VPNs such as NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, IPVanish, PrivateVPN and AtlasVPN.
Unplug the router to change your IP address
The simplest and quickest approach to obtaining a new IP address is to first determine your current IP address using an IP-checking site, then walk over to your router and disconnect it for at least five minutes. It could require a few minutes longer, contingent upon how long your ISP ordinarily requires to re-establish IP addresses. Refresh the webpage after plugging it back in to ensure your IP address has been updated.
Essentially, you’re attempting to make the IP-assigning section of your router “forget” your device, so that it regards it as a newbie and assigns it a new address. This is not, however, infallible. It may require several attempts, and in certain circumstances, you may need to turn off the router overnight. If you have a router that is distinct from your modem (most are now combined devices), you may need to disconnect the modem and router, wait 5 minutes, then turn on the modem first, then the router.
To change your IP address for free, use Tor.
Tor, which stands for The Onion Router, is an anonymity network managed entirely by volunteers. The Tor Browser, a basic internet browser that routes normal online traffic through the Tor organisation, is the simplest method to initiate using Tor. Tor encrypts your connection numerous times before sending it across various nodes—servers run by volunteers. Each node removes one layer of encryption, and the sequence of nodes utilized varies each time you visit a new website. This makes tracing Tor traffic back to its source nearly impossible. Sites will see the IP address of the chain’s last hub, known as the Exit Node.
Tor is free, but it has limitations. It’s sluggish and only truly suitable for basic web browsing. Because of Tor’s anonymity, it is frequently linked with criminal activities on the dark web, so while it is not prohibited, using it may attract unwelcome attention from your ISP and potentially even police authorities. They can’t see what you’re doing when connected to Tor, but they can see that you’re linked to Tor nodes.
Request that your ISP modify your IP address
Another alternative is to request a new IP address from your ISP. Because each ISP has distinct regulations regarding how such requests are handled, replies may differ. You’ll need your account details and current IP address at the very least.
Most ISPs employ dynamic IP address systems, which means that IP addresses change and are recycled on a regular basis when devices join and disconnect from the internet. Keep in mind that your new IP address may not remain the same indefinitely.
In certain circumstances, you may request a static IP address from your ISP, but you may have to pay an additional price and/or go through an application procedure. Once you’ve received a static IP address, enter it into your device’s network settings. Static IP addresses do not change unless you modify them explicitly.
Update your IP address automatically on Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android.
Here’s how to accomplish it on a Mac, iOS, Windows, or Android device:
- macOS: Click the Apple symbol in the upper left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences, Network, and Advanced. At the beginning of the next screen, click “TCP/IP,” then, at that point, click the Renew DHCP Lease button on the right half of the window.
- iOS: Go to Settings, Network, and select the wireless network you’re presently connected to. Tap Configure IP then Automatic under the IPv4 address area.
- Windows 10: Press the Win+R keys simultaneously. This brings up the Run box dialogue. Enter cmd and then press Enter on your keyboard. This brings up the command prompt.
- Android: Navigate to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap on the network to which you are presently connected. To the right of the network, tap the gear-shaped symbol. Your IP address will be displayed here. However, you scroll down to the bottom of the page and, after entering your Wi-Fi password, press Forget (the trash icon in the bottom-right corner). Your phone will lose connection to the Wi-Fi network and will be unplugged. Simply rejoin your network to receive a new IP address.
Change your IP address manually
If you already have a new IP address that you know you wish to use, follow these steps.
- MacOS: Navigate to System Preferences and choose Network. Select Network Connection, then IPv4 Configuration. Select Manually and enter the IP address you’ve specified.
- iOS: Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi > Network. Tap Configure IP under the IPv4 address area. Enter the IP address you’re attempting to use manually.
- Windows: Make sure you’re logged in as Administrator, then select Start, then Control Panel. Click Network Connection, and then select your local area connection. Then, select Properties, and then TCP/IP. You may manually enter your new IP address from here.
- Android: Navigate to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap on the network to which you are presently connected. To the right of the network, tap the gear-shaped symbol. Your IP address will appear here, but scroll down to the bottom of the page and touch Advanced, then IP Settings. Choose Static. The following page will allow you to manually enter the IP address you’ve chosen.
Does rebooting your router affect your IP address?
The IP address is not changed when a router is reset. Resetting your router will only affect the router’s settings. ISP allocates an IP address to your switch or modem. This IP address will not change if you reset your router.
Is it true that rebooting your router changes your IP address?
It’s conceivable, but not likely. If you power cycles your router, the address is unlikely to change. Even said, resetting your router to factory defaults increases the likelihood that the device will issue new addresses.
Conclusion
There are some very reasonable reasons why you might need to change your IP address. Before you begin, learn about the sort of IP address you’re changing and the simplest approach to do it. Knowing how to obtain a new IP address may make your online life a lot more convenient and secure. While a VPN is a terrific low-skill option, it is also possible to do it yourself in a few easy steps.
