You don’t have to be a tech expert to change your IP address. Whether you’re worried about online privacy, want to watch content from another country, or just trying to fix a network problem—changing your IP is totally doable.
If you’re asking yourself how to change my IP address, here’s the short answer:
- Restart your router (if you have a dynamic IP)
- Use a VPN to get a new IP and change your location
- Try the Tor browser for privacy
- Or even switch to mobile data for a quick IP shift
These are just a few of the ways. Below, we’ll break down each method clearly, explain why you might want to change your IP, and guide you step-by-step—no tech background needed.
This guide walks you through the what, why, and how—using plain language, helpful tips, and real-life examples.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP address (short for Internet Protocol address) is a unique number that identifies your device on a network. Think of it like your mailing address, but online. It’s how websites know where to send the data you request.
There are two types you should know:
- Private IP: Used inside your home network.
- Public IP: What the internet sees when you go online.
Example: Your computer might use 192.168.1.5 to talk to your printer at home. But the public IP seen by websites might be 203.0.113.76.
FYI: You can check your public IP using our IP lookup tool.
Why Would I Want to Change My IP Address?
Sometimes, your IP address can be a little too revealing. It shows your rough location and can be used to track your activity across websites.
People often change their IP to:
- Stay more private online
- Avoid getting tracked or throttled
- Access content restricted to certain countries
- Get around bans (like on a game server)
- Troubleshoot network issues
Example: Netflix shows you a different library of shows based on your IP location. Changing your IP might unlock new titles.
Types of IP Addresses
Public vs. Private IP
- Public IP: Assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is what websites see.
- Private IP: Used within your home or office network.
Example: Your phone might have a private IP like 192.168.0.20, while your router gives it a public IP like 86.75.43.90.
Dynamic vs. Static IP
- Dynamic IP: Changes regularly, often when you restart your router.
- Static IP: Stays the same unless changed manually or by your ISP.
Example: Most home users get dynamic IPs. Businesses that run websites often pay for a static one.
IPv4 vs. IPv6
- IPv4: Older, shorter addresses like 192.168.1.1
- IPv6: Newer, longer ones like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334
FYI: You probably don’t need to worry about IPv6 unless you’re in a specialized tech role.
Want to dive deeper into how IP addresses work and the difference between IPv4 and IPv6? Check out our full guide on the difference between IPv4 and IPv6.
Ways to Change Your IP Address
There are several ways to change your IP address, depending on your device, network setup, and the level of privacy you’re looking for. If you’ve ever wondered how to change my internet IP address, the good news is — it’s easier than you might think. Below, we’ll walk you through the most common and effective methods.
Restart Your Router
A simple reboot can trigger a new IP address if you’re using a dynamic IP.
Example: Power off your router for 5–10 minutes, then turn it back on. Your IP may change from 100.45.89.123 to 100.45.89.205.
Heads up: This doesn’t always work—some ISPs assign “sticky” IPs tied to your hardware.
Manually Change IP (Windows/macOS)
You can set a new IP in your network settings, useful mostly for private IPs.
Example: On Windows, go to Control Panel > Network > TCP/IP settings. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network.
Pro Tip: Make a note of your original settings before changing anything.
Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your traffic through a remote server, assigning you a different public IP.
Example: Connect to a server in Germany, and websites will see a German IP like 185.23.211.44.
VPNs are great for privacy and streaming content from different countries.
Use a Proxy Server
Proxies are similar to VPNs but usually apply only to your browser traffic.
Example: You could configure your browser to use a US-based proxy, and sites will see a U.S. IP.
FYI: Proxies don’t encrypt traffic. Don’t use them for sensitive data.
Both VPNs and proxy servers can help you hide your IP address and access geo-restricted content, but they work in different ways. A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic and routes it through a secure tunnel, offering better privacy and security. A proxy, on the other hand, only masks your IP for specific applications like your browser — and usually doesn’t encrypt your data.
To learn more about how VPNs and proxies compare in terms of speed, anonymity, and use cases, check out our guide on the difference between VPN and proxy.
Use Tor Browser
Tor routes your traffic through multiple servers across the globe. The Tor Browser is a free tool that lets you browse the internet anonymously by routing your traffic through a global network of volunteer-operated servers, called nodes or relays.
Example: One minute you appear to be in Sweden, the next in France.
Tor is best for anonymity, but it’s slower—definitely not ideal for video streaming.
While Tor is slower than a VPN or proxy, it offers strong anonymity. For even better privacy, some users combine both tools. Learn more about using Tor with a VPN and how it enhances your online security.
Switch to Mobile Data
Your mobile data plan uses a different IP than your home Wi-Fi.
Example: Disconnect from Wi-Fi and open a site using 4G. Your IP might now be 172.58.119.34.
Great for quick testing or bypassing local network blocks.
Use Command Prompt (Windows)
For dynamic IPs, you can request a new one by releasing and renewing your current address:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renewPro Tip: This only affects your device’s internal IP unless your router supports external changes too.
How to Change My IP Address and Location
If you’re wondering how to change your IP address and location (like country), you’ll need tools that let you pick a server in a different place.
Best Ways to Change IP Location
| Method | Speed | Privacy | Ease | Geo Targeting | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN | Fast | Medium | Easy | Yes | Streaming, privacy |
| Residential Proxy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Yes | Market research, scraping |
| Tor Browser | Slow | High | Fair | Low | Anonymity, sensitive browsing |
Note: Free tools often cut corners. They might not work—or worse, they might log your data.
Legal Considerations
Changing your IP is legal in most countries. The issue comes when you use it for:
- Illegal streaming
- Impersonating others
- Fraud or hacking
Always use these tools responsibly.
Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Move?
So, what’s the best way to change your IP?
- If you want a quick fix, restart your router.
- For changing both IP and location, use a VPN.
- If privacy is your top concern, go with Tor.
- For targeted browsing or automation, try proxies.
Whether you’re figuring out how to change my internet IP address or just how to change my IP address location, there’s a method that fits your need.
Just remember: changing your IP is one layer of privacy. Combine it with safe browsing habits.
Check Your Work: After trying these methods, see if your IP changed at whoerip.com.
Tips for Safe Browsing
- Use secure (HTTPS) websites
- Clear cookies and browser cache regularly
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts while spoofing your location
Most importantly, be aware of phishing attempts and suspicious links — no IP change can protect you from bad decisions.
Want a full checklist for staying invisible online? Read our in-depth guide on how to remain anonymous on the internet.
When Not to Change Your IP
Certain situations call for your real IP:
- Online banking
- Government portals
- Two-factor verification logins
Changing it here might lock you out or raise red flags.
Let’s be honest — changing your IP might sound technical, but once you know your options, it’s actually pretty simple. From quick tricks like restarting your router to more private tools like VPNs, proxies, or even Tor, there’s no shortage of ways to switch things up. You don’t need to be a techie to pull it off — just pick the method that matches what you need. Whether it’s about staying anonymous, unlocking content, or just starting fresh online, changing your IP is more doable than most people think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to change your IP address?
Yes, unless you’re using it to commit fraud or violate the law.
Can you permanently change your IP?
Not exactly. Dynamic IPs change automatically. For consistency, ask your ISP for a static one or use a VPN long-term.
Why does my IP stay the same after trying to change it?
It might be static, or your ISP uses a “sticky” dynamic IP that doesn’t change easily.
Will changing my IP protect my privacy?
It helps, but it’s not foolproof. Combine it with cookie blocking and tracker prevention.
How to change my IP address and location?
Use a VPN or proxy that lets you pick a country.
How to change my IP address location?
Same idea—use location-based servers via VPN or proxy.
How to change my dynamic IP address?
Try restarting your router or using the command prompt on Windows.
How to change my external IP address?
Restart your router, use a VPN, or ask your ISP.
