How To Change Your IP Address in 2021 – Security.org
How to Change
What is an IP Address
Where to Find It
Pros & Cons
Recap
Even though you may be in cyberspace, you’re still in a specific, virtual location, and that location is defined by your IP address. But for those of us that want to stay private, get around government restrictions, and the like, changing your IP address is a simple first step. In this article, we’ll tell you how to change your IP address, step-by-step, along with providing you with more information about the types of IP addresses, the pros and cons of changing them, and more. Get your invisibility cloak ready because we’re about to go private, or at least as private as you can be online.
ExpressVPN is the #1 Way to Change Your IP Address
See the exact steps to changing your IP address on an iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows computer. Also, learn why you would want to change your IP address in the first place.
How To Change Your IP Address
There are a few different ways to change your IP address, and the most straightforward ways simply involve adjusting your device’s settings. If you already have a replacement IP address, then you can enter it in the settings section of your device. Here are more detailed instructions for how to change your IP addresses manually on different types of devices.
How to Change Your IP Address on Mac Manually
Go to System Preferences.
Click Network.
Click Network Connection.
Click Configure IPv4.
Select Manually.
Type in your IP address.
Changing You IP – Command Prompt on Windows
How to Change Your IP Address on Windows Manually
Click Administrator Account.
Click Start.
Click Control Panel.
Select Local Area Connection.
Click Properties.
Select TCP/IP.
Type in the IP address.
How to Change Your IP Address on Android Manually
Go to your Android Settings.
Navigate to Wireless & Networks.
Click on your Wi-Fi network.
Click Modify Network.
Select Advanced Options.
Change the IP address.
Changing You IP – On Android, Scroll to IP address to see your IP address.
How to Change Your IP Address on iOS Manually
Go to your iOS device’s Settings.
Click Wi-Fi.
Select IPv4 Address.
Click Configure IP.
Enter your IP address.
How to Change Your IP Address on Router Manually
Turn off your router.
Turn it back on a day later.
Go to your administrative interface and reconnect to your ISP.
If you want your device to pick a new IP address for you automatically, here’s what to do.
How to Change Your IP Address on Mac Automatically
Go to your Mac’s System Preferences app.
Select Network Connection.
Click Configure iPv4.
Select Using DHCP.
How to Change Your IP Address on Windows Automatically
Enter your Administrator Account.
Go to Network Connections.
Click Location Area Connection.
Click Obtain An IP Address Automatically1
How to Change Your IP Address on Android Automatically
Click Settings.
Select Connections.
Select the network you’re on currently.
Click Advanced.
Select either DHCP or Static.
How to Change Your IP Address on iOS Automatically
Go to your iPhone or iPad’s Settings.
Select Network.
Select your network.
Click IPv4 Address.
Choose Automatic.
If you don’t already have a new IP address or you don’t want one the automatic address from your device, then you can connect to a Virtual Private Network or VPN. VPNs will replace your IP address and encrypt all of your web activity. You may get the same IP address every time you connect (static), or a different one each time (dynamic). Some VPNs also offer dedicated IP addresses, if you want to be the only one with that address. With any VPN:
How to Change Your IP Address with a VPN
Download the VPN app.
Create an account.
Click Connect.
To learn more, read about the best VPN for every occasion or our comprehensive VPN guide.
A sister to VPNs is proxy servers, intermediary devices that hide IP addresses. 2 Here’s how to connect to a proxy server on your Mac, Windows, Android or iOS device.
Ivacy VPN iPhone Screenshot
How to Connect to Proxy Server on Mac
Open Safari, Macs’ default browser.
Click Preferences.
Select Change Settings.
Update the Settings with the information that the network administrator provided in the System Preferences pop-up.
How to Connect to Proxy Server on Windows
Go to your Administrative Templates.
Select Windows Components.
Click Data Collection and Preview Builds.
Click Configure Authenticated Proxy Usage.
Select Disable Authenticated Proxy Usage.
Hit Apply.
How to Connect to Proxy Server on Android
Go to your Android’s Settings.
Select Wi-Fi.
Select your networks’ name.
Hit Modify Network.
Select Manual.
Enter in your proxy port and hostname.
Click Save.
How to Connect to Proxy Server on iOS
Enter your phone or tablet’s Settings.
Click on the “I” button next to username.
Click HTTP Proxy.
Select Edit Proxy Settings.
Turn on Authentication.
Return to the previous window.
Tor
Tor is a secure browser that, along with hiding your IP address, will also prevent tracking and targeted ads. Once you’re off a website, its cookies will clear as will your browsing history. Both your IP address and your web activity will be encrypted not once, not twice but three times. 3 Just download the browser from Tor’s website to hide your IP address when browsing online!
Note: Although the websites you visit won’t be able to see your private IP address, Tor will log it themselves, according to their Privacy Notice. If you don’t want your IP address logged, choose a VPN with a strict privacy policy.
What Is An IP Address?
Of course, some people may not be totally clear on what an IP address actually is; no shame here! An IP address, which standards for an internet protocol address, is a device’s identifying number associated with a specific computer or network of computers. Basically, IP addresses let computers send and receive information, but they can also be used to track the physical locations of users, 4 a nightmare for those concerned with privacy. And according to our VPN usage research, that accounts for 40 percent of VPN-users.
Get Started with ExpressVPN and Change Your IP
Types of IP Addresses
Not all IP addresses are created equal! Rather, they can be divided into a few different categories, some of which have certain advantages over others.
Public: Each and every internet-connected device has a public IP address, distributed by the Internet Service Providers vis-à-vis the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. What, you haven’t heard of ICANN? Nevertheless, these public IP addresses are searchable on the web, which is why we can find our printer simply by Googling its IP address.
Private/ local: In contrast to public IP addresses, private IP addresses aren’t searchable on the web. Rather, they’re numbers that routers assign the devices on their networks so that they can communicate with each other.
Dynamic: Dynamic IP addresses, as we mentioned before, are any type of IP address that change every time you connect, usually through a VPN. This makes users hard to track online, as their literal address keeps changing.
Static: Static means that the IP addresses do not change. With VPNs, static IP addresses are usually shared with thousands of users in order to obscure their identities. However, some websites block these shared IP addresses, which necessitates users getting dedicated IP addresses. What a convenient transition!
Dedicated: Dedicated IP addresses are assigned to only one user rather than being shared by several. They usually cost a different fee on top of the regular VPN subscription.
Changing You IP – On Windows, Turn on IPv4 and fill out the fields IP address, Subnet prefix length, and Gateway. Hit Save when you’re done
IPv4: Internet Protocol version 4 is used by 99 percent of networks, but since it can only store 4. 3 billion addresses, it’s being replaced by IPv6, which we’ll get to in a second. Unlike IPv6, IPv4 addresses are four one bite numbers separated by dots like 555. 555. 1. 1.
IPv6: While they’re only used by less than 1 percent of networks, IPv6 has its advantages over IPv4, namely that it can provide an infinite number of addresses. It also allows for larger payloads and is compatible with a greater number of mobile networks. Although they’re starting small, eventually, IPv6 will replace IPv4. 5
Where To Find Your IP Address
Feeling lost in the sauce? Finding your IP address isn’t that complicated, even if you’re not a tech expert like us.
Where to Find Your IP Address on Mac
Enter your Mac’s System Preferences.
Select your Wi-Fi network.
Look where it says IPv4 Address.
Changing You IP – Advanced Settings on Mac
Where to Find Your IP Address on Windows
Enter your TaskBar.
Click on Wi-Fi Network.
Look under IPv4 Address.
Where to Find Your IP Address on Android
Enter your phone’s Settings.
Click About.
Click Status.
Look at the IP Address.
Where to Find Your IP Address on iOS
Click on the “I” button next to Network.
ILook under IPv4 Address.
Changing You IP – Proxy Settings on iPhone
Pros and Cons of Changing Addresses
Of course, there’s always the debate of whether or not to change your IP address in the first place. While the angel on your shoulder tells you it’s a great way to increase your privacy and access other country’s servers, the devil tells you that it could be costly, that some websites won’t work and that your ISP will still be able to see your address. There’s truth to both of these sides, so we recommend making your decisions on a case-by-case basis. That being said, we broke down the main reasons why you should and shouldn’t change your IP address.
Why You Should Change Your IP Address
Avoid tracking: If you’ve ever searched for anything related to consumerism, then you probably already notice how your searches seem to follow you around the internet like you owe them money. This sort of tracking is made possible by cookies, which some antivirus software can disable.
Bypass government restrictions: Governments like China greatly restrict internet usage in their country, so if you want to bypass firewalls, changing your IP address is a must.
Access international servers: Maybe you simply want to see what’s on Netflix Canada from your apartment in California. By changing your IP address to a Canadian one, you can trick the streaming giant into showing you a whole lot of new content.
FYI: Not all VPNs are compatible with Netflix. To find one that’s right for you, read our review of the best VPNs for Netflix.
Gain privacy: Maybe you’re an activist, a journalist, or anyone else handling sensitive information, or maybe you just don’t want your Internet Service Provider to track your every move. If that’s the case, changing your IP address is a step in the right direction in terms of privacy.
Increase security: Most people think nothing of joining public Wi-Fi networks (and depending on your settings, this may even happen automatically). However, using public Wi-Fi opens up a slew of security risks, with hacking at the forefront. But by hiding your real IP address, you greatly lower your risk of hackings.
Why You Shouldn’t Change Your IP Address
Some websites won’t work: Some websites, like the aforementioned Netflix, won’t work with certain VPNs or proxies. So while they may be able to bypass government restrictions, that doesn’t stop individual websites from blocking certain IP addresses.
Not always legal: Depending on where you are, VPNs may not be legal; they’re banned in China, Belarus, Iran and a few other countries, so keep that in mind before you connect.
May slow down connection: Any added encryption will slow down your browsing speeds, although the exact slowdowns will differ from service to service. Still, if you’re performing tasks that require a lot of bandwidth like streaming video or video chatting, you might experience some frustrating lag.
VPN may log data: Again, depending on the service, your VPN company may be logging the very information you want to hide, like your IP address and web traffic. Our advice? Always read the VPN’s privacy policy, which we cover in our individual VPN reviews.
Could cost money: Not all VPNs are free (except of course, the ones that are; check out the best free VPN is to see what we’re talking about). Still, free VPNs typically have limits on time, data, or servers, so if you want full coverage, you might have to pony up some dough.
ISP will still be able to see IP: Even with a new IP address, your Internet Service Provider will be able to see it, so you’re never truly “private” when you’re online.
Conclusion
Overall, we’re of the faith that changing your IP address is a necessity at times, and we love that there’s more than one way to do it. We hope we answered all of your questions about changing your IP address, but if we didn’t, read on.
FAQs
Being public digital security experts, we’re constantly inundated with a number of questions surrounding changing your IP address. Here are those questions, with, you guessed it, answers.
Is there a way to change your IP address?
You can change your IP address in your device settings or by using the Tor browser, a VPN or a proxy server.
Is changing your IP address illegal?
Changing your IP address may or may not be legal; it depends on how you do it and where you’re located. For example, using a VPN to change your IP address is legal in the U. S but illegal in China.
Why does my IP address show a different city?
Your IP address may show a different city if you’re connected to a VPN or proxy server with servers in that city. That may be the closest server to you, or simply the one that allows for the lowest bandwidth usage.
Does resetting my router change my IP address?
Resetting your router may or may not change your IP address, depending on how long you wait before you turn it back on. We recommend waiting for about a day in order to get a new IP address.
How to change the IP address of an Android phone or device
Updated: 06/30/2020 by
On the Internet, your IP address is similar to a postal address. It uniquely identifies where you are so that information can be sent to you. Your IP address can change depending on what network you’re using to connect. You can also change it, within certain limitations, if desired.
If you want to change your IP address on an Android device, follow these instructions.
The basics.
Change the local IP address of your Android device.
Change the public IP address of your Android device.
Change your device’s IP address on a mobile network.
The basics
Before reading any of the below information, you need to be aware of some network basics.
Know the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address. See each link for additional information about each of these terms.
When on the Internet, it is up to your ISP (Internet service provider) to assign and give you your network address seen by the Internet. When on a LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network), the home or corporate router assigns the IP addresses.
If you’re planning on designating or using a static IP address, be aware of how IP address ranges are handled and be familiar with the netmask. See each of these links for additional information.
Change the local IP address of your Android device
Your local IP address is tied to your computer’s wireless network. By default, a home router uses DHCP to assign an IP address to each device that connects to your network. Each IP address assigned by your router uses NAT to translate the internal network IP to the ISP assigned IP address.
You can change your Android local IP address by connecting your router and adjusting the router settings for your Android device. For example, you can assign a static IP to your Android device, choose the option to re-assign the address, or remove the device and be assigned a new address.
How do I adjust the settings of my home router?
TipSome routers may re-assign your Android device a new IP address if rebooted. If you don’t want to adjust your router settings, try unplugging the power to the router for a few minutes and then plug the power back into the router.
NoteThese steps only change the IP address of your Android device on your local network. Steps for changing your public IP address (external to your local network) are mentioned below.
Change the public IP address of your Android device
TipBefore proceeding, it’s good to know your device’s public IP to verify its changes. You can do this by doing a Google search on “What’s my IP address? ” The result is your public IP.
To change the public IP address requires that the IP address assigned by your ISP changes. Although not always possible, suggestions on how to change your routers public IP address in the link below. If these steps do not help, you can hide your IP address behind a VPN by following the steps in the following section.
How do I change my IP address?
Hide your public IP address behind a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) allows any device including an Android device to hide behind one of the VPN’s IP address. In other words, connecting to a website or anything on the Internet, your IP is the VPN IP address and not your public IP address. To install a VPN on your Android device, follow the steps below.
Visit the Google Play Store and download the free app called PureVPN.
After you install the app, open it, and sign up for an account.
Once you’ve verified your account, open PureVPN and click the green Quick connect button in the center of the screen.
Once you’ve connected, your public IP address is changed.
TipTo change your public IP address again, disconnect and reconnect to PureVPN.
Change your device’s IP address on a mobile network
There is no need to change your devices IP address on a mobile network because mobile networks use DHCP to assign IP addresses, so they change frequently as is. However, if you’re also concerned about assigned mobile network IP addresses, choose to connect to the Internet using a VPN app, as mentioned in the above suggestions.
Additional information
How to determine the IP address of a computer or website.
How do I determine the physical location of an IP address?
How to fix an IP conflict.
See the IP definition for further information about this term and related links.
Network and network card help and support.
How to Change Your IP Address on an Android Phone
How To GuidesHow to Change Your IP Address on Any Device
How to Change Your IP Address to Another Country1. Use a VPN or Virtual Private Network 2. Use Tor Browser3. Use a Proxy ServerHow to Change Your IP Address of iPhoneHow to Change Your IP Address of Android PhoneHow to Find Your Android Device’s IP Address (Local IP):How to Change IP Address and Location on Android with VPN? What is an IP Address? Types of IP AddressStatic IP AddressDynamic IP AddressWhy do you need to Change an IP Address? 1) Get Past Blocked Websites2) Protect Your Data3) Become Anonymous4) Create Different Accounts on a Single WebsiteWhy Does Your Android Device Need an IP Address? Why Should You Care About the IP Address? Conclusion
In this day and age, tracking a person’s whereabouts is not difficult at all. You can also track the complete history of where a person went today, what he did today, or what his daily routine has been over the past few days.
You only need to be a bit skilled at unethical hacking and know how to find a phone’s IP address or ways to change an IP address.
Not interested in hacking or basic ethics don’t allow you to indulge in hacking and making other people’s life miserable? Well, that’s awesome, and we need more people like you in the world!
Unfortunately, not all people think like that, especially hackers. These cybercriminals can do a lot of damage to your privacy or sensitive data than you can handle. They can do all that and much more by tracking your IP address.
To get around such problems, you need to learn how to change the IP address on your Android devices. But, let’s first learn what an IP address is and why you need to change the IP location of your Android device.
How to Change Your IP Address to Another Country
You don’t need to bug your geeky friends or learn how to code when it comes to changing your IP address, whether you are using an iPhone, Android, Mac, computer, or laptop. There are three different ways to change your IP address even if you are using your home network.
Here are the top three ways you can change your IP address:
1. Use a VPN or Virtual Private Network
A VPN app can be your best and absolutely safest bet at hiding your IP address from your internet service provider and surveillance agencies. All you have to do is turn on the VPN app, choose a country server, and you are virtually transported to another location (city, country, or continent). Just a laptop click away. Using a VPN is like signing into your Gmail or Facebook account. Click and you’re online. Even though your ISP doesn’t see your activities once you’re connected to a VPN, in most countries with a few rare exceptions, using a VPN is completely allowed by any ISP’s Terms of Service. Easy peasy.
2. Use Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is just like your Google Chrome or Opera browser but with high-grade anonymity. Some privacy experts in our company are not a big fan of the Tor browser and say that it derails your privacy and is breakable. But all in all, you can use the Tor browser, also known as Onion Router, to remain anonymous online as long as you want. Be mindful that Tor is so anonymous that your access may be limited (not all external sites are fond of Tor either), but it is a good option if you need to change your IP address, assuming your destination lets you in.
3. Use a Proxy Server
A proxy server is like a gateway that is specifically designed to help you access region-locked websites and services (just what a VPN does). You can also use a proxy server to install P2P files. There are two types of proxy servers that help you regulate outbound and inbound internet traffic: a Forward proxy and a Reverse proxy. However, unlike a VPN, a proxy server doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic or offer any multi-device compatibility.
Protect your IP address from being exposed, hide your IP and location with anonymous IP
How to Change Your IP Address of iPhone
Go to Settings
Now to the Wi-Fi
Tap the info icon beside the name of the Wi-Fi network that you want to change the IP address for
Go to the Static tab.
Enter the desired IP address in the IP Address bar
Click the Wi-Fi icon to save these changes.
How to Change Your IP Address of Android Phone
Go to your Android Settings
Tap Wireless & Networks
Go to the Wi-Fi section
Tap & hold the Wi-Fi network that you are connected to right now
Tap Modify Network
Expand or Go to Advanced options
Change your android’s IP Address DHCP to Static.
How to Find Your Android Device’s IP Address (Local IP):
Go to the Settings
Scroll down and tap About Phone
Now, tap Status
Scroll down, and you will see both the local IP and Mac address of your Android device.
With the above steps, you can find out the local IP address of your Android. However, if you want to learn about your public IP address, check it on or. You can also learn multiple ways to find your IP address or different operating systems.
How to Change IP Address and Location on Android with VPN?
First of all, sign up for PureVPN.
Visit the PureVPN Android app page to download the Android version.
Once you have installed the app on your Android device, open the app, and use your PureVPN credentials to log in.
Choose the destination of your choice and hit connect.
Now visit the or to check your new IP and location.
What is an IP Address?
IP address follows a 32-bit numeral format. It is an identity that a device receives when it connects to the Internet. The same ID is used on the network to communicate amongst devices on a network.
The website addresses you remember easily are based on IP addresses. IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is currently the most common IP format used around the globe. However, in the coming years, IPv6 will become the standard IP format globally, which uses the 128-bit numerical system.
Note: Read a brief guide on What is an IP Address?
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Types of IP Address
When you join a network, you are assigned an IP address by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Depending on the type of connection or your ISP’s preference, you may be assigned either a static IP address or a dynamic IP address.
Static IP Address
As the name suggests, it is the IP address that never changes. You may also call it a dedicated IP address or a personal IP address.
ISPs don’t usually assign a static IP address unless the user requests it. It is frequently used by gamers, remote workers as well as website owners.
The IP address serves as a personal key to unlock access to certain web services and applications. For instance, users would allow (Whitelist) an IP address on their website CMS so that only they can access the system using a static IP from any network.
Pros
It is reliable for gaming as well as VoIP applications.
It is ideal for accessing remote networks or connections securely.
It is great for apps and services that use geolocation.
It experiences less downtime.
It allows devices to communicate with remote devices reliably.
Cons
It can be tracked easily since it doesn’t change when the connection resets.
It is expensive than its counterpart.
If a service blocks the IP, the user would have to change the IP to regain access.
It poses a potential security risk.
It is set up manually by the user.
Note: Learn more about Static vs. Dynamic IP Address
Dynamic IP Address
Unlike a static IP address, a dynamic IP address changes at every new connection or when the connection resets.
It is one of the most commonly used IP address type by an ISP. After all, it is way more cost-effective than its counterpart, the static IP. Moreover, the IP address is used by all types of internet users.
One of the best aspects of using a dynamic IP is that a user wouldn’t need to go through complicated steps to setup it up since it is configured automatically.
It is cheaper than static IP addresses.
It offers a user better privacy since it changes with every new connection.
It can be changed at any time by restarting the router.
It doesn’t require any manual setup process.
It cannot be whitelisted because whitelisting requires a fixed IP.
It is shared with multiple users at any given time.
It may experience extended downtime.
It may lack remote access functionality.
Why do you need to Change an IP Address?
Only a VPN such as PureVPN can help you hide your IP and location with an anonymous IP. Here are the benefits you get to experience with a VPN.
1) Get Past Blocked Websites
The best advantage of using a VPN service is that you can circumvent the content restrictions usually placed by the government or an ISP. As a result, you can enjoy all your favorite applications or websites that don’t work in your country.
2) Protect Your Data
A VPN enables a user to mask the IP and protects the data transmission using 256-bit encryption. The military-grade encryption keeps all types of data hacks at bay, thereby keeping your data secure.
3) Become Anonymous
Internet freedom is becoming a significant concern these days. Anyone can identify your real identity through the IPs, even if you use pseudo profiles. With a VPN, you can maintain the strict anonymity of your identity by changing your IP as well as location.
4) Create Different Accounts on a Single Website
Another benefit of using a VPN is that you can create multiple profiles on a single website. Certain websites allow only one account per IP. If you come across such websites, you no longer need to worry about their account restrictions.
Why Does Your Android Device Need an IP Address?
You might be wondering why an Android device would need an IP address?
Well, when you connect to the Internet at your home, office, or any public place, your device is among millions of other devices connected to the network. To communicate with other devices on the network, your device has to have an identity. An IP address is an identity that your device receives on a local or public network.
The communication flow on the Internet works in terms of packet flows. You send a packet (information) to another device so it can receive it. And, you do it back and forth. Unless you know the other person’s identity (IP address), you won’t be able to connect and thus send any packets.
Likewise, your Android is also a device, and thus to work on the Internet, it needs to have an IP address so that it can start sending and receiving data packets.
Why Should You Care About the IP Address?
Before we teach you how you can change or hide the IP Address on Android devices, let’s take a quick look at the dangers associated with having your real IP exposed.
You Can’t Access Region-Locked Content: There are many reasons why a country would restrict particular online material. Regardless of the reason, they limit the content by blocking it on the IP your ISP assigns.
You are Prone to Cyberattacks: When you use your real IP on a network, anyone who knows your IP can quickly launch a cyberattack on your device. These cyberattacks may range from security exploits to privacy breaches to full-blown DDoS attacks.
You Can’t Use Your Rights to Free Speech: Freedom of speech is becoming a difficult thing to exercise these days. For instance, if you make any controversial comment against authority, you can be tracked through your real IP even if you use a pseudo profile.
Conclusion
If you are worried about your data security, online privacy, or getting past the dreaded location-blocks, change your Android device’s IP address with the steps mentioned above. Enjoy an anonymous Internet browsing experience with PureVPN like never before.
PureVPN
PureVPN is a leading VPN service provider that excels in providing easy solutions for online privacy and security. With 6500+ servers in 141+ countries, It helps consumers and businesses in keeping their online identity secured.
Frequently Asked Questions about how to change ip address on android
Can I change my phones IP address?
You can change your Android local IP address by connecting your router and adjusting the router settings for your Android device. For example, you can assign a static IP to your Android device, choose the option to re-assign the address, or remove the device and be assigned a new address.Jun 30, 2020
How can I change my IP address on Android without VPN?
How to Change Your IP Address of Android PhoneGo to your Android Settings.Tap Wireless & Networks.Go to the Wi-Fi section.Tap & hold the Wi-Fi network that you are connected to right now.Tap Modify Network.Expand or Go to Advanced options.Change your android’s IP Address DHCP to Static.Sep 13, 2021
Is changing your IP address illegal?
Is it even legal to change your IP address? Yes, it’s legal to change your IP address in the US. People change their IP addresses routinely when facing direct attacks on their online security, when testing a website before it goes live, or when they simply prefer to protect their privacy.Jul 18, 2021