Privacy · 7 min read · June 1, 2026

How to Change Your IP Address (All Methods, Any Device)

Need a different IP address? Here are all the ways to change it — on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or your router — with step-by-step instructions.

There are several reasons you might want to change your IP address — bypassing a ban, fixing a network conflict, improving privacy, or simply getting a fresh start. The method depends on what type of IP you want to change and which device you're on.

Understanding Which IP to Change

Before diving in, it's important to distinguish between two types:

• Public IP — assigned by your ISP, visible to websites. This is what most people want to change. Learn what your public IP reveals →
• Private IP — assigned by your router to your local devices. Relevant for network troubleshooting.

Most guides confuse the two. Not sure which one you have? Read: static vs dynamic IP address →

How to Change Your Public IP Address

Method 1: Restart Your Router

The simplest method. Most ISPs assign dynamic IPs, meaning your public IP can change when your router reconnects.

1. Unplug your router from power
2. Wait 5–10 minutes (longer = better chance of a new IP)
3. Plug it back in
4. Check your new IP at IPLocator

This doesn't always work — some ISPs reassign the same IP. If it doesn't change, try leaving it unplugged overnight.

Method 2: Use a VPN (Most Reliable)

A VPN instantly gives you a new IP from a server in any location you choose. It's the most reliable method and works on every device. Learn exactly how VPNs work →

1. Install a VPN app (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Mullvad)
2. Connect to any server
3. Your IP is now the VPN server's IP

Verify the change at IPLocator. Your location will show as the VPN server's city, not yours.

Method 3: Use a Proxy

A proxy server routes your traffic through an intermediary, showing websites a different IP. Less private than a VPN (no encryption) but works for basic IP changes in a browser. Read more about proxy servers →

Method 4: Use Mobile Data

Switch from Wi-Fi to your phone's mobile data. Your carrier assigns a completely different IP to mobile connections. Simple and effective if you just need a quick IP change on your phone.

How to Change Your Private IP Address

On Windows

Release and renew via Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter
3. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter
4. Your router assigns a new private IP

Set a static private IP:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet)
2. Click your connection → Edit IP settings
3. Change "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual"
4. Enter your desired IP (e.g. 192.168.1.100), subnet mask (255.255.255.0), and gateway (your router IP, usually 192.168.1.1)

On Mac

1. System Settings → Network → select your connection → Details
2. Click the TCP/IP tab
3. Change "Configure IPv4" from "Using DHCP" to "Manually"
4. Enter your desired IP address

Or to simply renew your DHCP lease (get a new automatic IP):

• Click "Renew DHCP Lease" on the same screen

On iPhone

1. Settings → Wi-Fi → tap your network name
2. Scroll to IPv4 Address → tap "Configure IP"
3. Switch from Automatic to Manual and enter your IP

On Android

1. Settings → Wi-Fi → long press your network → Modify network
2. Show Advanced Options → change IP settings from DHCP to Static
3. Enter your desired IP address

How to Change Your IP Address on Your Router

Logging into your router gives you control over both your local network assignment and (sometimes) your public IP lease.

1. Open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
2. Log in (default credentials are usually on a sticker on the router)
3. Find "WAN Settings" or "Internet Connection"
4. Look for "Release" and "Renew" options for your public IP
5. For private IP range, look under "LAN Settings" or "DHCP Settings"

How to Verify Your IP Changed

After any of the above methods, visit IPLocator and confirm your new IP and location. If the location has changed or the IP is different from before, the change worked.

Will Changing Your IP Unban You?

If you were banned by IP from a game, forum, or service — yes, a new IP will typically bypass that ban. However, most platforms also use browser fingerprinting, cookies, and account data alongside IP bans. Simply changing your IP may not be enough if you're logged into the same account.

If security is your concern, also read: can someone hack you with your IP address? →

Summary

| Goal | Best Method | |------|------------| | Quick public IP change | Restart router | | Reliable public IP change | VPN | | Change private IP (Windows) | ipconfig /release /renew | | Change private IP (Mac/iPhone) | DHCP renew or Manual | | Bypass geo-restrictions | VPN | | Maximum privacy | VPN + new browser profile |