How to Change an IP Address

Have you realized the power of your IP address? When you’re browsing the Internet, your device uses your IP address to determine which website you are visiting.

It is also this address that allows different Internet users and websites to identify you on the “backend” of the Internet.

Because of this process, constantly exposing your IP address can mean disaster, either for yourself or the website you’re trying to access. How do you divert potential security threats? Change an IP address!

Below, we have a guide that tells you exactly how to do that. Let’s start!

Table of Contents

Changing Your IP Address in Various Scenarios

The process of changing your IP settings will depend on your operating system and whether you’re changing it through a VPN or on your router. Let’s look into them one by one:

Windows

If you want to change your IP address in Windows, there are a few things you can do. One way is to go to the Network and Sharing Center and click on the Change Adapter Settings option.

From there, you can right-click on your network connection and select the Properties option. In the Properties window, go to the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option and select the Properties button.

There, you can select the “Use the Following IP Address” option and enter in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway that you want to use. If you want Windows to automatically assign you an IP address, you can select the “Obtain an IP Address Automatically” option.

MacOS

If you want to change your IP address in macOS, you can do so by going to System Preferences and then selecting the Network Preference pane.

From there, you can select the connection you want to change and then click the Advanced button. In the Advanced settings, you can change the “Configure IPv4” setting to “Using DHCP With Manual Address” and then enter the IP address you want to use.

Linux

To change your IP address in Linux, you will need to access your network settings. You can do this by opening the Network Manager and selecting your network interface. From there, you can change your IP address.

VPN

If you want to change your computer IP address or even your phone IP address using a VPN, you can start by choosing a quality VPN provider. There are many out there, so make sure to do your research before choosing one.

Then you sign up for a plan with the company you pick. Download and install the VPN software on your device. When you connect to a VPN server, you will get a new IP address.

Now you can use that new IP address for whatever you need it.

And that’s all there is to it! Using a VPN is a relatively simple way to change your IP address. Just make sure to choose a reputable provider.

Router

If you need to change your IP address on your router, the first thing you’ll need to do is log into its web interface. Once you’re logged in, look for the WAN or Network section.

Here, you should see options for changing your IP address. If you don’t see these options, consult your router’s manual to learn how to do it.

Once you’ve found the options for changing your IP address, enter the new IP address that you want to use and save your changes.

Why You’ll Want to Change Your Public IP Address

Your public address is your identifier on the web, and hackers can use it to watch your Internet activities.

They know that people don’t usually change their IP addresses, and they’re counting on that. So if you change yours, a process that you might call an IP address renewal, it will be harder for them to follow you around.

Another reason you’ll want to change your IP address is to avoid advertisers. Did you know that ISPs are known to sell user logs to companies? By doing so, advertisers will be able to promote specific products or services based on your browsing history and other user data.

Yet another reason you’ll want to change your public IP address is when you want to use, say, a streaming service that you are currently restricted from accessing because of your location.

Your actual IP address includes information that announces your real-world location, but if you change it with a temporary IP address that shows you are in an unrestricted area, then you will be able to access that streaming service.

Curious about your actual IP address? Find out by visiting this what is my IP address website.

Reasons to Change Your Private IP Address

Your private IP address is obviously hidden from the world wide web, but you may still want to change it if you’re having Wi-Fi connection issues.

While routers do their job well, they’re far from invincible machines. If you’re having problems connecting your device to your WiFi, a quick IP change can often be the solution.

Change an IP Address for Your Own Purpose

What’s great about the option to change an IP address is that you can do it for whatever purpose it serves you. Maybe you’re trying to hide from hackers or identity thieves, or you just want to keep your Internet life private from your spouse, boss, or parents.

The best thing is, you can change your IP address without causing a major disruption in your Internet use. Of course, you must do it with the right process to avoid messing up your connectivity.

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