How to Change Your IP Address (Easy Steps)

If you need to bypass a website block, secure your connection, or resolve an IP address conflict on your network, changing your IP is the quickest fix. Here are the easiest ways to change both your public and local IP addresses.

How to Change Your Public IP Address

Method 1: Connect to a VPN (Easiest & Fastest)

Connecting to a VPN instantly masks your public IP address and replaces it with the server's IP address. This is the most secure method for hiding your IP address online, altering your location and encrypting all of your internet traffic in one click.

Method 2: Reboot Your Internet Router

If your ISP allocates dynamic IP addresses rather than static ones (which is the default for most home networks), you can change your IP by rebooting your router:

1. Unplug your router's power cable.
2. Wait 5 to 10 minutes. This allows your ISP's DHCP server to assign your old IP address to someone else.
3. Plug the router back in. Once it reconnects, you should receive a new public IP.

How to Change Your Local (Private) IP Address

On Windows:

1. Open CMD, type ipconfig /release and press Enter. This drops your current local IP lease.
2. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. Your router will assign you a new local IP address.

On macOS:

1. Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
2. Click Details next to your connected network, click TCP/IP, and select Renew DHCP Lease.