What changing your IP address means and why you might do it

Your IP address is the number your internet service provider assigns to your computer so websites and services can send data back to you. Changing it means getting a different number from your ISP or configuring your computer to use a different local network address. Most people change their IP address to troubleshoot connection problems, reset their network after a malfunction, or switch between different network setups.

The method depends on what you are trying to do. If you want a new address from your ISP (called a public IP), you restart your modem. If you want to change the address your computer uses on your home or office network (called a local or private IP), you adjust your network settings. If you are using a VPN or proxy service, you can change which server you connect through.

This guide covers the most common scenarios: getting a new public IP from your ISP, setting a static local IP on your computer, and switching VPN servers. Each method takes a few minutes and requires no special software beyond what your operating system already includes.

Key Takeaways

  • Restarting your modem for 30 seconds forces your ISP to assign your computer a new public IP address, which is the fastest method for most people.
  • Changing your local IP address (the one used on your home network) is done through your network settings and requires you to know your router's gateway address.
  • Windows, Mac, and Linux all have built-in tools to change local IP settings without downloading anything extra.
  • A static IP address stays the same each time you restart, while a dynamic IP changes automatically; choose static only if you have a specific reason like hosting a server.
  • VPN services let you appear to be in a different location by routing your traffic through their servers, which is different from changing your actual IP address.

Getting a new IP address from your ISP by restarting your modem

The simplest way to change your public IP address is to power cycle your modem. Your ISP assigns IP addresses through a process called DHCP, and restarting your modem tells your ISP to issue a new one. This usually takes 30 seconds and works on any computer connected to that modem.

Unplug the power cable from the back of your modem and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait for all the lights to return to their normal state (usually two to three minutes). Your modem will contact your ISP and receive a new IP address. You can check your new address by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.

If restarting the modem does not give you a new address, your ISP may have assigned you a static public IP, which does not change on restart. Contact your ISP to ask whether your account uses dynamic or static addressing. If it is static, you will need to call them to request a new address.

Changing your local IP address on Windows

Your local IP address is the number your computer uses on your home or office network. It is different from your public IP and is usually something like 192.168.1.100. You change it through your network settings, and the change only affects that one computer.

Open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi or Ethernet depending on how you are connected. Click on your network name, then scroll down and select Edit. Under IP Settings, change the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual. Turn on the IPv4 toggle.

Enter a new IP address in the same range as your router. If your router uses 192.168.1.x, pick a number like 192.168.1.150. Enter your subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0) and gateway (usually 192.168.1.1 — check your router's label if you are unsure). Click Save. Your computer will disconnect and reconnect with the new address.

If you want to go back to automatic addressing, return to the same menu and switch the dropdown back to Automatic (DHCP).

Changing your local IP address on Mac

On Mac, local IP changes are made through System Settings. Open System Settings, click Network on the left, then select your connection (WiFi or Ethernet). Click Details, then go to the TCP/IP tab.

Change the Configure IPv4 dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual. Enter a new IP address in the same range as your router (for example, 192.168.1.150 if your router is 192.168.1.1). Enter the subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0) and router address (usually 192.168.1.1). Click OK, then explore.

Your Mac will use the new address when ready. To return to automatic addressing, go back to the same menu and set Configure IPv4 back to Automatic (DHCP).

Changing your local IP address on Linux

Linux handles IP configuration through the terminal or through your desktop environment's network manager, depending on your distribution. The terminal method is the same across all Linux systems.

Open a terminal and type ip addr show to see your current address and network interface name (usually eth0 or wlan0). Then type sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml (or the correct netplan file for your system). Add or edit the interface section to include a static address:

Set the addresses line to your new IP (for example, 192.168.1.150/24), set the gateway4 to your router (usually 192.168.1.1), and set nameservers to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or your ISP's DNS servers. Save the file with Ctrl+O, then press Enter, then Ctrl+X. Type sudo netplan explore to set up the change.

If you use a graphical network manager, right-click the network icon in your taskbar, select Edit Connections, choose your network, click Edit, go to the IPv4 tab, switch from Automatic to Manual, and enter your new address, subnet, and gateway.

Understanding static versus dynamic IP addresses

A dynamic IP address is assigned by your router or ISP each time you connect or restart. It changes automatically and requires no setup. Most home users have dynamic addresses because they are simpler and your ISP can reuse addresses when devices disconnect.

A static IP address stays the same every time you restart. You set it manually and it does not change unless you change it again. Static addresses are useful if you run a home server, need consistent remote access to your computer, or want to set up port forwarding rules that do not break when your address changes.

For most people, dynamic addressing is fine. Only set a static address if you have a specific reason. If you set a static local IP but forget to set a static public IP with your ISP, your public address will still change when your modem restarts, which can break port forwarding or remote access.

Using a VPN to change your apparent location

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet traffic through a server in another location, so websites see that server's IP address instead of yours. This is different from changing your actual IP address, but it achieves a similar effect: you appear to be in a different place.

VPN services are separate software or browser extensions you read and pay for (though some offer free tiers). Popular options include ProtonVPN, NordVPN, and Mullvad. After you install one, you open it, select a server location, and click Connect. Your traffic now routes through that server.

VPN services do not change your IP address — they hide it. Your actual IP stays the same, but websites see the VPN server's IP instead. This is useful for privacy or accessing content restricted to certain regions, but it is not the same as getting a new IP from your ISP or changing your local network address.

Troubleshooting when your IP address will not change

If you restart your modem and your public IP does not change, your ISP may have assigned you a static address. Call your ISP and ask them to release and renew your DHCP lease, or request a new address. Some ISPs require you to restart the modem while on the phone with them.

If you set a static local IP on your computer but cannot connect to the internet, you may have entered the wrong gateway or subnet mask. Check your router's label or login page (usually 192.168.1.1 in a browser) to confirm the correct values. If the address you chose is already in use by another device, pick a higher number like 192.168.1.200.

If you are using a VPN and websites still show your real IP, your VPN may have a leak. Check your IP at a site like whatismyipaddress.com while connected to the VPN. If it shows your real address, disconnect and try a different VPN server or contact the VPN provider's support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address affect my internet speed?

Changing your local IP address will not affect speed. Changing your public IP by restarting your modem should not either, though a restart can sometimes fix connection problems that were slowing you down. Using a VPN will usually slow your connection slightly because your traffic has to travel through an extra server.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing my IP address?

No. Changes to your local IP take effect when ready when you save them in your network settings. Changes to your public IP take effect when your modem finishes restarting. You do not need to restart your computer.

What happens if I set a static IP that conflicts with another device?

If two devices on the same network have the same IP address, both will have connection problems. Pick an IP address higher than the range your router assigns automatically (usually above 192.168.1.100) to avoid conflicts. If you already have a conflict, change one device's address to a different number.

Can I change my IP address to hide from websites?

Changing your local IP does nothing to hide you from websites — they see your public IP, which comes from your ISP. Changing your public IP by restarting your modem makes you harder to track, but your ISP still knows it is you. A VPN hides your IP from websites, but the VPN provider can see your traffic.

Is it safe to set a static IP address?

Yes, setting a static local IP is safe. It only affects your computer on your home network. The only risk is if you pick an address that conflicts with another device, which will cause connection problems for both. Avoid addresses in the range your router assigns automatically, and you will be fine.