How to Reset Your Computer's IP Address

What resetting your IP address does and when you need it

Resetting your computer's IP address means clearing the network address your device currently holds and requesting a new one from your router or network. This fixes common connection problems: slow internet, websites that won't load, devices that can't find the network, or a computer that shows "no internet" even though other devices work fine. A reset takes two to five minutes and requires no special software.

You do not need to reset your IP if the problem is with your modem or router itself — those devices need to be restarted separately. You also do not need a reset if only one website is slow or down; that is a problem with that website's server, not your computer's address. But if your whole internet connection feels broken or your computer cannot reach any websites, an IP reset is the fastest thing to try before calling your internet provider.

Key Takeaways

On Windows, open Command Prompt as administrator and type ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew to release and request a new IP address.
On Mac, go to System Settings, select your network connection, click Details, and choose Renew DHCP Lease from the TCP/IP tab.
On Linux, use the terminal command sudo dhclient -r to release your IP, then sudo dhclient to request a new one.
Restart your router before resetting your computer's IP — many connection problems come from the router, not your device.
After resetting, wait 30 seconds and test a website or ping your router to confirm the new IP is working.

Reset your IP on Windows using Command Prompt

Open the Start menu and type cmd into the search box. Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator" — you must run it as administrator or the commands will not work. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /release. This tells your computer to give up its current IP address. You will see text appear saying your IP address is now 0.0.0.0, which means the release worked. Wait five seconds.

Type the next command and press Enter: ipconfig /renew. This asks your router for a new IP address. Within a few seconds you will see a new address appear in the window — it will look like 192.168.1.something or 10.0.0.something. That is your new IP. Close the Command Prompt window and test your internet connection.

Reset your IP on Mac using System Settings

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In the sidebar, click "Wi-Fi" or "Network" depending on whether you use wireless or ethernet. Find your current network connection in the list and click it.

Click the "Details" button. A new window will open showing your network information. Find the "TCP/IP" tab at the top and click it. You will see your current IP address displayed. Below that, look for a button labeled "Renew DHCP Lease" and click it. Your Mac will release the old address and request a new one — this takes about five seconds.

Close the window and wait 30 seconds for your computer to connect with the new address. Open a web browser and visit any website to confirm the connection is working.

Reset your IP on Linux using the terminal

Open a terminal window. Type the following command and press Enter: sudo dhclient -r. You may be asked to enter your password — type it and press Enter. This command releases your current IP address.

Type the next command and press Enter: sudo dhclient. This requests a new IP address from your router. The terminal may show some text about the request; wait until you see a new prompt appear, which means the process is complete.

To see your new IP address, type ip addr show and press Enter. Look for a line that starts with "inet" — the number after it is your new IP address. Close the terminal and test your internet connection.

Restart your router before resetting your computer's IP

Before you reset your computer's IP, unplug your router's power cable and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to fully restart. This fixes the majority of connection problems because routers often get stuck assigning addresses or lose track of devices.

Once the router is back online, try using the internet on your computer. If it works now, you do not need to reset your IP. If it still does not work, then follow the reset steps for your operating system. Restarting the router first saves you time because you avoid unnecessary resets.

Confirm your new IP is working

After you reset your IP address, wait 30 seconds and then open a web browser. Visit a website you use often — Gmail, Google, or any news site. If the page loads within 10 seconds, your new IP is working and the reset was successful.

If the page still does not load, restart your router again and wait two minutes. Then try the website once more. If you still have no internet after a second router restart and IP reset, the problem is likely with your internet service provider's connection or equipment, and you should contact them with the details of what you have already tried.

What to do if resetting your IP does not fix the problem

If your internet still does not work after resetting your IP and restarting your router, check whether other devices in your home can reach the internet. If they can, the problem is specific to your computer — try restarting your computer itself, which often fixes network drivers or software that controls your connection.

If no devices in your home can reach the internet, the problem is with your router or your internet service provider's connection. Restart your modem (the device that connects to your internet provider's line) by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait three minutes. If that does not work, contact your internet provider and tell them you have restarted your modem and router but still have no connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my IP address delete any of my files or programs?

No. Resetting your IP address only changes your network connection settings. It does not touch your files, programs, passwords, or any data on your computer. The only thing that changes is the address your router uses to identify your device on the network.

How often should I reset my IP address?

You should only reset your IP when you have a connection problem that does not go away after restarting your router. Most computers work fine with the same IP address for months or years. Frequent resets are not necessary and do not improve performance.

What is the difference between releasing and renewing my IP?

Releasing tells your router you no longer want your current IP address. Renewing asks your router to give you a new one. Together, they force your router to forget the old address and assign a fresh one, which clears up problems caused by the router holding onto a bad or stuck address.

Can I set a permanent IP address instead of resetting it?

Yes, but only do this if you know what you are doing. Setting a static IP (one that never changes) can cause problems if you do not configure it correctly. For most home users, letting your router assign an address automatically is simpler and safer. Static IPs are useful for servers or devices that other computers need to find at the same address every time.

Do I need to reset my IP if I am using a VPN?

No. A VPN changes the IP address that websites see, but it does not change your computer's local IP address on your home network. If your internet is slow or broken, reset your IP the normal way — the VPN does not affect that process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.