Yes, you can change your IP address, and the method depends on whether you want a temporary change or a permanent one

Your IP address is a number assigned to your device by your internet service provider (ISP) or your local network. You can change it in several ways: restart your modem and router, manually assign a new address on your home network, use a VPN, or contact your ISP to request a new one. The fastest method is usually restarting your equipment. The most reliable is contacting your ISP. Which one works for you depends on what you're trying to accomplish and how long you need the change to last.

Understanding which method fits your situation saves time and prevents wasted effort on approaches that won't solve your actual problem. Some methods hide your address from websites but not from your ISP. Others change only the address on your home network, not the one the internet sees. A few require payment or take days to complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Restarting your modem and router will usually assign you a new IP address within minutes, and this change is temporary.
  • A VPN masks your IP address for as long as you use it, but does not change your actual address — it only hides it from websites you visit.
  • Manually changing your IP address on your home network requires access to your router settings and works only for devices on that network.
  • Contacting your ISP to request a new permanent IP address is the most reliable method but may take several days and could cost money depending on your plan.
  • Your ISP can see your real IP address no matter what method you use, because they are the one who assigned it.

Restarting your modem and router to get a new IP address

The simplest way to change your IP address is to power off your modem and router, wait 30 seconds, and turn them back on. When your modem reconnects to your ISP, it will request a new IP address. Most ISPs assign addresses dynamically, meaning they change automatically when you reconnect — this is called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

This method works best if your ISP uses dynamic addressing. The new address appears within a few minutes of restart. However, the change is temporary: if you restart again in a few weeks or months, you may get the same address back, or a different one from your ISP's available pool. This method does not hide your IP from your ISP — they still see it and control it.

To restart: unplug the modem first, then the router. Wait at least 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in and wait for all lights to stabilize (usually 2 to 3 minutes). Then plug in the router and wait another 2 to 3 minutes. Check your new IP address by searching "what is my IP" in a web browser.

Using a VPN to hide your IP address

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) does not change your actual IP address, but it masks it from websites you visit. When you use a VPN, websites see the VPN provider's IP address instead of yours. Your real IP address remains assigned by your ISP and visible to your ISP.

VPNs are useful if you want privacy from websites or if you're on public WiFi and want to protect your data. They are not useful if you're trying to hide from your ISP, your network administrator, or law enforcement — those parties can still see your real address. VPNs work on any device and take effect when ready once you connect.

To use a VPN: read a VPN app, create an account (some are free, most charge a monthly fee), open the app, and select a server location. Once connected, your traffic is routed through that server. Disconnect the VPN and your real IP is visible again. The change lasts only as long as you stay connected.

Manually assigning a static IP address on your home network

If you want a device on your home network to always have the same address, you can assign a static IP instead of letting your router assign one automatically. This requires access to your router's settings, which you reach through a web browser or an app.

Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser address bar — check your router's manual for the exact address). Find the section labeled "DHCP" or "Local Network" settings. Locate the device you want to change, and either reserve an address for it or manually assign one. The address must be within your router's range but outside the DHCP pool (for example, if your router assigns 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.254, you might assign 192.168.1.50 to a device).

This method only affects devices on your home network. It does not change your public IP address (the one your ISP assigns). It is useful if you want a device to always have the same address for port forwarding or remote access, but it does not provide privacy or hide anything from your ISP.

Requesting a new IP address from your ISP

If you have a static IP address (usually a business plan or a paid add-on), you can contact your ISP and request a new one. This is the most permanent method, but it may take several business days and could incur a fee depending on your service agreement.

Call your ISP's customer service number (on your bill or their website) and explain that you want a new IP address. They will ask why, and the reason matters: some ISPs will change it for free if you report a security concern, but charge a fee if you straightforward want a different one. They may also ask you to restart your modem first to see if a dynamic reassignment solves the problem.

If your ISP approves the change, they will push a new address to your modem remotely, or they may ask you to restart it yourself. The change takes effect within minutes to a few hours. This method is reliable but requires direct contact with your ISP and may not be free.

Why your IP address changes or stays the same

Whether your IP address changes depends on your service type. Most home internet plans use dynamic IP addressing, meaning your address can change whenever you restart your modem or after a set period (often 30 to 90 days). Business plans and some premium home plans use static IP addressing, meaning your address stays the same until you change it or cancel the service.

Your ISP controls which type you have. If you have dynamic addressing and want a static one, you usually have to pay extra or switch to a business plan. If you have static addressing and want to change it, you must contact your ISP. Restarting your modem will not change a static address.

What does not change your IP address

Clearing your browser cache, cookies, or history does not change your IP address — these are stored on your device, not assigned by your ISP. Changing your device's hostname or computer name does not change your IP either. Using a proxy server (different from a VPN) may hide your address from websites but does not change your actual IP. Switching WiFi networks changes which router assigns your address, but your ISP's public IP remains the same unless you restart your modem.

If you are trying to solve a problem — such as being blocked from a website, having slow speeds, or being unable to connect to a service — changing your IP address may not fix it. Blocking is usually based on behavior, not just the address itself. Slow speeds are usually a service issue, not an address issue. Connection problems are usually caused by network settings or hardware, not the address number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address hide me from my ISP?

No. Your ISP assigns your IP address and can see it no matter what method you use to change it. A VPN hides your address from websites, but your ISP still sees your real address and can see that you are using a VPN. If you are trying to hide activity from your ISP, no IP change will accomplish that.

How often does my IP address change automatically?

With dynamic addressing, your IP can change whenever you restart your modem or router. Some ISPs also reassign addresses on a schedule, often every 30 to 90 days, even if you do not restart. Check your service agreement or contact your ISP to learn your specific schedule. Static addresses do not change unless you request it.

Can I change my IP address to a different country?

You cannot change your actual IP address to a different country — your ISP assigns it based on your location and their infrastructure. A VPN can make websites think you are in a different country by routing your traffic through a server there, but your real IP remains in your actual location. This is useful for accessing region-locked content, but does not change your actual address.

Does changing my IP address affect my internet speed?

Restarting your modem to get a new IP address should not affect your speed — you are still using the same internet connection. Using a VPN may slow your speed slightly because your traffic is routed through an extra server. Manually assigning a static IP on your home network does not affect speed. If you notice speed changes after an IP change, the cause is usually something else.

What is the difference between a public and private IP address?

A public IP address is assigned by your ISP and is visible to the internet — this is what websites see when you visit them. A private IP address is assigned by your router to devices on your home network (like 192.168.1.5) and is not visible to the internet. You have both: your device has a private address on your home network, and your modem has a public address from your ISP. Changing one does not change the other.