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, use a virtual private network (VPN), connect to a different network, or contact your ISP to request a new static IP. The easiest and fastest method is restarting your equipment, which usually takes a few minutes and works for most people who want a temporary change.

The reason you might want to change your IP address varies. Some people change it for privacy, others to troubleshoot connection problems, and some to access content restricted by location. Understanding which method fits your situation will save you time and frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • Restarting your modem and router is the fastest way to get a new IP address and takes about five minutes.
  • A VPN masks your real IP address and is useful if you want privacy or to appear to be in a different location, though it may slow your connection slightly.
  • Switching to a different Wi-Fi network or using mobile data gives you a new IP address when ready because you are connecting through different equipment.
  • If you need a permanent IP address that does not change, you can contact your ISP to request a static IP, though this usually costs extra per month.
  • Your IP address changes automatically when your ISP reassigns it, which can happen weeks or months after a restart.

Restarting your modem and router to get a new IP address

The simplest method is to power cycle your modem and router. Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, and plug them back in. Your modem will take two to three minutes to reconnect to your ISP, and your router will take another minute or two. Once both lights show a stable connection, your device will have a new IP address assigned by your ISP.

This method works because your ISP uses a system called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to hand out IP addresses. When you disconnect and reconnect, your ISP's system sees you as a new device and assigns you a different address from its available pool. The change is temporary — your ISP may assign you the same address again weeks later, but it is not the same address you had before the restart.

This approach is free, takes five minutes, and requires no technical knowledge. It is the first step most internet technicians recommend when troubleshooting connection problems.

Using a VPN to mask your IP address

A VPN (virtual private network) is software that routes your internet traffic through a server in another location, hiding your real IP address from the websites you visit. When you use a VPN, websites see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours. Popular VPN services include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN, though many others exist.

VPNs are useful if you want privacy from your ISP or local network, or if you want websites to think you are in a different country. Some streaming services and websites block access based on location, and a VPN can bypass that restriction. However, using a VPN to access content you do not have rights to use may violate the service's terms of service or local laws.

Most VPN services charge between $3 and $12 per month. They slow your connection slightly because your data travels an extra distance, though the slowdown is usually unnoticeable for everyday browsing. Some VPNs offer free versions with limited data or slower speeds, which you can test before paying.

Switching networks to get a new IP address when ready

If you are on Wi-Fi, disconnecting and connecting to a different network gives you a new IP address when ready. If you have access to another Wi-Fi network — at a friend's house, a coffee shop, or a library — your device will be assigned a new address by that network's router.

Similarly, if you are on a computer connected by ethernet cable to your router, unplugging the cable and using Wi-Fi instead will give you a different IP address because you are now connecting through your router's Wi-Fi system rather than directly to it. If you are on mobile data, your carrier assigns you a new IP address each time you connect, so switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data changes your address.

This method is when ready and free, but it only works if you have access to another network. The new address belongs to that network, so when you switch back to your home network, you will get a different address again.

Requesting a static IP address from your ISP

If you need an IP address that does not change, you can contact your ISP and request a static IP address. A static IP stays the same every time you restart your equipment, which is useful if you run a server, host a website, or need remote access to your home network.

Most ISPs charge $10 to $20 per month for a static IP address. The process is straightforward: call your ISP's customer service, ask for a static IP, and they will assign one to your account. You may need to restart your modem for the change to take effect. Some ISPs require you to have a business account or a certain service tier to add a static IP, so ask about any restrictions before requesting one.

A static IP is different from the temporary change you get by restarting your equipment. Once assigned, it remains yours as long as you keep the service active, even if you restart your modem multiple times.

Why your IP address changes on its own

Your ISP does not assign you the same IP address forever. ISPs manage a pool of addresses and reassign them as customers disconnect and reconnect. If you do not use your internet connection for several days, or if your ISP performs maintenance, your address may change automatically without you doing anything.

This happens because most home internet customers use dynamic IP addresses, which are temporary. The ISP's DHCP server tracks which addresses are in use and which are available. When a customer's lease on an address expires — typically after 24 to 30 days, depending on the ISP — the address goes back into the pool and can be assigned to someone else.

You do not need to do anything to make this happen. It is part of how the internet works, and it is one reason why restarting your modem is an effective way to get a new address quickly.

Checking what your current IP address is

Before you change your IP address, you may want to see what it is now. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" in the results. On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type ifconfig or ip addr.

For your public IP address — the one your ISP assigns and that websites see — visit a site like WhatIsMyIPAddress.com or IPChicken.com. These sites display your public IP when ready. After you restart your modem or connect to a VPN, visit the site again to confirm your address has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address affect my internet speed?

Restarting your modem or switching networks does not affect speed. Using a VPN may slow your connection by 10 to 30 percent because your data travels through an extra server, though many people do not notice the difference for browsing or email. If speed matters for gaming or video calls, test a VPN before committing to a paid service.

Can my ISP tell what I am doing online if I use a VPN?

A VPN hides the websites you visit from your ISP, but your ISP can still see that you are using a VPN. Your ISP cannot see the content of your traffic or which specific pages you visit. If you want complete privacy from your ISP, a VPN is effective for that purpose.

If I change my IP address, will my email or online accounts be affected?

No. Your email, social media, banking, and other accounts are tied to your username and password, not your IP address. Changing your IP address will not log you out or affect access to your accounts. Some services may flag the new IP as unusual and ask you to verify your identity, but this is a security feature, not a problem.

How long does it take to get a new IP address after restarting my modem?

Your modem usually reconnects to your ISP within two to three minutes. Your device will have a new IP address assigned as soon as the modem is back online. The entire process takes about five minutes from the time you unplug the modem.

Is it legal to use a VPN to change my IP address?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, including the United States. However, using a VPN to bypass restrictions on content you do not have rights to access may violate a service's terms of service or local laws. Using a VPN for privacy or to access your own accounts from abroad is straightforward and legal.