Your IP address changes when your internet service provider assigns you a new one, which happens most often when you restart your modem or router, or when your lease period expires

An IP address is a number your internet service provider (ISP) assigns to your home or device so websites and services can send data back to you. Most home internet connections use dynamic IP addresses, which means the ISP can reassign your number at any time. This is different from a static IP address, which stays the same and costs extra to maintain.

The most common reason your IP changes is that you power off your modem or router. When you turn it back on, your ISP often assigns a fresh address from its available pool. Your IP can also change if you do not use your internet connection for several days, if your ISP performs maintenance on its network, or straightforward because your lease period — typically 24 to 30 days — has expired and the ISP recycles the address to another customer.

Key Takeaways

  • Dynamic IP addresses, which most home internet customers receive, change automatically when you restart your modem or after your lease period expires.
  • Restarting your modem is the single most reliable way to trigger an IP change if you need one for privacy or troubleshooting reasons.
  • Static IP addresses stay the same but require a separate request to your ISP and usually cost between $10 and $20 per month.
  • Websites and services can see your IP address, but it does not reveal your home address or personal identity on its own.

What happens when you restart your modem

Restarting your modem is the fastest way to change your IP address. When you unplug the modem for 30 seconds and plug it back in, it reconnects to your ISP's network and requests a new address. The ISP usually grants one from its pool of available numbers.

This process normally takes two to five minutes. During that time, your internet will be offline. If you restart your router instead of your modem, your IP address usually stays the same — the router is a separate device that sits between your modem and your devices, and it does not control your IP assignment. To change your IP reliably, restart the modem, which is the device that talks directly to your ISP.

How long an IP address stays assigned to you

Your ISP sets a lease period for your IP address, typically between 24 and 30 days. When that period ends, the ISP can reassign the address to another customer and give you a new one. You do not have to do anything — the change happens automatically when you next connect to the internet after the lease expires.

If you use your internet connection every day, you will usually keep the same IP address until you restart your modem or your ISP performs network maintenance. Some ISPs set longer lease periods, and a few set shorter ones. You can contact your ISP to ask what your lease period is, though most do not advertise this information prominently.

When your ISP might change your IP without you doing anything

Your ISP can reassign your IP address during routine maintenance, when it upgrades its network equipment, or when it experiences an outage and restores service. You have no control over these changes and usually will not receive a warning. If your IP changes unexpectedly and you need to know the new one, you can find it by searching "what is my IP" in any search engine.

Some ISPs also change customer IP addresses during periods of low network activity, such as early morning hours, to balance their address pool. This is rare and varies by provider. If you need your IP to stay the same for work, gaming, or remote access to your home network, you should request a static IP address from your ISP instead of relying on a dynamic one.

Static IP addresses and why they cost extra

A static IP address does not change unless you request it. Your ISP reserves that specific number for your account and does not reassign it to other customers. This is useful if you run a home server, host a website, or need to access your home network from outside your house using the same address every time.

Static IP addresses cost extra because your ISP has to reserve an address permanently instead of cycling it through many customers. Most providers charge between $10 and $20 per month for a static IP. Some bundle it into business-class internet plans. If you only need your IP to stay the same temporarily, restarting your modem less often is cheaper than paying for a static address — most dynamic IPs stay the same for weeks or months if you do not restart.

What your IP address reveals and what it does not

Your IP address is visible to every website you visit and every online service you use. It tells them roughly where you are located — usually your city or region, not your exact address. Websites use this information for location-based services, fraud detection, and content delivery.

Your IP address does not reveal your name, phone number, home address, or other personal details on its own. Someone would need to contact your ISP and provide a court order to link your IP to your identity. If you want to hide your IP address from websites, you can use a VPN (virtual private network), which masks your real IP and shows websites a different one instead. VPNs are paid services, though some offer free versions with limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my IP address from changing?

Yes, by requesting a static IP address from your ISP. This costs extra — usually $10 to $20 per month — but the address will not change unless you request it. If you do not want to pay, restarting your modem less frequently will keep your dynamic IP the same for weeks or months at a time.

Does changing my IP address hide me from websites?

No. Websites will straightforward see your new IP address instead of your old one. If you want to hide your IP from websites, you need a VPN, which masks your real IP and shows websites a different address. Changing your IP address does not provide privacy on its own.

Will I lose internet access when my IP changes?

No. Your devices will automatically reconnect using the new IP address. The change is invisible to you unless you were relying on the old IP for a specific purpose, such as accessing your home network from outside your house.

How do I find out what my current IP address is?

Search "what is my IP" in any search engine and it will display your current address. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io. Your IP address is public information once you connect to the internet.

Does my phone's IP address change the same way as my home internet?

Your phone has two IP addresses: one on your home WiFi network (which changes the same way as your home internet) and one on your mobile carrier's network (which changes based on the carrier's rules, usually when you move between cell towers or restart your phone). Both are dynamic unless you pay for a static address.