Changing your IP address can be a handy trick for anyone looking to boost online privacy, bypass restrictions, troubleshoot network issues, or just for testing and developing.
But how do you go about it? There are several ways to get a fresh IP address, and each method has its perks. Here are four simple and effective ways which allow you to change your IP easily:
Use Oxylabs proxies
Change your IP manually
Modify your IP through your router
Switch to a different network
Want to know the step-by-step process and what’s great (or not so great) about each option? Keep reading – we’ve got you covered.
What is an IP Address?
Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a number assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is attached to every device online. While there are two main types of IPs – IPv4 and IPv6, they can be divided into public and private IPs, as well as dynamic and static IP addresses. This subdivision later on is a little complicated, but if you’re curious, you can read more about what an IP address is in more detail. Simply put, your IP address mostly reveals information related to an IP address origin and geolocation. You can hide your location and avoid IP bans by changing your IP.
Finding out your public IP address is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is type "What is my IP address?" into a search engine and select the most appropriate result. If you use Google, your public IP will appear at the top of the results. This will help you check whether your IP change worked after you employed the tips in the article.
How to change your IP address automatically using a proxy server
One of the easiest ways to dynamically change your real IP address is by using a proxy server.
In short, you’ll typically rely on integration tools or proxy management features unique to each operating system to change your IP address automatically using a proxy server. If you’re using proxies, we recommend choosing a proxy service with rotation support. Services offering automatic proxy rotation periodically switch IP addresses, making this option good for testing and development. Good proxy options for this use case would be Residential or Datacenter proxies by Oxylabs.
Besides, different operating systems require different ways of proxy integration. To make things easier for you, we compiled the main differences in integration for all of the most popular operating systems and provided links to where you can find more in-depth information on how to integrate your proxies.
Windows 10 and 11
Windows 10 uses a dedicated proxy configuration section. It does lack some advanced rotation features but supports manual scripts and automatic setup via PAC (Proxy Auto-Config) files.
Compared to Windows 10, Windows 11 features a redesigned UI, making it easier to locate proxy settings. No functional changes from Windows 10 but supports global proxy integration across apps.
Windows 10 and 11 proxy integration
MacOS
MacOS allows granular control over proxy types (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5) and works seamlessly with PAC files for automated rotation. Additionally, each network configuration can have unique proxy settings.
iPhone (iOS)
iOS (the operation system in your iPad or iPhone) relies on PAC files or manual proxy entry. However, proxy rotation must be handled externally (for example, by using apps with built-in proxy support).
Android
Android allows basic manual setup but doesn’t natively support automatic proxy rotation. Just like in the case with iOS, apps like ProxyDroid or custom scripts are needed for advanced rotation.
Which proxy type to choose?
Do you know the specific reason you need to change your IP address for? If so, here’s a quick guide to the different types of proxies and how each is uniquely suited to specific purposes. Find the one that best matches your needs:
Residential Proxies: Residential proxies use IPs from real residential ISPs, making them appear as ordinary users. They are ideal for bypassing geographical or government restrictions, accessing region-specific content, or avoiding detection during sensitive tasks like web scraping or ad verification.
Datacenter Proxies: Fast and cost-effective, these proxies are hosted in data centers. Datacenter proxies are best for high-speed tasks like bulk data scraping or managing multiple accounts, but they are easier to detect than residential proxies.
ISP Proxies: A hybrid of datacenter and residential proxies, they use IPs provided by an Internet Service Provider but are hosted in data centers. ISP proxies combine reliability and authenticity, suitable for e-commerce and automation tasks requiring higher trust.
Mobile Proxies: Mobile proxies route traffic through mobile carrier networks. They’re ideal for tasks needing high trust, like social media automation or bypassing strict geo-restrictions, as they mimic real mobile users.
However, it’s important to note that a paid proxy service is the best option if you want to enhance your privacy and security or change your IP address for various technical testing and development projects. Free proxies tend not to guarantee enough stability and security that projects like these require, and they tend to be much slower than their paid counterparts.
How to change your IP manually
Changing your IP address manually is a practical way to take control without relying on external tools or services. Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, testing configurations, or seeking to enhance your online privacy, this method puts you in the driver’s seat. In this section, we’ll explore the step-by-step process to manually update your IP address no matter which operating system you’re using.
Windows 10
To change your IP address manually on Windows 10, start by clicking the Start button. Next, open Settings and navigate to the Network & Internet section.
Depending on your device's connection type, choose either Ethernet or Wi-Fi. For this example, we’ll select Wi-Fi.
On the Wi-Fi screen, click the network you’re currently connected to.
Under IP assignment, click Edit.
You’ll now be able to edit your IP settings. Begin by selecting Manual.
Toggle IPv4 to the “On” position, then enter your new IP address details. Once everything is filled in, click Save to apply your changes.
Windows 11
Manually changing your IP address on Windows 11 is quite similar to the process in Windows 10. Start by opening the Network & Internet section in Settings.
Next, select Wi-Fi and click on Manage known networks.
You’ll see a list of all the networks you’ve connected to, including the one you’re currently using. Select your active network.
Under the IP assignment line, click Edit.
From here, choose the option to manually input your IP settings.
Finally, enter the new IP address details and click Save to confirm your changes.
MacOS
After opening the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen, click System Settings. In there, select the network you’re currently connected to. In this case, we’ll be selecting Wi-Fi:
Once you open the Wi-Fi section in your network settings, you’ll see the network you’re currently connected to, along with other known networks and available options. From this screen, click on Details to access more advanced configuration settings.
Go to the TCP/IP tab and, under the Configure IPv4 section, choose the option labeled Manually.
Now all that’s left is to input the IP address that you’d like. Press OK to save your changes.
iPhone (iOS)
To change the IP address manually on your iPhone or iPad, start by opening the Settings app and tapping on the Wi-Fi tab. Next, tap the small "i" icon next to the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to.
In the new menu, scroll down to the IPV4 Address section and tap Configure IP. From here, select Manual to switch from changing your IP address automatically and input your preferred IP address. Once you've made your changes, make sure to tap Save to confirm.
Android
After opening your Android Settings and going to connections, you’ll need to go to Wi-Fi. There, tap the gear icon next to your network.
You will be transferred to your Network details screen, where you will be able to edit the information. After pressing the editing button, select Advanced options. There, under IP settings, you will need to choose the Static option.
Now all that’s left to do is to input your new IP address. After that, press Save – your IP address will be changed.
How to change your IP using router
One of the simplest ways to change your public IP address is by rebooting your router or modem. Many ISPs assign a new IP address when your device reconnects to internet connection.
After checking what your current IP address is, turn the device off and on. Once you restarted your router – it would be best to wait for around ten minutes – check your public IP address again. If it has changed, then the process was successful.
This option is good if you want to change your IP temporarily, and it is not something that you are planning on doing often for testing or other reasons. While simple, this option is a little impractical for frequent IP changes.
How to change your IP by switching networks
Another easy way to change your public IP address is by switching networks. Your public IP address will be different if you connect to a different Wi-Fi network, such as a public Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot.
You can also opt for a more permanent change by switching Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which will assign you an entirely new IP address range. Not to mention, you can also reach out to your current ISP and ask them to change your private IP address for you. Most ISPs have customer contact numbers that you can call to make this request, and they will usually be happy to help you out.
While these methods can be useful in a pinch, there are a few drawbacks. Connecting to random public Wi-Fi for a new IP address isn’t ideal if privacy and online security are concerns. And switching ISPs may involve extra costs, making it a less convenient option. For safety and reliability, sticking to trusted networks is always your best bet.
Best ways to change IP address compared
| Ways to change an IP address | Benefits and drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Proxy server | Provides flexibility and convenience – allows quick switching between multiple IPs without altering device or network settings. Ideal for bypassing geo-restrictions and maintaining privacy. |
| Manually | Offers control but requires technical know-how and is time-consuming for frequent changes. Best suited for resolving conflicts or local network testing. |
| Router | Effective for refreshing your public IP, but impacts the entire network and takes time. It’s less flexible and impractical for quick or frequent changes. |
| Switching networks | Easy and convenient, but not always practical. Public Wi-Fi can compromise security, and switching networks may be inconvenient or require additional data costs. |
Conclusion
Overall, the best method for changing your IP address depends on your needs and how frequently you plan to do it. For most users, using a proxy is the top recommendation. Proxies offer a reliable and secure way to change IPs while allowing for frequent switching, making them an excellent choice for tasks like web scraping and maintaining online anonymity. However, any of the methods outlined in this article can be a great choice, depending on your specific requirements and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my IP address myself?
Yes – it is possible to change your IP address yourself. There are a few ways to change your current IP address, and you can do so by using proxies to change your IP address automatically, changing your IP manually, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), changing via your router, or temporarily switching networks, for example, connecting to a public wifi or a mobile hotspot.
Is it legal to change IP address?
It is completely legal to change your IP address, because most devices already have dynamic IP addresses which are assigned by the network that they connect to and change over time.
Does turning off the router change the IP?
If you turn off a router and turn it back on later, your public IP address will usually change. Your ISP will detect that the connection to the router has been broken and assign you a different IP.
What are the different types of IP addresses?
There are two main types of IP addresses, IPv4 and IPv6, but they are also further separated into private IP addresses and public IP addresses. Public IP addresses are assigned to a device by the ISP and are used to identify the device on the public internet. A private IP address is assigned to devices on a private network. Both a private IP address and a static IP address are then further divided into dynamic and static IPs – with a dynamic IP address changing over time and a static one remaining the same for an extended period of time.
Can my ISP change my IP address?
Your ISP can change your IP address, mainly by assigning you either a static IP or a dynamic IP. Your ISP assigns you a new IP address if your connection is reset or if they have assigned you a dynamic address, which changes your IP after several hours or so.
About the author
Akvilė Lūžaitė
Junior Copywriter
Akvilė ventured from the very physical metal processing industry to a more abstract immaterial tech industry – and enjoys every second of it.
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