How to change IP address manually – Surfshark

Understanding IP addresses

Without IP addresses, the internet would be chaotic, with data floating around aimlessly. An IP address is like your device’s home address on the internet and works as a digital identifier to send and receive data. Every device connected to the internet, like your smartphone, laptop, or even your smart fridge, has a unique IP address. 

IP addresses help websites and online services recognize your device and ensure that the information you request is sent to the right device — making your browsing experience seamless and efficient.

Types of IP addresses: static vs. dynamic IP addresses

We use two main types of IPs — static and dynamic. The type of IP address you use can impact your online experience. Let me explain how:

Static IP address

A static IP address remains the same every time you connect to the internet. This is helpful for businesses that host websites or servers because it ensures that their address remains constant. 

Static IPs are more reliable for services that need to access your device consistently, like remote servers. However, because your IP address doesn’t change, advertisers and trackers can more easily monitor your online activities. 

They can then create a detailed profile of your browsing habits and bombard you with personalized ads based on your behavior.

Dynamic IP address

On the other hand, dynamic IP addresses change every time you connect to the internet or periodically while connected. Most internet users have dynamic IP addresses assigned by their ISPs (Internet Service Providers) through DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

This IP address type suits most users because you get a layer of anonymity — since your IP changes regularly, it’s harder for anyone to track your online behavior over long periods. However, dynamic IPs can also cause minor disruptions if your address changes during your online browsing session.

Reasons to change your IP address

Data breaches increased by 72% in 2023. But do you know why? One of the major reasons behind this is having your IP addresses fall in the wrong hands. But it’s not the only reason. Here are some other important reasons to understand why it’s so important to change your IP address:

• Avoid advertisers and trackers: changing your IP address protects you from trackers who build profiles based on your online activities;
• Prevent DDoS attacks: it becomes difficult for hackers to target you via DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) or doxxing attempts — publicly revealing someone’s private information;
• Browse abroad: changing your IP from your home country can help you access content that is otherwise restricted or altered when you are temporarily abroad or vice versa;
• Resolve IP blocking issues: if your current IP is blocked or facing issues, changing it can restore connectivity;
• Permit safe online browsing: a new IP address distances you from previous vulnerabilities associated with your old IP so you can browse more safely;
• Fix network errors: it can also troubleshoot and fix specific issues like IP conflicts and slow internet speed.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

Methods to change your IP address

Since protecting your online privacy has become paramount, you should mask it whenever possible. Doing so shields your online identity from potential threats. So, if you’re wondering how to change your IP address, check out the different methods I’ve discussed below.  

Restarting the router

 Here’s how to reset your IP address and get a new one just by restarting your router:

1. Unplug your router: find and unplug the power cable from your router’s electrical outlet. This will cut off the router’s connection to your ISP.
2. Wait for a few minutes: wait for at least 5-10 minutes to allow your ISP’s DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server to reassign your old IP address to another device on the network.
3. Plug the power cable back in: reconnect the power cable to the electrical outlet and wait for the router to power up completely. This can take a few minutes because the router re-establishes its connection with the ISP.
4. Verify the change: once your router is powered on and connected to the internet, you can use a tool like What is my IP to verify if your IP address has changed.

Manually changing your IP address

If restarting the router doesn’t work, you can also change your IP address manually on different platforms. Let’s see how:

On Windows 10

Here’s how to change your IP address on Windows 10:

1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Click Network & Internet and choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
3. Go to your network connection, then click the Edit button under IP settings.
4. Select Manual from the dropdown menu, then toggle on the IPv4 switch.
5. Enter your new IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses, then click Save.

On Windows 11

Here’s how to change your IP address on Windows 11:

1. Go to your computer Settings.
2. Find and click the Network & Internet option, then go to Advanced network settings.
3. Now, find and select the Hardware and Connection Properties option.
4. Return to Network and Internet and click on Wi-Fi.
5. Find and click on the <name of connection> properties option, then go to Edit IP assignment.
6. A dropdown will appear. From this, select Manual and enter your new IP.
7. Enter all the required data, and then click Save.

On Android

Here’s how to change your IP address on Android:

1. Go to your Android device’s Settings.
2. Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
3. Go to the Wi-Fi option. 
4. Tap and hold your connected Wi-Fi network.
5. Select Modify network or Manage network settings.
6. Change IP settings from DHCP to Static.
7. Enter your new IP address, gateway, and DNS addresses — then Save it.

On iOS

Here’s how to change your IP address on an iPhone or any iOS device:

1. Open the Settings page on your device.
2. Go to Wi-Fi, then click the information icon (i) next to the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
3. Under IPV4 Address, choose Configure IP.
4. Select Manual, then enter your new IP address along with the other details and Save it.

On macOS

Here’s how to change your IP manually on macOS:

1. Go to the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Go to Network settings and select your current network connection.
3. Select Advanced and move to the TCP/IP tab.
4. Select Manually from the Configure IPv4 pop-up menu.
5. Enter your new IP address and other details.
6. Click OK and then Apply.

Automatically using a proxy server

You can also change your IP address automatically using a proxy server. Here’s how:

1. On your device, click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet and click Proxy in the left-hand menu.
3. Under the Automatic proxy setup section, toggle the switch to On to use a setup script if you have one.
4. Now, enter the script address provided by your network administrator and click Save.

If you’re more of a manually-do-things kind of person, follow these steps:

1. Scroll down to the Manual proxy setup section.
2. Toggle the switch to On.
3. Go to the Address field and enter the IP address of the proxy server.
4. Enter the Port number in the Port field.
5. Click Save to apply the new settings.

Contacting your internet service provider

If you’re not tech-savvy and know you can get stuck even after following my defined steps, I have an easy option for you. You can contact your ISP to help you change your IP address. 

Here’s how:

1. Find your ISP’s customer service contact information. It will most often be available on their official website or your billing statement.
2. Call the customer service number or use the provided online chat/email support option.
3. Explain to the representative that you want to change your IP address and provide a valid reason if asked (e.g., security concerns).
4. Follow the representative’s instructions.
5. Confirm with the representative that your IP address has been changed.

Changing your IP address with a VPN

You can also change or switch your IP address to a new one using a VPN. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Choose a reliable VPN service with global server coverage — like Surfshark.
2. Download and install the VPN application on your device.
3. Register and log in to the VPN app. 
4. Select a server from your desired location.

Surfshark — the safest and easiest VPN solution

While several VPNs can help you change your IP address, I recommend using Surfshark. Here’s why:

• Ease of Use: it provides a quick and simple setup process that is user-friendly for beginners and advanced users;
• Security: it encrypts your internet traffic to give you extra protection against trackers and surveillance;
• Speed: with a network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark provides fast and reliable connections without latency and buffering.

So, if you want to get these benefits, here’s how you can change your IP address using Surfshark:

1. Sign Up for Surfshark: visit the Surfshark registration page and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs.
2. Download it: select your preference — Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS — then download and install our application. 
3. Activate it: once you have installed the Surfshark app on your device, connect to your desired server to switch to a new IP. Here’s how:
   • Open the Surfshark app.
   • Log in with your Surfshark account credentials.
   • Go to the Locations tab.
   • Select a server location from the list.
   • Click on your desired location to connect.

4. Verify the change: now, you can check your new IP address using What is my IP. Compare it with the IP address you had before you connected to the VPN. If the IP address has changed, your virtual location has successfully been altered.

Surfshark VPN — the easiest way to change your IP

Online security is a serious topic, so you should always take the proper steps to safeguard yourself. That’s why I recommend using Surfshark VPN to change your IP address — the most convenient legal way to access content across multiple geographical barriers and ensure harmful actors don’t prey upon your online activities.

FAQ

Is it possible to change your IP address?

Yes, you can change your IP address manually or automatically using a trusted VPN like Surfshark.

Does your IP address change with Wi-Fi?

Yes, connecting to a different Wi-Fi network can change your IP address.

How do you change your IP address without a VPN?

You can change your IP without a VPN by rebooting your router, contacting your ISP, or using a proxy server.