What changing your IP address means and why you might do it

Your IP address is the number your device uses to connect to the internet — think of it like a mailing address for data. Changing it means getting a new number assigned to your device. Most of the time this happens automatically when you restart your router or modem, but you can also force the change yourself through your device settings or by asking your internet provider for a new one.

People change their IP address for a few practical reasons: to troubleshoot a connection problem, to reset a device that is stuck on an old network, or to get a fresh start after a security incident. Changing your IP does not make you anonymous online — websites still see who you are through other means — but it does disconnect you from whatever was tied to your old address.

The method you use depends on whether you want to change the address your internet provider assigned to you (your public IP), or the address your router assigned to your device (your local IP). Most home users need to change the local IP, which takes a few minutes in your device settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Restarting your modem or router is the fastest way to get a new public IP address from your internet provider, and usually takes five to ten minutes.
  • On Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, you can change your local IP address through network settings without restarting anything.
  • Windows users should look for "Change adapter options" in network settings; Mac users should find "Advanced" in Wi-Fi settings; phone users should toggle "Renew Lease" or "Forget Network" then reconnect.
  • If your device keeps getting the same IP address after you change it, your router may be set to assign that address permanently, and you may need to adjust router settings or contact your internet provider.

Getting a new public IP address by restarting your modem

Your public IP address — the one your internet provider assigns — changes most easily by power-cycling your modem. Unplug the modem from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The modem will take two to five minutes to reconnect to your provider's network and receive a new address.

To confirm you have a new address, visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com before you unplug and again after the modem restarts. The number should be different. If it is the same after waiting five minutes, your provider may have assigned you a static IP (one that does not change), which is common for business accounts or certain service tiers. Contact your internet provider if you need that changed.

Do not unplug your router — only the modem. The modem is the device that connects directly to your provider's network, usually a box with lights on the front. The router is the separate device that broadcasts your Wi-Fi. Unplugging only the modem is faster and does not disconnect your Wi-Fi.

Changing your local IP on Windows

Your local IP is the address your router assigns to your specific device. On Windows, open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how you are connected. Click on your current network name.

Scroll down and click "Edit" next to "IP assignment". You will see a button that says "Edit" again — click it. A window will open showing your current IP address. Change the last number (after the final dot) to something between 1 and 254, then click "Save". For example, if your current address is 192.168.1.50, you might change it to 192.168.1.51.

Windows will explore the change when ready. If you want to let your router assign an address automatically instead, go back to the same screen and toggle "Automatic (DHCP)" on instead of entering a manual address.

Changing your local IP on Mac

On Mac, click the Apple menu and go to System Settings, then Network. Select your Wi-Fi network and click "Details". Go to the TCP/IP tab.

You will see your current IP address listed. To change it, click the "Configure IPv4" dropdown and select "Manually". You can now edit the IP address field. Change the last number to something different — for example, from 192.168.1.50 to 192.168.1.51 — then click "OK".

If you want to go back to automatic assignment, return to the same screen, click the dropdown, and select "Automatic" instead. Mac will explore changes when ready without requiring a restart.

Changing your local IP on iPhone and Android

On iPhone, go to Settings, select Wi-Fi, and tap the network you are connected to. Scroll down and tap "Renew Lease". Your phone will ask your router for a new local IP address. This usually takes a few seconds.

On Android, go to Settings, select Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi. Tap the network you are connected to and hold it until a menu appears. Select "Forget" or "Forget Network". Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your password. Android will request a new IP address from your router during reconnection.

Neither method lets you manually set a specific IP address on a phone the way you can on a computer. If you need a phone to have a particular local IP, you will need to set it through your router's settings instead, which varies by router model.

When your device keeps getting the same IP address

If you change your local IP but your device gets assigned the same address again after a few minutes, your router is likely set to reserve that address for your device. This is not a problem — it means your router recognizes your device and gives it the same address each time for consistency.

If you want to stop this, you can log into your router's settings. Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (check your router's label if neither works). Look for a section called "DHCP" or "Reserved IPs" and remove your device from the list. After you do, your router will assign a random available address the next time you reconnect.

Most home users do not need to change this setting. A reserved address actually makes your network more stable because your device always gets the same number. Only change it if you have a specific reason to do so.

Troubleshooting when the change does not stick

If you manually set a local IP address and it reverts after a few minutes, check whether you are on a guest network. Guest networks often do not allow manual IP configuration. Switch to your main network and try again.

If you are on the main network and the address still keeps changing, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Sometimes a router gets confused about which devices have manual addresses and which should get automatic ones. After the restart, set your IP address again and wait a few minutes to confirm it stays.

If the problem continues, your router may have a setting that overrides manual addresses. Check your router's manual or contact your internet provider for help accessing the router settings. Most providers can walk you through this by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address hide my online activity?

No. Changing your IP address disconnects you from whatever was tied to that old address, but websites and services still see who you are through cookies, login accounts, and other tracking methods. A VPN or privacy browser extension provides actual privacy; a new IP address does not.

Do I need to change my IP address to fix a slow internet connection?

Usually not. Slow speeds are almost always caused by distance from your router, interference from other devices, or problems with your internet provider's service. Restarting your modem and router is worth trying, but changing your IP address itself will not speed things up.

What is the difference between a static and dynamic IP address?

A dynamic IP address changes periodically or when you restart your modem — this is what most home users have. A static IP address stays the same indefinitely and is usually assigned by your internet provider for a fee or as part of a business plan. You cannot change a static address yourself; you must contact your provider.

Can I set my device to a specific IP address I choose?

Yes, on Windows and Mac you can manually enter any local IP address in your device settings, as long as it is not already in use by another device on your network. On phones, you cannot set a specific address through the device itself, but you can reserve one through your router's settings.

What happens if two devices on my network have the same IP address?

Both devices will have connection problems because your router will not know which one to send data to. If this happens, restart one of the devices or manually change its IP address to something different. Your router will not let this happen automatically, but it can occur if you manually set addresses without checking what is already in use.