change ip free online

• VPN & Privacy
• How to Change your IP address

How to change your IP address (6 ways, 5 are free) in 2023

In today’s interconnected world, understanding how to change your IP address can be valuable. Whether you want to protect your online privacy, bypass geographic restrictions, or troubleshoot network issues, modifying your IP address gives you greater control over your internet experience.

However, many people find the process of changing their IP address intimidating or confusing. It’s natural to have questions like “What is an IP address?”, “Why would I want to change it?”, and most importantly, “How can I change it without breaking anything?”.

With our years of experience in the field, we have gathered the necessary knowledge and expertise to demystify the concept of IP addresses and provide you with clear, concise instructions on how to change them.

By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of IP addresses, why you might want to change them, and the step-by-step processes to successfully modify your IP address.

What are the best VPNs to change your IP address?

• NordVPN : The best VPN to change your IP address . Fast servers in 59 countries. Apps for all popular devices. Many advanced features. No-logging policy. Works with Netflix US, iPlayer, and many more.
• Surfshark : Best budget VPN to change your IP. Allows an unlimited number of connections. Great for families. Apps for all popular devices. Built-in adblocking and malware filtering. 30-day money-back guarantee.
• ExpressVPN : A superb all-rounder. Fast speeds thanks to its Lightway protocol. Servers in 94 countries. Works with around two-dozen Netflix regions.
• CyberGhost : Best way to change your IP for beginners. Over 7000 fast servers in 89+ countries. Fast Wireguard connections. Apps for all devices. Easy to use apps with fewer advanced settings.
• IPVanish : A fast US VPN with a proprietary network. Lots of advanced security features. No logs policy. Works with Netflix US. Apps for all platforms.
• PrivateVPN : Perfect for torrenting. Kill-switch and obfuscation features. Robust AES encryption. Great speeds. Servers in 63+ countries.
• AtlasVPN : Excellent option for streaming. Works with iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and more. Servers in 30+ countries. Includes malware filtering.

WANT TO TRY THE BEST VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page . You can use the VPN rated #1 for changing your IP address without limits or restrictions for a month—great if you want to bypass censorship or geo-restrictions.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here .

Why would I need to change my IP address?

Many online services are geo-restricted, which means they are not available outside of their country of origin. The only way to access those services from abroad is to connect to a VPN server in that location. This gives you a valid IP address and causes the website or online service to become available again.

If you travel abroad on vacation, services from back home, such as internet banking or streaming services, will be geo-restricted. As a result, you will need to use a VPN to get an IP address in your home county.

Finally, a VPN can help you get around government, ISP, or local network restrictions. By connecting to a VPN, you can get an IP address in a country where locally censored content is still available. Thanks to the privacy provided by the VPN, you can access those usually censored services without being tracked.

Best VPNs for changing your IP address – Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for changing your IP address .

How to change your public IP address

Here are a few ways to change your public IP address(es):

1. Connect to a VPN to change your IP address

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a location of your choosing. Websites, online services, and other devices on the web will only see the VPN server’s IP address and not your real IP address.

VPNs are useful for torrenting, unblocking region-locked content like that from Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and bypassing censorship at schools, in offices, and in countries like China.

Most VPNs can easily hide your IPv4 address, but many VPNs can leak your IP address through various security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, not all VPNs hide your IPv6 address. Choose a VPN that either disables IPv6 or can prevent IPv6 leaks by default.

If you’re not sure how to set up a VPN just follow the simple steps below.

Here’s how to change your IP address with a VPN:

• Sign up for a suitable VPN provider ( we recommend NordVPN ).
• Download the appropriate VPN app for your device.
• Open the VPN app and select a server, within your own country is fine although if you want to access a specific service make sure to choose a server in a country where it’s unblocked.
• That’s it! You should now have a different IP address.

2. Use a proxy to change your IP address

Proxies work similarly to VPNs but with far less versatility and security. Your internet connection goes through a middleman server so that websites and other online resources see the proxy server’s IP address and not your own. Unlike VPNs, proxies often lack encryption, only affect certain apps, and can leak your IP address through other means.

A few different types of proxies can be used to change your IP address:

• HTTP/S proxies – Usually either browser extensions or special websites that work like a browser within your browser. They only change the IP address on data sent to and from your browser, but do not affect other apps or even DNS traffic. If encryption is included, these are sometimes called SSL proxies.
• SOCKS proxies – General purpose proxy servers that can be configured for specific apps including most web browsers. SOCKS5 , the latest version, includes support for encryption.
• SSH proxies – SSH proxies forward internet traffic from apps like your web browser through a Secure Shell ( SSH ) connection to a server, so your IP address is changed to that of the server. Although encryption is included, SSH is not a particularly fast protocol, and many websites and apps might not function properly when connected.

3. Use Tor to change your IP address for free

Tor , short for T he O nion R outer, is a volunteer-run anonymity network. The easiest way to get started with Tor is to download and install the Tor Browser, a barebones web browser that routes all web traffic through the Tor network. Tor encrypts your connection several times and then sends data through multiple nodes—servers operated by volunteer Tor supporters. Each node strips away one layer of encryption, and the sequence of nodes used changes every time you access a different website. This makes it nearly impossible to trace Tor traffic back to the source.

Websites will see the IP address of the last node in the chain, called the Exit Node.

Tor is free, but has its drawbacks. It’s relatively slow and only really suited for basic web browsing. Tor’s anonymity means it is often associated with illicit activity and the dark web, so even though it’s not illegal, using it might draw unwanted attention from your ISP and possibly even law enforcement. Those entities can’t see what you do while connected to Tor, but they can see that you are connected to Tor nodes.

4. Change IP addresses by unplugging your modem

You might be able to get a new IP address by unplugging your internet modem, waiting a few minutes, and then plugging it back in again. When this happens, you release your existing IP address so that your ISP can recycle it. When you reconnect, your ISP assigns you a new IP address.

This method isn’t guaranteed to work because your ISP might just give you the same IP address again. The longer you leave your modem unplugged, however, the higher the chance your IP address changes. If unplugging for a few minutes doesn’t get the job done, consider leaving it unplugged overnight.

Your ISP must use dynamic IP addresses in order for this to work. Most do.

5. Ask your ISP to change your IP address

Another option is to ask your ISP for a new IP address. Every ISP has different policies about how they handle such requests, so responses may vary. At minimum, you’ll need your account information and current IP address on hand.

Most ISPs use dynamic IP address systems, meaning IP addresses occasionally change and get recycled as devices connect and disconnect from the internet. With that in mind, note that your new IP address might not stay the same forever.

In some cases, you can request a static IP address from your ISP, though this might require paying an extra fee and/or going through an application process. Once provided with a static IP address , you can enter it into your device’s network settings. Static IP addresses never change unless you manually change them.

6. Change networks to get a different IP address

This might seem obvious, but you can get a different IP address by disconnecting from whatever network you’re currently connected to and connecting to a different one. You can switch to a different wifi network, for example, or switch from wifi to a mobile data connection if you’re on a smartphone.

Remember that public and open wifi hotspots are often prime hunting grounds for hackers. Try to stick with a wifi network that requires a password and is encrypted with WPA2.

How to change your private IP address

If you’re connected to a wifi router, then you probably share a public IP address with all the other devices connected to the same network. Each device, however, has its own private, or local IP address.

Changing your local IP address won’t really affect how your device communicates with other devices and servers over the internet, but there might be instances in which you need a different private IP address. These include troubleshooting a malfunctioning router or configuring how local devices, such as printers and IoT devices , function on your home network.

Renew your local IP address

If you’re connected to wifi or some other type of local network, you can change your private IP address from the router admin panel or from the device itself. I’ll show you how to do it on Windows and MacOS.

Here’s how to renew your IP address on Windows:

• Search for the Command Prompt and right click it to Run as administrator
• Enter ipconfig /release
• Enter ipconfig /renew

You should now see a new local IP address.

Here’s how to renew your IP address on Mac:

• Click the Apple menu and open System Preferences
• Select Network
• Highlight the network that you’re connected to in the left pane
• Click Advanced…
• Select the TCP/IP tab
• Click Renew DHCP Lease

You Mac should now be assigned a new local IP address.

The process for changing local IP addresses on the router varies depending on your router manufacturer and firmware. You can usually access your router’s admin dashboard by opening a web browser and entering 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in the address bar.

How do I change my IP address on my mobile device?

Changing your IP address is easy on a mobile phone or tablet device. All you need is a VPN. In this guide, we have recommended the best VPNs for changing your IP address. Our recommendations have servers located globally, to let you get an IP address wherever you need it. To change your IP address on a mobile device, follow the steps below:

• Sign up for the VPN by following the link in this guide ( we recommend NordVPN )
• Install the VPN app for Android or iOS onto your device. You can find it in your regular app store.
• Launch the VPN app and login using your credentials.
• Choose a VPN server from the list and click connect .
• Your IP address will change as soon as the VPN connection is established.

Your ISP always knows your IP address

No matter what methods you use to change or hide an IP address, public IP addresses are always known by the internet service provider. This is inevitable because in order to connect to the internet at all, your ISP must assign you an IP address, and it must know what that IP address is in order to transmit communication and data from the internet to your device.

So even if you used one of the above methods to mask your IP address from websites, services, and other devices on the internet, your ISP is an exception that can see behind the mask.

Even if your ISP can identify you by your IP address, however, you can hide your online activity through encryption. A VPN or Tor will encrypt all data before it ever leaves your device, so even though your ISP can see that you are communicating, it cannot see the contents of those communications.

If you need an easy way to change your IP address to that of a different ISP, try switching between wifi and your smartphone’s mobile data connection. Chances are, your phone carrier and home internet use different ISPs.

How to Change IP address: FAQs

Why does changing my ip address catch captcha requests.

Changing your IP address may result in you catching CAPTCHA requests. The reason for this is because the IP address in question is likely shared with many other users. From the perspective of an online service such as Google , it sees an unusually high number of requests from the same IP address. It then attempts to verify you’re human (as opposed to a bot!) by presenting you with CAPTCHAs.

Will a free VPN change my IP address?

Technically yes, you can change your IP address with a free VPN. There are, however, a few things about these services that make them less than ideal. For instance, free providers usually have very low monthly bandwidth limits and more users than their networks can support. This means that you may not be able to use the VPN as much as you like, and you’ll have to put up with slow speeds when you do get connected.

One of the main functions of a VPN is to keep you safe online. Unfortunately, free providers tend to forget this, with plenty falsely claiming to follow no-logs policies or overhyping the effectiveness of their security features. Why take a chance when your privacy is at stake? We’d recommend choosing a reputable no-logs provider instead of just using whatever is free.

Is it illegal to change my IP address?

No, it’s not illegal to change your IP address. Indeed, you can legally use a VPN in almost any country in the world without having to worry about breaking any laws. However, some online activities are still illegal regardless of whether you’ve used a VPN to change your IP. This includes torrenting copyrighted material or, in some countries, accessing betting websites .

Will a VPN ever expose my real IP address?

The short answer is no. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, shielding your real IP address from anyone trying to track you online. The data passing through this tunnel is highly secured with strong encryption algorithms, making it nearly impossible for someone to determine which server or network you are connected to or even know who you are. However, there are a few situations when your real IP address can still be exposed:

• If a malicious actor takes control of the VPN server and gains access to its logs.
• If the VPN service provider stores information that includes IP addresses (although many reputable VPNs do not store any logs at all).
• If a website or service you connect to uses an IP address checker to detect your true identity.

In all these scenarios, it is important to remember that a VPN does provide additional security and privacy by masking your real location and the IP address from websites and services you visit. However, for the utmost security and anonymity, it is recommended that you also use other privacy tools such as browser extensions, secure browsers, and encrypted messaging apps in addition to a VPN. With this multi-layered approach to online security, you can rest assured knowing that your real identity will remain hidden no matter what situation arises.

Do I need a dedicated IP address?

You can use a shared IP address, but they tend to come with more risk. A dedicated or static IP address is recommended but there are only a handful of VPNs with dedicated IP addresses. Having a unique IP address can help to protect you from specific threats, such as a Brute Force attack , but it’s worth noting that it isn’t foolproof. You will also need to ensure you follow good online security practices, including strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and not accessing suspicious websites.

Can I get a new IP address from my ISP?

It’s possible to get a new IP address with some ISPs. However, it really depends on the ISP in question. If you find that your ISP don’t accept your request, you could try some of the other options as listed in this post (such as unplugging your router). Of course, the best way to change your IP address while enjoying additional security and privacy-related benefits is to use a VPN.

Can I choose which location my new IP address is in?

A VPN allows you to choose the location of the server to which you connect. The best VPNs offer servers in dozens of countries around the world. Once you connect to one of these servers, you’ll be assigned an IP address to match that location. For example, if you connect to a server in Australia, you’ll be given an Australian IP address . It’s that simple! So yes, you can choose the location your new IP address is in.

What should I do if my IP address isn't changing with my VPN?

When you connect to a VPN server, your IP address should change to be in the location you selected. A VPN is designed to encrypt your data and route it to the remote service location, and as long as it is working correctly, your IP address should always update to the corresponding location.

Unfortunately, some VPNs are broken. They do not properly conceal your home IP address from the websites you visit, and/or they fail to conceal your DNS requests from your ISP. These problems are called “leaks” and VPNs that suffer from leaks are completely failing to:

• Provide you with online privacy
• Conceal your IP address from the websites you visit

If you want to know whether your VPN is changing your IP address, we recommend that you use an online IP address-checking tool . The IP address and DNS request results should show as the location of the VPN server (not your real location).

If for any reason you see a local IP anywhere on the IP leak test’s website, then it is likely that your VPN is failing to properly hide your home IP address. That means that the VPN is either no good (you need a new one), or you need to update your VPN software to make sure it is up to date and working correctly.

Remember that it is important to use a reliable VPN like the ones recommended on this page, and to periodically check for IP leaks using an online IP address-checking tool to ensure your VPN is working correctly on your device.

Will resetting my router change my IP address?

When you restart your router your ISP assigns you a new dynamic IP address. However, if your IP address is static, rebooting your router will retain that IP address.

2 Comments Leave a comment

I used Express VPN, but my subscription just ended and I’m thinking of switching to Nord, because it’s cheaper ATM. By the way, you state that there’s a 2 year deal for Nord with 66% off. When I opened the link you provided it redirected me to a 3 year deal with 75% off. Don’t get me wrong, that’s great, but please fix your links, because they are misleading.

I read lots of your articles.I find them very educational.Please tell me am I correct to sense that you are somewhat bias towards “ExpressVpn”? Thereis one line I disagree as it is not my experience with the 2 VPN providers I have tried out.(Express & Nord)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can find out who you are

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

Using a VPN will hide these details and protect your privacy.

We recommend using NordVPN - #1 of 75 VPNs in our tests. It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available at a discounted rate.

Home › Privacy basics › How to change your IP address for free

How to change your IP address for free

Posted on September 28th, 2022 by Douglas Crawford in Privacy basics .

Every device that connects directly to the internet is assigned an IP address by your internet service provider (ISP). In general, this number uniquely identifies your household.

Most ISPs assign blocks of IP addresses to the same geographic areas, so your IP address is often a good indicator of your rough geographic location (accurate to around the city level). It’s also a common way the websites you visit can identify you and track your online activity.  

This makes your IP address a major privacy risk. Fortunately, there are several ways you can hide your real IP address for free. Only your ISP can change your real IP address, but proxy-based solutions can hide your IP address and change it as far as observers on the internet are concerned. 

Note that this article only discusses how to change your public IP address. If you connect to the internet via a router, then it’s your router’s IP address that the rest of the internet will see. It’s possible to change the IP address of a device within a local network, but that is beyond the scope of this article. 

Learn more about IP addresses

Other reasons to change your IP address

Proxy-based solutions, such as connecting to the Tor network or a VPN server, allow you to change your IP address and defeat government censorship and other internet blocks. They can bypass blocks because when you connect to a proxy server, you access the internet from where it’s located.

So if you are in a country where a website is blocked but connect to a server in a country where the internet is not censored, you will be able to access that website like normal.

Other popular reasons for changing your IP address include accessing streaming services as though you were in another country (for example, connecting to a US server while on a trip to access the US library of movies and TV shows that you’ve subscribed to) and hiding your IP address from peers when P2P torrenting. 

However, setting up and maintaining the server infrastructure required to handle such large amounts of data is expensive and requires teams of full-time professionals. The bottom line is that no third-party service will support these activities for free. At the very least, they might fund themselves with ads and by selling your metadata. We therefore strongly advise caution when choosing to use such a service. 

Proton VPN offers advanced features such as streaming and P2P access on our paid plans, which allows us to offer a free service for those who most need to access the internet privately and without restrictions.

How to see if your IP address has changed

To see your current external IP address (the IP address that anyone on the internet can see), simply visit one of the many “what is my IP address” websites on the web. A good example is ip.me .

At the very least, these sites will show your current IPv4 address . Better ones (including ip.me) will show your approximate geographic location, IPv6 address, and more. 

If you use a proxy-based solution to hide your IP address, you should see the proxy server’s information and not your real IP address. 

Changing your IP address for free

1. connect to a public wifi hotspot.

• Many public hotspots collect metadata from users
• You may need to buy the odd coffee

An easy way to change your IP address is to connect to the internet on a different network. Public WiFi hotspots are great for this (although you may need to pay for the occasional drink when using a coffee shop’s WiFi).

Do be aware that many “free” public hotspots are business ventures that make money by selling your browsing metadata to advertising and analytics companies. This is why you often need to agree to extensive terms and conditions before you can use the WiFi. 

2. Restart your modem

• Very easy to do
• Not guaranteed to work
• New IP address is still easy to trace back to you

Your modem’s IP address (or your router’s IP address, depending on your setup) is assigned by your ISP. Most ISPs use dynamic IP provisioning, so they will just issue you a new IP address as needed. Disconnecting your router (by turning it off for 10 seconds and then turning it back on again) can force your ISP to issue you a new IP address.

Whether this tactic works is very hit-or-miss, but there’s no harm in trying. Do be aware that your new IP address will be just as easy to trace back to you through your ISP as your old one was.

3. Contact your ISP

• ISP may not cooperate

Another option is asking your ISP to issue you a new IP address. Not all ISPs will be open to doing this, and you may need to explain why you want it done. But there’s no harm in asking. Again, be aware that this new IP address can be used to easily identify you and track you, same as your old IP address. 

Some ISPs offer static IP addresses. These are not dynamically provisioned, so you will always have the same IP address. However, static IPs are usually only available to businesses and not people on residential contracts. They’re also generally not free. 

• Offers true anonymity
• You can’t choose your IP address location

Tor is a free tool designed to defeat censorship and provide true anonymity on the internet. When you use the Tor browser (or access the Tor network via Proton VPN’s Tor over VPN feature), your connection is randomly routed through at least three Tor “nodes”.

The rest of the internet can only see the IP address of the final Tor node (the “exit node”), not your real IP address. Each node is run by a volunteer, so the more volunteers there are doing this, the more anonymous you are.

This makes Tor a fantastic tool for journalists, activists, and dissidents in restrictive countries who require absolute anonymity to ensure their safety. However, as a tool for changing your IP address, it has a couple of serious drawbacks.

The first is that you cannot (at least officially) select the location of your exit node as the Tor Browser randomly selects three nodes to handle your traffic. This means your IP address could appear to be from anywhere, which is problematic if you’re trying to access a portal that only accepts IP addresses from a specific place.

The second problem is that the Tor network is painfully slow. The Tor Browser routes your connection through at least three random locations. The further these locations are from each other, the slower your connection will be. Additionally, if any of these nodes are experiencing poor internet connectivity, that will also impact your connection speed. Expect to lose 90% or more of your regular internet speeds when using Tor.

5. Public SOCKS and HTTP proxies

• A quick and dirty way to change your IP address
• Not at all secure
• Usually slow

A proxy is any server that sits between your device and the internet (so both Tor nodes and VPN servers are specific kinds of proxies). Generally, the term “proxy” refers to a SOCKS or HTTP proxy. 

Commercial SOCKS and HTTP proxy services exist, but there’s little reason to choose them over more fully-featured VPN services. There are also free public proxies available, ostensibly run by volunteers.

Lists of public proxies are available on the internet, but you should avoid them. These proxies are not secure and could potentially expose your browsing history as they’re generally far less secure than VPNs. Additionally, once you connect to one of these public proxies, it can see everything you do online. At that point, you’re replacing one potential spy with another less secure one.

Speed performance is also usually poor since most proxies are volunteer-run on a person’s home internet connection that was not optimized to handle large amounts of traffic.

Learn more about proxies

6. Web proxies

• Banners, ads, and (potentially) malware injected into HTML

Web proxies are a kind of HTTP proxy that you connect to inside your browser window without the need to download any software or configure your browser’s proxy settings.

Again, they are mostly free, but all the serious security concerns with “regular” HTTP proxies are also present in web proxies. Many web proxies also fund themselves by injecting banners, ads, and other potentially malicious scripts into your browser window — often to the point that they make the web unusable.

7. Proton VPN

• IP addresses in 3 countries
• Swiss privacy
• No speed or data restrictions
• Streaming and P2P are premium features

When using a VPN service, your device connects to a VPN server run by a VPN provider. The connection between your device and the VPN server is encrypted, and your public IP address appears to be that of the VPN server. 

Learn more about VPNs

While this is true of all VPN services, Proton VPN is the only reputable VPN service with a 100% free plan that offers:

• No bandwidth restrictions
• No artificial speed restrictions

With Proton VPN Free, you have your choice of IP address in the United States, the Netherlands, or Japan, no strings attached.

Note: Many “free” VPN apps are little more than malware . Please only download apps from reputable VPN providers. 

Proton offers our free service because we believe that everyone deserves online privacy. Our free service is supported by our paid plans, which provide IP addresses in over 60 countries worldwide, offer dedicated P2P BitTorrent servers, and allow you to access a wide range of popular streaming services . 

• Good anti-censorship tool
• Very slow (at least from outside East Asia)
• No reason to trust volunteer-run servers
• University of Tsukuba collects a lot of metadata

VPNGate is a volunteer-run distributed VPN network developed primarily as an anti-censorship tool by the University of Tsukuba in Japan. 

Much like Tor, volunteers around the world run the thousands of available servers (although most of these are located in Japan, with a few more in South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom).

VPNGate is a useful tool for bypassing censorship as the transitory nature and sheer number of its servers make it difficult for authoritarian regimes to block all their IP addresses. 

Each server states its logging policy, but there is no way to guarantee that it abides by this policy. The University of Tsukuba also keeps extensive connection logs for “three or more months”.

Connection speeds from outside East Asia are generally quite slow but may improve in locations closer to Japan (such as mainland China). 

9. Personal VPN server

• It’s something you can do on hardware you may already own
• Very limited IP address options
• Easily traced back to you
• Need technical knowledge

If you have the technical know-how, it’s quite easy to configure your own VPN server on hardware you own or on rented server space (although server space is not free, of course). 

This setup ensures your ISP cannot see what you do online and changes your IP address to that of the VPN server you have set up. 

If you set up a VPN on your own hardware, you’ll limit the IP addresses you can change to. However, there are specific instances where it could prove useful, such as if you want to use your home IP address when out and about.

Another downside is that it would be very easy to trace your personal VPN server’s IP address back to you.

Final thoughts

If you want to hide your real IP address, commercial VPN services offer the best experience in terms of speed, features, and privacy. However, Proton VPN is the only such service to offer a fully-functioning free VPN service with no logs, no data limits, and no speed limits.

Frequently asked questions

Not usually, no. Even in restrictive countries that don’t want you to bypass their censorship systems, access to proxies, VPNs, and Tor is often blocked, but it’s rarely a crime. 

Yes. But most free VPNs are either scams or offer a severely limited product in the hope you will upgrade to a paid service. Proton VPN is the only reputable VPN to offer a 100% free VPN service with no logs, no data limits, and no speed limits. 

You might, as the IP address you change to may have many other users. This is especially true if you are using a free service. When Google or other online services see an unusually high number of requests from a specific IP address, they ask for human verification to ensure you are not a bot. 

Douglas Crawford

Starting with ProPrivacy and now Proton, Douglas has worked for many years as a technology writer. During this time, he has established himself as a thought leader specializing in online privacy. He has been quoted by the BBC News, national newspapers such as The Independent, The Telegraph, and The Daily Mail, and by international technology publications such as Ars Technica, CNET, and LinuxInsider. Douglas was invited by the EFF to help host a livestream session in support of net neutrality. At Proton, Douglas continues to explore his passion for privacy and all things VPN.

Back to Blog

Secure your internet

• VPN Servers
• VPN for Streaming
• Netflix VPN
• Secure Core VPN
• Getting Started
• Download VPN
• VPN for Windows
• VPN for Mac
• VPN for Android
• VPN for iOS
• VPN for Linux
• VPN for Chrome
• VPN for Firefox
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Transparency Report
• Threat Model
• Report Abuse
• Proton VPN Status
• Open Source
• Press/Media kit

Help and Support : Contact support Business : Contact sales Partnership : Contact partnerships Media : [email protected] Abuse : [email protected]

Proton VPN Sitemap

Support form

Tell us about the problem and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Get help from a support agent in real time. Available with a paid VPN subscription.

Secure email

Send us an encrypted message at contact@protonvpn.com . It may take us longer to respond.

Route de la Galaise 32, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates Geneva, Switzerland

Built with the Support of

How to change your IP address

Want to change your IP address? It's easy — here's how to do it

How to change your IP address is a task you should know how to do, especially if you’re concerned about privacy and security. Thankfully, there are several easy ways to make that change.

But why change your IP address in the first place? One reason is that when browsing the internet at home, all of your traffic is tied back to your IP address. This makes it possible for your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to monitor you. Using the IP address your ISP provides also makes it easy for said provider to build a profile of your activity and enable targeted advertising.

Changing your IP address to one that’s based in another country also gives you access to that country’s streaming content, while changing your IP address via a gaming proxy server can also help you improve your performance.

With that said, this is how to change your IP address whether you're using a computer that runs Windows 11 or macOS .

How to change your IP address the easy way

The simplest way to change your IP address is to unplug your modem. Keep in mind that this may not work on the first try. It’s even possible that you’ll need to leave your router unplugged overnight.

1. Check your IP address . Our guide on how to find your IP address details the steps.

2. Unplug your router for five minutes . This may take longer, depending on your ISP.

3. Plug your router back in and check to see if your IP has changed . If not, repeat the steps .

How to change your IP address with a VPN

Changing your IP address with one of the  best VPN  services is one of the easiest ways to stop your ISP monitoring your internet activity, and changing to an address that’s based in another country can also give you access to that country’s streaming content. Thankfully, almost all providers make it a relatively straightforward task.

If you’re signed up to one of the many quality consumer VPN providers on the market, it couldn’t be simpler to change your IP address using a VPN . If you’re not, we recommend ExpressVPN — Tom's Guide readers can currently claim three months free on a 12-month plan .

1. Open up your VPN application . If this is the first time you’ve used it, accept any requirements it asks for on your device.

2. Select which server you want to connect to . If you’re just looking for privacy, choose one in your home country . If you want to access content from another country, pick one in your desired location .

3. Press the connect button — it should be easy to find.

4. Wait a few seconds for the VPN to connect. You'll now be using a new IP address.

How to automatically update your IP address: Windows

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.

2. Type "cmd" in the search bar then hit Enter to open the command prompt box.

3. Type "ipconfig /release" . Be sure to include the space between "ipconfig" and "/release". Hit Enter . A wall of text will flood the screen.

4. Type "ipconfig /renew" and hit Enter . Close the command prompt window afterward.

How to automatically update your IP address: macOS

1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen. Click System Preferences .

2. Select Network .

3. Click Advanced .

4. Click TCP/IP on the following screen then click Renew DHCP Lease .

How to manually change your IP address: Windows

If you have an IP address you want to use, this is how you can manually set it on Windows.

1. Press the Start icon in the taskbar. Alternatively, click on the search icon .

2. Type "settings" .

3. Click Network & Internet in the following box.

4. Select your network (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

5. Find IP assignment and click Edit .

6. Click on the drop-down menu and select Manual .

7. Toggle IPv4 on .

8. On the following screen, set your IP address , along with Subnet mask, Gateway and Preferred DNS. You can also select Alternate DNS . Click save .

How to manually change your IP address: macOS

If you have an IP address you want to use, this is how you can manually set it on macOS.

1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the desktop and select System Preferences . On the System Preferences window that appears, click Network .

2. Click your current network and select Advanced .

3. Click the TCP/IP tab . Choose Manually from Configure IPv4.

4. Type a new IP Address . Click OK and then Apply .

Now you know how to change IP address, why not check out our other computing guides, including how to open HEIC files on Windows , how to use task scheduler on Windows , how to turn off automatic updates on Windows 10 , how to split your screen on Mac and how to recover data from a hard drive .

Get the Tom’s Guide newsletter!

Instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

I'm a tech and gaming journalist — and I've finally achieved my perfect desk setup

Windows 11 update causing Blue Screens of Death: What you should know

Stranger Things director says season 5 won't follow Game of Thrones finale's example

Most Popular

By Peter Wolinski August 24, 2023

By David Crookes August 24, 2023

By Jackie Dove August 24, 2023

By Elle Redman August 23, 2023

By Peter Wolinski August 23, 2023

By Malcolm McMillan August 23, 2023

By Katie Mortram August 22, 2023

By Alyse Stanley August 21, 2023

By Richard Priday August 21, 2023

By Terri Williams August 21, 2023

By Philip Michaels August 21, 2023

• Home Entertainment
• Services & Software
• Credit Cards
• Cryptocurrency
• Home Internet
• Home Security
• Kitchen & Household
• Energy & Utilities
• Yard & Outdoors
• Personal Care
• Mental Health
• News & Culture
• Social Media
• Misinformation
• Internet Culture
• Entertainment
• Deals & Reviews
• Best Products
• Shopping Extension
• Car Accessories
• Car Reviews
• Vistaprint Coupons
• StubHub Discount Codes
• H&M Coupons
• ExpressVPN Coupons
• Home Depot Coupons
• Office Depot Coupons
• Ashley Furniture Coupons
• Samsung Promo Codes
• NordVPN Coupons
• Surfshark Coupons
• Shutterfly Promo Codes
• Zenni Optical Promo Codes
• Hotels.com Coupons
• Walmart Promo Codes
• Booking.com Promo Codes
• Hotwire Promo Codes

A VPN Isn't the Only Way to Change Your IP Address

Whether you use a virtual private network or not, changing your IP address is totally legal. Here are the four easiest ways on Mac, Windows and mobile.

Changing your IP address is easy, safe and legal. 

Even without a user-friendly virtual private network , it's still easy to change your IP address. Whether you're a MacOS and iPhone user or a Windows 11 user with an Android device, any first-timer can safely change their IP address in a few quick steps. And -- as long as you're not using it to break other laws -- it's perfectly legal. Your computer and phone have several types of IP addresses (short for Internet Protocol, a unique series of numbers that identify your specific device with your online browsing), but we'll focus on the type normally changed to protect your privacy as you browse and those that make you appear like you're in a different country. 

There are four simple ways to change your IP address in under five minutes. Jumping behind a proxy server or a VPN is the best way to not only temporarily change your IP address, but also protect your privacy. If you just want to change your IP address without the additional privacy boost, you can either enter your preferred IP manually, or you can just force your device to retrieve a new one automatically. 

Keep in mind, changing your IP address will temporarily disrupt whatever internet-connected services or programs you're using on your device. There's no harm done, but it's going to have the same effect as if you'd momentarily lost your Wi-Fi. Your Spotify might hiccup. Media streaming services will have a momentary brain freeze. If you're sending or receiving files, you may need to start over. And you might have to log back in to whatever secure site you're currently using. 

Here are the quickest and easiest ways to change your IP address.

Read more:   Best VPN for School Wi-Fi 2022

How to change your IP address with a VPN or proxy server 

You can use a VPN to change your IP address.

When you use any of the virtual private networks we've reviewed in our directory , the service will automatically make you appear as though you have a different IP address originating from whatever country you select. Literally just open your VPN app and connect to any city other than your current one -- in less than 30 seconds, you've changed your IP so it appears to be from wherever you chose. 

Browser-based VPNs and proxies are much more lightweight than standalone VPN apps. There are some key privacy differences that I've detailed elsewhere, but when you use a proxy, it also changes your visible IP address. Chrome, Firefox and Brave Browser all have their own versions of proxies and browser-based VPNs that you can try for yourself.

Setting up a VPN on your iPhone or Android device is as easy as installing any other app on your phone, and I've got a step-by-step guide in case you'd like to see how to do it. If you're gaming from a console, I've also got a quick walkthrough for you on setting up a VPN on an Xbox along with a list of the ones that performed best in my tests.

If you've never toyed with VPNs but are considering one, I've got the Cliff's Notes version of how to pick the right one , which you might find helpful. Whatever you do, just avoid free VPNs . Seriously not worth the malware risk. Instead, pivot to the cheapest ones that I've test-driven for you.

How to change your IP address by unplugging the router

Changing your IP address is as easy as unplugging your router.

The easiest and quickest way to get a new IP address is to see what your IP address is via an IP-checking site , then walk over to your router and unplug it for at least five minutes. It may take several minutes longer, depending on how long your ISP normally takes to renew IP addresses in general. Once you plug it back in, refresh the website to make sure your IP address has changed.

Essentially, what you're trying to do is make the IP-assigning part of your router "forget" your device so that it treats your device like a newcomer and gives it a new address. This isn't foolproof, however. Sometimes it takes multiple tries, and in some cases you may have to leave the router off overnight. If you have a router that's separate from your modem (most are a combination device these days) you may need to unplug the modem and router, leave them off for 5 minutes or so, then first power the modem on, followed by the router. 

But getting off the couch is overrated. 

How to automatically update your IP address on Mac, iOS, Windows and Android

Changing your IP address will better protect your browsing.

Here's how to do this on Mac, iOS, Windows and Android: 

MacOS : Click your Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, and click System Preferences then Network then Advanced . At the top of the next screen, click TCP/IP , then click the Renew DHCP Lease button on the right side of the window. 

iOS : Go to Settings , tap Network and choose the wireless network you're currently on. Under the IPv4 address section, tap Configure IP then Automatic .

Windows 10 : Press the Win+R keys at the same time. This opens the Run box dialog. Type cmd , then hit Enter on your keyboard. This opens the command prompt. 

For those who've never seen a Windows command prompt before: This is the part where you will either be immediately terrified something is about to get broken, or you will suddenly feel like you're about to do something extremely cool. Do not panic; neither of those things is going to happen. The magic black box has that effect on everyone their first time. 

Type ipconfig /release (including the space) into the command prompt and hit Enter. Some text will zoom by. When it stops, type ipconfig /renew and hit Enter again. Then close your command prompt. You're done. 

Android : Go to Settings , tap Connections then tap Wi-Fi . From here, tap on the network you're currently connected to. Tap the gear-shaped icon to the right of the network. Your IP address will be displayed here, but go to the bottom of the screen and -- after making sure you've got your Wi-Fi password handy -- tap Forget (it's the trash icon in the bottom-right corner). Your phone will forget the Wi-Fi network and be disconnected. Just reconnect to your network, and you should be issued a new IP address. 

How to manually change your IP address 

Here's what to do if you've already got a new IP address that you know you want to use.

MacOS : Go to System Preferences and click Network . Click Network Connection , then click Configure IPv4 . Select Manually and type in whatever IP you've chosen. 

iOS : Go to Settings , tap Wi-Fi , then Network . Under the IPv4 address section, tap Configure IP . Manually type in whatever IP address you're trying to use. 

Windows : Make sure you're working from your Administrator account and click Start , then go to Control Panel . From here, click Network Connection , and then click on your local area connection. Next, click Properties , then click TCP/IP . From here, you can type your new IP address in manually. 

Android : Go to Settings , tap Connections then tap Wi-Fi . From here, tap on the network you're currently connected to. Tap the gear-shaped icon to the right of the network. Your IP address will be displayed here, but go to the bottom of the screen and tap Advanced , then tap IP Settings . Select Static . The next screen will let you manually type in whatever IP address you've chosen.  

For more, check out everything to know about the Tor browser , three browser-based VPNs to try , and the browser privacy settings you should change right away . 

If you're tooling around with IP address changes, you might have some other questions. Here are some of the most common questions we've been asked. 

Is it legal to change your IP address?

Yes, it's legal to change your IP address in the US. People change their IP addresses routinely when facing direct attacks on their online security, when testing a website before it goes live, or when they simply prefer to protect their privacy. Obviously, this FAQ is in no way offering legal advice and you should consult a licensed attorney for specific questions, but the legal boundaries on IP address changes usually start with what you change your IP to, and what you do with that new IP address. 

If you've changed your IP to impersonate an individual or a business -- often called IP spoofing -- you could be running afoul of the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. You might also run into trouble if you're changing your IP address to access a website you've been banned from. IP spoofing is also a tool used by some cybercriminals to perform a handful of well-known attacks, most commonly those related to identity theft and those aimed at crippling websites with organized distributed denial of service bombardment. 

Why should I change my IP address?

Routinely changing your external, or public IP address, can help you improve your overall security and browsing privacy. There are other reasons, too. If you've just installed a new home router, you may need to reconfigure your network with a quick IP change. One common problem among home routers is that they sometimes give devices the wrong IP address, so changing your IP manually can solve those glitches. 

If you want to access a country's catalog of streaming media services when you're outside of that country for whatever reason, changing your IP to one based in the right country can get you the catalog you're looking for. Likewise, if you're a gamer looking to lower your lag, changing your IP via a gaming proxy server can help improve performance. One neat tech trick for second-language learners is to use an IP address based in another country to generate search results and local publications written in the local language. 

Services and Software Guides

• Best iPhone VPN
• Best Free VPN
• Best Android VPN
• Best Mac VPN
• Best Mobile VPN
• Best VPN for Firestick
• Best VPN for Windows
• Fastest VPN
• Best Cheap VPN

Cybersecurity

• Best Password Manager
• Best Antivirus
• Best Identity Theft Protection
• Best LastPass Alternative

Streaming Services

• Best Live TV Streaming Service
• Best Streaming Service
• Best Free TV Streaming Service
• Best Music Streaming Services

Web Hosting & Websites

• Best Web Hosting
• Best Minecraft Server Hosting
• Best Website Builder

Other Services & Software

• Best Dating Sites
• Best Language Learning Apps
• Best Weather App
• Best Stargazing Apps
• Best Cloud Storage
• Best Resume Writing Services
• New Coverage on Operating Systems

Get the CNET How To newsletter

How-To Geek

How to change your ip address.

Need to fix networking issues? Changing your IP address should help.

Quick Links

Why would you want to change your ip address, static vs. dynamic ips: should you get a static address instead, key takeaways.

The simplest way to change your IP address is to power off your router, wait at least 10 seconds, then power it back on. If that doesn't fix your problem, you may want to set a static IP address instead.

Changing your IP address is a simple fix for a number of networking issues. However, there's more than one way to cook that particular egg. So let's go over your options for getting a new IP address, and why you'd choose one over the other.

Your  IP address is a set of numbers that works both as a way to locate you in the real world as well as serves as your digital address. When you connect to the internet, for example, your internet service provider or ISP will assign you an IP that will reveal to the sites you visit where you're connecting from---it's why sites will usually change language when you're accessing them from abroad.

Changing your network IP will make you appear like you're somewhere else, great for circumventing censorship blocks or even changing your Netflix library to that of another country. However, that's not possible without using outside help, so to speak. You'll usually have to use a third-party program to alter your IP that way, and it only works while that program is active.

There are a few ways to temporarily change your IP like this, we discuss them at length in our article on how to hide your IP address . In most cases, your best bet is to use a virtual private network (VPN) to fake your IP and thus make it appear that you're somewhere else. It's pretty cool, and easy to do.

However, it's not just your internet connection that broadcasts an IP address: each device you own also has its own, unique IP. This is so each device can properly communicate with both the network and each other.

If there's a problem with your network's IP or that of a specific device, they may not connect properly or have some other issues. A VPN won't fix these problems, at least not for the long-term; the only way to get rid of these issues is to permanently change your IP address. Luckily, this isn't that hard to do.

The first way to fix any issues is to change your network's IP. This is a lot easier than you may think thanks to something called the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol . DHCP is a protocol---a set of rules that governs how machines "talk" to each other---which can change the IP address associated on the fly, hence "dynamic."

To do so, all you really need to do is turn your router off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it on again . (Simply resetting usually doesn't work, but it depends very much on the router.) Once the router is fully on and working again, you should have a new IP address.

You can, of course, check to make sure. To do so, before you switch off the router, find your IP address either by asking your favorite search engine what it is or using a tool like IPleak.net . Write down the IP, switch your router on and off, and then check again.

However, the above fix is a short-term one that mainly only works if you have a simple issue, like if your router suddenly starts acting up. If you have permanent networking issues with your devices, you may have to throw out DHCP altogether and instead set up a static IP address, one that doesn't change.

Related: How to Set Static IP Addresses on Your Eero Router

Setting a static IP address will hopefully get rid of any networking issues, or at least narrow down the list of possible causes for why your devices aren't talking to each other. That said, there are a few different ways to tackle this issue.

First off, you could reach out to your ISP and simply ask them to change your IP address. You'll probably have to explain what the issue is and walk through a few steps with them---this really depends on your ISP---but if the tech is worth their salt, they'll take care of it for you.

Manually Set a Static IP Address

However, that may not be necessary: there are plenty of ways you can track down and fix any issues yourself, starting with changing your router's IP to static. We have a full tutorial on how to set a static IP on your router , and this should hopefully change any issues you have on the network level.

That said, it could be your laptop or desktop causing the issues. In that case, you could try setting a static IP on your Windows computer ---or, if you prefer, using the Windows command prompt . Members of Team Penguin can check out this tutorial on how to set a static IP in Ubuntu . It's also worth noting that  iPhones have a built-in function for changing IPs and setting static ones too .

Whichever route you end up taking, with a few minutes of work your networking issues should be a thing of the past.

How to Change Your IP Address Quickly and Easily

Changing your IP address can help you bypass geo-blocks and maintain your privacy. Here's how to do it on iOS, Chrome OS, and Windows 10.

Whether you own a laptop, desktop PC, smartphone, or even a smartwatch, you'll be assigned an IP address. This is a unique line of numbers that identifies both your device and your geographical location. But should your IP always be kept the same, or is it important to change it every now and then?

Should You Change Your IP Address?

In short, yes. Changing your IP address semi-regularly is a good idea. But why exactly is this?

Firstly, changing your IP address can help in retaining your device's security and privacy levels during online browsing. Though it isn't widely common for an individual to take advantage of your IP address, this can be done to discover your geographical location.

So, if this is a concern for you, or you'd simply rather avoid the possibility in any case, changing your IP address is a great idea. Additionally, changing your IP address can be great in troubleshooting when you're experiencing internet connection issues.

Lastly, changing your IP address can help you bypass geo-blocking . This is a technology that restricts certain content depending on your location. As you may guess, your IP address is used to determine your location in the process of geo-blocking. This can be particularly helpful if you regularly use streaming services and want to watch TV shows and movies that aren't currently available in your area.

So, if you want to change your IP address, how can it be done?

How to Change Your IP Address

The process of changing your IP address will differ slightly depending on the kind of operating system you're using on your device. Because of this, we'll be providing instructions for iOS, Windows, and Chrome OS.

How to Change Your IP Address on iOS

Here's how to change your IP address on an iOS device.

On a Mac or MacBook , you can access your connection settings via the Wi-Fi logo in the top bar of the screen, or via your settings. It's typically easier to use the former method, but you can access your connection settings via your settings app by clicking on the Network option.

In this window, you'll be able to view and change your current IP address, which you should make note of for a later step. From here, click on the Advanced tab at the bottom right of the window, and then TCP/IP . Then, you'll need to use the dropdown list on the Configure IPv4 section, and select Manually .

After this, you'll see your IP address change to "0.0.0.0", meaning it has reset, and you now must manually type in the new one. Note that you cannot just type in any random set of numbers. Instead, you should take a look at the router address, shown two rows down, and copy that entirely up until the fourth set of numbers.

For example, if your router address is "123.456.78.9", your new IP address must start with "123.456.78" so that you're configured to the router. When it comes to the last set of figures, you can change it to any number between one and 55.

The process of changing your IP address on an iPhone or iPad will differ a little from the steps above. In this case, you'll need to access your settings, and head into your Wi-Fi settings. Then click the blue circular information icon next to the network you're currently connected to.

From here, the steps are similar. You need to change the Configure IPv4 setting to Manually , but you need to remember both your router and subnet mask addresses before you do this, as they will reset along with your IP address when you switch to manual configuration.

So, you'll have to re-enter your subnet mask and router addresses first, and then the process of entering a new IP is the same as that used for an iMac or MacBook.

How to Change Your IP Address on Windows 10

We'll be providing instructions for changing your IP address on Windows 10 specifically, given that it is currently the most popular OS version produced by Windows.

To change your IP on Windows 10, you'll first need to head to your settings via the Windows menu option on the bottom left of your screen. Once you're in your settings app, click the Network and Internet option, and then Network and Sharing Center .

On this page, you'll see an option on the left of the screen called "Change Adaptor Settings". Right-click on whichever connection you are using, be it wireless or cabled, and click the Properties option from the drop-down list. Then, select Internet Protocol Version 4 option so that it's highlighted, and then click on the Properties button on the right-hand side.

After this, you'll need to switch from the automatic to the manual IP configuration option named Use the following IP address . Now, you'll be able to enter a new IP. Make sure you know your subnet mask and router addresses before doing this so that you can re-enter them upon refresh.

This isn't the only way you can change your IP address on Windows 10. Alternatively, you can allow your device to reset your address for you automatically by going to your Windows menu and typing "command" into the search bar. Then, the Command Prompt app will show up .

After clicking on this, you'll see a black window with a few lines of code. Directly next to the last line, type in "ipconfig/release". Upon entering this, your internet connection will temporarily time out. You'll then see multiple new lines of code appear on the screen, but don't panic; this is normal.

At the bottom of this code, next to the last line, type in "ipconfig/renew". This will then prompt your device to renew your IP address without having to type it in manually.

How to Change Your IP Address on Chrome OS

Changing your IP address on Chrome OS is incredibly simple and starts with accessing your settings in your app menu.

Once in settings, you'll already be in the "Network" section. Here, you'll need to scroll down until you see the Network option. Click on this to view the drop-down list showing your IP, subnet mask, gateway, and IPv6 addresses. At the top of this list, you'll likely see that the Configure IP address automatically toggle is switched on. Switch this off to manually change your address.

Then, the process is the same as that required on an iMac or MacBook. You should take a look at the gateway address, shown under your subnet mask address, and copy that, up until the fourth set of numbers.

We'll use the same example here as shown in the iOS tutorial. If your router address is "123.456.78.9", your new IP address must start with "123.456.78" so that you're configured to the router. When it comes to the last set of figures, you can change it to any number between one and 55.

Now, your IP address should be different from what it was before.

Changing Your IP Address Can Help You Stay Safe Online

By changing your IP, you can up your internet security levels, troubleshoot connection problems, and bypass geo-blocking without having to go through a long and strenuous process. The methods by which you can change your IP address are pretty simple on any device, so you can get it done in no time regardless of how tech-savvy you are.

How To Change Your IP Address

Whether to gain more privacy or access certain content, you can change your device’s IP address using the methods in this guide

• How to Change
• What is an IP Address
• Where to Find It
• Pros & Cons
• Your IP address can tell the websites you visit your approximate physical location.
• Changing your IP address is easy. Connect to a VPN to route your online traffic to VPN servers and make it appear as if you’re browsing from somewhere else.
• Using a VPN more than just changes your virtual location. Read our NordVPN review to see all the privacy perks that come with our top-rated VPN.

Even though you may be in cyberspace, you’re still in a specific, virtual location defined by your IP address. But for those who want to stay private, get around government restrictions, and the like, changing your IP address is a simple first step. In this article, we’ll tell you how to change your IP address, step-by-step, along with providing you with more information about the types of IP addresses, the pros and cons of changing them, and more. Get your invisibility cloak ready because we’re about to go private or as private as you can be online.

See the exact steps to changing your IP address on an iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows computer. Also, learn why you would want to change your IP address in the first place.

Pro Tip: Changing your IP address can help you get around website restrictions and censorship, but some apps and services use GPS location. If you’re having trouble changing your GPS location, read our Surfshark review . You’ll appreciate its GPS override feature.

Easily Change Your IP Address with a VPN

Whatever your reasons are for changing your IP address, whether to stream certain content or to gain privacy, using a VPN is one of the most secure ways to do so. A VPN cloaks your real IP address with its own server IP address, and it encrypts your browsing traffic so that no one else sees what you’re doing online. Change your IP address with a single mouse click with these VPNs that we tested ourselves:

Besides using a VPN to change your IP address, which we’ll discuss further below how to do, there are a few other ways to change your IP address.

One of the most straightforward ways is to adjust your device’s settings. This, however, only works if your network has an available address to which you can change your current IP address. In addition, your new IP address will still be tied to your local network, and thus, it can be geo-tracked to your approximate location just like the old one.

How to Change Your IP Address on Mac Manually

• Go to System Preferences.
• Click Network.
• Click Network Connection.
• Click Configure IPv4.
• Select Manually.
• Type in your IP address.

How to Change Your IP Address on Windows Manually

• Click Administrator Account.
• Click Start.
• Click Control Panel.
• Select Local Area Connection.
• Click Properties.
• Select TCP/IP.
• Type in the IP address.

How to Change Your IP Address on Android Manually

• Go to your Android Settings.
• Navigate to Wireless & Networks.
• Click on your Wi-Fi network.
• Click Modify Network.
• Select Advanced Options.
• Change the IP address.

How to Change Your IP Address on iOS Manually

• Go to your iOS device’s Settings.
• Click Wi-Fi.
• Select IPv4 Address.
• Click Configure IP.
• Enter your IP address.

How to Change Your IP Address on Router Manually

• Turn off your router.
• Turn it back on a day later.
• Go to your administrative interface and reconnect to your ISP.

If you want your device to pick a new IP address for you automatically, here’s what to do.

How to Change Your IP Address on Mac Automatically

• Go to your Mac’s System Preferences app.
• Select Network Connection.
• Click Configure iPv4.
• Select Using DHCP.

How to Change Your IP Address on Windows Automatically

• Enter your Administrator Account.
• Go to Network Connections.
• Click Location Area Connection.
• Click Obtain An IP Address Automatically 1

How to Change Your IP Address on Android Automatically

• Click Settings.
• Select Connections.
• Select the network you’re on currently.
• Click Advanced.
• Select either DHCP or Static.

How to Change Your IP Address on iOS Automatically

• Go to your iPhone or iPad’s Settings.
• Select Network.
• Select your network.
• Click IPv4 Address.
• Choose Automatic.

If you don’t already have a new IP address or you don’t want one the automatic address from your device, then you can connect to a Virtual Private Network or VPN. VPNs will replace your IP address and encrypt all of your web activity. You may get the same IP address every time you connect (static), or a different one each time (dynamic). Some VPNs also offer dedicated IP addresses, if you want to be the only one with that address. With any VPN:

How to Change Your IP Address with a VPN

• Download the VPN app.
• Create an account.
• Click Connect.

We choose NordVPN as our best VPN for speed and security. Find out for yourself .

To learn more, read about the best VPN for every occasion or our comprehensive VPN guide .

A sister to VPNs is proxy servers , intermediary devices that hide IP addresses. 2 Here’s how to connect to a proxy server on your Mac, Windows, Android or iOS device.

How to Connect to Proxy Server on Mac

• Open Safari, Macs’ default browser.
• Click Preferences.
• Select Change Settings.
• Update the Settings with the information that the network administrator provided in the System Preferences pop-up.

How to Connect to Proxy Server on Windows

• Go to your Administrative Templates.
• Select Windows Components.
• Click Data Collection and Preview Builds.
• Click Configure Authenticated Proxy Usage.
• Select Disable Authenticated Proxy Usage.

How to Connect to Proxy Server on Android

• Go to your Android’s Settings.
• Select Wi-Fi.
• Select your networks’ name.
• Hit Modify Network.
• Select Manual.
• Enter in your proxy port and hostname.
• Click Save.

How to Connect to Proxy Server on iOS

• Enter your phone or tablet’s Settings.
• Click on the “I” button next to username.
• Click HTTP Proxy.
• Select Edit Proxy Settings.
• Turn on Authentication.
• Return to the previous window.

Tor is a secure browser that, along with hiding your IP address, will also prevent tracking and targeted ads. Once you’re off a website, its cookies will clear as will your browsing history. Both your IP address and your web activity will be encrypted not once, not twice but three times. 3 Just download the browser from Tor’s website to hide your IP address when browsing online!

Note: Although the websites you visit won’t be able to see your private IP address, Tor will log it themselves, according to their Privacy Notice. If you don’t want your IP address logged, choose a VPN with a strict privacy policy.

What Is An IP Address?

Of course, some people may not be totally clear on what an IP address actually is; no shame here! An IP address, which standards for an internet protocol address, is a device’s identifying number associated with a specific computer or network of computers. Basically, IP addresses let computers send and receive information, but they can also be used to track the physical locations of users, 4 a nightmare for those concerned with privacy. And according to our VPN usage research , that accounts for 40 percent of VPN-users.

Get Started with NordVPN and Change Your IP

Types of IP Addresses

Not all IP addresses are created equal! Rather, they can be divided into a few different categories, some of which have certain advantages over others.

• Public : Each and every internet-connected device has a public IP address, distributed by the Internet Service Providers vis-à-vis the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. What, you haven’t heard of ICANN? Nevertheless, these public IP addresses are searchable on the web, which is why we can find our printer simply by Googling its IP address .
• Private/ local : In contrast to public IP addresses, private IP addresses aren’t searchable on the web. Rather, they’re numbers that routers assign the devices on their networks so that they can communicate with each other.
• Dynamic : Dynamic IP addresses, as we mentioned before, are any type of IP address that change every time you connect, usually through a VPN. This makes users hard to track online, as their literal address keeps changing.
• Static : Static means that the IP addresses do not change. With VPNs, static IP addresses are usually shared with thousands of users in order to obscure their identities. However, some websites block these shared IP addresses, which necessitates users getting dedicated IP addresses. What a convenient transition!
• Dedicated : Dedicated IP addresses are assigned to only one user rather than being shared by several. They usually cost a different fee on top of the regular VPN subscription.

• IPv4 : Internet Protocol version 4 is used by 99 percent of networks, but since it can only store 4.3 billion addresses, it’s being replaced by IPv6, which we’ll get to in a second. Unlike IPv6, IPv4 addresses are four one bite numbers separated by dots like 555.555.1.1.
• IPv6 : While they’re only used by less than 1 percent of networks, IPv6 has its advantages over IPv4, namely that it can provide an infinite number of addresses. It also allows for larger payloads and is compatible with a greater number of mobile networks. Although they’re starting small, eventually, IPv6 will replace IPv4. 5

Where To Find Your IP Address

Feeling lost in the sauce? Finding your IP address isn’t that complicated, even if you’re not a tech expert like us.

Your private information

My ip address.

IP: 37.186.230.19

Status: Unprotected

My IP Information

Internet provider: Fastweb SPA

City: Trento

Region/ State: Trentino-Alto Adige

Browser name: Chrome

Browser version: 116.0

Device brand:

Device type: desktop

Latitude: 46.06829

Longitude: 11.11408

Postal code: 38123

Where to Find Your IP Address on Mac

• Enter your Mac’s System Preferences.
• Select your Wi-Fi network.
• Look where it says IPv4 Address.

Where to Find Your IP Address on Windows

• Enter your TaskBar.
• Click on Wi-Fi Network.
• Look under IPv4 Address.

Where to Find Your IP Address on Android

• Enter your phone’s Settings.
• Click About.
• Click Status.
• Look at the IP Address.

Where to Find Your IP Address on iOS

• Click on the “I” button next to Network.
• ILook under IPv4 Address.

Pros and Cons of Changing Addresses

Of course, there’s always the debate of whether or not to change your IP address in the first place. While the angel on your shoulder tells you it’s a great way to increase your privacy and access other country’s servers, the devil tells you that it could be costly, that some websites won’t work and that your ISP will still be able to see your address. There’s truth to both of these sides, so we recommend making your decisions on a case-by-case basis. That being said, we broke down the main reasons why you should and shouldn’t change your IP address.

Why You Should Change Your IP Address

• Avoid tracking : If you’ve ever searched for anything related to consumerism, then you probably already notice how your searches seem to follow you around the internet like you owe them money. This sort of tracking is made possible by cookies, which some antivirus software can disable.
• Bypass government restrictions : Governments like China greatly restrict internet usage in their country, so if you want to bypass firewalls, changing your IP address is a must.
• Access international servers : Maybe you simply want to see what’s on Netflix Canada from your apartment in California. By changing your IP address to a Canadian one, you can trick the streaming giant into showing you a whole lot of new content.

FYI: Not all VPNs are compatible with Netflix. To find one that’s right for you, read our review of the best VPNs for Netflix .

• Gain privacy : Maybe you’re an activist, a journalist, or anyone else handling sensitive information, or maybe you just don’t want your Internet Service Provider to track your every move. If that’s the case, changing your IP address is a step in the right direction in terms of privacy.
• Increase security : Most people think nothing of joining public Wi-Fi networks (and depending on your settings, this may even happen automatically). However, using public Wi-Fi opens up a slew of security risks, with hacking at the forefront. But by hiding your real IP address, you greatly lower your risk of hackings .

Why You Shouldn’t Change Your IP Address

• Some websites won’t work : Some websites, like the aforementioned Netflix, won’t work with certain VPNs or proxies. So while they may be able to bypass government restrictions, that doesn’t stop individual websites from blocking certain IP addresses.
• Not always legal : Depending on where you are, VPNs may not be legal; they’re banned in China, Belarus, Iran and a few other countries, so keep that in mind before you connect.
• May slow down connection : Any added encryption will slow down your browsing speeds, although the exact slowdowns will differ from service to service. Still, if you’re performing tasks that require a lot of bandwidth like streaming video or video chatting, you might experience some frustrating lag.
• VPN may log data : Again, depending on the service, your VPN company may be logging the very information you want to hide, like your IP address and web traffic. Our advice? Always read the VPN’s privacy policy, which we cover in our individual VPN reviews.
• Could cost money : Not all VPNs are free (except of course, the ones that are; check out the best free VPNs to see what we’re talking about). Still, free VPNs typically have limits on time, data, or servers, so if you want full coverage, you might have to pony up some dough. ISP will still be able to see IP: Even with a new IP address, your Internet Service Provider will be able to see it, so you’re never truly “private” when you’re online.

Overall, we’re of the faith that changing your IP address is a necessity at times, and we love that there’s more than one way to do it. We hope we answered all of your questions about changing your IP address, but if we didn’t, read on.

Being public digital security experts, we’re constantly inundated with a number of questions surrounding changing your IP address. Here are those questions, with, you guessed it, answers.

You can change your IP address in your device settings or by using the Tor browser, a VPN or a proxy server.

Changing your IP address may or may not be legal; it depends on how you do it and where you’re located. For example, using a VPN to change your IP address is legal in the U.S but illegal in China.

Your IP address may show a different city if you’re connected to a VPN or proxy server with servers in that city. That may be the closest server to you, or simply the one that allows for the lowest bandwidth usage.

Resetting your router may or may not change your IP address, depending on how long you wait before you turn it back on. We recommend waiting for about a day in order to get a new IP address.

Microsoft. (2020). How to change the IP address of a network adapter . docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/networking/change-ip-address-network-adapter

SmartProxy. (2020). How to Change Your IP Address Right Now . smartproxy.com/what-is-a-proxy/change-ip

Tor Project. (2020). Browse Privately. Explore Freely . torproject.org/

Investopedia. (2020). IP Address . investopedia.com/terms/i/ip-address.asp

Linksys. (2020). Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 . https://community.fs.com/blog/ipv4-vs-ipv6-whats-the-difference.html

• Security Tips
• Social Media
• Privacy Tips
• Performance Tips

Easy Ways to Change Your IP Address

Your IP address is how the internet — and anyone who tracks you — identifies you. You can’t go online without an IP address, but it can be unsettling to think you’re being watched. Learn how to change your IP address on a phone or computer. Or, get a VPN to change your IP address automatically and encrypt your connection while you browse.

Get it for Android , iOS , Mac

Get it for iOS , Android , PC

Get it for PC , Mac , iOS

Get it for Mac , PC , Android

How to change your IP address automatically

You can change your device’s IP address automatically by connecting to a VPN or a proxy server. Your device’s IP address will change, but the IP address for any other devices on your network won’t. Changing your device’s IP address through a VPN or proxy doesn’t affect your router settings either.

Don’t worry about what happens if you change your IP address. An IP is like the address to your house — it’s just a number that lets others know where you are. Changing your IP address is like changing the number on your mailbox: you'll confuse strangers, but your friends will still know how to reach you.

Change your IP address with a VPN

Changing your IP address with a VPN is one of the easiest ways to keep online trackers off your trail. Here’s how to do it:

Install a reliable VPN like AVG Secure VPN .

Open the app and toggle on the VPN. Your device’s IP address will change and you’ll be connected to the fastest server location available.

Here are some pros and cons to consider when changing your IP address with a VPN:

Pros to using a VPN:

Lets you browse anonymously.

Secures traffic data to and from your device.

Helps you bypass geo-blocked websites and access content.

Encrypts your internet connection.

Prevents internet throttling from your ISP.

Cons to using a VPN:

Slows your normal internet connection speeds.

Some websites don’t allow access with a VPN.

If the VPN is untrustworthy, it may collect your data.

A quality VPN allows you to change your IP address location to almost anywhere in the world, and it will find the best server location possible. However, a VPN connection might be a bit slower than your usual internet connection, because the traffic coming in and out has an extra layer of protection to get through.

You can change your IP address by using a VPN on Windows and Android, and you can set up a VPN on Mac and iOS devices just as easily.

Change your IP address with a proxy server

While a VPN is like changing your house number, a proxy server is like setting up a safehouse to communicate on your behalf. The website server sends information to your safehouse (the proxy server) instead of to your device directly. The safehouse then forwards the information to your real address.

Pros to connecting via proxy:

Unlocks geo-blocked content or sites blocked at work or school.

No installation necessary.

Strengthens the security of your network connection.

Cons to connecting via proxy:

Doesn’t encrypt your connection.

Crowded proxy servers can cause slow internet speeds.

Some untrustworthy proxies can reroute you to unsafe websites or collect your data.

After you get comfortable setting up a proxy or using a VPN to change your IP address, you can experiment with different configurations and uses, such as using a Smart DNS proxy server vs a VPN .

How to change your IP address manually

Learning how to change an IP address manually allows you to make permanent changes to your device’s virtual location. Or you can change between a static IP address — which is great for remote workers or gamers that use Zoom or other VoIP services — and a dynamic IP address that keeps hackers guessing.

Changing your IP manually can be tricky. But if you decide to change your IP address on your own, it’s best to choose an IP address between these ranges:

10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255

172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255

192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255

You’ll also want to avoid IP addresses outside the range of your current network. And don’t change your IP address to numbers that end with .0 or .255. These are usually reserved for TCP/IP protocols . Numbers commonly used by a router or other network device, such as 10.0.0.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.0.100 are easy targets for dangerous hackers .

Change your IP address in Windows 10

Here’s how to change an IP address in Windows 10:

Go to the Windows Start menu > Settings .

Select Network & Internet .

Click Edit under IP settings to change your IP assignment.

Under Edit IP settings, select Manual from the drop-down menu. Toggle on IPv4. Then enter your IP address manually.

Change your IP address on Mac

Here’s how to change an IP address on Mac:

Click the Apple logo in the menu bar. Select System Preferences > Network .

Select your Wi-Fi network. In the bottom right, click Advanced .

Click TCP/IP . Under Configure IPv4, select Manually .

Next to IPv4 Address , enter your desired IP address. Click OK to confirm.

Change your IP address on Android

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

Open Android Settings . Tap Connections > Wi-Fi .

Next to your network, tap Settings (the gear icon) to open network settings.

Tap IP settings and select Static . Enter your desired IP address and tap Save .

Some developers have learned how to change an IP address on Android without a VPN. Google Play is full of IP changer apps, but make sure you practice Android app safety before you install and use any unknown apps.

Change your IP address on iOS

Here’s how to change your IP address on an iPhone or iPad:

Open Settings . Tap Wi-Fi , then choose your network.

Tap Configure IP .

Select Manual , then enter your desired IP address.

Other ways to change your IP address

Other ways to change your IP address include using the Tor Browser or resetting your internet router. Both are legal, though many ISPs take notice if you use Tor regularly due to its connection to dark web marketplaces. Resetting your router is as simple as unplugging it and plugging it back in again.

Use Tor to change your IP

Tor encrypts your IP address and internet traffic to hide the data you send and receive. Your identity is hidden by bouncing the data packets you send around many different Tor servers. Here are some pros and cons of using Tor Browser.

Pros to using Tor Browser:

Hides your IP address and real location.

Blocks online tracking.

Allows you to access the dark web.

Tor is maintained in a decentralized structure, so no one controls the browser’s data.

Browser patches are often released quickly due to its open-source nature.

Cons to using Tor Browser:

Attracts a shady user base.

Significantly decreases internet connection speeds.

Is rife with unsecured websites.

Is vulnerable to packet sniffers.

Regardless of Tor Browser’s association with the dark web’s illicit sites, check out the differences between a VPN, a proxy, and Tor and experiment with how to change your IP address in a way that works best for you.

Reset your router to change your IP

You can change your IP address by simply unplugging your router, waiting a few minutes, then plugging the router back in. You may have to repeat the steps multiple times before you get lucky and obtain a new IP address from your ISP. This will change the external IP address for all devices connected to the network.

You can also change a router’s IP address manually by logging into it. Check the list of default router information for more about manually changing the external IP address of your router — default IP addresses and login information differ depending on the router manufacturer.

Here are the general steps for how to manually set your IP address on a router:

Enter your router's IP address into your browser.

Log in with the default username and password.

Choose Network Settings , Administrator Settings , or a similar option.

Go to the Router Settings and type in the router's new IP address.

Save and exit.

Pros to resetting your router:

May improve internet connection speeds.

Reloads the router’s OS and clears the memory.

Can help prevent ISP throttling.

Cons to resetting your router:

Rebooting your router may not change your IP address.

Can disrupt the internet connection of other devices connected to your network.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a string of numbers that uniquely identifies any device or network connected to the internet. IP addresses are how internet traffic is accurately routed, and how computers recognize each other to send and receive information.

IP addresses can also be categorized into public vs private IP addresses — which refer to the IP addresses that communicate with the larger internet vs those that talk only within your local network, respectively — as well as IPv4 vs. IPv6 . Knowing how to change IPv4 to IPv6 can also make your internet communications much more efficient.

On a PC or Mac, you can find your current IP by Googling “What’s my IP address.” On an Android or other mobile device, open your Wi-Fi settings to check your IP address. And, for anyone keeping tabs on you, it’s almost as simple. That’s why learning how to hide your IP address will help strengthen your online privacy.

Why change your IP address?

Changing your IP address makes it harder for cybercriminals to find and track you, and it helps you unblock certain websites and streaming services. Changing your IP address is also a good way to bypass ISP throttling if you suspect your internet is being slowed down on purpose.

If you can find your IP address , then hackers, scammers, and social media companies likely know how to get your IP address too. And even though your IP address can change with your location, as you move around it becomes easier to learn your device’s whereabouts. And while at home, your IP doesn’t change, so with a little detective work cybercriminals can quickly figure out which IP addresses are home addresses.

Our private browsing guide can show you a few steps toward total browsing freedom. But if private browsing and online privacy are important to you, changing your IP address will be a game changer.

Protect your privacy online with AVG Secure VPN

No matter what your reason is for changing your IP address, there are some ways to do it that are more secure than others. AVG Secure VPN hides your activity from hackers, scammers, and your ISP — all while encrypting your internet connection.

Advertisers can’t find you, and the government can’t spy on you. Watch anything, anywhere, anytime. Send payments securely and become invisible as you browse. Try AVG Secure VPN for free today and enter your own private browsing universe.

Change Your IP Address Automatically

Download AVG Secure VPN to change your IP address, encrypt your data, and secure your internet connection.

Install AVG Secure VPN to change your IP address, encrypt your data, and secure your internet connection.

More helpful tips...

The latest privacy articles.

• A Guide to Tor Web Browser: Is It Safe?
• How to Fix the “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error
• How to Clear Your Search and Browser History
• Why Pop-Up Ads Appear on Your Android Phone and How to Stop Them
• What Is Incognito Mode, Is It Safe, and Should You Use It?
• How to Set Your Default Browser on Any Device
• Private Browsing: What Is It and How to Use It on Any Browser
• How to Allow or Block Pop-Ups in Safari
• How to Allow and Block Pop-Ups in Edge or IE on Windows 10
• What Is the about:blank Page?
• How to Disable Cookies in Your Browser
• What Are Internet Cookies?
• How to Clear Cache and Cookies on Your Browser
• Firefox Pop-Ups: How to Block and How to Allow Them
• The Best Browsers for Security and Privacy in 2023
• How to Block or Allow Pop-Ups in Chrome
• How to Remove Extensions (Add-ons) from Firefox
• How to Manage and Remove Chrome Extensions
• Best Chrome Extensions for Security and Privacy
• How to Speed Up Chrome, Firefox, and IE
• What Is Ad Tracking?
• Are Cookies Bad? Good vs. Bad Cookies
• 5 Quick Tips For a Safer Browsing Experience
• The Catch in the Cache: Why Cleaning Your Browser Makes It Safer
• Chrome Battery Life vs Edge, Firefox and Opera
• What Is a VPN and How Does It Work?
• Proxy, VPN, Tor: Differences and When You Should Use Them
• How to Unblock Websites & Access Restricted Content
• Geo-Blocking: What Is It and How to Bypass It
• What Is a Proxy Server and How Does It Work?
• VPN Kill Switch: What Is It and How Does It Work?
• How to Set Up a VPN on Mac
• The Best VPN Server Countries to Connect Through
• Should I use a VPN for gaming?
• What Is ISP Throttling? Why It Happens & How to Stop It
• Do I Need a VPN?
• How to Stop Endless Buffering Now
• How to Watch TV Shows and Episodes Online
• What Is Data Encryption and How Does it Work?
• How to Set Up a VPN on Windows
• How to Set Up and Use a VPN on iPhone or Android
• Smart DNS Proxy vs VPN. What’s the Difference? And Which Should You Choose?
• How to Find Your IP Address on Windows, Mac, iPhone, & Android
• Static vs. dynamic IP addresses
• What Is an IP Address and How Does It Work?
• What Is TCP/IP?
• Private IP vs Public IP: What’s the Difference?
• What Is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?
• Three Ways to Hide Your IP Address
• Different Types of Hackers: White Hat, Black Hat, Gray Hat, and More
• Signs Your Phone Has Been Hacked
• How Are Computers Hacked and What Can You Do to Stop It?
• How to Tell If You’ve Been Hacked
• The Most Dangerous & Famous Hackers Today
• How to Tell If Your Email Has Been Hacked & How to Recover It
• What Is Router Hacking and How to Prevent It
• What Is Hacking? Everything You Need to Know
• The Nasty Truth of Data Breaches
• How to Prevent Your Car From Being Hacked
• How to Protect Your Private Documents With Sensitive Data Shield
• Equifax Hack: How to Protect Your Identity, Credit Cards, and More
• 3 Reasons to Never Use Fingerprint Locks on Phones
• Have You Ever Chatted With a Hacker Within a Virus?
• Thomson Data Breach Exposes Passenger Details
• What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?
• Password Ideas: How to Create a Strong Password
• How to Password Protect a File or Folder in Windows 10
• Password Cracking Techniques Hackers Use and How to Avoid Them
• How to Recover and Reset Your Lost Windows Password
• How to Choose the Best Password Manager
• How to Password Protect Excel Files, Word Docs, PowerPoints
• Why You Should Use a Password Manager
• How to See Sensitive Content on Twitter: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Deactivate or Delete Your Facebook Account
• Monkey Video Chat App: How Does It Work and Is It Safe?
• How to Stop Ads on Facebook
• What to Do If Your Instagram Account Is Hacked
• Facebook Leak: Check if Your Data is Part of The Breach
• Don't Let Your Old Social Media Accounts Come Back to Haunt You
• How to Stay Sane on Social Media in the COVID-19 Age
• Are You an Online Oversharer?
• Is Facebook Listening to Our Private Conversations?
• How to Stay Safe on Twitter: The Ultimate Guide
• Is It Safe to Sign in with Facebook or Google?
• Top Facebook Scams You Need to Know Aboutsignal_face
• How to Turn Off Location Services on iPhone
• What Is CAPTCHA and How Does It Work?
• What Is a Digital Footprint and Why Does It Matter?
• Email Encryption: What Is It and How Do You Encrypt Emails?
• Is Coinbase Safe?
• What Is Cyberstalking and How to Protect Yourself from Online Stalkers
• SSL Certificates: What Are They and How Do They Work?
• Doxxing: What Is It and How to Prevent It
• The Most Secure Messaging Apps
• How to Hide Apps on Android
• App Permissions on Android & How to Control Them
• Dark Web Scans: When and Why to Use One
• How to Download Your Google Data with Google Takeout
• What Does Google Do With My Data... and Should I Be Worried?
• Data Brokers: Who They Are and How They Work
• Contact Tracing Apps and Their Privacy Concerns
• How to Hide Apps on an iPhone or iPad
• The Pros and Cons of Video Chat Apps
• Is Your Smartphone Tracking You?
• The Uses and Abuses of Facial Recognition
• The Privacy Implications of DNA Testing
• 5 Steps to Stop Robocalls: The Ultimate Guide to Beating the Bots
• A Day in Your Digital Life… and the Trail You Leave
• 4 Ways to Avoid Spam
• Stop Webcam Spying with Webcam Protection
• Spy Game: The Dangers of Webcam Hacking and How to Avoid Them
• Windows 10 Privacy: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Windows 10 from Spying on You
• The Truth Behind the Webcam Cover-Up

How to Find Your IP Address on Windows, Mac, iPhone, & Android How to Find Your IP Address on Windows, Mac, iPhone, & Android

Static vs. dynamic IP addresses Static vs. dynamic IP addresses

What Is an IP Address and How Does It Work? What Is an IP Address and How Does It Work?

What Is TCP/IP? What Is TCP/IP?

Change your IP address easily with AVG Secure VPN

• Media Center

Home Products

• Free Antivirus Download
• Internet Security
• Android Antivirus
• Free Mac Antivirus
• Virus Scanning & Malware Removal
• Installation Files
• Beta Downloads
• Driver Updater

Customer Area

• Register Your License
• Anti-Theft Login
• Home Product Support
• Security & Performance Tips
• Online Research

Partners & Business

• Business Antivirus Software
• Partner Support
• Business Support

Privacy | Report vulnerability | Contact security | License agreements | Modern Slavery Statement | Cookies | Accessibility Statement | Do not sell my info | | All third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.   | © 1988-2023 Copyright Avast Software s.r.o.

We use cookies and similar technologies to recognize your repeat visits and preferences, to measure the effectiveness of campaigns, and improve our websites. For settings and more information about cookies, view our Cookie Policy . By clicking “I accept” on this banner or using our site, you consent to the use of cookies.

• Back-to-School Tech Tips
• Editor's Choice: School Tech

How to Change Your IP Address

If you need to spoof your IP address, there are a few ways to do it

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Illinois

• The Wireless Connection
• Routers & Firewalls
• Network Hubs
• Installing & Upgrading
• Wi-Fi & Wireless

What to Know

• Windows: Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings and follow the instructions below.
• Mac: System Preferences > Network . Select a network > Advanced . Go to the TCP/IP tab and select Manually . Enter info.
• iOS: Open Settings > Wi-Fi , tap the circled i next to the network, select Configure IP > Manual . Set up the new IP.

This article explains how to change your IP address manually by switching from the router's assigned DHCP address to a static one on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It also covers how to change your router's public IP address, which appears as the public IP address of every device on the network unless you use a VPN.

You can also get a new IP by releasing and renewing your IP .

Change a Windows Computer's IP Address

If your Windows computer has the IP address set up as a static one, change the IP address as follows:

Open Control Panel and select Network and Sharing Center . If you don't see it, first select Network and Internet .

Choose Change adapter settings .

Double-click the connection that you want to change the IP address on. For example, to change the wireless adapter's IP address, double-click the one that mentions Wi-Fi.

Select Properties .

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) .

Either alter the IP address or select Obtain an IP address automatically to have the router control the IP address.

If you leave the setting to obtain an IP address automatically, the router automatically assigns an IP address to the computer. However, when you enter the IP address information, the computer's IP address stays static.

Leave Obtain DNS server address automatically selected. Otherwise, your DNS server settings remain empty, which may cause other connection issues.

Change a Mac Computer's IP Address

Here's how to change the IP address on a Mac.

Open the System Preferences app on the Mac and select Network .

Select your Wi-Fi network in the left panel and click Advanced .

Select the TCP/IP tab.

Select Manually in the drop-down menu next to Configure IPv6 (or iPv4) and enter the information for the new IP.

Change a Phone's IP Address on iPhone

You can also change the IP address on a mobile device such as the Apple iPhone as follows:

Open the  Settings  app and select Wi-Fi .

Tap the small ( i ) next to the network and select Configure IP .

Choose Manual . Enter the network details manually, such as your IP address and DNS information.

The choice of a specific local IP address does not affect the network performance in any meaningful way.

Change a Phone's IP Address on Android

It's also possible to change an Android device's IP to a static IP on your network.

Android phones can vary depending on the manufacturer of the device. Some manufacturers alter the Android OS to meet their specifications, which means the steps you need to follow may differ slightly from those listed here. These steps should apply to most Android devices.

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi .

Tap the network that you want to change the IP address for.

Select Forget .

Tap the network from the list of available Wi-Fi networks.

Select Advanced options .

Choose Static .

Scroll down and fill out the IP address fields.

Enter the Wi-Fi password at the top of the screen.

Select Connect .

Change a Router's IP Address

To change the router's IP address, log in to the router as an administrator. From the control panel, change the IP address to whatever you like. However, this IP address is usually changed when there's a problem with it. The default IP address should suffice for most situations.

How to Change Your Public IP Address

An external public IP address is the address used to communicate with networks outside of your own, such as those on the internet. Use a VPN to mask or hide your real IP address. You can also use a web proxy to mask your public IP.

Why Change Your IP Address?

Some ISPs assign static IP addresses to their subscribers. Home users are commonly configured with a dynamic IP address . Either way, you may be able to contact your ISP to request a new static IP or a dynamic IP change. You can't change your external internet IP address on your own.

Some people change their public external IP address to avoid online bans or bypass country location restrictions that some sites impose on video content.

Changing the IP address of a client computer, phone, or router is useful when:

• An invalid address is accidentally configured, such as a static IP address in the wrong numeric range.
• A malfunctioning router provides bad addresses, such as an address used by another computer on the network.
• Installing a new router and reconfiguring a home network to use its default IP address range.

No. There are many reasons someone may want to change their IP address. However, if you're on a work setup or have a home network running, messing with IP addresses can sometimes cause headaches, so make sure you know what you're doing.

It's possible but not probable. If you're power-cycling your router , the address likely won't change. Still, if you reset your router to factory defaults, it's more likely the device will assign new addresses.

Yes, you can. However, you need third-party software. A VPN , or virtual private network, gives you unique IP addresses in places anywhere on earth.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• What Is a Dynamic IP Address?
• “Failed to Obtain IP Address”: How to Fix an IP Configuration Failure on Android
• How to Find Your IP Address in Windows
• How to Change DNS Servers on Most Popular Routers
• NETGEAR Default Password List
• What Is a Private IP Address?
• Cisco Default Password List
• How to Find the IP Address on a Mac
• How to Find Your Default Gateway IP Address
• What Is an IP Address?
• What Is a Hostname?
• How to Find Your IP Address
• How to Change the IP Address on Your iPhone
• How to Fix a 169 IP Address Error
• How to Change DNS Servers in Windows
• How to Fix Hulu Error Code P-EDU103

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

• Other Threats
• Security Tips
• Identity Protection
• Digital Life
• Privacy Tips
• Performance Tips

How to Change Your IP Address — a Step-by-Step Guide

It sounds a bit cloak-and-dagger, but changing your IP address is not only legal, it's easy and can help strengthen your security online. Use our complete guide to learn how to change your IP address on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices — or get a VPN to change your IP automatically.

Get it for Android , iOS , Mac

Get it for iOS , Android , PC

Get it for PC , Mac , iOS

Get it for Mac , PC , Android

How to change your IP address

There are four main ways to change your IP address. Depending on whether you want to boost online privacy or fix your router, the right option will help you get the most out of your device and new IP address.

This Article Contains:

See all Privacy articles

Here are the four ways to change your IP address:

How to change your IP address automatically with a VPN

You can change your IP address easily with a VPN (virtual private network) , which will strengthen your security and help you avoid content blocks by connecting through servers based in specific countries, like US VPN servers .

Here’s how to change your IP address with a VPN:

Download and install a trusted VPN like Avast SecureLine VPN.

Open the application.

Toggle the switch to ON . You’ll connect to the best remote server in seconds.

It’s really that simple to set up a VPN . VPNs hide your location by making it appear like you’re from the selected server’s location. Plus, with a VPN, all your data is encrypted . There are many VPN options out there, but avoid completely free ones — they can contain ads and malware.

If you’re unsure if a VPN is right for you, here are some pros and cons:

Pros of a VPN

Evade hackers

Stream from wherever

Avoid content restrictions and censorship

Dodge website tracking

Encrypt your connection

Cons of a VPN

Might slow down connection speed

No standard to gauge quality of service

Some businesses block VPN connections

Won’t stop cookies

If you’re already using a VPN but your connection is choppy, check if your VPN is working properly. And make sure to review the best server countries to connect to through a VPN .

Use a proxy server

A proxy server is similar to a VPN. Rather than connecting directly to a website, proxy servers, VPNs, and even the Tor browser function as intermediaries between you and the internet. But unlike a VPN and Tor, a proxy server will not encrypt your connection.

When you connect to a proxy, it will assign you a fake IP address — effectively changing your true IP address, without any of the extra hassle.

Reset your router

Are your devices not connecting to your router? Sometimes routers give out the wrong IP address — resetting your router may offer a quick fix.

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

Find your IP address and note it down. Our IP checker can help you with that.

Unplug your router for at least 5 minutes. It depends on how long your ISP usually takes to reset your IP address.

Plug your router back in and check your IP address again — it should be different after reconnecting.

Resetting your router basically tricks it into thinking your device is new, resulting in your router assigning it a fresh IP address. Also, along with changing your router's DNS settings , resetting your router can help prevent router hacking on your network.

Pros of resetting your router

A new IP address for your device

It’s free, easy, and pretty quick

Cons of resetting your router

Limited internet connection (or none) while it’s unplugged

Might not work immediately

Change your IP address manually

If you already have a new IP address that you want to use, you can manually change it. Rather than a more common dynamic IP , if you get an IP address that you can enter manually it’s most likely a static IP address . Depending on your device, there are a few ways to enter this type of IP address.

Here’s how to manually change your IP address on different devices:

How to change your IP address on Windows 11

Click Start > Settings > Network & Internet .

Click Ethernet or Wi-Fi . Select Manage and then click Edit next to IP assignment .

Under Edit network IP settings , select Automatic (DHCP) or Manual .

If you choose to manually configure your IP address, enable IPv4 and then enter the IP address settings in the IP address , Subnet mask , and Gateway boxes .

Click Save to activate your new settings.

How to change your IP address on Windows 10

Under your local area connection, click Properties .

Under IP assignment, click Edit .

Choose Manual , toggle on IPv4 , and enter the IP address . Then click Save.

How to change your IP address on Mac

Go to System Preferences and click Network .

In the left column, click your Network . Then click Advanced .

Select the TCP/ IP tab. Under Configure IPv4 , select Manually .

Enter your new IP address and click OK.

How to change your IP address on Android

In Android Settings , tap Connections , then Wi-Fi .

Tap Settings (the gear icon) next to your current network .

Tap IP settings and choose Static . Then add your new IP address and tap Save .

How to change your IP address on iOS

In the Settings of your iPhone or iPad, tap Wi-Fi , and choose your Network .

In the IPv4 section, tap Configure IP .

Choose Manual , and enter your new IP address.

Pros of changing your IP address manually

Relatively quick to change

Helpful for geolocation restrictions

More control over network connections

Cons of changing your IP address manually

Manually-defined IPs are usually static IP addresses, which can be tracked and hacked more easily

Manual user setup

Update your IP address automatically

Automatically updating your IP address is like hitting the refresh button. Use this method to automatically refresh your IP address, giving you a new IP to help you evade snoops, hackers, and other cybercriminals — without needing a VPN.

Here’s how to change your IP address on Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS automatically:

Update your IP address automatically on Windows

Press the Win + R keys at the same time.

In the Run dialog, type cmd . Click OK .

Type ipconfig /release (including spaces) and press Enter .

Type ipconfig /renew (including spaces) and press Enter . Close the Command Prompt.

Update your IP address automatically on Mac

Go to System Preferences , click Network .

Click the TCP/ IP tab. Then click Renew DHCP lease .

Update your IP address automatically on Android

In Android Settings , tap Connections , and select Wi-Fi .

Click Forget .

Reconnect to your Network and you should have a new IP address.

Update your IP address automatically on iOS

In iOS Settings , tap Wi-Fi , then choose your Network .

In the IPv4 address section, tap Configure IP , then select Automatic .

Pros of changing your IP address automatically

Usually updates to a dynamic IP address, which is more secure

Doesn’t require a VPN

Cons of changing your IP address automatically

Requires manual refresh

Won’t change your geolocation like a VPN does

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a string of numbers that identifies any device on a network. Computers use IP addresses to communicate with one another over the internet and other networks. IP addresses contain location information that help devices, routers, and websites identify themselves and send and receive information.

Why change your IP address?

Changing your IP address can help you evade hackers, snoops, and other forms of surveillance. Because you’re hiding who you are and where you’re located (essentially your online identity), you’ll have many privacy and security advantages. And there are other benefits too.

Here’s why you should change your IP address (jump down below to learn about the different types of IP addresses ):

Protect your online privacy: Changing your IP address will hide your geolocation, masking you from hackers , your ISP, and websites that use web tracking. Your IP address can also be used to spy on your private internet traffic — changing it will protect your online activity.

Avoid website bans: Some governments use IP addresses to restrict access to certain websites. Changing your IP address can help you hide from government censors, unblock restricted websites , and access a free and open internet.

Access regional content: Due to geo-blocking , you may have trouble streaming a game from your favorite sports team when abroad, or get blocked trying to watch a show available only in certain countries. By changing your IP address, you can get around content blocks by making websites think you’re coming from an approved region.

Troubleshoot internet issues: New routers often give the wrong IP address to devices. Manually changing your IP address can solve this problem. It can also help gamers experiencing laggy gameplay.

Remember, it’s totally legal to change your IP address. As long as you’re not doing anything criminal, you have nothing to worry about. People routinely change or hide their IP addresses for many reasons, and you can try it for yourself today with Avast SecureLine VPN .

Types of IP addresses

There are a few different types of IP addresses — all with their own unique functions. Although they’re all useful, different situations call for different IP addresses. Knowing the differences between them can help you make the right cybersecurity choices for your network.

Here are the different types of IP addresses:

Public IP address

A public IP address is assigned to your network router by your internet service provider (ISP). A public IP functions as the point of contact between your network and the public internet. Websites identify your network and connect to it through your public IP address.

A public IP address can be traced back to your ISP — they use it to monitor your location and activities. Websites also use your public IP address for web tracking . The simple Google query “What is my IP address?” will show you your device’s current IP address, but don’t be surprised if you see an IPv6 and an IPv4 address listed — IPv6 addresses are more common now.

Check out our guide to hiding your IP address to help protect your privacy.

Private IP address

A private IP address is assigned to your device by your network router. Each device on your network gets a unique private IP address — letting them all communicate over your network without connecting directly to the public internet. A private IP address is like a set of house keys, keeping intruders out of your device.

Learn more about the differences between public and private IP addresses .

Dynamic IP address

A dynamic IP address is designed for temporary use. Because there are a limited number of IP addresses available, a dynamic address is a way to recycle IP addresses. After a certain period of time, your ISP will take back the dynamic address and assign another one to your network from a pool of options.

Dynamic addresses are the most common type of IP address — they’re frequently used for consumer equipment. Although they change on their own, it’s helpful to know how to change your dynamic IP address for added protection.

Static IP address

A static IP address is fixed and doesn’t change. If your ISP assigned you a static IP, you’ll probably have it until your device dies or there’s a change in your network architecture. Generally, a static IP address is best for a business or an organization with servers.

Read more about the differences between static and dynamic IP addresses .

Whatever your IP address is, get proper privacy online

Changing your IP address seems like a secret spy technique — but it’s easy and completely legal. But simply changing your IP address is not enough to ensure robust privacy and security. For true online protection, use a VPN — like Avast SecureLine VPN .

Avast SecureLine VPN offers full encryption so you can hide your online activity from your ISP, your employer, hackers, and anyone else trying to uncover your online activity. Plus, you can safely use public Wi-Fi and access your favorite content anywhere in the world. You don’t need to be a spy to get world-class online privacy.

Change Your IP Address Automatically

Install Avast SecureLine VPN for iPhone or iPad to change your IP address, encrypt your data, and secure your internet connection.

Download Avast SecureLine VPN for PC to change your IP address, encrypt your data, and secure your internet connection.

Download Avast SecureLine VPN for Mac to change your IP address, encrypt your data, and secure your internet connection.

Install Avast SecureLine VPN for Android to change your IP address, encrypt your data, and secure your internet connection.

All related articles

You might also like....

• The Fastest Browsers to Use in 2023
• How to Block Websites on Google Chrome
• How to Set Google Chrome as Your Default Browser on Any Device
• How Do I Fix the “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error?
• How to Update Chrome on PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone
• How to Download and Install Chrome on Your Mac
• How to Clear Your Browsing and Search History
• How to Set Parental Controls on Windows 10
• What Is Biometrics and How Secure Is Biometric Data?
• How to View and Delete Incognito History
• How to Manage and Remove Firefox Add-ons
• What Is Incognito Mode and Is It Safe?
• Browser Hijacker: What Is It and How to Remove It
• How to Allow and Block Pop-Ups in Safari
• How to Block and Allow Pop-Ups in Edge and Explorer
• How to Allow and Block Pop-Ups in Firefox
• How to Remove Extensions From Chrome
• How to Allow and Block Pop-Ups in Chrome
• What Is “Do Not Track” (DNT) and Does It work?
• Top Browser Keyboard Shortcuts: Chrome, Safari, Firefox & Edge
• What Is a Web Browser?
• How to Change Your Chrome Notification Settings
• How to Go Incognito on Mac, iPhone or iPad
• How to Use Firefox Private Browsing
• What Is Browser Fingerprinting and How Can You Prevent It?
• How to Set a Default Browser in Windows
• How to Open Incognito Mode in Google Chrome
• How to Clear Your Browser Cookies
• How to Enable or Disable Cookies in Chrome, IE, Firefox, Edge, and Safari
• How Do I Remove MySearchDial Toolbar?
• How Do I Remove Conduit Toolbar?
• How Do I Remove Ask Toolbar?

How to Find Your IP Address on Windows or Mac

Public vs. Private IP Addresses: What’s the Difference?

IPv4 vs. IPv6: What’s the Difference?

How do I Hide My IP Address?

• What is an IP Address?
• Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses
• What is TCP/IP and How Does it Work?
• How to Disable IPv6 Support in Your Router Settings
• How to Stream Your Favorite TV Shows With a VPN
• TCP vs UDP: What’s the Difference and Which Protocol Is Better?
• The Most Secure Messaging Apps in 2023
• How to Change the Location on Your iPhone
• Proxy vs VPN vs Tor: What Are the Differences?
• What Are the Benefits of a VPN?
• What Is a P2P VPN Server and How Does P2P Work?
• WireGuard VPN Protocol: The New, Secure, and Fast VPN Protocol
• How to Unblock Websites at School, Home, or Work
• VPN Server Locations: The Best Countries to Connect to
• What Is Geo-Blocking and How to Bypass It
• How to Check If Your VPN Is Working
• Data Encryption: What Is It?
• Why Do I Need to Use a VPN?
• How to Set Up a VPN
• What Is a VPN & How Does It Work?
• How to Improve Your VPN Speed
• How to Change Your Netflix Region and Avoid Geo-Restrictions
• How to Unblock YouTube Videos From Any Location
• How to Watch TV Online
• How to Stop Video Buffering
• What is Internet Streaming and How Does it Work?
• What Is a CVV Number and How Do I Find It?
• 5 Steps to Take if Your Social Security Number Is Stolen
• How to Contact Credit Bureaus
• What to Do If You Lose Your Phone With the Google Authenticator App on It
• Home Title Theft – What You Need to Know
• How to Report Identity Theft
• Facial Recognition Technology: All You Need to Know
• How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
• The Ultimate Guide to Identity Theft
• Data Brokers: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Delete Your Google Search History
• Spam Text Messages (SMS) — How to Stop or Block Spam Texts
• What Is Web 3.0 (Web3 definition)?
• What Is Spam: The Essential Guide to Detecting and Preventing Spam
• What Is the Best Cryptocurrency Wallet in 2023?
• What Is Metadata: Definition and Meaning
• Private Browsing Mode: What Is It and How to Turn It On or Off In Any Browser
• What Is the Metaverse?
• Spam Emails: Why Am I Getting So Many and How to Stop Them
• What Are QR Codes and How Do You Scan Them?
• What Is Cryptocurrency and How Does It Work?
• How to Spot Fake News
• What Is a Deepfake Video and How to Spot One
• How to Set Up and Control Google SafeSearch
• Digital Literacy in 2023
• Netiquette: Rules & Guidelines
• Wi-Fi Security: WEP vs WPA or WPA2
• What Is an SSL Certificate and What Does It Do?
• Is Snapchat Safe for Kids? A Parents’ Guide to Snapchat
• How to Stop Your Smart TV From Spying on You
• How to Browse the Web Anonymously
• How to Set Parental Controls on a Mac
• How to Set iPhone & iPad Parental Controls
• What Does Google Do With Your Data?
• How to Set Parental Controls on Android Devices
• How Much Screen Time Is too Much for Kids?
• Internet of Things Security Risks
• What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
• What is a Smart Home?
• How to Build a Smart Home: A Beginner’s Guide
• Is This Website Safe? Your Complete Website Safety Check Guide
• What Is Doxxing, Is Doxxing Illegal, and How Do You Prevent or Report It?
• How to Hide Apps on an Android Phone
• Social Engineering and How to Prevent It
• What Is the Best Browser for Privacy and Security?
• Android App Permissions and How to Use Them
• How to Remove Personal Information From the Internet
• How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
• Is Alexa Always Listening? How to Protect Your Privacy
• ISP Throttling: What Is It and How to Stop It
• The Best Free Encryption Software to Protect Your Data
• The Best Chrome Extensions for Privacy & Security
• How to Download Your Google Data
• What Is Ad Tracking?
• How to Send an Anonymous Email
• How to Download Your Data From Facebook
• The Best Free & Paid Ad Blockers for Android
• The Best Ad Blockers for iPhone and iPad
• What Are the Best Ad Blockers to Use for Your Browser?
• A Complete Guide to Web Tracking (and How to Avoid It)
• What is a Sniffer, and How Can I Protect Against Sniffing?
• How to Change Your Privacy Settings on Facebook
• How to Change Your Privacy Settings on Instagram
• How to Turn on Wi-Fi Encryption in Your Router Settings

Latest Privacy Articles

Latest Articles

Change your IP address automatically with Avast SecureLine VPN

• Performance

For Business

• Business support
• Business products
• Business partners
• Business blog

For Partners

• Mobile Carriers
• Press Center
• Responsibility
• Research Participation
• Privacy policy
• Report vulnerability
• Contact security
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Do not sell my info
• Cookie Preferences

Why You Would Want to Change Your IP Address and How to Do It

Whenever you connect to another device or website by going online, your IP address is used to identify your computer. It can be used to locate your machine and trace your online activities. As a matter of fact, your IP address is currently displayed at the top of this screen along with any other identifying information that can be derived from the address.

Anytime you go online, a record of where you have been is kept due to your IP address being logged at the site being accessed. There is no getting around this fact, though we will talk about some ways that you might get around this issue if you need or want to. Your IP address is a little like fingerprints except for one important aspect. Though with extreme techniques you may be able to modify your fingerprints, it’s a lot easier to change your IP address.

Why Would You Want to Change IP addresses on Your Computer?

There are a variety of reasons that you may want to change your IP address. Here are some common and more esoteric motivations for changing your computer’s IP address. Learning how to change IP address can be beneficial in all of these scenarios.

How to Change Your IP Address

We are going to talk about how to change your IP address using a few different methods. Basically, there are three main ways to change an IP address. They are:

Manually Change IP Address

Automatically change ip address, use a vpn or proxy server to change ip address.

Let’s take a closer look at each method and discuss their pros and cons. There are also some differences in how you handle static versus dynamically assigned IP addresses. Obviously, the operating system that you are using will impact the way you go about this procedure.

Static addresses that are assigned by your ISP can only be changed by contacting your provider. This type of address is not usually given out without purchasing an increased level of service and is normally seen in a corporate or business setting. You will rarely have to deal with a static IP address on your home machine.

You may need to change the IP address of a computer in an office or corporate setting in order to gain access to a private network. Depending on your platform, here are the steps you need to perform.

How to Change IP address on a Mac

• Select System Preferences .
• Choose Network .
• Select an active network interface from the sidebar.
• Note your current IP address so you can make an informed change.
• Click the Advanced button.
• Select TCP/IP .
• Select Manually from the Configure IPv4 menu.
• Enter a static IP address in the IPv4 Address field .
• Click OK and then click Apply .

How to Change IP address on a Windows 10 Computer

• Open Network and Sharing Center in Control Panel.
• Click on the Connections link.
• Click on the properties tab of the window that opens.
• Select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IP v4) .
• Choose Use the following IP address and fill in the IP address.
• Select Use the following DNS server and enter the appropriate address.
• Check the Validate settings upon exit box and click OK .
• Your PC automatically runs network diagnostics and verifies your connection.

Other versions of Windows may require a different procedure to be used. We suggest you consult the User Guide for your specific OS.

Here are a few ways to change the IP address on your home computer. This address is provided by your router, which is assigned the address by your ISP. Before trying any of these methods, make note of your current IP address so you can verify that it has indeed changed.

Turning off your router for about five minutes might be all you need to do. In some cases, a longer period of time is required, so you can try leaving the router turned off overnight. Even though your IP address is dynamically assigned by the provider, your ISP may have a long lease time on your address. This means it will appear to be static since you will not be able to change it until the time period enforced by the ISP has elapsed.

Taking your laptop to a location that offers free WiFi and connecting to the network will temporarily change your machine’s IP address as it is dynamically assigned when you log in. When you return home, your address will be assigned based on your home router.

The methods described above may be necessary and sufficient when changing your IP address for configuration purposes. If your goal is to defeat geo-blocking initiatives or simply to maintain your online privacy, then other tactics must be employed. This is where a proxy server or a VPN can be extremely useful.

Essentially, when you use a proxy or VPN you are masking the IP address of your machine. When you are connected to a proxy server, its IP address is what is seen on the Internet, not your machine’s IP address. This eliminates the ability of anyone to track you once you are on the proxy server.

A VPN service works in a similar way but offers more options than directly connecting to a proxy server. VPN services have servers located in multiple locations throughout the world. After you connect to the VPN server, your private IP address is masked and any further online activities will only display the VPN server’s address.

Quality VPN services have servers located in many countries, and by choosing an appropriate one, you can get around just about any restrictions enforced by your local authorities or your ISP.

There are many VPNs available. Some are free, but if you are serious about maintaining online privacy, you should spend the few dollars a month that it will cost for a paid VPN service. The quality paid VPNs that you can choose from include NordVPN , ExpressVPN , and CyberGhost .

There you have it. You should be able to change your IP address if you need to and by using a proxy or VPN you can change it when you want to hide your identity. If you value your online privacy, a VPN is highly recommended.

Read next in All about Wi-Fi

Other articles.

Changing your IP address in Google Chrome is something many people want to do, but figuring out exactly how to do it can be a headache. Fortunately, our step-by-step guide will show you the easy way to change your Google Chrome IP address – and all you need to do is install a good Chrome VPN extension.

VPN is short for Virtual Private Network, and it’s a tool that basically tells your ISP (Internet Service Provider) your computer is accessing the internet from a different location. This in turn means a different IP address is associated with your machine, thereby giving you peace of mind when it comes to your web browsing.

That’s right. Despite what you might have heard, there’s no need to delve into complicated stuff like proxy servers or advanced network settings to change your IP address in Chrome. You can safely, securely and – crucially – completely legally mask your IP address simply by using a VPN extension.

• Discover the very best VPN service
• Use this checklist to find a VPN you can trust
• And here's how to remove a VPN extension in Chrome

To do this, you’ll first need to choose your VPN – and if you’re using Google’s popular Chrome browser, you’ll therefore want one that offers a Chrome extension.

We have a number of recommendations in our roundup of the best Chrome VPN extensions, but our top pick right now is ExpressVPN, which we’ll use for the purposes of this guide.

Why do we like it so much? It’s affordable, easy-to-use, and perhaps most importantly, reliable – a combination that means it stands out from the crowd and represents great value for money. Read our full ExpressVPN review to learn more.

Plus, the service’s 30-day money back guarantee means you can check it out for free to see if it’s right for you.

After choosing your VPN, you’ll need to install and enable the app. Our guide to enabling a VPN in Google Chrome takes you through the process step-by-step, showing you how to install and activate the VPN.

Once you’ve installed ExpressVPN or another reliable Virtual Private Network – our roundup of the best VPNs to download in 2019 offers a number of suggestions – the hard work is done.

It might seem too good to be true, but once you’re downloaded, installed, and enabled your VPN, that’s it. Your VPN automatically changes your IP address to another location when it’s running.

By way of illustration, here is my IP address before turning on ExpressVPN. You can tell it’s disabled because there isn’t a green checkmark overlaid on the small red ‘V’ icon next to the Chrome URL bar.

Once I enable my VPN – with the ExpressVPN Chrome extension, this is as easy as clicking that same small red ‘V’ icon – you’ll see that my computer registers a completely different IP address once the magic green tick is in place.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to change your IP address in Chrome, this is by far the easiest way to accomplish the task. Other methods for changing your IP address require a fair bit of nerdy know-how and can be a headache for many computer users, which is why we recommend making use of a VPN to take care of the nitty-gritty.

As you can see, the whole process from start to finish only take a couple of minutes, thanks to ExpressVPN’s user-friendly interface . Once you’ve got the app and corresponding Chrome extension installed, you’ll be able to change your IP address in a matter of seconds.

Problem solved!

• Change your IP fore free with our choice of the best free VPN
• Is Chrome the best choice for you? Check out our guide to the best browsers

TechRadar Newsletter

Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech.

James is a technology journalist with nearly 10 years experience and currently Sports and TV Streaming Editor at Future, where he works across TechRadar, T3 and Tom's Guide. He is here to help you find the best ways to watch sports, TV shows and movies online. Previously, he was News and Features Editor at Trusted Reviews, Editor of Lifehacker UK, and Senior Staff Writer at ITProPortal.

Google Chrome on iOS will soon get this useful Safari feature

Chrome's new weekly security updates could beat the hackers and save your data

Quordle today - hints and answers for Tuesday, August 29 (game #582)

Most Popular

By Nate Drake June 16, 2023

By Chiara Castro May 26, 2023

By Chiara Castro May 24, 2023

By Chiara Castro May 03, 2023

By Chiara Castro April 21, 2023

By Chiara Castro April 20, 2023

By Chiara Castro March 23, 2023

By Chiara Castro March 21, 2023

By Nate Drake March 16, 2023

By Nate Drake March 10, 2023

By Nate Drake March 09, 2023

• 2 Wait for an iPhone 14 price drop or get the iPhone 15? Here's my expert advice
• 3 Another major spyware app has been hacked, with thousands of victims saved
• 4 Exclusive: Microsoft quietly ends unlimited cloud storage option on OneDrive
• 5 6 under-the-radar Netflix thrillers with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes you have to try
• 2 Leaked color-matched and braided iPhone 15 cables are cool, but what if they're destined for new iMacs instead?
• 3 Extraction 1 and 2 just made Netflix movie history – but it might not last for long
• 4 I love Leica’s luxe 4K projector with Dolby Atmos as much as I love its cameras
• 5 Hulu and Disney Plus have a new Korean thriller series that's the next Squid Game

We are reader supported and sometimes earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site.

> What Is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) And What Does It Do? > How to get an IP address for any country in 2023

How to get an IP address for any country in 2023

An IP address in another country provides access to geo-controlled content in that country. In this article, I’ll tell you about 7 top VPNs that provide IP addresses in other countries.

• At a Glance

Despite what many people think, your online activities aren’t private. In fact, your employer, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and in some countries, the government, can see exactly what you get up to on the internet. VPNs prevent this kind of monitoring by encrypting your traffic, ensuring that anyone without the correct decryption key will find it completely incomprehensible.

VPNs are also useful for accessing geo-restricted sites and services from abroad (like your favorite country version of Netflix). These platforms often check the user’s IP address to see if they’re located in a supported country and if not, refuse access.

• Can a VPN Grab IP Addresses in Other Countries?

When you connect to a VPN, you’re given a new, country-specific IP address. This means that once you’re connected, you’re free to use the internet as though you were actually in your chosen country.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN offers a risk-free trial period that is available by visiting this page . This allows internet users to give the top-ranked VPN a solid try with no restrictions. This makes it an excellent choice for those in search of an IP address in other countries.

There are no hidden terms - simply contact NordVPN support within 30 days if you decide the provider isn't right for you and you'll get your money back. Start your NordVPN trial here .

• Best VPNs for Getting an IP Address for Any Country

The seven VPN service providers listed below have proven to reliably obtain IP addresses from countries around the globe.

Best VPNs for getting an IP address:

• NordVPN : Best VPN to grab an IP address in any country. The provider’s large global server network provides reliable access to foreign IP addresses and geo-blocked content. NordVPN provides fast and well-protected connections for most popular devices. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark : Best budget IP grabber. This budget-priced VPN provides a reliable IP-grabbing option for internet users on a tight budget. Surfshark boasts an impressive global server network, fast connections, and comprehensive digital security and privacy. Offers simultaneous connections.
• ExpressVPN : Best Premium VPN. This provider asks for a premium price. However, it offers great bang for the buck. The provider boasts a large global server network, top-notch app and router support, and much more.
• CyberGhost : Easy global IP address for new users. First-time VPN users will appreciate Cyberghost’s comprehensive security and privacy protections, access to a massive global server network, fast connections, and easy-to-use apps.
• Private Internet Access (PIA) : Reliable Access to global IPs. PIA delivers fast, reliable access to IP addresses around the globe. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections provide reliable access to geo-controlled content.
• PrivateVPN : Mighty-mite VPN firm. While this provider’s global server count is the smallest on this list, the servers are located in 63+ countries. PrivateVPN provides comprehensive connection protection, fast connection, and excellent privacy protection.
• Atlas VPN : Unlimited global IP addresses. This VPN puts no limits on the number of devices you can connect to its global server network, providing unlimited global IP addresses.
• How to Change Your IP Address to Any Country

There’s no need to worry; even if you’ve never used a VPN before, getting a regional IP address is extremely simple:

• First, sign up for one of the VPNs listed below (I recommend NordVPN ).
• Download and install the appropriate version of the software for your device.
• Connect to a server in the country you’d like an IP address.
• You now have a country-specific IP address and should be able to access that country’s geo-blocked content. If you’re still having problems, try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache, then refreshing the page.

PAID VPN COVERAGE FOR FREE: Do you only need a VPN for a short time? If so, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee . You’ll be asked to pay upfront but can cancel during this period for a full refund, no questions asked. This effectively lets you try the service out, risk-free, for a month.

• Choosing the Right VPN for Getting a Foreign IP Address

Choosing a VPN isn’t as simple as it should be. There are a plethora of services to consider, and new ones appear all the time. To make things easier, when finding the best VPNs for getting a foreign IP address, I’ve only considered services meeting all of the criteria below:

• Has servers in at least 50 different countries
• Doesn’t log any information that could identify you
• Provides consistent, high-speed connections
• Uses powerful encryption and offers various additional security features
• Has apps for the most popular operating systems
• Provides access to geo-fenced content

For more information about the criteria I used, take a look at the testing methodology section found further down this article.

• Best VPNs for getting a Foreign IP Address – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for a foreign IP address.

Here are the seven best VPNs for getting an IP address in any country.

Apps Available:

Website:   www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee:   30 DAYS

NordVPN offers 5,200+ servers in 59+ countries all over the world. Better still, some of these locations even allow you to choose a server in a particular city. This is especially useful if you’d like to stream local TV online or bypass city-specific sporting blackouts. With high speeds and the ability to unblock all but the most stubborn services, NordVPN is ideal for those looking to stream foreign content abroad .

The provider’s connection speeds are the fastest I’ve ever measured, making them excellent for any kind of online activity you plan to conduct.

This service comes with 256-bit encryption and protection against DNS, IPv6, WebRTC, and port forwarding leaks enabled by default. However, it also offers several more advanced features including an adblocker, a malware scanner, Tor-over-VPN functionality, and more.

The provider also recently added threat protection, which helps you to avoid viruses, infected websites, and trackers. The provider’s Meshnet feature allows users to connect to any remote device directly over encrypted private tunnels and discover traffic routing.

NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs and if you’d like another layer of anonymity, you can choose to pay with Bitcoin.

The provider owns and operates many of its server farms, keeping outside contractors away from its customers’ personal info. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run solely from volatile RAM, writing no data whatsoever to an actual hard drive. This means all data is completely wiped from a server if it is rebooted, shut down, or even unplugged and moved or stolen.

Support is on hand 24/7 via live chat in case of any issues. Email support, a searchable support library, and more is available.

The provider has apps for Linux, Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, ChromeOS, Android TV, and Android. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is also compatible with select WiFi routers.

• Extensive security options
• Keeps no logs of online activity
• Fastest connections on this list
• Highly affordable
• Wide-ranging global server network
• Apps aren’t exactly user friendly

BEST VPN TO CHANGE IP ADDRESS: NordVPN is a secure, inexpensive VPN with a huge network of high-speed servers and a strong commitment to your privacy. It’s the best VPN around to use to change your IP address to that of another country. It includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full NordVPN review

• 2. Surfshark

Website:   www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark offers a decent global server network and an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance at a very affordable price.

The provider has a server network that, while it is one of the smallest on this list, is growing quickly. The provider has over 3,200 servers stationed in 100+ countries around the globe. Many of the countries listed in the app offer individual city connections, allowing users to select a server located as close as possible to the content they wish to access.

The service protects its customers’ internet connections using military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Ad blocking, tracker, malware, and phishing protection are also available. You can obtain added anonymity by taking advantage of the provider’s MultiHop server option, which routes your connection through twin VPN servers.

A no-server-logs policy and the ability to pay for your Surfshark subscription using various forms of cryptocurrency as payment add up to comprehensive privacy protection. The provider has joined the growing rank of VPN providers that run their servers 100% from RAM. Since no data is written to a physical hard drive or SSD, all data is securely wiped when a server is restarted or powered off.

Consistent, high-speed connections are the rule with Surfshark , and the provider delivers that speed to all popular device platforms. Apps are available for Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, and macOS platforms. The macOS app offers native support for Apple Silicon. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider also works with a large number of router makes and models.

An unlimited simultaneous connections allowance means you can connect every connected device you own to Surfshark VPN servers, and they won’t call foul.

For an extra $1.49 (USD) per month, users can score truly private search, antivirus protection, and data breach alerts.

24/7 customer support is available, including live chat, email, a support library, and more.

• Provides reliable access to many countries
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Super fast connection speeds
• Global server coverage needs expansion

BUDGET-PRICED OPTION: Surfshark offers high-quality service at a low price. The provider can protect a houseful of internet users thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. The provider offers reliable access to most of the world, top-notch online security, and fast connection speeds. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark .

• 3. ExpressVPN

Website:   www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN offers a huge amount of freedom to users looking to access foreign services abroad. It has over 3,000 servers spread between 94+ countries, and its speeds are fast enough to stream live HD content without any noticeable buffering . Additionally, ExpressVPN is capable of bypassing the strict regional blocking used by platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch (which halts all traffic if you disconnect suddenly) to keep your activities private at all times.

ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information but allows you to sign up almost completely anonymously using Bitcoin and a throwaway email address if you’d like to.

The provider also runs all of its servers using its proprietary TrustedServer technology, which runs all server operations 100% from RAM. No data is ever written to a physical hard drive, so all data is securely wiped when an ExpressVPN server is restarted, shut down, or unplugged.

If you need help, you can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat. A searchable support library, email support, and more are also available.

ExpressVPN apps are available for macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Windows, Linux, iOS, Chromebook, Android TV, and Android devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing.

The VPN service also offers custom router firmware and its own custom “Aircove” VPN router to make protecting all of your devices as easy as possible.

• Provides high-speed servers in a huge number of countries
• Great content-unblocking power
• Strong security and privacy
• Doesn’t log any personally identifiable information
• Only five simultaneous connections
• More expensive than some other VPNs

WIDE GLOBAL SERVER NETWORK: ExpressVPN is a secure, privacy-oriented service with servers in 94+ countries and the ability to unblock popular services abroad. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full ExpressVPN review .

• 4. CyberGhost

Website:   www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee:   45 DAYS

CyberGhost currently has more than 9,000+ servers across 90+ countries. This service’s main draw is that it’s extremely user-friendly ; users can see which service each server is designed to unblock as well as the server’s current load, making it easy to get a low-latency, high-speed connection wherever you are in the world.

Additionally, CyberGhost permits up to seven simultaneous connections, which means you can protect a lot of your devices at once.

This service keeps you safe using a combination of 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, automatic ad-blocking, malware-scanning, and an always-on kill switch. Best of all, every one of these features is enabled by default, meaning CyberGhost is perfect for novice users.

CyberGhost doesn’t log any information on its servers that could see your activities traced back to you. Bitcoin payments are accepted.

Should you need any help, you’ll get it, since a live chat option is available 24/7 .

CyberGhost provides apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and iOS devices. It works with select network routers via manual installation. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available.

In addition to comprehensive VPN services, CyberGhost also offers a password manager, alerts when cyber breaches expose your personal information, and more. Windows users can take advantage of virus and malware protection, windows privacy customizations, and other features.

Customer support is an always-available proposition, thanks to live chat, a contact us form, email, and a searchable support library.

• Intuitive and easy-to-use
• High-speed servers
• Unblocks a multitude of streaming services
• Lacks some advanced features that other providers offer
• Doesn’t work in China

USER-FRIENDLY YET VERSATILE: CyberGhost has high-speed servers in dozens of countries, a user-first privacy policy, and pre-configured security features. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full CyberGhost review

• 5. Private Internet Access

Website:   www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable, well-protected access to IP addresses around the globe.

The PIA global server network includes more than 3,300 servers spread well among over 80 countries, providing access to global IPs. This ensures that you’ll have access to geo-fenced content around much of the globe.

The provider protects its customers’ internet connections with banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch. The provider also blocks ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

PIA servers never save user logs tracking your online travels . The provider also accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment. Use a disposable email address to sign up for the VPN for an additional bit of privacy.

While PIA’s connection speeds may be the slowest on this list, they can still handle your favorite online activities, including streaming, gaming online, and more. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to deal with here .

PIA’s app selection includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

The provider’s router features allow you to protect all of your connected devices via a single point of access. That router connection counts as only one of the 10 devices that can be simultaneously connected to the provider’s servers on a single user account.

PIA’s customer support options include a live chat option, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

• Access to geo-controlled content around the globe
• Comprehensive privacy and security protections
• Support for most popular devices
• No streaming-optimized servers
• Connection speeds could be better

RELIABLE ACCESS TO GLOBAL IP ADDRESSES: Private Internet Access delivers access to geo-controlled content by reliably providing IP addresses from around most of the world. PIA offers well-protected connections for popular devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access .

• 6. PrivateVPN

Website:   www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN might not have as many servers as some of its rivals (200+ across 63+ countries), but it does offer blazing fast speeds. Further, this service can reliably access platforms many VPNs struggle with, like Netflix , and the BBC iPlayer . These characteristics make PrivateVPN perfect for anyone who’d like to use foreign streaming services regularly .

This service keeps your traffic safe using a combination of 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (Windows only). PrivateVPN allows users to sign up near-anonymously using Bitcoin , but it also has a strict no-logging policy to keep your information private.

Should you need any assistance, live chat is available 22 hours per day (it’s offline from 1-3 PM PST).

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. Manual installation is required for Linux systems and select routers.

• Fast speeds for downloads
• Exceptional unblocking ability
• Keeps no logs of any kind
• Small server network
• Lacking live chat support 24/7

IDEAL FOR STREAMING: PrivateVPN is a privacy-conscious VPN with strong security measures, very fast speeds, and the ability to unblock popular platforms abroad. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our PrivateVPN review .

• 7. Atlas VPN

Website:   https://atlasvpn.com/

Money-back guarantee:   30 days

Atlas VPN provides fast, protected access to content that is usually restricted to users in other countries.

The Atlas VPN server network of 750+ servers in 42+ countries around the globe. While the network isn’t exactly the largest in the business, it provides reliable access to IP addresses around much of the globe.

Atlas VPN’s connection speeds compare well with other providers and can easily handle your favorite online activities . The provider never imposes data caps or bandwidth limitations on its customers’ usage.

The provider’s reliable connections are well-protected by banking-grade encryption , a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protections. The provider’s Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features protect you from online dangers and irritating ads.

Tracking logs are not a worry when you’re connected to Atlas VPN servers. Cryptocurrency can be used to pay for your subscription, and signing up with a disposable email address adds privacy protection.

The provider offers apps for Android , iOS, macOS, Windows , Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. However, the provider does not offer support for browser extensions or routers. Happily, both features are in development.

The provider allows users to simultaneously connect as many devices as they’d like to its servers.

Atlas limits live agent chat access to paying customers. Luckily, email, a contact form, and a support library are available to all users.

• Fast connections to global IPs
• Blocks ads and other online nasties
• Live chat is available only to paying customers
• No browser or router support

UNLIMITED GLOBAL IP ADDRESSES: Atlas VPN's fast connections provide unlimited and reliable access to IP addresses from around the globe. The provider offers plenty of well-protected bandwidth for all of your favorite online activities. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

• My Methodology for Assessing VPNs for an IP Address in Any Country

You’ll find that not all VPNs reliably provide an IP address in a large number of countries.

These are the VPN features I research to determine the top VPN providers to provide fresh IP addresses in other countries:

• Server network: The larger a global server network that is offered by a VPN, the more chances that the provider can offer you an IP address based in the country of your choice.
• Connection speed: One of the popular reasons for wanting to grab an IP address in another country is to access geo-blocked content in those countries. This means fast download speeds are a must when considering a VPN. Also, VPNs that restrict their users’ usage by imposing data caps or connection throttling should be discarded out of hand.
• Value: The true value of any VPN provider is calculated by comparing the set of features it offers to the price it asks in return for those features. VPN’s that charge a premium price while lacking in features should be dropped from consideration. All of the providers on this list offer an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use: If you’re a rookie VPN user or are simply looking for an easy way to protect and enhance your online activities, you will appreciate easy-to-use apps. NordVPN offers apps for most popular device platforms, while also offering top-notch router support and browser extensions for the Chrome and Firefox platforms.
• Security and privacy: Online security and privacy is an important consideration when choosing a VPN provider. Don’t settle for less than government-grade encryption, a kill switch , and other online security and privacy protections. Give the VPN bonus points for additional protections like malware and virus protection, and ad blocking. Never use a VPN that doesn’t have a “no logs” policy.
• Streaming: Any VPN worth consideration should offer reliable unblocking of streaming sites. Any VPN that I recommend for streaming boasts top-notch unblocking abilities.

My research doesn’t end with the factors above. In fact, they are just a small part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology . My data-driven approach helps me to better understand the VPNs and their services, allowing me to recommend only those that are a good fit for your needs.

• Do I Need to Change My TCP/IP Settings or Enable DHCP?

No. When you use a VPN it handles all of the behind-the-scenes settings and such, taking care of TCP/IP settings and DHCP settings. When you run a VPN app, select a VPN server, and click the connect button, the VPN server temporarily assigns an internet-facing IP address to your device.

• Can’t I Just Use a Free VPN Instead?

You might be tempted to use a free VPN , but I’d advise against doing so for several reasons. To begin with, these services tend to have more users than their (often very limited) networks can support. As a result, you’re likely to experience slow speeds, stuttering video, and possibly even disconnection from the VPN. Further, free VPNs are usually the first to be blocked by content providers, so there’s a strong possibility you won’t be able to access the services you want.

Free VPNs don’t bill the user directly, and instead, choose to make money in other ways. This often means inserting large ads into the pages you visit, or offering higher speeds in exchange for a monthly fee. The problem is that some services resort to shadier tactics. For instance, they might store tracking cookies on your device to harvest valuable consumer information which can be sold to advertisers at a later date. By acting in this way, these services remove any control you might have had over who sees your data.

Finally, finding a safe, free VPN is harder than it ought to be. An in-depth study of free VPN apps found that of 283 services, nearly 40% contained malware, over 80% leaked personal information over IPv6, and 18% never used any form of encryption whatsoever. Better-known services aren’t necessarily any safer: in 2015, Hola was found to be selling idle user bandwidth to help run a botnet.

Using a reputable VPN with a proven history of standing up for its users’ privacy is the best way to protect yourself online.

• Can I Watch Foreign TV From Abroad With a VPN?

Most streaming platforms rely on a simple IP address check to see if the user is in a supported country or not. Since VPNs change your IP address, once connected, you’re free to use platforms like BBC iPlayer, Sling TV , and SBS from anywhere. You may even be able to change your Netflix or Amazon Prime Video region and stream content that’s only available in specific countries.

However, some services have more advanced geo-blocking measures. For instance, you might be asked to provide a form of ID that’s only available in a particular region, or the platform might require a payment method linked to a local address. If you usually live in the required country, you should still be able to sign up from abroad, but if not, you’ll find it extremely difficult to do so.

• Why Can’t I Get An IP Address for Some Countries?

VPNs tend to have a higher number of servers in high-traffic areas like the US, the UK, and Canada. In smaller countries, though, you’ll often find that there are far fewer to choose from or none at all.

There are a few reasons why this might be the case:

• Lack of customer demand
• Local laws make it difficult to guarantee your privacy
• The region has poor internet infrastructure, low internet penetration, or is too dangerous
• The government has instituted a country-wide firewall that blocks the VPN
• The cost of running servers in a given country outweighs the benefits

It’s worth noting that some VPNs offer servers in remote locations like Grenada and Mauritius, but these often aren’t actually located there. Instead, these virtual servers are located in another country (most commonly wherever the VPN is based or in a country close to the stated one), and simply make your traffic appear as though it originates elsewhere.

On one hand, this means you may get faster speeds than you would with a physical server. But it also means your provider may be subject to different data privacy laws with regards to traffic flowing through that server. However, as long as your provider doesn’t log personally identifiable information, this shouldn’t matter. Virtual servers are usually labeled as such on the VPN’s server list, but you can always ask the provider directly if you’re unsure.

• Why Else Might I Need An IP Address From Another Country?

Have you ever received an alert saying that one of your accounts has been accessed by someone in another country? These automated systems are designed to protect you from fraud, but can rarely tell the difference between a hacker and a user who’s simply on vacation. Banks tend to err on the side of caution and restrict access, which can cause major problems if you’re in a foreign country. However, by connecting to a VPN server in your home country before logging in, you can reduce the chance of this happening at all.

When traveling, you’ll likely use public WiFi networks more often than normal. Unfortunately, these hotspots are rarely as secure as they should be, and as such, are a popular target for hackers. Further, you might find that some entirely innocent websites are blocked. With a VPN, you not only prevent your activities from being monitored, but you can also easily bypass any blocking which might be in place.

• How to Get an IP Address FAQs
• Will a VPN ever expose my real IP address?

Yes, a VPN can expose your real IP address depending on what kind of VPN you are using. Using one of our recommended VPNs won’t expose your IP address at all since their service covers the bases that prevent any such exposures. However, if you’re opting for a free version instead, then there could be a risk as these may not provide the same level of protection due to lack of resources or expertise.

This means that if the free VPN provider’s security protocols aren’t up to par - i.e., weak encryption - then it can still be intercepted by authorities or third parties, exposing your real IP address for certain activities you do online.

• Can I Change My IP Address to Another Country for Free?

While free VPNs can be used to change your device's IP address to one located in another country, it's not a good idea. Most free VPNs have a limited number of countries to choose from, do not do a good job of protecting your privacy, and limit your usage.

• How Do I Get a US IP Address?

Simply subscribe to a reliable VPN provider, like NordVPN, install and fire up the provider's app on your connected device, select a VPN server located in the United States, and click the connect button. BAM! Your device has a fresh IP address, located in the US.

• I Watched Porn on My Employer's VPN. Can They Tell That I Did?

Unlike the VPNs listed in this article, corporate VPNs are controlled by your company's IT administrators. They can log your activity, and they can tell if you visit a porn site while connected to their VPN.

• Is it Legal to Change Your IP Address?

Using a VPN to change your IP address on the internet is completely legal, except for in the few countries where using a VPN is illegal or heavily restricted. Belarus, China (heavily restricted), India (heavily restricted), Iran (heavily restricted), Iraq, Jordan (heavily restricted), Myanmar, North Korea (heavily restricted), Oman (heavily restricted), Pakistan (heavily restricted), Russia, Sri Lanka (heavily restricted), Turkey (heavily restricted), Turkmenistan, Uganda (heavily restricted), UAE (heavily restricted), Uzbekistan (heavily restricted), Venezuela (heavily restricted).

• Which VPN Providers Can Offer Me a Static IP Address?

There are several VPN providers that can provide static or dedicated IP addresses. These providers include NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access. You will Sometimes be required to pay an extra fee for a static IP, or find that the availability of the addresses is limited to select countries.

• Is Using a Proxy Server the Same as a VPN Connection?

No. While proxy servers and VPNs can both help you access content you might normally not have access to, there are crucial differences between the two services.

First of all, while a VPN encrypts your internet connection to hide your online antics from being observed, a proxy server does not encrypt your connection, meaning your online travels can still be tracked and observed. VPNs also offer other protective measures, helping you avoid online hazards, and not tracking your online activities. Some proxy servers, especially free proxy services, may track your online travels, selling the information to interested outsiders.

• Why Would I Want to Change My IP Address?

There are several advantages to changing your IP address. Changing your IP address opens access to geo-fenced content, and keeps others from tracking your geographic location by looking at your IP address. 

• What's the Best Way to Change My Device's IP Address?

There are two popular ways to change your device's IP address. First, you can use a proxy server, which changes your IP but does not encrypt your internet connections. By using a VPN, you not only change your IP address, you also encrypt your internet connection, preventing anyone from monitoring your online activities. 

Contents [ hide ]

Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Privacy alert: websites you visit can see these details about you:.

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing . It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

How to change your IP address

We are reader supported and may receive a commission if you buy using links on this page

James Milin-Ashmore

• June 15, 2023

Wondering how to change your IP address to improve your online security or to access geo-blocked content? Whatever your reasons, there are several ways to get a new IP address.

Every device that is connected to the internet is assigned a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address, which is needed to communicate with other devices while you’re online. If you’re using WiFi, you might share a public IP address with multiple devices on the same network. Each device also has a local IP address .

If you’re aiming to change your IP address, it’s most likely to be your public IPv4 address . It will look something like this:  123.45.67.89

Your public IP address is assigned automatically by your ISP. The public address is what is seen and recorded by most sites, services, and devices online. This guide will take you through the steps to change either a public or private IP address.

Why would I change my IP address?

Bypassing geo-restrictions is a popular reason to change your IP address. If you plan to access blocked sites or services, you will need to change your location. A  Virtual Private Network (VPN) is undoubtedly the best method to do so. It will work with online banking apps, or streaming services that aren’t available outside of a specific region.

In other words, an IP change can access blocked sites and services found back home while you’re abroad. The same goes for most international content. It will also help the user to avoid any restrictions put in place by an ISP, or even the government. You’ll be able to access censored content, with no fear of being tracked.

VPNs work by routing your connection through their servers, which gives the user a new IP address in the process. As we’ve mentioned, IP addresses are used by websites to serve local content.

The best VPNs to change your IP address

Here's a list of the best VPNs for changing your IP address:

• NordVPN : Our top recommendation for changing your IP address. 5,600+ high-speed servers in 59+ countries worldwide, robust security, works with many streaming services including Netflix, and has a custom protocol. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark : Our top pick on a budget. Works with most streaming services, has blistering speeds, unlimited device connections, works in China, and additional features include Double VPN and split tunneling.
• ExpressVPN : Popular, powerful VPN with servers in 90+ countries. Capable of unblocking most services, Lightway protocol, lots of features, works in regions like China and the UAE, and strong customer support. Slightly more expensive plans than other providers.
• CyberGhost : Ideal for new users and its 9,200+ servers in over 91 countries make it difficult to find fault with CyberGhost if you need IP addresses from multiple locations. Speedy WireGuard connections.
• Proton VPN : Performant provider focused on security. Features include Secure Core, NetShield, Tor over VPN, and dedicated streaming servers in the US , the UK , Germany, Italy , and India.
• AirVPN : Great speeds and strong privacy features. Supports Tor over VPN , split tunneling, and offers a transparent service. Affordable, although it has fewer locations overall and isn’t suitable for streaming.
• IPVanish : 40,000+ IP addresses in 75+ locations. Numerous notable features, 24/7 support, top speeds, and apps for every device.

How to change your public IP address 

We’ve listed a variety of methods for changing your public IP address below:

1. Connect to a VPN to get a new IP address 

A VPN tends to be one of the more popular ways to change your IP address. Any sites, services, and devices you connect to will only see the VPN server’s IP address, rather than your real IP address.

It only takes a few clicks to log in to a server, and you can choose from locations found almost anywhere in the world. For example, a UK IP address can be used to access British sites and apps like BBC iPlayer and Barclays, while a U.S. IP address will access content from services such as HBO and Netflix.

The majority of premium VPN services will be able to hide your IPv4 address, but some are prone to IP leaks. The providers we’ve listed above will offer leak protection as standard.

The use of IPv6 can also be an issue. Developed to replace the dwindling supply of available IP addresses, we’d advise opting for a VPN that can disable IPv6 or prevent IPv6 leaks by default.

To change your IP address with a VPN:

• Sign up with a VPN, and make a note of your login information. ( NordVPN is our top pick.)
• Download the relevant VPN app for your device.
• Open the app, log in, and select a server to begin.
• You should now have a different IP address that corresponds with the server you’ve selected. (You can get another new IP address by connecting to a different location.)

2. Use Tor to change your IP address  

The Onion Router (Tor) is another viable method, although there are some issues to consider. Firstly, let’s look at the positives. It’s free to use, and the Tor Browser can be installed on various devices.

Tor works by routing your connection through a series of nodes, which are volunteer-operated servers. Your connection is encrypted multiple times along the way, and it’s exceptionally difficult to trace traffic back to the original source. Instead of your IP address, websites will only be able to see the last node (Exit Node) in the chain.

It’s especially useful for improving online privacy, but the method of encryption leads to slow load times, and it can’t be used for tasks like streaming or torrenting. A VPN is a better method if you need to access region-locked content.

3. Try a proxy 

A proxy is similar to a VPN in some respects. A proxy server is a computer (or data center server) that sits between you and the site or service you're attempting to access.

However, proxies may lack encryption and will only work with specific apps. There’s also a chance that your IP address will be exposed. Here are a few different types of proxies available to you:

HTTP Proxies – These only cater to websites. You can set up your browser with an HTTP proxy, and all of your browser traffic will be routed through it. A simple way to do this is to use an extension like BP Proxy Switcher . SOCKS Proxies – These proxies work with web and app traffic but are still limited to working at an application level. 

4. Ask your ISP to change your IP address 

Depending on your ISP, you might be able to request a new IP address directly from the source. However, policies will vary, and it’s not a feature offered by every internet service provider.

Another option is to ask your ISP if they provide a static IP address . As the name implies, a static (or dedicated) IP address won’t change, and it won’t be shared with anyone else. You might have to pay an extra fee for a dedicated IP address from your ISP.

Note that asking your ISP to change your IP will not enable you to get an IP address in a different country. It will also not let you change your IP address whenever you want to. A VPN allows you to change your IP address to a different location on the fly, which conceals your personal IP address from the web services you visit; asking your ISP to change your IP address will not give you this freedom or online privacy. 

Some VPNs offer a dedicated or static IP address , although it’ll cost extra each month. NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost are three examples that made the list above.

5. Unplugging the modem

Have you tried turning it off and on again? Unplugging the modem and waiting for a few minutes should cause your ISP to assign you a new IP address when it’s reconnected. Your previous IP address will be given to another user.

However, this method isn’t a failsafe, as it could take a while for you to be given a new IP address. Your ISP will also need to use dynamic IP addresses , which change every so often.

6. Switching networks 

If you have a mobile data connection available, switching over to a different network will assign you a new IP address. The same goes for a home network if you’re currently using mobile data.

Of course, we’d strongly advise against connecting to an unprotected network, especially if it’s in a public place.

How do I change my IP address on a mobile device?

If you’re using a mobile phone or tablet, it’s easy to change your IP address with a VPN. There are various reasons why you might want a VPN for IOS or Android. For example, some users do most of their browsing on mobile, and it’s a good idea to protect every device you own.

Here's how to change your IP address on a mobile device:

• Sign up for a VPN that has app support for iOS and Android. (NordVPN is a great option for mobile devices.)
• Install the app for your device. You’ll be able to find it within the relevant app store.
• Open the VPN app, and log in.
• Choose a server location. This will give you an IP address from wherever you’ve selected for as long as you’re connected.

How to change your local IP address

Any devices connected via the same WiFi router will share a public IP address. Each device will also have a local IP address. You’ll be able to change your private IP address from the router admin panel, but we’ll show you how to do so from the device itself below.

To renew your IP address on Windows :

• Open the Windows search bar, and type Command Prompt
• Right-click to Run as administrator .
• Type ipconfig /release
• Type ipconfig /renew
• You should now have a new local IP address.

To renew your IP address on macOS :

• Open System Preferences , either by using Launchpad or by clicking the Apple icon on the top left corner of the screen.
• Click Network , and choose the network you’re connected to .
• Select Advanced . Choose the TCP/IP tab.
• Click Renew DHCP Lease to complete the process.

Changing IP address: FAQs

Can i use a free vpn to change my ip address.

A free VPN can be used to change your IP address, although you’ll be extremely limited in terms of where you’ll be able to connect to. Free providers often lack the ability to access streaming services, and you can expect further restrictions in terms of bandwidth, and maximum connection speeds.

Free services are also concerning from a privacy perspective. They might sell your browsing data to advertisers, or use your connection as part of a botnet . We’d recommend the use of the Tor browser rather than a free provider. However, both are trumped by a reputable no-logs VPN.

Is it legal to change my IP address?

Yes, it’s entirely legal to change your IP address. After all, most ISPs use dynamic IP addresses, which are switched frequently. The same is true for changing your IP address with a VPN, although some countries do regulate usage. For example, VPNs are banned in China, and the technology has been restricted in Russia.

For most countries, you’re allowed to change your IP at will. If you plan to use a VPN to access torrents that contain copyrighted material, or for any other illegal online activities, you’ll still be breaking the law.

What does changing your IP address do?

Changing your IP address with a VPN will mask your location, so you’ll be hidden from anyone aiming to track your online movements. This is especially useful if you’re traveling abroad, and need to connect to a service back home. You’ll be able to steer clear of any trackers, whether it be your ISP, or websites themselves.

Does a VPN change your IP address every time?

Typically, yes. Each VPN server will have a finite number of IP addresses that can be used. Each time you connect to a server, you’ll be assigned one of these IP addresses at random. The IP address is often shared with any other users who are connected to the same server at the same time. (This is known as a shared IP address .)

You’ll also be able to find multiple premium providers that offer a dedicated IP address (NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost). A dedicated IP will only be available to one user, and it will ensure that you’ll be able to access any services safely. However, it tends to be a paid extra.

Can I choose which city my new IP comes from?

Yes, depending on the VPN in use. Many providers lack more than a single location in a specific country. If the VPN has multiple locations, you may be able to choose a specific city. However, you’re unlikely to be able to choose a specific city with a free provider, given the various limitations in place.

How can I check if my IP address is hidden?

It’s not difficult to check whether or not your IP address is hidden. To do so, connect to a VPN server, and use an IP checker tool . The tool will show you a rough location, as well as list both your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. If the location and address match the VPN server, your IP address is now hidden.

Can I watch my home TV services with a VPN?

Yes. When you change your IP address using a VPN, you appear to be physically located in the location of the VPN server. This allows you to go digital globe-trotting to access international web services and streaming platforms that are usually region locked.

By connecting to a VPN server back home, you can get an IP address that is valid to log in and watch all your usual streaming services. For example, you could connect to a server in the UK to watch British TV services like BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and ITVX. 

Connecting to an IP address in the US will allow you to stream Netflix US, ESPN, YouTube TV, Hulu, and any other TV service or streaming platforms you have a subscription to. This is perfect if you are on vacation abroad and want to watch your favorite shows while traveling abroad.

The only caveat is that popular streaming services have blocked the vast majority of VPNs. This means that you have to stick to recommended services that have been tested. There are over 100 VPNs on the market, and the vast majority of them are too slow for watching HD videos and live TV.

The VPNs we have recommended have fast servers that provide IP addresses in dozens of different countries around the world. Best of all, they all have a money-back guarantee, which means you can use them to check they work to watch your favorite streaming services risk-free.

Did you know

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

BLEEPINGCOMPUTER RECOMMENDS:

• Previous Article
• Next Article

Post a Comment Community Rules

You need to login in order to post a comment.

Not a member yet? Register Now

Help us understand the problem. What is going on with this comment?

• Abusive or Harmful
• Inappropriate content
• Strong language

Read our posting guidelinese to learn what content is prohibited.

Data Management

D-Back  for iOS/Win/Mac - Data Recovery HOT

Recover Deleted Data from iOS/Win/Mac

Data Recovery

D-Back  Hard Drive Recovery - Hard Drive Data Recovery

Recover Deleted Data from PC/Mac

Windows/Mac Data Recovery

ChatsBack  for WhatsApp - WhatsApp Recovery

Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages

WhatsApp Messages Recovery

ChatsBack  for LINE - LINE Recovery

Recover Deleted LINE Messages

LINE Messages Recovery

iMyTrans - Apps Data Transfer HOT

Transfer, Export, Backup, Restore WhatsApp Data with Ease

WhatsApp Data Transfer Tool

iTransor for LINE

Transfer, Export, Backup, Restore LINE Data with Ease

LINE Data Transfer Tool

Umate Pro  - Secure iOS Data Eraser

Permanently Erase iPhone/iPad/iPod Data to Secure your privacy

iPhone Data Eraser

AllDrive  - Multiple Cloud Storage Manager NEW

Manage All Cloud Drive Accounts in One Place

Multiple Cloud Storage Manager

AnyTo  - Location Changer HOT

Best iOS/Android Location Changer

iOS/Android Location Changer

MirrorTo  - Screen Mirror

Professional iOS/Android Screen Mirror

iOS/Android Screen Mirror

LockWiper  for iOS - iPhone Passcode Unlocker HOT

Remove iPhone/iPad/iPod touch Password

iPhone Passcode Unlocker

LockWiper  for Android - Android Passcode Unlocker

Unlock Android FRP Lock & All Screen Locks

Android Passcode Unlocker

Fixppo  for iOS - iPhone System Repair HOT

Fix your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch/Apple TV without losing data

iPhone System Repair Tool

iBypasser  - iCloud Activation Lock Bypasser

Bypass iCloud Activation Lock & Sim Lock

iCloud Activation Lock Bypasser

UltraRepair  - File Repair

Fix corrupt and broken videos/photos/documents

Repair Corrupt Video/Photo/File

Passper  - Password Recovery Expert

Recover password for Excel/Word/PPT/PDF/RAR/ZIP/Windows

Office/Files/Windows Unlocker

FamiGuard  - Reliable Parental Control App

Remotely Monitor Your Kid's Device and Activity

Reliable Parental Control App

VoxNote  - AI Vocie Notes NEW

Transcribe real-time & recorded audio into text

Voice Notes with AI Summaries

Novi AI  - AI Story-to-Video Generator NEW

Convert Your Story & Novel to Original Video Easily

Convert Story & Novel to Video

RewriteX  - Al rewriter for anywhere NEW

Make Your Words Mistake-free And Clear

Mistake-free And Clear

EasifyAI  - Life-Changing AI Toolkit NEW

Innovative AI Toolbox to Take All The Heavy Lifting Off

Innovative AI Toolbox

Filme  - The Best Video Editor

Video Editor and Fast Slide Show Maker

MagicMic  - Real-Time Voice Changer HOT

Change Your Voice in Real-Time Easily

Real-Time Voice Changer

MarkGo  - Effective Watermark Remover

Manage Your Video & Image Watermark Easily

Effective Watermark Remover

V2Audio  - Video Convertor

Super Video Converter Makes Everything Easier

Super Video Converter

VoxBox - Ai Text-to-Speech Generator

Make Voiceover Easily with Cloning & TTS

Text-to-Speech Voice Generator

AnySmall  - Video Compressor NEW

One Click to Compress Videos While Keeping High Quality

One-click Video Compressor

TopClipper  - Video Downloader

Download Any Videos You Like from Any Platforms

Video Downloader from Any Platforms

TopMediai  - Online AI Tools Collection

Discover how AI Transforms Image & audio editing

Online AI Tools Collection

MagicPic  - AI Background Remover & Changer NEW

Remove and Change your Photo Background with Single Click

AI Background Remover & Changer

MusicAI  - AI Music Generator NEW

All-in-one generator to make AI songs

AI Music Generator

Productivity

ChatArt Pro  - Online AI Writing Assistant NEW

Generate AI Blogs, Posts, Marketing Copies Quickly

Online AI Writing Assistant

ChatArt : Chatbot & AI Writer App NEW

Write AI Essay, Reports, Ads, Msg, Story Easily

Chatbot & AI Writer App

FigCube  - Free Website Builder

Create A Blog Website Within Minutes

Free Website Builder

AI Tools : Complete Resource of AI Tools

Find The Exact AI Tool For Your Needs

AI Tools Navigation Page

Support Center

Licenses, FAQs

Pre-Sales Inquiry, etc.

How-to Guides

Mobile/PC Issues Solutions

Product Center

iMyFone Products Free Trial

How to Change Location with VPN | 6 Best Free VPNs in 2023

Category: Change Location

July 25, 2023 5 mins read

How does VPN location changer work? Choose one from the given free VPN options and change your location. Also, Check the comparison list of various VPN location changers and risks associated with free VPN .

Having tools that enable you to change your location while ensuring security, online privacy, and freedom is nothing short of a blessing. With a growing number of people using VPNs while browsing the internet, it has become essential to understand what VPNs are and how they work.

Read on, you will learn everything you may wonder about VPN and a list of free VPNs .

In this article:

What Can VPN Location Changer Do for you

When to use vpn - location changer, how does vpn location changer work.

• 6 Best Free VPN Location Changers [Hot]

Comparison of VPN Location Changers

Free vpn risk notification.

Do you also want to bypass geo-blocking and hide your real IP address?

Let's get started.

For whatever reason you change your IP location, VPN is one of the best ways to stay safe and private while online. Whether it is to watch foreign Netflix catalogues or stream foreign sport, VPN IP address changer will do all for you.

This secure connection forms the basis for a lot of benefits for its users:

• It helps you maintain your anonymous identity, and your IP address will not be visible to anyone
• Your device will be less vulnerable to usual spoofing and will be safe from hackers and cybercriminals
• With more freedom, you will have access to content that is regionally restricted and some best money saving bargains usually reserved for some countries only

You can use VPN for various important tasks. Some of them are:

1 To Access Region Restricted Streaming Service

Streaming services provide different content in different regions. With a fake location using a VPN, you can access shows, movies and other content that is not available in your country.

2 To Watch Sporting Events

Sports events are not shown worldwide. If you want to watch them, a VPN location changer will help you access the content without spending a lot of money.

3 To Compare the Prices of Products

Various online stores offer different prices to visitors from other countries. VPN country changes give you access to check and compare the prices from different countries.

4 To Hide Identity from Trackers

If you don't want any online service to track your address, you can use an IP location changer.

5 To Practice Freedom of Speech

If you are conscious of working on something sensitive and want to practice your freedom of speech without breach of your location, a VPN IP address changer can help you out.

VPN location changer works by changing your apparent location and sending your data traffic via another server.

• Usually, when you use the internet, your device continuously exchanges data with other parties, hovering over the web. If you use VPN, it creates a safe connection between you and the internet. All the data traffic is sent through an encrypted secure virtual tunnel to the external server, i-e, the VPN server. From the external server, your data is then sent to its destination.

• VPN allows the users to select the server anywhere in the world where VPN services have servers. It can be a VPN country changer or, in some cases, only a VPN city changer . For instance, Express VPN has its servers in 94 countries.
• Once you connect to a server, the IP location changer will form an encrypted virtual tunnel to securely pass all your device's data. A virtual tunnel will decrypt the data and send it to the final destination. Your original IP address will be hidden and will be shown as that of the selected server. You can also change the location whenever you want and still use the app. device effectively

6 Best Free VPN Location Changers

1 irocketvpn - access content anywhere.

iRocketVPN is a 100% privicy and security VPN for Windows PC. It provides a fast and stable internet connection wherever you are. It secures your internet connection and doesn't track your any data. Moreover, its easy-use interface is also very popular. Free download iRocketVPN now.

Try It Free

iRocketVPN Features:

• Access the internet safely and privately.
• Military-grade encryption keeps your identity private.
• Doesn't record your browse history and activities.
• Doesn't track your real IP address.
• Very fast speed.

How to use it:

Step 1: Download and open the iRocketVPN, select recommended network node.

Step 2: Sign up and log in a VPN account, then tap the "Quick Connect" button.

Step 3: Now, you have connected internet successfully and your real IP address has been encryped. You can preview the websites,pictures and videos you want to visit.

2 ExpressVPN

Express VPN is a highly trusted VPN provider that tops the list of best VPNs. It offers top-tier security with military-grade 256-bit encryption to scramble your data. In addition, the automatic kill switch (network lock) protects the device even when VPN unexpectedly disconnects.

ExpressVPN Features:

• Connects up to 5 devices simultaneously
• 3,000 servers in 94 countries to access geo-blocked sites
• Can unblock Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and Vudu
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more

Step 1: Go to the ExpressVPN account dashboard and enter your Express VPN credentials to Sign In .

Step 2: Enter the authentication code sent to your email and download it .

Step 3: Keep the browser window open. You will require the activation code for the setup next.

Step 4: Double-click the downloaded file on your computer and install the app.

Step 5: After installing, click Sign In and paste your activation code.

Step 6: Select your preferences to continue.

Step 7: Now click the start button to connect to a VPN server location. By default, ExpressVPN will suggest the location for an optimal experience for you.

Step 8: After the connected message appear on the app screen, begin surfing.

3 PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN is one of the best free VPNs currently available. Not only does it offer AES-256-bit, but you get 10GB of monthly data at no cost, and more global server options than most other free VPNs. They keep no logs of your activity and include a number of advanced features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and access to WireGuard.

PrivadoVPN Features

• Connects up to 10 devices simultaneously.
• Free account option with 10GB of data every month and 12 servers.
• Strict no-logs policy.
• AES 256-bit encryption.
• Kill switch to safeguard online activity.
• Can unblock Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Android TV.
• Split Tunneling (on Windows and Android).
• Streaming and Torrenting available on free account.

How to Use It?

Step 1: Login to the PrivadoVPN admin dashboard on the PrivadoVPN home page with your credentials.

Step 3: After installing, login to the PrivadoVPN app 3.with your email address, the username you were sent, and your password.

Step 4: Choose your location from the dropdown menu, then click or press the keyhole icon to connect.

Step 5: After the keyhole icon turns green, you are secured and can use the Internet freely.

4 Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a free VPN location changer with unlimited data to surf the web and download. With unlimited data, it doesn't compromise on its security features and ensures safe internet browsing. Users prefer it because it's free, easy to use and doesn't have annoying ads.

Proton VPN Features

• Unlimited data.
• 3 free server locations and 1 device connection.
• Can unblock: YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, Kodi.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.

Step 1: Download Proton VPN and install it. Once installed, a shortcut will form.

Step 2: Open the shortcut to launch the application and enter your Proton VPN credentials to sign in .

Step 3: Once signed in, the UI of the VPN will appear for easy navigation and connection.

Step 4: Click on "Quick Connect" to connect with the closest server for optimal performance.

Step 5: After connecting, a list of countries will appear on the screen.

Step 6: Find the VPN server from the county list to connect manually.

5 Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is one of the best free VPN overall. However, the free trial lasts only for a month. Nevertheless, it doesn't limit its services during the trial period and has its advantages in terms of servers, data, or speed limits.

Surfshark VPN Features

• AES-256 encryption.
• Five Eyes non-member.
• Access to Torrent and Netflix.
• Split tunnelling.

How to use it?

Step 1: Go to this page and d ownload the Surfshark.

Step 2: After downloading the file, locate the file and double click it.

Step 3: Click "yes" when the computer asks to make changes to the device.

Step 4: When the installation completes, the app will start automatically within few seconds.

Step 5: Log in with your credentials and enter the authentication code.

Step 6: Now tap Connect to connect with the fastest VPN server available.

Step 7: To manually choose the location, open the Locations tab to find the locations and click your preferred location to connect with it.

6 Hotspot Shield VPN

It is the 6th best free VPN location changer for Windows and Mac users.

Hotspot Shield VPN refreshes data allowance every 24 hours and gives 500 MB of bandwidth to be used every day, making 15 GB in a month. Additionally, hotspot shield post ads only in their mobile apps and not on Windows and Mac.

Hotspot Shield VPN Features

• Military-grade encryption.
• Automatic kill switch.
• 1 free server and 5 simultaneous device connections.
• Can unblock YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS.

Here is the stepwise guide on installing Hotspot Shield VPN on windows:

Step 1: To download Hotspot Shield.

Step 2: A setup file will be downloaded automatically onto your computer.

Step 3: Now install Hotspot Shield by double-clicking the file.

Step 4: Click Finish when it's installed, and the main page will appear.

Step 5: You have to close your browser for Hotspot Shield to work properly for the first time.

Step 6: Click the light-blue power icon in the middle of the window to turn on Hotspot Shield for your current wireless connection and fake your IP address.

Step 7: To change your IP address's country , click the "Browsing from" drop-down box and choose a new country in the drop-down menu. This will change your IP address location to a different country.

Every VPN is not safe. VPNs are complicated software, and companies need revenue to keep them up to date. In the case of free VPNs, they use hidden tools and tricks to earn revenue. So, you think you are using a free VPN, but actually, you are paying the price in some other way.

Some of their risks are:

• VPNs are supposed to protect you from hackers, but some VPNs may contain malware which can be the biggest security risks .
• Several free VPNs embed third-party trackers in their software to collect information about your online activity so that advertisers can better target you with ads.
• Using free VPN also comes at the expense of limiting the amount of data usage .
• The slowdown of the Internet is another issue with some poor-quality VPNs. This is because they prioritize their paid subscribers over those using free versions.

VPN is a great tool to hide your location and do some essential tasks that are otherwise impossible for you. There are some great free VPN tools with a free trial period which you can use to evaluate their performance.

Download iRocketVPN right now and best security features!

Spencer Hill

(Click to rate this post)

Generally rated 4.9 ( 256 participated)

Rated successfully!

You have already rated this article, please do not repeat scoring!

Home > Change Location > How to Change Location with VPN | 6 Best Free VPNs in 2023