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Troubleshooting

How to Change Your IP Address

There are two types of IP to change — your public IP (visible to websites) and your local IP (inside your home network). Here's how to change both.

Updated 2026

  1. 1

    Change your public IP — restart the router

    Most ISPs assign dynamic IPs that change when you restart the router. Power it off for 5–10 minutes, then back on. Your ISP will assign a new IP.

  2. 2

    Change your public IP — use a VPN

    A VPN immediately gives you a different public IP from the VPN server's location. This works even if your ISP assigns a static IP.

  3. 3

    Change your local IP — release and renew

    On Windows: open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew. On Mac: System Settings → Network → Details → Renew DHCP Lease.

  4. 4

    Set a static local IP

    Log into the router admin panel → DHCP → Address Reservation → enter your device's MAC address and the local IP you want it to always use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does restarting the router always change your IP?
On dynamic IP plans, usually yes — though some ISPs reassign the same IP if the gap is short. Leave it off for several minutes for a better chance of a new IP.
Can I get a permanent static public IP?
Yes — most ISPs offer static IP addresses as a paid add-on. Useful for hosting servers or remote access.