Whether you own a laptop, desktop PC, smartphone, or even a smartwatch, you will be assigned an IP address. This is a unique row of numbers that identifies both your device and your geographic location. But should your IP always be the same, or does it need to be changed from time to time?
Should you change your IP address?
In short, yes. It’s a good idea to change your IP address semi-regularly. But why is it so?
First, changing your IP address can help maintain the level of security and privacy of your device while browsing online. While it is not common for someone to take advantage of your IP address, it can be done to find out your geographic location.
So, if this is a concern for you, or you want to avoid the possibility in any case, it’s a good idea to change your IP address. 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 technique that restricts certain content based on your location. As you can guess, your IP address is used to determine your location in the process of geo-blocking. This can be especially helpful if you regularly use streaming services and want to watch TV shows and movies that are not currently available in your region.
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So, if you want to change your IP address, how can it be done?
how to change your ip address
The process for changing your IP address will vary slightly depending on the type of operating system you are 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 one mac or macbook, you can access your connection settings via the Wi-Fi logo in the top bar of the screen or through your Settings. It’s generally easier to use the former method, but you can access your connection settings through your Settings app. Network Option.
In this window, you will be able to view and change your current IP address, which you should note down for a later step. From here, click on advanced tab to the bottom right of the window, and then TCP/IP, Then, you have to use the dropdown list on Configure IPv4 section, and select manual,
Next, you will see that your IP address has changed to “0.0.0.0”, which means it has been reset, and you will now have to manually type in the new one. Note that you can’t just type in any random set of numbers. Instead, you should take a look at the router’s address, shown two lines below, and copy it all the way up to the fourth set of numbers.
For example, if your router address is “123.456.78.9”, your new IP address should begin with “123.456.78” so that you are configured with the router. When it comes to the final set of figures, you can change it to any number between one and 55.
Procedure to change your IP address a iphone or ipad Will be slightly different from above steps. In this case, you will have to access your Settings, and go to your Wi-Fi settings. Then click the blue circular notification icon next to the network you’re currently connected to.
From here, the steps are the same. you need to change Configure IPv4 setting to manualBut you’ll need to remember both your router and subnet mask addresses before doing this, because they’ll be reset along with your IP address when you switch to manual configuration.
So, you’ll need to re-enter your subnet mask and router addresses first, and then the process for entering a new IP will be the same as that used for an iMac or MacBook.
How to Change Your IP Address on Windows 10
We will specifically provide instructions on how to change your IP address on Windows 10, given that it is currently the most popular OS version manufactured by Windows.
To change your IP on Windows 10, you first need to go to your Settings via the Windows menu option at the bottom left of your screen. Once you are in your Settings app, click network and Internet option, and then network and Sharing Center,
On this page, you’ll see an option called “Change adapter settings” on the left side of the screen. Right-click on the connection you’re using, whether it’s wireless or cabled, and click Property option from the drop-down list. Then, choose Internet Protocol Version 4 option so that it is highlighted, and then click on Property button on the right.
Next, you need to switch from Automatic to Manual IP configuration option named Use the following IP address, Now, you will be able to enter a new IP. Before doing this make sure you know your subnet mask and router addresses so that you can re-enter them upon refresh.
This is not the only way you can change your IP address on Windows 10. Alternatively, you can allow your device to reset its address for you by going to your Windows menu and typing “command” into the search bar. Then, the Command Prompt app will appear.
After clicking on it, you will see a black window with a few lines of code. Directly next to the last line, type “ipconfig /release”. Upon entering this, your Internet connection will be temporarily terminated. Then you’ll see several new lines of code appear on the screen, but don’t panic; It is common.
At the bottom of this code, next to the last line, type “ipconfig /renew”. It will then prompt your device to renew your IP address without having to manually type it in.
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 the settings, you will already be in the “Network” section. Here, you have to scroll down until you Network Option. Click to see a drop-down list showing your IP, subnet mask, gateway, and IPv6 address. At the top of this list, you’ll probably see that Configure IP address automatically Toggle is on. To change your address manually, turn it off.
Again, the process is the same whether required on an iMac or MacBook. You should take a look at the gateway address shown below your subnet mask address, and copy it to the fourth set of numbers.
We will use the same example here as shown in the iOS tutorial. If your router address is “123.456.78.9”, your new IP address should begin with “123.456.78” so that you are configured with the router. When it comes to the final set of figures, you can change it to any number between one and 55.
Now, your IP address should be different than before.
Changing your IP address can help you stay safe online
By changing your IP, you can increase your Internet security level, troubleshoot connection problems, and bypass geo-blocking without going through a lengthy and tedious process. The ways you can change your IP address are pretty simple on any device, so you can get it done in no time, no matter how tech-savvy you are.
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About the Author
Katie Rees (209 articles published)
Katie is a staff writer at MUO and has experience in content writing in travel and mental health. He had a specific interest in Samsung, and therefore chose to focus on Android in his position at MUO. He has written compositions for Imnotabarista, Tumeric and Vocal in the past, with one of his favorite pieces remaining positive and strong through time, which can be found at the link above. Outside of her work life, Katie enjoys growing plants, cooking and practicing yoga.
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