Changing your IP address might sound like something only profound technicians need to do, but in reality, it’s a useful skill that anyone should master to maintain online security. If you are trying to access region-locked content, boost your online privacy, or troubleshoot connectivity issues, changing your IP address can really come in handy in this case. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step – no extra IT knowledge is required, although a cup of coffee might help!
Why should you consider switching your IP address?
The first questions we should answer are: What is an IP address? What do you actually gain by having it changed? In a nutshell, an IP address is a number that identifies a device, like a computer or phone, on the internet or a local network. Here are the benefits you’ll enjoy if you take the time change your IP:
Safeguard online privacy
Changing your IP address helps conceal your geolocation, making it difficult for hackers and websites that track your online activities to determine your location. Regardless of whether you use the internet frequently or occasionally, a new IP address can provide extended peace of mind.
Circumvent government limitations
As you may already know, some governments use IP addresses to block access to certain websites. By changing your IP address, you can cope with these restrictions and gain the freedom to surf any website you are willing to.
Dive into regional content
In case you frequently travel for work or leisure, you may face challenges in discovering regional content, like sports events. To circumvent the location-based limitations, you may use the new IP address of the respective country to access its network. Therefore, you can make websites think you’re browsing from an approved region, allowing you to overcome these limitations.
Troubleshoot issues
It’s a widely-used issue for new routers to assign incorrect IP addresses to devices. In such cases, a simple router reset can often address this issue, along with other IT problems you might encounter. Many tech professionals suggest trying a router reset as a first step before seeking further assistance.
How to change your IP address using a VPN
Using a virtual private network (VPN) replaces your IP address with that of a VPN server. Basically, the service makes it appear as though you’re at the server’s location, allowing you to effectively hide your IP address.
Besides, a VPN ciphers your connection, enhancing your online security, which is called encryption in the tech world. Some VPNs might slightly reduce your internet speed and won’t block cookies, but with qualitative services, you gain all the benefits of solid online protection at a great value for money. Therefore, when selecting a VPN, opt for a reliable and versatile service. The best options, like ZoogVPN, offer robust security, reliability, a wide range of servers, and top-notch encryption.
Here’s how to change your IP address with the VPN service:
- Set up and configure a quality VPN service;
- Navigate to the application;
- Choose the server location you’d like to connect to and press the connect button;
- Once the connection is established, your IP address is changed. You can double-verify it by following this link.
Don’t neglect applying to your VPN vendor to ask questions or get more details on how to change your IP address.
How to change your IP address using a proxy server
A proxy server plays the role of a mediator between you and the internet, creating a gateway that separates the end user from the websites they access. It equips you with an extra layer of security by blocking potential hackers from infiltrating a private network, delivering a safer browsing experience.
Although proxy servers function similarly to VPNs, they do not encrypt your connection. When using a proxy server, you are assigned a different IP address, providing anonymity without extra effort or tech hustle and bustle. Proxy servers are available in both hardware and software forms and are typically provided on the terms of a subscription service.
Here’s how to change your IP address using a proxy server:
- Download and install a reputable proxy server.
- Launch the application.
- Turn on the proxy by toggling the switch to “On.”
How to change IP address by resetting your router
A router ensures that all your devices can communicate with each other and share the same internet connection simultaneously. Nonetheless, if some of your devices aren’t connecting, it may occur because your router is assigning an incorrect IP address.
The good news is that you can reset your router, which will make your devices think it’s a new one. This simple and quick method will assign your router a new IP address. Still, it may not work immediately, and you’ll obviously lose your internet connection while the router is unplugged.
However, this method only works if you have a dynamic IP address. If you have a static IP address, resetting your router won’t change it because static IPs are manually assigned and remain fixed. To change a static IP address, you’ll need to contact your ISP and request a new one.
Here’s how to change IP address by resetting the router:
- Note down your current IP address.
- Unplug your router for at least five minutes.
- Plug your router back in and check your IP address again. You should see a different address once you reconnect.
You can follow this link to double-check “what is my IP address” after adopting any of these methods and verify if it was changed.
FAQ
Can I change my IP address myself?
Yes, you can change your IP address yourself. The simplest method is to restart your modem or router, which may assign a new IP address if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) uses dynamic IP allocation. Alternatively, you can manually configure a static IP address in your network settings, but this only applies to your private IP address within your local network. Most people, when referring to changing their IP address, are talking about their public IP address, which is assigned by your ISP and typically requires contacting them for changes.. If you’re looking to change your public IP address, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a proxy server will route your internet traffic through a different IP. The way to change your internet IP address depends on whether you’re altering the internal network IP or your public-facing IP.
How do I get a new IP address?
To get a new IP address, you can either restart your modem or router, which often results in a new dynamic IP from your ISP. If this doesn’t work or if you have a static IP, you can contact your ISP and request a new IP address directly. Alternatively, using a VPN or proxy service will give you a different IP address by routing your traffic through their servers. For a new local IP address on your device, you can manually configure your network settings. This process is usually straightforward and depends on your operating system.
Is it okay to change IP address?
Changing your IP address is generally acceptable and is a common practice for privacy, avoiding IP bans, Coping with geo-based limitations, troubleshooting purposes, and more. However, it’s important to note that some online services might flag unusual IP changes as suspicious, potentially leading to temporary account restrictions. Also, altering your IP address to bypass geographic restrictions or to engage in illegal activities is unethical and could violate terms of service agreements. In typical scenarios, such as enhancing privacy or resolving connectivity issues, changing your IP address is perfectly fine.
How to change my IP address for free?
You can change your IP address for free by restarting your modem or router, which often results in a new dynamic IP from your ISP. However, if you have a static IP address, restarting your modem or router won’t change it, and you’ll need to contact your ISP to request a change. Using a VPN or proxy service with a free tier is another option, as these services route your traffic through a different IP address. Additionally, you can manually configure your network settings to assign a new local IP address to your device. When it comes to how to change my internet IP address, there are methods that are widely accessible and require no payment, although some free VPNs and proxies may have limitations on speed or data usage.
Is it legal to change my IP address?
Yes, it is legal to change your IP address. There are no laws prohibiting you from changing your IP address, as long as it’s not done with malicious intent or to engage in illegal activities. People often change their IP addresses for privacy, to resolve network issues, or to access region-locked content. However, using a different IP address to commit fraud or carry out cyberattacks is illegal and punishable by law. Normally, changing your IP address is perfectly legal.
- Diana BestaievaContent Writer at ZoogVPN. Diana deeply explores the newest technologies and shares valuable insights engagingly and comprehensively. Keeping up with the tech news, she makes in-depth content, explaining complex concepts with ease.
