IP Address Guide
How to change your IP Address?
A dynamic IP address can sometimes be changed by reconnecting your router, renewing your connection, switching networks, or using a VPN. The right method depends on whether you need a fresh ISP address or an address from another location.
Your Current Connection
- Current IP
- 216.73.217.55
- IP Version
- IPv4
- Location
- Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
- Network
- Earthlink
Static vs dynamic IP addresses
Depending on your Internet service, you may receive a static or dynamic IP address from your ISP. A static IP address is intended to stay the same, while a dynamic IP address can change when your provider assigns a new DHCP lease.
Most residential routers and smartphones use dynamic addressing. In a home network, the router receives the public IP address and shares it with devices using private addresses. That is why changing the router connection usually matters more than changing a laptop address inside the home network.
1. Change your IP country with a VPN
If you need an IP address in another country, changing the address from your current ISP usually will not help. A VPN is the practical option because it routes traffic through a server in the region you choose.
A VPN can help with regional blocks, game server restrictions, streaming availability, and privacy. It also masks your real public IP address while adding encryption between your device and the VPN provider.
2. Restart or reconnect your router
Most home networks use a router that receives a public IP address from the ISP and shares the connection with devices inside the home. If you want websites to see a different public IP address, the router is usually the device that needs a new address.
Turn the router off for a few minutes and turn it back on. DHCP often remembers the router and assigns the same address, so a longer overnight shutdown may work better. Some routers also offer a disconnect or reconnect button in the admin console.
3. Renew the IP address on your computer
If your computer connects directly to an ISP gateway, you may be able to release and renew the address from the operating system. This usually changes a private network address when you are behind a router, but it can change a public address for direct connections.
On Windows, open an elevated Command Prompt and run ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew. After that, verify the result with ipconfig or by visiting the What is My IP page.
4. Change networks on your smartphone
When a phone is connected to Wi-Fi, changing the phone address usually changes only the private address inside that Wi-Fi network. Websites still see the public IP address of the router.
To change the public address, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, restart the phone, or use the phone as a hotspot. Your mobile carrier will assign the public address used for that session.
5. Use someone else network
You can also change the public IP address websites see by using another network. Public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, hotel, library, airport, or office will use that network public address instead of your home address.
Public Wi-Fi can expose your traffic to additional risk. Use HTTPS websites and consider using a VPN whenever privacy or account security matters.
Windows release and renew example
The commands below release the current address and request a new one from DHCP.
C:\> ipconfig /release
C:\> ipconfig /renew
C:\> ipconfigFAQs
Will restarting my router always change my IP address?
No. Many ISPs use DHCP leases that remember your router and give it the same address again. A longer shutdown, admin-console reconnect, or ISP request may be needed.
Can I choose a specific country by resetting my router?
No. Your ISP assigns an address from its own network. To choose another country, use a VPN or proxy provider with servers in that country.
Does ipconfig /renew change my public IP address?
Only in direct-to-ISP setups. If you are behind a router, it usually changes the private address assigned to your computer, while your public router address stays the same.
Can a mobile hotspot change my IP address?
Yes. A mobile hotspot uses your carrier network, so websites see an address from that carrier rather than your home ISP.
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