Why you might need a new IP address

Your IP address is the number that identifies your device on the internet — like a mailing address for data. You may want a new one if you're troubleshooting a connection problem, moving to a different location, or concerned about privacy. The method depends on whether you want to change your device's local address (the one inside your home network) or your public address (the one the outside internet sees).

Most people who think they need a new IP address actually need to restart their modem or router, which often assigns a new public IP automatically. But if that doesn't solve your problem, or if you want to change your local network address for security reasons, the steps are straightforward and take just a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Restarting your modem and router is the fastest way to get a new public IP address, and it fixes most connection problems.
  • Your device's local IP address (the one inside your home network) can be changed in your network settings without restarting anything.
  • If your ISP assigns you a static IP address, you'll need to contact them to change it — restarting won't work.
  • Changing your IP address does not require any special software or paid services.

Getting a new public IP by restarting your modem

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider (ISP). When you restart your modem, it reconnects to your ISP and usually gets a new address. This is the simplest method and solves most network problems at the same time.

Unplug your modem from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait two to three minutes for it to fully restart — you'll see lights on the front stop blinking and stabilize. Once it's ready, your device will reconnect and receive a new public IP. To check what your new address is, search "what is my IP" in any browser.

If you want to change your local network address at the same time, restart your router after the modem finishes. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait another two to three minutes. This gives your devices new addresses on your home network as well.

Changing your device's local IP address in Windows

Your device's local IP address is the number your router assigns to it inside your home network. You can change this without restarting anything, directly in your network settings.

On Windows, open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Click on the connection name, scroll down to IP settings, and select Edit. Choose Manual, turn on IPv4, and enter a new address in the format 192.168.1.X, where X is a number between 2 and 254. Keep the subnet mask as 255.255.255.0 unless your router uses something different. Click Save.

If you don't know what address to use, pick something like 192.168.1.50 or 192.168.1.100. Avoid 192.168.1.1 (usually your router) and 192.168.1.2 through 192.168.1.10 (often reserved for other devices). After you save, your device will use the new address when ready.

Changing your device's local IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings and go to Network. Select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Details. Go to the TCP/IP tab and change Configure IPv4 from Automatic to Manual. Enter a new address in the same format as Windows — something like 192.168.1.50 — and set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0.

Click OK, then explore to save your changes. Your Mac will use the new address right away. If you want to go back to automatic assignment later, return to the same settings and change Configure IPv4 back to Automatic.

What to do if your ISP assigned you a static IP

Some ISPs assign a static IP address that doesn't change when you restart your modem. This is common for business accounts or if you specifically requested it. If restarting your modem doesn't give you a new address, your ISP likely assigned you a static one.

To change a static IP, contact your ISP directly — you cannot change it yourself. Call the number on your bill or log into your account on their website. Explain that you want a different public IP address. They may ask why, but they can usually change it within a few minutes or schedule a change for later. Some ISPs charge a small fee for this, while others do it for free.

Changing your IP address on mobile devices

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, select Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and scroll to IPv4 Address. Tap Configure IPv4 and change it from Automatic to Manual. Enter a new address like 192.168.1.50 and set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. Tap Save.

On Android, open Settings, go to Wi-Fi, long-press your network name, and select Modify. Tap Advanced Options and change IP Settings from DHCP to Static. Enter a new address in the same format and save. Both phones will use the new address when ready.

When a new IP address doesn't fix your problem

If you've restarted your modem and router but still have connection issues, the problem is usually not your IP address. Check that your modem and router are fully powered on and that all cables are plugged in firmly. If your internet is slow or dropping, restart both devices again and wait the full three minutes for them to stabilize.

If one device can't connect to your network but others can, the issue is with that device, not your IP address. Try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on that device and reconnecting, or restart the device itself. If you're still having trouble after these steps, contact your ISP — they can check whether your modem is working correctly from their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address make me anonymous online?

No. A new IP address hides your location from websites you visit, but your ISP still knows it's you. If you want real privacy, you need a VPN service. Changing your IP alone does not hide your identity from your ISP or from the websites you use.

How often should I change my IP address?

Most people never need to change it. Change it only if you're troubleshooting a specific problem or if you have a security reason to do so. Restarting your modem once a month is good maintenance, but changing your IP address itself is not necessary for normal use.

Can I pick any IP address I want?

For your local address, yes — pick any number between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.254 (or the equivalent range for your router). For your public address, no — your ISP assigns it. If you have a static IP and want a different one, contact your ISP.

What's the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses?

A dynamic IP changes each time you restart your modem. A static IP stays the same. Most home internet uses dynamic IPs. Static IPs are usually for businesses or if you specifically requested one. You can ask your ISP which type you have.

Do I need to restart my devices after changing their local IP address?

No. Devices use the new local IP address when ready after you save the change in settings. You only need to restart your modem and router if you want to change your public IP address.