How to Change Your IP Address (Every Method, Step by Step)
People change their IP address for all sorts of legitimate reasons: escaping a DDoS attack, clearing a mistaken IP ban, testing a website from elsewhere, or simply improving privacy. Which method you need depends on which IP you're changing — public or local — and whether the change must persist.
Changing your public IP
1. Restart your router (free, often works)
- Note your current IP on the checker.
- Unplug the router for 5–10 minutes (short blips often re-issue the same lease — see how leases work).
- Power on, reconnect, and check again.
Works when your ISP uses dynamic addressing, which is most home connections. Some ISPs pin addresses for weeks regardless — if so, try leaving it off overnight.
2. Use a VPN (instant, reversible, any location)
A VPN doesn't change your ISP-assigned address — it masks it. Sites see the VPN server's IP, and you can pick the country. It's the only method that also changes your apparent location on demand. Verify before/after on the homepage.
3. Switch networks
Mobile data, a different Wi-Fi network, or a phone hotspot each come with their own public IP. Fastest option mid-game or mid-call.
4. Ask your ISP
Support can usually force-release your lease, and paid static IPs can be changed on request. Necessary if your address landed on a blacklist through no fault of yours.
Changing your local IP
For the address inside your network (e.g. 192.168.1.42):
- Renew the lease — Windows:
ipconfig /releasethenipconfig /renew; most devices: toggle Wi-Fi. - Set it manually — see setting a static IP.
- DHCP reservation — pin a chosen address in the router; cleanest for printers, consoles, NAS.
What changing your IP does NOT do
It won't remove cookies, log you out of accounts, or defeat browser fingerprinting — sites that identified you by login or fingerprint will re-recognise you immediately. For privacy, combine a fresh IP with private browsing and tracker blocking; see how advertisers track you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an IP change take?
A VPN or network switch: instant. A router power-cycle: minutes to hours depending on your ISP's lease policy. An ISP support request: same day, usually.
Will changing my IP get around a website ban?
Sometimes — bans keyed purely to your address stop matching. But sites also ban accounts, devices and fingerprints, and ban evasion may violate their terms. Fix mistaken bans through support first.