How To Change IP Address? [PC And Smartphone]

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Every device connected to the internet has a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. I tested several ways to change my IP address, such as using a VPN or modifying the proxy settings. It can bring various benefits for the user, like enhancing privacy and keeping your data secure from threats.

Methods Difficulty Rating

Use A VPN

Turning on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you modify your IP address and change your virtual location to another available region. Secure VPNs like NordVPN, SurfShark, and Private Internet Access intercept the internet traffic, encrypt it, and send it through a remote server that can be traced to different countries.

Consequently, by enabling a VPN, I could view websites and content blocked in my country while protecting my identity and data. 

Switch Networks

Connecting to another WiFi or internet network also changed my IP address on the device. Simply, disconnect from the current network and switch to a different one.

Use Command Prompt/Terminal

Executing a specific command on Windows and Mac computers removed the device’s current IP address, making it available for other devices on the network. Then, I requested a new IP address from Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) using the second code.

Windows

This method will help you enter a new IP on a Windows computer:

1. Type Run Code: Hold the Windows+R keys to launch the Run box > Type cmd > OK.

   

2. Release IP: Execute the command ipconfig/release and let the content load. It will release the current IP address.

   

3. Revise IP: Type the command ipconfig/renew > Hit Enter to request a different IP address from the server.

   

macOS

Use this simple pathway for changing IP on a Mac:

1. Run Terminal Code: Open Terminal > Execute sudo ipconfig set en1 DHCP for DHCP to issue you a new IP address.

Resort To A Proxy

Proxy servers are a bridge between your device and the internet. Enabling proxies route the internet traffic through its servers rather than directly to its destination. Hence, it enables better privacy and access to a broader range of content.

Windows

Take note of the following steps to perform the process efficiently:

1. Go To Network And Internet: Open the Control Panel > Network And Internet.

   

2. Click Internet Options: Choose the second option, Internet Options.

   

3. Bring Up LAN Settings: Head to the Connections tab > Select LAN Settings.

   

4. Enable Proxy: Mark the box beside Use A Proxy Server For Your LAN > OK.

   

macOS

Here are the complete instructions to help you modify the IP:

1. Enter Network Settings: Press the Apple symbol on the top menu > System Preferences > Network.
2. Head To Proxies: Stay on the Ethernet section > Advanced > Move to the Proxies tab.

   

3. Alter IP Address: Select a protocol to configure, for example, HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS or another > Type the IP address and port number in the Web Proxy Server box.
4. Save Settings: Put a tick on the option Proxy Server Requires Password, and enter the credentials in the boxes below > OK.

   

Android

I proceed with the method below to successfully alter my phone’s IP:

1. View Connections: Open the Settings > Connections.

   

2. Choose WiFi: Go to WiFi to view more details and options.

   

3. Go To Network Settings: Tap the Settings icon beside the connected WiFi.

   

4. Expand Advanced Tab: Select Advanced to expand the menu.

   

5. Pick Manual Proxy: The Proxy settings will be set to None by default > Tap on it and pick Manual from the sub-menu.

   

6. Configure Proxy: Now, enter the proxy details provided by your host.

   

iOS

For an iPhone, here is how you can resort to another IP:

1. Navigate To WiFi: Move to Settings > WiFi.

   

2. Access More Options: Press the i symbol. It should be located in front of the connected WiFi.

   

3. Select Configure Proxy: Find the Configure Proxy option and click on it.

   

4. Change IP: Set it as Manual > Type the proxy details and save the settings.

   

Configure TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a system of networking protocols that overlooks how data travels on the network. The TCP/IP settings determine how the connected devices communicate among themselves and with the internet.

Modifying these settings can resolve connectivity errors and enhance the network’s performance on your device.

Windows

Use the method below to configure TCP/IP on Windows:

1. Pick Network And Internet: Select Network And Internet on the Control Panel menu.
2. Open Network Settings: Go to Network And Sharing Center > Locate the option Change Adapter Settings on the left bar > Click on it.

   

3. Choose WiFi Properties: Right-click on your connected WiFi network > Properties.

   

4. Mark TCP/IPV4: In the next dialog box, highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Press the Properties button.

   

5. Alter IP Address: In the General tab, select Use The Following IP Address > Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway > OK.

   

macOS

By using these instructions, I accessed the required settings on my Mac:

1. Open Network: Launch Network settings from the System Preferences menu.

   

2. Launch Advanced Settings: Click on WiFi > Advanced.

   

3. Alter To Manual: Select the TCP/IP tab > Set Manually in the box next to Configure IPv4. 
4. Type New Address: Next, type the new IP address next to IPv4 Address > OK.

   

Through Smartphone Settings

Besides the few methods mentioned above (enabling VPN, switching networks, restarting the internet router), I revised the IP address from the phone’s settings. The whole process took me less than 8 minutes and was pretty simple.

Android

Follow the steps carefully to shuffle the IP address quickly:

1. Open Advanced Network Settings: Navigate to Settings > Connections > WiFi > Tap the Settings gear beside your connected WiFi network > Expand the Advanced section.

   

2. Select Static: The IP Settings are set to DHCP by default > Tap on it > Pick Static from the drop-down.

   

3. Enter New IP: Type the preferred IP and Gateway > Save the settings.

   

iOS

Move ahead with this technique on an iOS phone:

1. Access Connected Network: Head to iPhone settings > WiFi > Tap the i symbol next to the connected WiFi network.

   

2. Select Configure IP: Now, scroll down and select Configure IP.

   

3. Change IP Address: Pick Manual to modify the IP address, subnet mask, and router > Apply the settings.

   

Pros And Cons Of Changing IP Address

Final Words

Apart from the methods mentioned above, you can also alter the IP address by requesting your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In my experience, although using a VPN let me switch the IP address, I could not access Netflix after doing so. Therefore, I had to turn off the VPN to stream shows. On the other hand, consult your ISP or a network security expert if your device malfunctions after changing IP addresses.

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Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com