How to change your IP address safely and easily in 2025

Most people don’t really think about their IP address all that often. However, this string of numbers is used to limit what kind of content you can access as well as monitor what you get up to online. That’s why it’s so important to know how to change your IP address; modifying it gives you greater control over your internet experience.

Now, computer networking is a complicated topic at the best of times. Novices looking to learn first have to find answers to questions like “What is an IP address?”, “Why would I want to change it?” and most importantly, “How can I replace my IP address without breaking anything?”.

With our years of experience in the field, we can help demystify the concept of an IP address and provide clear, concise instructions on how to replace it with a VPN.

How to change IP address with a VPN

Changing your IP address with a VPN is simple. Just follow these instructions:

1. Subscribe to a reputable, security-conscious VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN app onto your device and install it.
3. Connect to a server in the location of your choice. Once connected, your IP address will be hidden and the sites you visit will only see the server’s address.

   

4. Begin browsing as normal. Your new IP address will prevent most forms of online snooping, shield your activities from network administrators, and allow you to access content from your home country while traveling .
5. If you encounter any issues, we recommend clearing your cache and cookies and trying to connect to an alternative server. If problems persist, you will need to contact customer support for technical guidance.

What are the best VPNs for changing your IP address?

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for changing IP location:

1. NordVPN The best VPN for changing your IP address. Has more than 7,900 servers in 118+ countries. Many advanced security and privacy features. No-logging policy. Works with virtually every streaming platform we’ve tested. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for changing your IP.
2. Surfshark Best budget VPN to change your IP address. Allows an unlimited number of connections and has servers in over 100 countries. Boasts built-in ad-blocking and malware filtering, plus it works anywhere in the world.
3. Total VPN Servers in 85+ countries, including China and Russia. Has its own obfuscation protocol and works well with popular streaming services.
4. ProtonVPN An advanced VPN dedicated to user privacy and security. Boasts a huge network and can get you an IP address from 117 different countries. Has an audited no-logs policy, open-source apps, and allows port forwarding.
5. ExpressVPN A superb everyday option. Fast speeds thanks to its Lightway protocol. RAM-only servers all around the world. Works with around two-dozen Netflix regions and reliable with most other streaming platforms.
6. IPVanish A fast US-based VPN with a network of more than 2,400 servers. Independently audited no-logs policy. Works with Netflix US and many similar streaming sites.
7. CyberGhost A great choice for novice users. Has over 10,000 fast servers in 100 countries, many of which are optimized for specific tasks.
8. PureVPN Quick and versatile VPN with servers in 65+ countries. Built-in obfuscation and a Linux app with a full GUI. Works great with popular streaming platforms.
9. PrivateVPN Perfect for changing your IP address and accessing geo-restricted content abroad. Kill-switch, obfuscation features, and robust AES encryption. Servers in more than 63 countries.

Best VPNs for replacing your IP: Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for changing your IP address.

Why would you need to change your IP address?

Many online services are geo-restricted, which means they are unavailable outside their country of origin. The only way to access those services from abroad is to connect to a VPN server in that location. This gives you a valid IP address and causes the website or online service to become available again.

If you travel abroad on vacation, services from back home, such as internet banking or streaming services, will be geo-restricted. As a result, you will need to use a VPN to replace your IP address with one in your home country.

You might also want to change IP addresses to compare prices while shopping. Some countries have better deals on certain products. For example, YouTube Premium is significantly cheaper in India than in the US. Because of this, changing your location and shopping around can be beneficial.

Changing IP addresses can also help troubleshoot network problems. An invalid address can sometimes be issued, resulting in slow speeds or a complete internet outage. A new IP can quickly resolve this.

Finally, a VPN can help you get around government, ISP, or local network restrictions. Connecting to a VPN allows you to get an IP address in a country where locally censored content is still available. Thanks to the privacy provided by the VPN, you can access those usually censored services without being tracked.

How to find your current IP address

The easiest way to check your IP address is to use one of the many websites specifically designed for this purpose (such as ipleak.net or Comparitech’s own tool).

Make a note of your current IP address, then try connecting to a VPN and reload the page. You’ll notice that this time, your IP address will have changed and your location will appear to be wherever your chosen server was. For instance, if you live in France and connect to a VPN server in New York, the IP address tool will clearly show your location as New York, making it evident that the VPN is working correctly to alter your IP address location. Of course, if a VPN works properly, you should also see no DNS leaks or WebRTC leaks in the test results.

If you are interested in knowing your home IP address (perhaps because you want to share it with a trusted third party or simply because you want to know it for your own interest), you can find it by using the same tool you use to check that a VPN is working.

Follow the steps below to find out your home IP address:

• • 1. Make sure you aren’t connected to a VPN or any other location spoofing application (browser extension proxy, Tor, etc)
    2. Head over to our IP address checking tool in your browser

       

    3. Make a note of your IP address (it is the string of numbers that appears next to the words Your IP address:)

Now that you know your IP address, you can easily use it to double-check that a VPN is working properly when you connect to its servers. When connected to a VPN, you should not be able to see your real IP address in any of the results. Instead, you should detect an IP address for the remote location.

How to change your public IP address

Here are a few ways to replace your public IP address(es):

1. Connect to a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts and routes your internet connection through a server in your chosen location. Websites, online services, and other devices on the web will only see the VPN server’s IP address and not your real IP address.

VPNs are useful for torrenting, regaining access to region-locked content on Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and bypassing censorship at schools, offices, and countries like China.

Most VPNs can easily hide your IPv4 address, but many VPNs can leak your IP address through various security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, not all VPNs hide your IPv6 address. Choose a VPN that either disables IPv6 or can prevent IPv6 leaks by default.

2. Use a proxy server

Proxies work similarly to VPNs but they’re far less versatile and offer virtually no security benefits. Your internet connection goes through a middleman server so that websites and other online resources see the proxy server’s IP address, not your own. However, whoever owns the proxy server can see all of the traffic that passes through it, which is a huge privacy concern.

A few different types of proxies can be used to change your IP address:

• • • HTTP/S proxies – These are usually browser extensions or special websites that work like a browser within your browser. They only change the IP address on data sent to and from your browser but do not affect other apps or DNS traffic. If encryption is included, these are sometimes called SSL proxies.
    • SOCKS proxies – General purpose proxy servers that can be configured for specific apps, including most web browsers. SOCKS5, the latest version, includes support for encryption. Note that some VPNs include access to proxy servers. IPVanish, for example, lets users connect to a SOCKS5 proxy.
    • SSH proxies—SSH proxies forward internet traffic from apps like your web browser through a Secure Shell (SSH) connection to a server, changing your IP address to that of the server. Although encryption is included, SSH is not a particularly fast protocol, and many websites and apps might not function properly when connected.

3. Use Tor to replace your IP address for free

Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a volunteer-run anonymity network. The easiest way to get started with Tor is to download and install the Tor Browser, a barebones web browser that routes all web traffic through the Tor network. Tor encrypts your connection several times and then sends data through multiple nodes—servers operated by volunteer Tor supporters. Each node strips away one layer of encryption, and the sequence of nodes used changes every time you access a different website. This makes it nearly impossible to trace Tor traffic back to the source.

Websites will see the IP address of the last node in the chain, called the Exit Node.

Tor is free but has drawbacks. It’s extremely slow and only really suited for basic web browsing. Tor’s anonymity means it is often associated with illicit activity and the dark web, so even though it’s not illegal, using it might draw unwanted attention from your ISP and possibly even law enforcement. Those entities can’t see what you do while connected to Tor, but they can see that you are connected to Tor nodes.

4. Unplug your modem

You might be able to get a new IP address by unplugging your internet modem, waiting a few minutes, and then plugging it back in again. When this happens, you release your IP address so your ISP can recycle it. When you reconnect, your ISP assigns you a new IP address.

This method isn’t guaranteed to work because your ISP might give you the same IP address again. However, the longer you leave your modem unplugged, the higher the chance your IP address changes. If unplugging for a few minutes doesn’t work, consider leaving it unplugged overnight.

Your ISP must use dynamic IP addresses in order for this to work. Most do.

5. Ask your ISP to change your IP address

Another option is to ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for a new IP address. Every ISP has different policies about how they handle such requests, so responses may vary. At a minimum, you’ll need your account information and current IP address on hand.

Most ISPs use dynamic IP address systems, meaning IP addresses occasionally change and get recycled as devices connect and disconnect from the internet. With that in mind, note that your new IP address might remain unchanged.

In some cases, you can request a static IP address from your ISP, though this might require paying an extra fee and/or going through an application process. Once provided with a static IP address, you can enter it into your device’s network settings. Static IP addresses never change unless you manually change them.

6. Change networks

This might seem obvious, but you can get a different IP address by disconnecting from your current network and connecting to a different one. For example, you can switch to a different wi-fi network or switch from wi-fi to a mobile data connection if you’re on a smartphone.

Remember that public and open wi-fi hotspots are often prime hunting grounds for hackers. Not only that, but you have to trust that whoever owns the network isn’t recording your browsing habits for nefarious purposes. If you must use public Wi-Fi, it’s best to use a password protected network and avoid doing anything financial like online banking or shopping.

How to change your private IP address

If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi router, you probably share a public IP address with all the other devices connected to the same network. Each device, however, has its own private or local IP address.

Replacing your local IP address won’t really affect how your device communicates with other devices and servers over the internet, but there might be instances in which you need a different private IP address. These include troubleshooting a malfunctioning router or configuring how local devices, such as printers and IoT devices, function on your home network.

Renew your local IP address

If you’re connected to Wi-Fi or another type of local network, you can change your private IP address from the router admin panel or from the device itself. I’ll show you how to do it on Windows and MacOS.

Here’s how to renew your IP address on Windows:

• • 1. Search for the Command Prompt and right click it to Run as administrator
    2. Enter ipconfig /release
    3. Enter ipconfig /renew

You should now see a new local IP address.

Here’s how to renew your IP address on Mac:

• • 1. Click the Apple menu and open System Preferences
    2. Select Network
    3. Highlight the network that you’re connected to in the left pane
    4. Click Advanced…
    5. Select the TCP/IP tab
    6. Click Renew DHCP Lease

Your Mac should now be assigned a new local IP address.

The process for changing local IP addresses on the router varies depending on your router manufacturer and firmware. You can usually access your router’s admin dashboard by opening a web browser and entering 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in the address bar.

How to switch IP addresses on a mobile device

Changing your IP address on a mobile phone or tablet is extremely simple.  All you need is a VPN. Follow the steps below and you’ll be browsing safely in no time:

To change your IP address on a mobile device, follow the steps below:

• • 1. Sign up for the VPN by following the link in this guide (we recommend NordVPN)
    2. Install the VPN app for Android or iOS onto your device. You can find it in your regular app store.
    3. Launch the VPN app and login using your credentials.
    4. Choose a VPN server from the list and click connect.
    5. Your IP address will change as soon as the VPN connection is established.

What is an IP address?

An IP address (short for Internet Protocol address) is a unique number assigned to every device that connects to the internet. It acts as a digital home address, allowing other individuals, online services, and websites to communicate with you.

Your Internet Service Provider provides your outward-facing home IP address (public IP). This public IP address allows websites to send data back to you.

In addition, each device on your network also has a private IP address. This private IP address is how data manages to find its way to each computer, phone, or tablet on your network.

What are the different types of IP address?

The Internet Protocol system allows devices to communicate with each other across networks. There are currently two different kinds or classes of public IP addresses in use today:

• • • IPv4: This is an older format that uses 32-bit addresses. We are running out of this type of IP address because there is only a finite amount.
    • IPv6: This is the newer standard, which uses 128-bit addresses. It was introduced to provide enough IPs for the billions of additional devices connecting to the internet each year.

These IPs help route data to the right place, whether you’re streaming, browsing, or checking your emails.

Whether you have an IPv4 or IPv6 address largely depends on what your ISP has assigned to you. Regardless of which type you have, your IP address allows other websites to send data back to you.

What is the difference between a public and private IP address?

Your public IP address is assigned by your ISP and is used to access the internet. Think of it as a house address that allows data to be sent back to you from the internet. Without this public address, you wouldn’t be able to send requests to the website or receive the information you wanted back.

A private IP address is used within your local network. It allows your router to send requested data back to the right device, for example, if you are streaming Netflix on a smart TV, the private IP address ensures that the Netflix data is transmitted to the TV rather than your smart fridge.

That is all there is to it. The public IP serves as an address that lets you be reached over the internet, whereas private IP addresses are local and allow data to make its way back to the correct device.

What is the difference between a dynamic IP and a static IP?

A static IP address is an IP address that is constant. It is assigned to the user on a permanent basis by the ISP, usually because they pay more for it. Having a static IP address is useful for users who want to host services. Because it never changes, the static IP address serves as a constantly reachable IP that the owner can attach services to. This is critical for users who need other people to be able to reach the servers or services they provide.

Most home internet users have dynamic IP addresses, which are assigned to them at random from a massive pool of IP addresses controlled by the ISP. The dynamic IP address is not permanent – it changes periodically using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

ISPs provide IP addresses dynamically to make it easier to recycle and circulate IPs as necessary. This system works fine for most home users who only need their IP address to be stable as they send and receive requests to the internet, rather than on a permanent basis.

Businesses, on the other hand, may require static IP addresses, which never change, because they are useful for hosting services like email servers, a website, or remote network access.

Static IP addresses rented from ISPs can often be quite expensive. This is why some leading VPNs have started renting static IPs. A VPN-rented static IP provides you with the same advantages, allowing you to offer public services via the static IP, which is forwarded to your home network’s IP address.

Another advantage of using a static IP address rented from a VPN is that you can publicise it without exposing your real IP address. This creates a buffer between you and the world, which helps to protect your network against cyberattacks and hacking.

Other important terms

• • • Reserved IP addresses: Special IPs set aside for specific purposes, not used for public internet routing.
    • Loopback IP address (127.0.0.1): Lets a device send and receive data from itself; often used for testing and diagnostics.
    • 192.168.1.1 (Private IP address): This is an example of a private IP, which is used to access most routers’ admin panel from a browser. This IP is part of the 192.168.x.x reserved range for local networks.
    • IP address classes: A legacy system that grouped IPs (Class A, B, C, etc.) to simplify network management.
    • Subnets: Subdivisions of a network that help organize and route traffic more efficiently across smaller network segments.

Is there a difference between a MAC address and an IP address?

A MAC address is tied to a device’s hardware, and it never changes. This allows that data to be singled out or tracked permanently.

A public IP address, by contrast, will vary depending on your connection and location. Most public IP addresses are dynamic, which means that they constantly update and change.

Thus, it is best to think of an IP as temporary and MAC address as permanent. (Except a static IP address, which will remain the same for the duration of time that you pay for it).

IP address security – How can I secure my IP address?

Wondering what happens if someone has your IP address? A public IP address allows websites and services to follow you around the web, which enables a persistent layer of tracking and allows for online profiling.

A public IP address also serves as a signpost that hackers could use to attack devices attached to your network. This, for example, is why it is dangerous to engage in P2P activities such as torrenting directly from your home IP address – it connects you directly with other users and could allow a hacker to probe your network for vulnerabilities.

This is why it is much safer to conceal your public IP address with a VPN. When you use a VPN, your home IP address is hidden, and websites, online services, and even the individuals you connect with directly (such as other peers in the torrent swarm) can’t see your home IP.

This protects you against tracking and the threat of DDoS attacks, hacking, and other potential cyberattacks. The important thing to remember is that your IP address creates the first point of vulnerability, which is why it is important to protect it with a VPN.

Your ISP always knows your IP address

The internet service provider always knows your public IP addresses no matter what methods you use to change or hide an IP address. This is inevitable because to connect to the internet at all, your ISP must assign you an IP address, and it must know what that IP address is to transmit communication and data from the internet to your device.

So, even if you used one of the above methods to mask your IP address from websites, services, and other devices on the internet, your ISP is an exception that can see behind the mask.

Even if your ISP can identify you by your IP address, however, you can hide your online activity through encryption. A VPN or Tor will encrypt all data before it ever leaves your device, so even though your ISP can see that you are communicating, it cannot see the contents of those communications.

If you need an easy way to change your IP address to that of a different ISP, try switching between wi-fi and your smartphone’s mobile data connection. Chances are, your phone carrier and home internet use different ISPs.

Related: How to stop your ISP from tracking your browser history

Changing your IP address: FAQs