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| How to Change Your Public IP Address |
Introduction
Your public IP address is how websites, services, and other devices on the internet identify your computer. But what if you want to change your public IP address?
There are many reasons you might need to change your IP:
✔ Avoid website bans or restrictions
✔ Improve online privacy & security
✔ Fix connectivity issues
✔ Bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services
In this guide, we’ll show you how to change your public IP address using multiple methods, from restarting your router to using a VPN or proxy server.
1. Understanding Public vs. Private IP Addresses
Before changing your IP address, it’s important to know the difference between public and private IP addresses.
✔ Public IP Address – Assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and visible to the internet.
✔ Private IP Address – Assigned by your router to devices on your local network (192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x).
💡 Pro Tip: You can check your public IP address by searching "What’s my IP" on Google.
2. Restart Your Router to Get a New Public IP Address
Most ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses, meaning your IP can change when you restart your router.
✔ Steps to Change Your IP by Restarting the Router
1️⃣ Turn off your modem/router and unplug it from power.
2️⃣ Wait for 10-15 minutes (or longer, depending on your ISP).
3️⃣ Plug the modem/router back in and turn it on.
4️⃣ Check if your IP address has changed by searching "What’s my IP" on Google.
💡 Pro Tip: If your IP doesn’t change, try turning off the router overnight or contacting your ISP for a new IP.
3. Contact Your ISP to Request a New IP Address
If restarting your router doesn’t work, you can ask your ISP for a new IP address.
✔ How to Request a New IP from Your ISP:
✔ Call customer support and request a new IP address.
✔ Some ISPs require you to reset your connection via their online portal.
✔ If you have a static IP, your ISP may charge a fee for changing it.
💡 Pro Tip: Some ISPs allow you to switch from a dynamic to a static IP (or vice versa) if needed.
4. Use a VPN to Change Your Public IP Address
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the easiest ways to hide your real IP and use a different IP address.
✔ How a VPN Changes Your IP:
1️⃣ The VPN routes your internet traffic through a secure server.
2️⃣ Your real IP is hidden, and you get a new IP from the VPN server.
3️⃣ You can change your IP location by selecting a server in another country.
✔ Best VPNs for Changing Your IP
| VPN | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $3.99/month | 5,500+ servers, No-logs policy |
| ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | Ultra-fast, strong security |
| Surfshark | $2.49/month | Unlimited devices, budget-friendly |
| ProtonVPN | Free & Paid | No logs, privacy-focused |
💡 Pro Tip: VPNs encrypt your data, making your internet activity more secure while changing your IP address.
5. Use a Proxy Server to Mask Your IP
A proxy server acts as a middleman between your device and the internet. It hides your real IP and assigns you a new one from the proxy server.
✔ How to Use a Proxy Server to Change Your IP
1️⃣ Go to a free proxy website like Hide.me or ProxySite.com.
2️⃣ Enter the website URL you want to visit.
3️⃣ The proxy server will load the website using a different IP address.
💡 Pro Tip: Proxies work well for bypassing website restrictions, but they don’t encrypt your data like a VPN.
6. Use a Mobile Hotspot for a Temporary IP Change
Your mobile network assigns a different public IP address than your home Wi-Fi.
✔ How to Change Your IP Using a Mobile Hotspot
1️⃣ Turn off Wi-Fi on your computer.
2️⃣ Enable mobile hotspot on your phone (iOS or Android).
3️⃣ Connect your PC to the hotspot.
4️⃣ Check your new IP address by searching "What’s my IP" on Google.
💡 Pro Tip: Mobile IPs change frequently, making this a quick way to switch IP addresses.
7. Tether Your Phone’s Internet for a New IP
If using a hotspot isn’t an option, USB tethering can also give you a different IP address.
✔ How to Use USB Tethering to Change Your IP
1️⃣ Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable.
2️⃣ Enable USB Tethering in Settings > Hotspot & Tethering.
3️⃣ Your PC will now use your mobile data connection with a different IP.
💡 Pro Tip: This method is useful for bypassing IP bans, but mobile data charges may apply.
8. Use Tor Browser for an Anonymous IP Address
The Tor network hides your real IP by routing your internet traffic through multiple encrypted servers.
✔ How to Use Tor for Changing Your IP
1️⃣ Download and install Tor Browser from torproject.org.
2️⃣ Open Tor and browse the web with a different IP address.
3️⃣ If you need a new IP, click New Identity in Tor.
💡 Pro Tip: Tor is great for privacy, but it’s slower than a VPN due to multiple encryption layers.
9. Manually Configure a New Static IP Address (For Advanced Users)
If you own your own router, you can manually set a static public IP by contacting your ISP.
✔ How to Get a Static IP Address
✔ Contact your ISP and request a static IP (may require a monthly fee).
✔ Log in to your router settings and enter the assigned static IP.
✔ Restart your router and confirm the new IP.
💡 Pro Tip: Static IPs are great for remote access and hosting servers, but they don’t change dynamically.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I change my public IP address for free?
✔ Yes! Restarting your router or using a VPN, proxy, or mobile hotspot are free methods to change your IP.
How often does my public IP address change?
✔ If you have a dynamic IP, your ISP may change it every few days or weeks.
Can a VPN permanently change my IP?
❌ No! VPNs temporarily assign a new IP while connected. Your real IP returns when you disconnect.
Will changing my IP make me anonymous?
✔ It helps with privacy, but for full anonymity, use a VPN or Tor.
Conclusion
Changing your public IP address is easy and can improve privacy, security, and access to restricted content.
✔ Quick Recap of the Best Methods:
✅ Restart your router for a new IP.
✅ Use a VPN for a secure and private IP change.
✅ Contact your ISP to request a new IP.
✅ Use a proxy or Tor for anonymous browsing.
✅ Switch to mobile data or tethering for an instant IP change.
Did this guide help? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
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