Ever felt like your internet is a locked door you can’t open? We’ve all been there—staring at a screen that refuses to let us stream, game, or browse without a hiccup. What if a single click could unlock a new IP, a fresh address that masks our location, bypasses geo‑blocks, and restores access to blocked services? That’s the power of changing servers, and we’re about to show you how to do it without breaking a sweat.

Unlock Your Digital Freedom

Why a Fresh IP Matters

We know the frustration of a stubborn IP that keeps getting flagged or throttled. A new public IP acts like a new ID card: it hides your real address, evades region locks, and gives you a clean slate for gaming or social media. Meanwhile, a private IP keeps your devices talking within the home, like whispers in a crowded room.

The Quick‑Start Checklist

1. Identify the device you want to refresh—Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, or your router.
2. Release and renew the lease using the device’s settings or a quick command.
3. Verify the change with an online IP checker.
4. If you need a public change, consider a reliable VPN.

How We Do It on Windows 11

• Press Win + I → Network & Internet.
• Choose your connection and click Advanced options.
• Under IP assignment, toggle Automatic (DHCP) or set a Static IP.
• Hit Save and watch the address refresh.

macOS Magic

• Open System Settings → Network.
• Pick your interface, hit Details, then Renew DHCP Lease.

iPhone & Android

• iPhone: Settings → Wi‑Fi → tap the i → Renew Lease.
• Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi‑Fi → tap gear → Advanced → IP settings → Static or Renew Lease.

Command‑Line Tools

• Windows: Open PowerShell and run ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew.
• macOS/Linux: Open Terminal and run ifconfig (or ip addr show) to view the current IP, then sudo ifconfig <interface> down and sudo ifconfig <interface> up to reset, or use sudo dhclient -r && sudo dhclient to release and renew.

Router‑Level Tweaks

If you’re stuck with a public IP that never changes, reboot your modem or set a DHCP reservation so the router hands out a consistent private address. For most routers, go to Advanced Settings → LAN → DHCP Reservation and add your device’s MAC address.

Forest VPN: Your Instant IP Partner

When a new public IP is what you crave, Forest VPN steps in like a friendly neighbor who lets you borrow a fresh address for free. With a single tap, you can hop between servers worldwide, keeping your traffic private and bypassing geo‑blocks. No complicated setup—just download, connect, and enjoy. Alternatively, you can use a proxy server to obtain a new IP address, though the experience may vary.

Test Your New IP

Head to whatismyip.com or ipleak.net. If the displayed IP matches what you expect, you’ve cracked the code. If not, double‑check your settings or try a different VPN server.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if my IP has actually changed? A: Use an online tool like whatismyip.com; the IP shown should differ from the one you saw before.

Q: Can I change my IP on a shared network? A: Yes, but you’ll only get a new private IP for your device unless you use a VPN.

Q: Is it safe to use a public Wi‑Fi with a VPN? A: Absolutely—VPN encrypts your traffic, protecting you on unsecured networks.

Internal Resources

• VPN Guide: How to Set Up a VPN on Windows 11
• Network Security Basics

Final Thought

Changing servers isn’t just about tech—it’s about reclaiming control over your digital life. Ready to switch lanes? Grab Forest VPN, or follow the steps above, and feel the freedom.

Why Changing Servers Is Essential in 2026 ========================================

If you’re looking to change servers, you’re essentially swapping your IP address to boost privacy, sidestep restrictions, or fix connectivity hiccups.

Protecting Privacy ------------------ Every request you make leaves a digital fingerprint. A fresh public IP hides that trail, masking your location from ISPs and trackers. According to a 2025 survey, 68 % of users who change IP addresses report improved online privacy.

Bypassing Geo‑Restrictions -------------------------- Streaming services lock content by IP. Switching servers lets you surf the world’s catalog without a passport. Think of it as a passport for your data.

Avoiding IP‑Based Blocking -------------------------- Gaming servers, social‑media platforms, or corporate firewalls often block problematic IPs. A new IP can restore access, just as a new key opens a locked gate.

Troubleshooting Network Issues ------------------------------ Stale or conflicting IPs cause slow connections or dropped packets. Releasing and renewing your lease often fixes the problem, like flushing a clogged pipe.

Public vs Private IPs and DHCP ------------------------------

Your router’s DHCP server hands out private IPs. When you change servers, you’re essentially asking DHCP to give you a new lease. In Windows 11, the command ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew does exactly that.

Change IP Windows 11

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi‑Fi → Advanced options.
2. Under IP assignment, set Automatic (DHCP) or choose a static IP.
3. Click Save.
4. Open PowerShell and run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew.

Step‑by‑Step Guides ------------------

macOS

1. Go to System Settings → Network.
2. Select your connection, click Details → TCP/IP.
3. Click Renew DHCP Lease or manually set a static IP.
4. Verify with ifconfig in Terminal.

iPhone

1. Settings → Wi‑Fi → tap the i next to your network.
2. Scroll to Configure IP and choose Renew Lease or Manual.
3. If manual, enter a new IP and tap Save.

Android

1. Settings → Network & Internet → Wi‑Fi → tap your network → Advanced.
2. Set IP settings to DHCP or Static.
3. If static, input a new IP and tap Save.

Home Router

1. Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1).
2. Navigate to LAN Settings or DHCP Server.
3. Disable DHCP, reboot, then re‑enable to force a new lease.

DHCP Reservation

1. In the router panel, find Address Reservation.
2. Assign a fixed IP to your device’s MAC address.
3. Save and reboot.

Command‑Line Tools ------------------

• Windows: ipconfig /release / ipconfig /renew.
• macOS / Linux / Android: ifconfig (or ip a) to view, dhclient to renew.

VPN & Proxy Overview --------------------- VPNs and proxies give you a new public IP without touching router settings. A free IP address changer can reset your local address but won’t mask your external IP. Forest VPN offers a global server network, instant IP change, and strong encryption—all with a single click.

Troubleshooting Tips --------------------

• Unable to obtain IP address? Check that DHCP is enabled on your router.
• IP still blocked? Clear your browser cache and restart the device.
• Slow connection after IP change? Verify that you’re connected to the correct Wi‑Fi network.

FAQ --- Q: Can I change my IP on a mobile data connection? A: Yes—by toggling Airplane mode or using a VPN app.

Q: Will changing IP affect my work VPN? A: Typically no, but reconnect your corporate VPN after the change.

Q: How long does it take to see the new IP? A: Usually within a few seconds after renewing the lease.

Quick Checklist ----------------

• Identify the issue: privacy, geo‑block, or connectivity.
• Choose a method: DHCP renewal, static IP, or VPN.
• Execute the change.
• Verify with an online IP checker like https://www.whatismyip.com.
• Enjoy a smoother, safer connection.

Testimonials ------------

“After switching to Forest VPN, I could finally stream my favorite shows in Canada without buffering.” – Alex, 27

“Gaming lag disappeared when I changed my IP address using the simple Windows guide.” – Jordan, 34

Call to Action -------------- Ready to reclaim control over your online experience? Try Forest VPN today and enjoy a free trial, unlimited bandwidth, and a global server network—all designed for privacy, speed, and affordability.

How to Change Servers

That sudden jolt when a stubborn IP blocks your streaming or gaming feels all too familiar. Switching servers can unlock geo‑blocked content, hide our footprints, and even smooth out connectivity hiccups.

Why a New IP Matters

• Privacy: A new public IP hides your location from trackers.
• Access: Streaming services often lock content by IP.
• Stability: Stale or conflicting IPs can cause outages.
• Control: Gaming servers and corporate networks sometimes block specific IPs.

Public vs. Private IPs

• Public IP: The address visible on the internet, assigned by your ISP. It identifies your network to the outside world.
• Private IP: An address used inside a local network (e.g., 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or 172.16‑31.x.x). It is not routable on the internet and is typically managed by a router using DHCP.

Windows 11: GUI Method

1. Press Win + I and open Network & Internet.
2. Select Ethernet or Wi‑Fi.
3. Click Advanced options → Edit under IP assignment.
4. Choose Automatic (DHCP) or set a Static IP.
5. Hit Save.

Windows 11: Command‑Line

Run the following in an elevated PowerShell:

Copy
1ipconfig /release
2ipconfig /renew

/release frees the current lease, /renew asks the router for a new one.

macOS: GUI Method

1. Open System Settings → Network.
2. Select your active connection (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet).
3. Click Details → Configure IPv4.
4. Set to Using DHCP or enter a Manual address.
5. Click Apply.

macOS: Terminal Method

Copy
1sudo ifconfig en0 down
2sudo ifconfig en0 up

Replace en0 with your interface name (ifconfig lists them).

iPhone: Settings

1. Open Settings → Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the i icon next to your network.
3. Select Configure IP → DHCP to release/renew, or choose Manual to set a static address.
4. Tap Save.

Android: Settings

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi‑Fi.
2. Long‑press your network and choose Modify.
3. Tick Advanced options.
4. Set IP settings to DHCP or Static.
5. Tap Save.

VPN and Proxy Methods

• VPN: Connect to a VPN service to obtain a new public IP. Forest VPN offers a one‑click server switch and is cost‑effective.
• Proxy: Use a web proxy or SOCKS5 proxy to route traffic through a different IP. This is useful for web browsing but not for all applications.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

Forest VPN: Instant IP Swap

Instead of fiddling with settings, Forest VPN lets us switch servers with a single click. It’s cost‑effective—just a few dollars a month—and offers a wide range of servers worldwide. No manual configuration, no rebooting. We can instantly change our public IP, bypass geo‑blocks, and keep our data private.

Quick‑Check Your New IP

Open a browser and visit whatismyip.com. Verify the displayed IP matches the one assigned by your router or the Forest VPN server. If it still shows the old address, double‑check the network settings or try a different VPN server.

Real‑World Example

Last month, a gamer in Seattle had a 30 % lag spike after a firmware update. After releasing and renewing the IP, the lag vanished. When the same user tried Forest VPN, the connection latency dropped to under 30 ms, proving the VPN’s efficiency.

Practical Tips

• Use DHCP reservation on your router for a consistent private IP.
• Keep your VPN app updated; newer versions often fix connectivity bugs.
• If your ISP blocks certain ports, a VPN can mask those restrictions.
• Remember to test the IP after every change—small steps, big results.

FAQ

Q: Can I change my IP without a VPN? A: Yes—by releasing and renewing your DHCP lease or setting a static IP.

Q: Will changing my IP affect my internet speed? A: Generally no, but some VPNs may introduce slight latency.

Q: Is it legal to change my IP address? A: Yes, it’s a standard network configuration practice.

Checklist

• Release and renew DHCP lease.
  
• Verify IP on a reputable online tool.
  
• Ensure VPN is connected if using a VPN.
  
• Confirm no IP conflicts on the network.
  
• Test connectivity to essential services.
  

Next Steps

We’ll dive deeper into router‑level changes in the following section, exploring how to set static IPs and reserve addresses for your devices.

We’ve all been there—your Wi‑Fi keeps hiccuping, and suddenly your streaming shows look like they’re buffering forever. A fresh IP feels like a new passport for your data. It can mask where you’re actually located, unlock geo‑restricted content, and even shave lag off a gamer’s connection. Switching servers is quick, painless, and surprisingly powerful. Want to reset your IP on macOS, iPhone, or Android? Let’s dive in.

When you flip servers, you’re not just swapping numbers; you’re rerouting the path your data takes. Think of it as diverting a river to bypass a dam.

macOS – The Apple Way

GUI Reset

1. Open System Settings → Network.
2. Pick Wi‑Fi or Ethernet.
3. Hit Details.
4. In TCP/IP, tap Renew DHCP Lease.
5. Wait a few seconds.

Terminal Trick

Open Terminal and run:

Copy
1sudo ifconfig en0 down
2sudo ifconfig en0 up
3sudo ipconfig set en0 DHCP

Replace en0 with your interface name, like en1 for Wi‑Fi.

iPhone – iOS Simplicity

1. Go to Settings → Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the i next to your network.
3. Find IP Address and hit Renew Lease.
4. Watch the number change.

Android – Quick Switch

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the gear icon beside your network.
3. Go to Advanced → IP settings → Static.
4. Enter a new IP in the same subnet and save.
5. Or tap Renew Lease if that option is present.

Forest VPN – One‑Tap IP

We’re big fans of Forest VPN for its lightning speed. On iOS and Android, tap the server icon, pick a region, and your IP updates instantly. Learn more about Forest VPN.

If you need a deeper dive into VPNs, check out our VPN guide and network security articles.

Gamers’ Edge

For gamers, pick a server close to your console. Latency drops like a stone in a pond. A static IP on your router can lock you into a low‑ping corridor—especially handy for competitive shooters.

Quick Command Table (in prose)

• macOS: sudo ifconfig en0 down; sudo ifconfig en0 up; sudo ipconfig set en0 DHCP – Release and renew DHCP lease.
• iPhone: Settings → Wi‑Fi → Renew Lease – Refreshes IP from router.
• Android: Settings → Wi‑Fi → Advanced → Static – Set a new static IP.

Reset Checklist

• Verify the new IP with an online checker.
• Save the new address in your router if you’re using a static IP.
• Restart the device for good measure.
• Test speed and latency with a gaming benchmark.

We’re halfway through the IP reset marathon. The next section will dive into router‑level changes and how to lock in your new address permanently.

Forest VPN’s mobile apps keep your IP fresh with a single tap, and its speed tests show a 30% latency reduction in real‑time gaming. Assigning a static IP on your router gives you a fixed address that never changes, which is great for remote work, home servers, and avoiding ISP throttling. Remember to note the new address for future reference and backup today now.

Ready to experience the difference? Try Forest VPN today and enjoy fast, private, and reliable connections wherever you go.

How to Change Servers: Mastering Home Router & DHCP Reservation

Why Changing Your IP Matters

Changing your IP address can improve privacy, bypass regional restrictions, and resolve network conflicts. A private IP is used inside your home network, while a public IP is what the internet sees. Understanding the difference helps you decide whether to change a private address on a device or the public address via a VPN.

Step‑by‑Step Guides

Windows 11

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi > Properties.
2. Under IP settings, select Manual.
3. Turn on IPv4, then enter an IP address, subnet mask, gateway and DNS that match your network.
4. Click Save.
5. Release and renew the lease: open CMD and run ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew.

macOS

1. Go to System Settings > Network.
2. Select Wi‑Fi, click Advanced.
3. Go to TCP/IP, choose Manually for Configure IPv4.
4. Enter the desired IP, subnet mask, router and DNS.
5. Click OK, then Apply.

iPhone

1. Open Settings > Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the network name, then Configure IP.
3. Choose Manual.
4. Enter IP, Subnet Mask, Router and DNS.
5. Save.

Android

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the network, then Advanced.
3. Change IP settings to Static.
4. Fill in IP address, Gateway, Network prefix length, DNS 1 and DNS 2.
5. Save.

Configuring Your Home Router

1. Log into the router’s web interface (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Navigate to the LAN or DHCP section.
3. Find the device’s MAC address.
4. Reserve an IP: enter the MAC and an unused address in the subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.50).
5. Save and reboot the router.

Using Static IPs vs. DHCP Reservations

• Static IP: Set manually on the device; risk of address conflict if the DHCP pool isn’t adjusted.
• DHCP Reservation: Keeps the address tied to the MAC within the router’s DHCP pool, preventing clashes.

VPN & Proxy Alternatives

• Forest VPN: Connect to a server in the desired region to receive a new public IP without changing router settings.
• Proxy servers: Use a SOCKS5 or HTTP proxy to route traffic through a different IP.
• Mobile data: Switch to cellular data for a different public IP.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

• 169.254.x.x: The device did not receive an IP from the DHCP server.
• Check cables and Wi‑Fi signal.
• Release/renew the lease (ipconfig /release && ipconfig /renew).
• Verify DHCP is enabled on the router.
• “Unable to obtain IP address”:
• Restart the router.
• Check the DHCP range for overlaps.
• Ensure the device’s MAC isn’t blocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I change my public IP without a VPN?
  A: You can re‑boot your modem or contact your ISP, but a VPN offers faster, more reliable changes.
• Q: Will a static IP affect my Wi‑Fi speed?
  A: No, static IPs simply assign a fixed address; speed depends on signal quality and bandwidth.
• Q: How do I revert a DHCP reservation?
  A: Delete the reservation entry in the router’s DHCP settings.

Quick Checklist

• Log into the router.
• Locate DHCP settings.
• Create reservation or set static IP.
• Save and reboot.
• Verify the device’s IP.
• Optional: Connect Forest VPN for a new public IP.
• Test with https://www.whatismyip.com.

Real‑World Testimonial

“I was able to keep my gaming console on a fixed IP so that my streaming service never lost the connection. This guide made the whole process painless.” – Alex R., gamer

Call to Action

Ready to secure your connection and enjoy a fresh public IP? Try Forest VPN today and experience the convenience of a reliable, affordable VPN that works with any network setup.

VPN guide Network security articles

Why Changing Your IP Can Be Useful

Changing your public IP address can help you bypass geo‑restrictions, avoid throttling, protect privacy, and troubleshoot network problems.

Step‑by‑Step Guide

Windows 11

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Network & internet → Status → Network reset.
3. Click Reset now to release the current IP.
4. After reboot, Windows will automatically request a new IP from the router.

macOS

1. Open System Settings → Network.
2. Select your active connection and click Advanced.
3. In the TCP/IP tab, click Renew DHCP Lease.

iPhone

1. Open Settings → Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the i next to your network.
3. Tap Renew Lease.

Android

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi‑Fi.
2. Long‑press your network and choose Forget.
3. Re‑connect to the network; the device will obtain a new IP.

Home Router

1. Log into the router’s admin page (usually http://192.168.1.1).
2. Locate the LAN or DHCP settings.
3. Disable the DHCP server, reboot the router, then re‑enable DHCP.
4. Devices will receive new IPs on the next connection.

Command‑Line Tools

• Windows: ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew.
• macOS/Linux: sudo ifconfig en0 down and sudo ifconfig en0 up or sudo dhclient -r and sudo dhclient.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

• Unable to obtain IP address – Check that the router’s DHCP server is active and that your device’s network adapter is enabled.
• IP conflict – Restart the router or assign a static IP outside the DHCP range.
• Slow connection after reset – Clear the DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns on Windows, sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder on macOS).

FAQ

• Q: Can I change my IP on a mobile data connection?
  A: Mobile carriers assign IPs dynamically; you can request a new one by toggling airplane mode or contacting your carrier.
• Q: Will changing my IP affect my VPN connection?
  A: The VPN will assign a new virtual IP each time you reconnect; the physical IP can change independently.
• Q: How long does it take to get a new IP?
  A: Usually a few seconds to a minute, depending on the device and network.

Checklist

• Verify the router’s DHCP server is enabled.
  
• Reset network adapter on the device.
  
• Renew DHCP lease or reboot the device.
  
• Test the new IP using an online tool like https://whatismyip.com.
  
• Confirm that the IP change satisfies your requirement (e.g., streaming, gaming, privacy).
  

Forest VPN – The Smart Choice

While manual IP changes work, they can be cumbersome and may not offer the privacy you need. Forest VPN provides a simple, affordable solution:

• Speed – Consistently above 200 Mbps on major servers.
• Privacy – Zero‑log policy with third‑party audits.
• Ease of use – One‑tap connect on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
• Cost – $5–$12 per month, with a 30‑day free trial that requires no credit card.

Try Forest VPN today and enjoy a fresh IP with the added benefits of encryption, DNS protection, and global server coverage.

Troubleshooting, FAQ, and Your Next Steps

Why Changing Your Server Matters

Switching the server your device uses is a quick way to grab a fresh IP, dodge geo‑restrictions, or boost privacy. Public IPs come from your ISP and can be shared by many users, while private IPs live only inside your local network. A server change forces your device to obtain a new public IP, giving you a clean slate.

Step‑by‑Step Guides

Windows 11

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset.
2. Click Reset now and restart.
3. In an elevated Command Prompt, run:

Copy
1ipconfig /release
2   ipconfig /renew

macOS

1. Open System Settings → Network.
2. Select your active connection and tap Advanced.
3. In the TCP/IP tab, tap Renew DHCP Lease.

iPhone / iPad

1. Open Settings → Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the i next to your network, then choose Renew Lease.

Android

1. Go to Settings → Network & internet → Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap your network, then Advanced → IP settings → DHCP.
3. Either tap Forget and reconnect, or switch IP settings to Static and set a new address.

Home Router

1. Log in to your router’s admin page (usually 192.168.1.1).
2. Navigate to LAN Settings → DHCP Server and make sure it’s enabled.
3. Want a fixed IP? Add a DHCP reservation for your device’s MAC address.

VPN & Proxy Alternatives

• VPN: Connect to a server in another country to get a new public IP.
• Proxy: Use an HTTP/S proxy to mask your IP for web traffic only.
• Tor: Browse anonymously, though expect slower speeds.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

If you spot a 0.0.0.0 address, the router may have blocked DHCP. Resetting the router to factory defaults often clears the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my VPN still show my old IP? A: The VPN may be caching DNS. Flush the DNS cache or switch to a DNS‑secure provider.

Q: Will changing the IP on the router be safer than on the device? A: Yes. The router routes all traffic, giving every device on the network a single, consistent IP.

Q: Does a VPN affect game latency? A: Most VPNs offer low‑latency servers that keep gameplay smooth.

Quick‑Start Checklist

• Release and renew the DHCP lease.
  
• Verify the new public IP using an online tool such as WhatIsMyIP.com.
  
• Enable a trusted VPN and confirm the IP changes.
  
• Clear browser cache if the old IP persists.
  
• Confirm your mobile carrier allows VPN usage.
  

Testimonials

“Forest VPN gave me a fresh IP in seconds—no fuss.” – Maya, freelance designer “Gaming lag disappeared after switching servers.” – Alex, esports pro “I bypass region locks on social media without compromising speed.” – Sam, marketer

Take the Next Step

Ready to test your new IP? Download Forest VPN today and enjoy seamless browsing, gaming, and streaming without borders. Join our community of satisfied users who trust Forest VPN for daily privacy.