ForestVPN

Change Your IP Address on Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android

Change your IP on Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, and routers to boost privacy, cut lag, and unlock geo‑locked content in a few steps.

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Change Your IP Address on Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android

Ever wonder why your internet feels stuck or why a game lags after a few hours? The answer might be as simple as your IP address. If you’re wondering how you can change your IP address, this guide will answer that question. Changing it can boost privacy, cut latency, or unlock geo‑locked content. We’ll walk through how to change your IP on Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, and even your router. Plus, we’ll show how Forest VPN gives you instant, cost‑effective IP swaps.

Why Changing Your IP Address?

We do this for privacy, performance, and troubleshooting. Public IPs are visible to everyone online; private IPs stay local. When you switch, you mask your real location and can dodge restrictions.

Public IP

Private IP

Scope

Internet‑wide, assigned by ISP

Local network only (e.g., 192.168.x.x)

Visibility

Seen by websites and servers

Only visible inside your home network

Change Frequency

Usually on router reboot or ISP re‑allocation

Manually set or reserved via DHCP

The steps below explain how you can change your IP address on various devices.

1. Windows 11

GUI Method – Open Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet (or Wi‑Fi). Click Hardware properties → Edit → Static. Enter a new IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.50) and Subnet mask (255.255.255.0). Save and reconnect. Tip: Use the “Renew” button in the network icon menu to trigger a DHCP renewal.

Command‑Line Method – Run Command Prompt as Administrator.

  1. ipconfig /release
  2. ipconfig /renew
  3. ipconfig /all to confirm.

2. macOS

  1. Open System Settings → Network.
  2. Select active interface.
  3. Click Details → Configure IPv4.
  4. Choose “Using DHCP” or “Manually”.
  5. Click Apply.

3. iPhone

  1. Settings → Wi‑Fi.
  2. Tap the i icon next to your network.
  3. Under IP Address → Configure IP, tap Renew Lease or Manual.
  4. Save.

4. Android

  1. Settings → Network & internet → Wi‑Fi.
  2. Long‑press network → Modify network.
  3. Advanced options → IP settings.
  4. Select DHCP or Static.
  5. Save.

5. Home Router

DHCP Reservation – Log into router admin, navigate to LAN > DHCP Server, add reservation with MAC and desired IP, then reboot. Static IP – Disable DHCP for the device and manually assign an IP within subnet.

6. VPN & Proxy Alternatives

VPN encrypts traffic and routes through a remote server, giving a new public IP. Proxy forwards web requests but offers no encryption. Tor routes through multiple nodes for high anonymity.

Forest VPN stands out: it’s affordable, offers instant IP changes, and supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and routers. Users report latency drops of up to 30 % when switching to a nearby server.

7. Quick Checklist

  • Verify current IP with ipconfig /all or ifconfig.
  • Decide DHCP renewal or static assignment.
  • Update device settings (Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android).
  • On router, set DHCP reservation or static IP.
  • Test new IP on an online tool.
  • Check for DNS leaks if using VPN.
  • Document the new IP for future reference.

8. Test Your New IP

Visit <https://whatismyip.com> or <https://ipinfo.io>. Confirm the displayed IP matches your set or VPN server IP. Use <https://ipleak.net> to ensure no leaks.

9. FAQs

  • How can you change your IP address on a shared Wi‑Fi? Use a VPN or set a static IP if the router allows reservations.
  • Will changing IP affect gaming? Yes, connecting to a closer server can lower latency.
  • Can I get a free IP changer? Some VPNs offer free tiers with bandwidth limits.
  • What if ISP blocks IP changes? Contact ISP; some provide static IP plans.

We’ve covered the core steps and tools. Next, we’ll dive into advanced routing tricks and how Forest VPN’s features can further simplify your journey.

Public vs Private IPs: The Foundation of Network Identity

Ever notice how your router hands you a different number each time you reboot? The trick lies in the split between public and private IPs. Public IPs are the face of your home on the wider internet, handed out by your ISP like a passport stamp. Private IPs are the quiet, behind‑the‑scenes identifiers that keep devices talking inside your Wi‑Fi bubble. Understanding this split helps us decide whether we need a fresh public address or simply a new private one.

How ISPs Assign Public IPs

ISPs usually hand out dynamic public IPs via DHCP. When your router connects, it asks the ISP’s server for a lease. The server replies with an IP, a subnet mask, and a gateway. If you power‑cycle the router, you might receive the same IP or a new one, depending on the ISP’s pool and lease duration. Static public IPs exist but are rare and costly.

Private IPs: The Local Network Backbone

Private IP ranges—192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, and 172.16‑31.x.x—are reserved for home and office networks. Devices inside a subnet communicate using these addresses. When a device needs an IP, the router’s DHCP server hands out a private address from its pool. Because these addresses are not routable on the internet, they prevent address clashes across the globe.

Feature

Public IP

Private IP

Scope

Internet‑wide

Local network only

Visibility

Seen by external servers

Only visible inside the LAN

Change frequency

On router reboot or ISP reassignment

Manually or via DHCP renewal

Why Changing a Private Address Solves Local Conflicts

If two devices accidentally grab the same private address, the network stutters. Releasing and renewing the lease—or setting a static address—clears the conflict. It’s like swapping seats in a crowded room: one person moves, and everyone can breathe again.

Public Address Changes: The VPN or Router Reset Route

Altering your public IP is trickier. Most ISPs bind the address to your router’s MAC. To get a new one, you can either reset the router (triggering a new DHCP request) or route traffic through a VPN. A VPN masks your public IP with a server’s address, giving you instant anonymity without touching the ISP.

Practical Takeaways

  1. Check your current IP: On Windows, run ipconfig /all; on macOS, ifconfig. Spot the IPv4 field.
  2. Renew your private IP: Click Renew in the network icon or run ipconfig /renew on Windows.
  3. Use a VPN for a new public IP: Pick a server near your target region; Forest VPN offers instant swaps.
  4. Avoid static conflicts: Reserve IPs in the router’s DHCP settings for devices that need a stable address.
  5. Verify: Visit a trusted IP checker; ensure no leaks.

With these steps, we can keep our local network humming and our public presence fresh whenever we need it.

Take Action

  • Open your router’s admin page and note the current public IP.
  • On your device, run a DHCP renewal command.
  • If you need a new public IP, connect to Forest VPN and choose a different server.
  • Test the new IP in a browser to confirm the change.

Now we’re ready to navigate the internet with confidence, knowing exactly who we are online and who we’re talking to behind the curtain.