How to change your IP address

First decide which address you want to change. Your public IP is what websites see, and it comes from your internet provider. Your private IP is your device's address inside your own network, and it comes from your router. See public vs private IPs for the difference.

Change your public IP

1. Use a VPN. The quickest and most reliable way. Websites see the VPN server's address, and you can choose its country. See how to hide your IP.
2. Switch networks. Turning off Wi-Fi and using mobile data, or the other way round, gives you a different public IP right away.
3. Restart your router. Unplug it, wait a few minutes, and plug it back in. Many providers assign a new address, but some keep the same one for days or weeks.
4. Ask your provider. They can usually assign a new address if you have a good reason, such as your current one being blocked.

Check our home page after each step to see whether your address changed.

Change your private IP

• Windows: run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew in Command Prompt. Full Windows guide.
• Mac: System Settings > Network > Details > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease. Full Mac guide.
• iPhone and iPad: Settings > Wi-Fi > ⓘ > Renew Lease. Full iPhone guide.
• Any device: forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect, or set a fixed address in your router's settings.

Is changing your IP legal?

Getting a new address from your provider or using a VPN is legal in most countries, though VPNs are restricted in some. Using a new address to get around a ban or block may break a website's terms of service.