How to change your computer's IP address: a step-by-step guide

Need to change your computer's IP address but don't know where to start? You've come to the right place. Whether it's to protect your online privacy, access geo-blocked content, or troubleshoot network issues, changing your IP address is easier than you think.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain all available methods clearly and simply, whether you want to change the IP address you use to browse the internet or the one that identifies your computer within your home.

What is an IP address and why would you want to change it?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is like your computer's license plate or postal address on a network. It's a unique number that identifies your device and allows it to communicate with others. However, there are two types of IP addresses, and it's crucial to understand the difference:

• Public IP: This is the IP address assigned to you by your internet service provider (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, etc.). This is the IP address that identifies you across the internet. It's the one that websites, game servers, and other online services see.
• Private IP: This is the IP address your router assigns to each device on your local network (at home or in the office). It allows your computer, mobile phone, and smart TV to communicate with each other.

There are very valid reasons for wanting to change your IP address, and the method will depend on which of the two you want to modify.

Reasons to change your public IP address

• Protect your privacy: Hide your real geographic location and make it harder for websites and advertisers to track your activity.
• Bypass geographical restrictions: Allows you to access streaming services, Netflix catalogs from other countries, news or games that are only available in certain regions.
• Improve security: Makes it harder for cybercriminals to target your computer's IP address directly.
• Fix blocks: If your IP has been blocked by mistake on a forum or online service, changing it will give you access again.

How to change your public IP address (the one the internet sees)

This is the IP address most people want to change for privacy and content access reasons. Here are the most effective methods, from most recommended to easiest.

Method 1: Use a VPN (the safest and most recommended option)

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the easiest, safest, and most versatile way to change your public IP address. It works by creating an encrypted tunnel that redirects your entire connection through a secure server located anywhere in the world.

1. Choose a VPN provider: Subscribe to a trusted VPN service (there are many paid options and some free ones with limitations).
2. Download and install their app: Most have very simple apps for Windows, macOS, laptops, and mobile devices.
3. Connect to a server: Open the application, log in, and select a server in the country whose IP address you want to adopt. Click "Connect".

Done! Immediately, all your browsing will go through that server. Your real public IP address will be hidden and replaced by the VPN server's IP address, and all your activity will be encrypted so that no one can spy on it.

You might be interested in: How to open ports on your router!

Method 2: Restart your router (the fastest trick)

Most internet providers assign dynamic public IPs, meaning they aren't fixed and can change from time to time. You can force this change very easily.

1. Turn off your router: Unplug it directly from the power outlet or use the power button if it has one.
2. Wait at least 60 seconds: This step is crucial. You must wait long enough for your session with your internet provider's server to close completely.
3. Turn it back on: Connect it again and wait for all the indicator lights to stabilize and your connection to be restored.

In most cases, when you reconnect, your provider will assign you a new public IP address. You can easily verify this by searching "What is my IP?" on Google before and after the process.

Method 3: Use a proxy server

A proxy is an intermediary server that manages your internet requests. When you use it, websites see the proxy's IP address instead of yours. While it's a way to change your computer's IP address, it has a major drawback compared to a VPN: it doesn't usually encrypt your traffic, making it much less secure.

How to change your private or local IP address (on Windows)

This process assigns a fixed (static) IP address to your computer within your home network. It's very useful if you want to ensure a device always has the same address, for example, to open ports for online games or to configure network printers and small refurbished servers for your business.

Step 1: Access network settings

Right-click the network icon in the taskbar and select "Network & Internet settings". Once there, choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click "Properties".

Step 2: Edit the IP address assignment

Scroll down to the "IP Settings" section and click the "Edit" button. In the window that appears, change the option from "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual".

Step 3: Configure your new static IP address

Now, activate the switch for IPv4 and fill in the following fields with your network information:

• IP Address: Enter the new IP address you wish to assign (e.g., 192.168.1.150). Make sure it is within your network range (usually 192.168.1.X) and that it is not already in use by another device.
• Subnet mask: It is almost always 255.255.255.0.
• Gateway: This is the IP address of your router (you can find it on the sticker on the router, but it is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• Preferred DNS: You can use the same IP address as the gateway or a public DNS such as Google's (8.8.8.8).

Click "Save" and your computer will permanently use that local IP address.