How to Change Your Wi-Fi Network's IP Address: A Complete Guide for Your Router, PC, and Smartphone

Your device's IP address on a Wi-Fi network is like a digital passport that identifies it online. Sometimes it needs to be changed: to bypass regional blocking, improve anonymity, resolve conflicts on a local network, or simply to test network settings. But how do you do this correctly without disrupting your internet service?

In this article we will look at All current methods for changing your IP address — from basic router setup to using VPNs and proxies. You'll learn the differences static IP from dynamicHow to change the address on Windows, macOS, Android And iOS, as well as any pitfalls you might encounter along the way. Important: Some methods may violate your internet service provider's rules—we'll warn you about that, too.

1. What is an IP address and why change it?

An IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique numerical identifier for a device on a network. It comes in two types:

• 🌍 External (public) IP — assigned by the provider and visible to all websites on the internet. It's the one most often changed to bypass blocking or maintain anonymity.
• 🖥️ Internal (local) IP - used in a home network (for example, 192.168.1.100). It is changed if there are conflicts between devices or static binding is needed.

The main reasons for changing IP:

• 🔒 Bypassing geo-blocks (for example, access to Netflix or YouTube from another country).
• 🛡️ Increased anonymity (hiding real location).
• 🔧 Resolving network conflicts (if two devices have the same IP address).
• 📡 Network testing or remote access setup.

⚠️ Please note: Some providers record the IP address associated with your account. Frequent changes to your external address may raise suspicions of fraud and lead to blocking.

2. How to change the internal (local) IP address

A local IP is assigned to a device within your Wi-Fi network. You can change it manually or set it to be obtained automatically from the router.

2.1. Configuring the router (DHCP reservation)

The most reliable way is to assign a permanent IP address to the device through the router control panel:

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Log in (default logins: admin/admin or look at the router sticker).
3. Go to the section DHCP → Address Reservation (the name may differ).
4. Select a device from the list of connected ones and assign it a fixed IP.

Example for routers TP-Link:

Advanced → Network → DHCP Server → Address Reservation

2.2. Manual configuration on the device

If redundancy is not available on your router, configure a static IP manually:

On Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Configure adapter settings.
2. Right-click on your connection → Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
4. Please enter your IP (eg. 192.168.1.150), mask (255.255.255.0), gateway (192.168.1.1) and DNS (for example, 8.8.8.8).

On Android:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network → Change network → Advanced.
3. In the section IP settings select Static.
4. Fill in the fields (IP must be outside the router's DHCP range!).

⚠️ Warning: If you specify an IP address that is already taken by another device, both devices will lose network access. Check for occupied addresses via ping in the command line.

Find out the router's DHCP range (usually 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.199)

Select an IP outside this range (e.g. 192.168.1.200)

Check the IP address using the ping command 192.168.1.200

Write down current settings in case of rollback-->

3. How to change the external (public) IP address

The external IP is assigned to your router by your ISP. Changing it depends on the connection type:

3.1. Rebooting the router

The easiest way for dynamic IP:

1. Unplug the router for 5-10 minutes.
2. Turn it back on and wait until it boots up completely.
3. Check the new IP on the website 2ip.ru.

If the IP has not changed, your ISP uses long-term DHCP lease (up to 7 days). In this case, the following will help:

• 🔄 Cloning another device's MAC address in the router settings.
• 📱 Connection via mobile Internet (4G/5G).
• 🌐 Using a VPN or proxy (see next section).

3.2. Contacting the provider

If you have static IP, it can only be changed through technical support. Some providers offer:

• 🔄 IP change upon request (sometimes free, sometimes for 100–300 ₽).
• 📍 Transfer to another address pool (for example, for geolocation testing).
• 💰 Dedicated IP connection (from 200 ₽/month).

⚠️ Please note: Changing your static IP may require reconfiguring remote access, surveillance cameras, or other services linked to your address.

4. Using VPN and proxy to change IP

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and proxy servers allow you to "spoof" your real IP address to that of a server in another country. This is the most reliable way to bypass blocking and ensure anonymity.

4.1. Free vs. Paid VPNs

Free VPNs (eg. ProtonVPN, Windscribe) have limitations:

• ⏳ Traffic limit (500 MB – 10 GB/month).
• 🐢 Low speed due to server overload.
• 📍 Few countries to choose from (usually 3-5).

Paid services (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark) offer:

• 🚀 Unlimited traffic and high speed.
• 🌍 50–90 countries to choose from.
• 🔒 Additional features: Kill Switch (automatic shutdown when VPN is disconnected), Double VPN (double encryption).

4.2. Setting up VPN on different devices

On Windows/macOS:

1. Download the VPN app from the official website.
2. Register and select a server (for example, USA #123).
3. Connect and check the IP on ipleak.net.

On Android/iOS:

1. Install VPN app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Allow VPN connection creation in settings.
3. Select your country and connect.

On the router:

Some routers (eg. ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic) support VPN at the firmware level:

VPN Center → OpenVPN Client → Import Config

⚠️ Caution: When using a VPN on a router All home network traffic will go through the VPN server, which can slow down the Internet and block some local services (for example, online banking).

5. Alternative methods: Tor, mobile Internet, SSH tunnels

If VPN and proxy aren't an option, consider these options:

5.1 Tor Browser

Tor Browser Routes your traffic through a network of nodes, constantly changing IP addresses. Suitable for:

• 🕵️ Anonymous surfing (but not for torrents!).
• 🔓 Access to blocked websites (.onion domains).

Cons: very low speed, many sites are blocked by Tor nodes.

5.2. Mobile Internet (4G/5G)

Connecting via a smartphone with mobile internet will give you a new IP address. Features:

• 📶 The IP will belong to the mobile operator (for example, MTS or Beeline).
• 🔄 When you reboot your phone, the IP may change.
• 💰 Additional traffic costs may apply.

5.3. SSH tunneling

For advanced users: you can redirect traffic through a remote server using the protocol SSH.

Example command for Linux/macOS:

ssh -D 8080 user@remote-server.com

Then configure your browser to use a SOCKS proxy. localhost:8080.

How is SSH different from VPN?

SSH encrypts only traffic from specific applications (such as a browser), while a VPN redirects ALL device traffic. SSH requires a remote server, while a VPN works with the provider's servers.

6. Checking the new IP and troubleshooting

After changing your IP, be sure to check:

1. Public IP on websites 2ip.ru or ipleak.net.
2. Geolocation — does the country match the one selected in the VPN?
3. DNS leaks (on DNS Leak Test).
4. Internet speed (on Speedtest).

6.1 Common problems and solutions

6.2. How to restore the old IP?

If you need to return to the original settings after experimenting:

• 🔄 For local IP: return the network settings to mode Automatic acquisition (DHCP).
• 📡 For public IP: Disable the VPN, reboot the router and wait 24 hours.
• 📞 If your IP address was changed by your provider, please contact support and request that they return your previous address.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing your IP address

❓ Is it possible to change the IP address on a Smart TV?

Yes, but the methods depend on the model:

• 📺 Samsung, LG: Settings → Network → IP Settings → Manual.
• 🖥️ Android TV: as on regular Android (see section 2.2).

For change public IP connect your TV via a VPN router or use Smart DNS (for example, Unlocator).

❓ Is it legal to change your IP address?

Changing your IP address in itself does not violate the law, but it target may be illegal:

• ✅ Allowed: bypassing legal content blocks, network testing, and security.
• ❌ Prohibited: accessing pirated resources, fraud, circumventing sanctions restrictions.

In some countries (e.g. China, UAE), using a VPN without a license may be punishable by a fine.

❓ Why doesn't my IP address change after connecting to a VPN?

Possible reasons:

• 🔌 VPN is not connected (check the status in the app).
• 🌐 DNS or WebRTC leak (disable in your browser).
• 📡 The VPN only works for the browser, not for the entire system (check your settings).
• 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall is blocking VPN (add an exception).

Use ipleak.net for diagnostics.

❓ How often can I change my IP address?

The frequency depends on the method:

• 🔄 Dynamic IP from your provider: once every 24–48 hours (when rebooting the router).
• 🌐 VPN/proxy: unlimited, but frequent server changes may raise suspicions from services (banks, social networks).
• 📱 Mobile Internet: with each new connection (or after 12–24 hours).

Some providers block accounts if the IP address is changed too frequently (more than 5 times a day).

❓ Is it possible to hide your IP address without a VPN?

Yes, alternative methods:

• 🕵️ Tor Browser - anonymity, but low speed.
• 🌍 Public proxies — free, but unreliable (many proxies are already blacklisted).
• 📡 SSH tunnel — requires its own server or rented VPS.
• 📡 Mobile hotspot - connection via telephone with another operator.

A VPN still offers the best balance between reliability and convenience.