How To Change IP Address Without VPN

Change your IP Address 

 Changing your IP address is completely legal, whether you use a virtual private network or not. Here are the four simplest methods for Mac, Windows, and mobile.

Even without a user-friendly virtual private network, changing your IP address is simple. Whether you use MacOS and iPhone, or Windows 11 with an Android device, any novice can safely change their IP address in a few simple steps. And it's perfectly legal as long as you're not breaking any other laws. Your computer and phone have several types of IP addresses (Internet Protocol, a unique series of numbers that identify your specific device with your online browsing), but we'll focus on the ones that are normally changed to protect your privacy while browsing and those that make you appear to be in a different country.

In less than five minutes, you can change your IP address using one of four simple methods. Using a proxy server or a VPN is the best way to not only change your IP address temporarily, but also protect your privacy. If you just want to change your IP address without the added privacy benefit, you can either enter it manually or force your device to retrieve a new one automatically.

Remember that changing your IP address will temporarily disrupt any internet-connected services or programmes on your device. There is no harm done, but it has the same effect as if you had temporarily lost your Wi-Fi. Spotify may experience a hiccup. Media streaming services will experience a brief brain freeze. You may need to restart if you're sending or receiving files. You may also need to log back in to whatever secure site you are currently using.

Here are the quickest and simplest methods for changing your IP address.

How to change your IP address with a VPN or proxy server ?

When you use any of the virtual private networks listed in our directory, the service will automatically make you appear to have a different IP address from the country you choose. Simply launch your VPN app and connect to any city other than your current one; in less than 30 seconds, your IP address will appear to be from wherever you chose.

Browser-based VPNs and proxies are significantly lighter than standalone VPN apps. There are some significant privacy differences that I've discussed elsewhere, but using a proxy also changes your visible IP address. Proxy servers and browser-based VPNs are available in Chrome, Firefox, and Brave Browser.

Installing a VPN on your iPhone or Android device is as simple as installing any other app.I also have a step-by-step guide if you want to see how to do it. If you play on a console, I've got a quick walkthrough for you on how to set up a VPN on an Xbox, as well as a list of the ones that performed best in my tests.

If you've never used a VPN but are thinking about getting one, I've got the Cliff's Notes version of how to choose the right one that you might find useful. Just avoid free VPNs at all costs. The malware risk is simply not worth it. Instead, go with the cheapest options I've tested for you.

How to change your IP address by unplugging the router

The simplest and quickest way to obtain a new IP address is to first determine your current IP address using an IP-checking site, then walk over to your router and unplug it for at least five minutes. It could take several minutes longer, depending on how long your ISP typically takes to renew IP addresses. Refresh the website after plugging it back in to ensure your IP address has changed.

Essentially, you're attempting to make the IP-assigning section of your router "forget" your device, so that it treats it as a newcomer and assigns it a new address.

This is not, however, foolproof. It may take several attempts, and in some cases, you may need to turn off the router overnight. If you have a router that is separate from your modem (most are now combined devices), you may need to unplug the modem and router, wait 5 minutes, then turn on the modem first, then the router.

However, getting out of bed is overrated.

How to automatically update your IP address on Mac, iOS, Windows and Android

Here's how to do it on a Mac, iOS, Windows, or Android device:

MacOS: Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences, Network, and Advanced. Click TCP/IP at the top of the next screen, then click the Renew DHCP Lease button on the right side of the window.

Ios: Navigate to Settings, then Network, and select the wireless network you're currently using. Tap Configure IP then Automatic in the IPv4 address section.

Windows 10: Press the Win+R keys simultaneously. This brings up the Run box dialogue. Enter cmd and then press Enter on your keyboard. This brings up the command prompt.

For those who have never used a command prompt in Windows: This is the part where you will either be terrified that something will break, or you will suddenly feel like you're about to do something extremely cool. Do not be alarmed; neither of these things will occur. The magical black box has that effect on everyone the first time they see it.

Enter ipconfig /release (including the space) into the command prompt. Some text will be zoomed out. When it comes to a halt, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter again. Then exit the command prompt. You're finished.

Android: Navigate to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap on the network to which you are currently connected. To the right of the network, tap the gear-shaped icon. Your IP address will be displayed here, but scroll down to the bottom of the screen and, after entering your Wi-Fi password, tap Forget (the trash icon in the bottom-right corner). Your phone will lose connection to the Wi-Fi network and will be disconnected. Simply reconnect to your network to receive a new IP address.

How to manually change your IP address ?

If you already have a new IP address that you know you want to use, follow these steps.

MacOS: Navigate to System Preferences and select Network. Select Network Connection, then IPv4 Configuration. Select Manually and enter the IP address you've chosen.

iOS: Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi > Network. Tap Configure IP in the IPv4 address section. Enter the IP address you're attempting to use manually.

Windows: Make sure you're logged in as Administrator, then click Start, then Control Panel. Click Network Connection, and then select your local area connection. Then, click Properties, and then TCP/IP. You can manually enter your new IP address from here.

Android: Navigate to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap on the network to which you are currently connected. To the right of the network, tap the gear-shaped icon. Your IP address will appear here, but scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Advanced, then IP Settings. Choose Static. The following screen will allow you to manually enter the IP address you've chosen.