Last modified July 18, 2021
Want to change your IP address? Whether you’re conscious of online security or trying to access blocked content from abroad, a new IP address is very useful. Each device is assigned an IP address when it connects to the Internet. When connected to any location, you are assigned this IP address for your web browsing, but there are a few easy ways to change your IP address. We explain, step by step, 7 ways to change your IP address online, including with the help of a VPN.
1. Change location
The best and easiest way to change your IP address is to change your location. When you connect to the Internet at work, you are assigned an IP address different from that at home. Additionally, any location with a WiFi network will provide you with a different IP address. Just go to your local coffee shop with WiFi to register with a different IP address.
2. Change Network to Get a Different IP Address
This may seem obvious and similar to the first solution, but you can get a different IP address by disconnecting from the network you are currently connected to and connecting to another network. You can switch to another wifi network, for example, or switch from wifi to a mobile data connection if you’re on a smartphone. The advantage is that this solution does not require you to physically move to another location. You just need to have different networks.
Remember that public, open wifi hotspots are often prime hunting grounds for hackers. Try to stick to a wifi network that requires a password and is encrypted with WPA2.
3. Unplug or reset your modem
Another way to change your IP address is to reset your modem yourself. Unplug your modem and wait at least 30 seconds to a minute before plugging it back in to ensure it will completely reset. Your modem will then register with a different IP address once you plug it back in and it restarts, some adjustments may be necessary to clear your computer’s settings as well.
In this case, you free up your existing IP address so that your ISP can recycle it. When you reconnect, your ISP assigns you a new IP address. However, this method is not guaranteed to work because your ISP may give you the same IP address again. However, the longer you leave your modem unplugged, the more likely it is that your IP address will change. If unplugging your modem for a few minutes isn’t enough, consider leaving it unplugged overnight.
For this to work, your ISP must use dynamic IP addresses. Most of them do.
4. Contact your ISP to change your IP address
Another option is to ask your Internet service provider for a new IP address. Each ISP has different policies on how they handle these requests, so answers may vary. At a minimum, you must have your account information and your current IP address.
Most ISPs use dynamic IP address systems, meaning that IP addresses change occasionally and are recycled as devices connect and disconnect from the Internet. Note that your new IP address may not stay the same forever.
In some cases, you can request a static IP address from your ISP, but this may require paying an additional fee and/or going through an application process. Once you have obtained a static IP address, you can enter it in your device’s network settings. Static IP addresses never change unless you change them manually.
5. Use a proxy to change your IP address
Proxy servers work similarly to VPNs, but with much less flexibility and security. Your Internet connection goes through an intermediary server, so websites and other online resources see the proxy server’s IP address and not yours. Unlike VPNs, proxies are often not encrypted, only affect certain applications, and may leak your IP address in other ways.
A few types of proxies can be used to change your IP address:
- HTTP/S proxies: Usually these are either browser extensions or special websites that work like a browser in your browser. They only change the IP address on data sent to and from your browser, but do not affect other applications or even DNS traffic. If encryption is included, they are sometimes called SSL proxies.
- SOCKS proxies: General-purpose proxy servers that can be configured for specific applications, including most web browsers. SOCKS5, the latest version, supports encryption.
- SSH proxies: SSH proxies forward Internet traffic from applications such as your web browser to a server over a Secure Shell (SSH) connection, so your IP address is replaced with that of the server. Although encryption is included, SSH is not a particularly fast protocol, and many websites and applications may not work properly when connected.
Use TOR
Tor (The Onion Router) is an anonymity network run by volunteers. The easiest way to start using Tor is to download and install Tor Browser, a simple web browser that routes all web traffic through the Tor network. Tor encrypts your connection multiple times and then sends the data through multiple nodes, servers run by volunteers who support Tor. Each node removes a layer of encryption, and the sequence of nodes used changes each time you access a different website. This makes it almost impossible to trace the source of Tor traffic.
Websites will see the IP address of the last node in the chain, called the exit node. Tor is free, but has its drawbacks. It’s relatively slow and is really only suitable for basic web browsing. Tor’s anonymity means it’s often associated with illicit activity and the dark web, so while it’s not illegal, using it could attract the attention of your ISP and perhaps even law enforcement. the order.
These entities cannot see what you do while connected to Tor, but they can see that you are connected to Tor nodes.
7. Use a Secure VPN Connection to Change Your IP Address
Another way to change your IP address is to hide your public IP address using a privacy app or secure VPN connection, like SurfShark. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and passes it through a server to the location of your choice. Websites, online services and other devices on the web will only see the IP address of the VPN server and not your real IP address.
The IP address assigned to you contains data about your location and a VPN will allow you to stay in your current physical location but browse the internet as if you were in another location. So, ultimately, a VPN will provide you with a secure and private connection to the Internet.
VPNs are useful for downloading torrents, unblocking region-locked content like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and bypassing censorship in schools, offices, and countries like China. Most VPNs can easily hide your IPv4 address, but many VPNs can leak your IP address due to various security vulnerabilities. Also, not all VPNs hide your IPv6 address. Choose a VPN that either disables IPv6 or can prevent IPv6 leaks by default.
When it comes to changing IP addresses, a secure VPN connection with SurfShark is the best, safest and most recommended solution. With just 2.21 euros per month you can enjoy the CleanWeb feature, which allows you to surf the net without trackers, ads, malware and phishing attempts. You can log in and use all devices at the same time. When using SurfShark, you can allow specific apps or websites to bypass the VPN.
SurfShark has a strict “no logs” policy, meaning it does not monitor, track, or store what you do online. Thanks to the Kill Switch feature, it provides a safety net in case your VPN connections go down (again, your activities and sensitive data are never exposed!) SurfShark also offers leak protection and private DNS functionality. , which means when you use the IPv4 stack, they take their security to the next level.
MultiHop and NoBorders mode feature allows you to connect via multiple countries at once to enjoy identity protection and fingerprint masking and you can use SurfShark VPN in all restricted regions. It’s great, isn’t it?
If you don’t know how to set up a VPN, just follow the simple steps below.
Here’s how to change your IP address with a VPN:
- Sign up with a suitable and secure VPN provider like Surfshark
- Download the appropriate VPN app for your device.
- Open the VPN app and select a server, in your own country. If you want to access a specific service, make sure you choose a server in a country where it is unblocked
- That’s it that’s all ! You should now have a different IP address.
Passionate about the web and entrepreneurship, I founded Digitiz in 2016. My goal is to pass on my experience to you and to be able to save you time in choosing your tools.
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