Your IP address is like your online fingerprint in that it’s unique and trackable, but what if you could swap it out whenever you choose?

It can significantly improve your privacy and security, as well as help troubleshoot issues and access restricted content.

But isn’t changing your IP address difficult? In short, no. It’s much more straightforward than you think. 

This page will expand on why you should do it in the first place, outline the different methods you can use, and how to implement them for your particular device. 

Table of Contents

Why Change Your IP Address?
3 Methods to Change Your IP Address
How to Change Your IP Address Using a VPN
How to Change Your IP Address Using a Proxy Server
How to Change Your IP Address with Control D
Final Thoughts

Why Change Your IP Address?

  • Enhanced Privacy – Websites and online services often log your IP address to track your web activity and physical location. Changing your IP helps keep your online activities private and anonymizes your location.
  • Greater Security – Hackers can use your IP address to conduct cyber attacks. Changing your IP makes it harder for them to attack you.
  • Troubleshoot Issues – Sometimes, network conflicts or connectivity issues arise. Changing your IP address can help reset your connection and resolve the issue.
  • Access Geo-restricted Content – Some websites and services limit access based on location. By changing your IP address to an approved region, you can access this otherwise restricted content.
  • Bypass Restrictions – Some networks like schools or workplaces – and in some cases, governments – block certain websites based on IP addresses. Changing your IP can help bypass these restrictions.

3 Methods to Change Your IP Address

There are six main methods to change your IP address:

  • Utilize a VPN service.
  • Utilize a proxy server.
  • Utilize Control D.

Let’s explore these in more detail.

How to Change Your IP Address Using a VPN

  1. Choose a reputable VPN provider.
  2. Download and install it onto your device.
  3. Select a server or utilize its ‘Best Location’ feature.

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service is the most common way to change your IP address. They encrypt your internet connection and route traffic through a secure server, thus masking your real IP address and providing anonymity online. 

VPNs can help protect your privacy, secure sensitive data, and bypass geo-restrictions, but choosing a reliable VPN service is crucial. Select one that offers strong security, no data logging, and consistent performance.

Pros:

  • Hides your real IP address for more privacy.
  • Encrypts your internet connection to allow for anonymous browsing. 
  • Offers greater security and privacy.
  • Allows you to access geo-restricted content and bypass censorship.
  • Gives you the option to choose a server in a particular country (and sometimes city).

Cons:

  • It can slow down internet speed.
  • Some websites and services block VPN connections.
  • Quality VPN services require a paid subscription.
  • Not all VPN providers are trustworthy.

How to Change Your IP Address Using a Proxy Server

Changing your IP address through a proxy server is a simple process that routes your internet traffic through a proxy, masking your real IP address with one from the proxy’s server.

Pros:

  • Quick and easy.
  • Hides your real IP address for more privacy.
  • Allows you to access geo-restricted content and bypass censorship.

Cons:

  • It can slow down internet speed.
  • Some websites and services block proxy connections.
  • Most proxies do not encrypt your internet traffic.
  • Some proxy providers aren’t trustworthy.

Using a Proxy Server on Windows 11

  1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Select Proxy and scroll down to Manual proxy setup.
  3. Click Set up next to Use a proxy server.
  4. Enter the IP address and Port number of the proxy server.
  5. Click Save.

Using a Proxy Server on Windows 10

  1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Select Proxy and scroll down to Manual proxy setup.
  3. Enable the toggle for Use a proxy server.
  4. Enter the IP address and Port number of the proxy server.
  5. Click Save.

Using a Proxy Server on MacOS

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and navigate to System Settings > Network.
  2. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  3. Click Details and navigate to the Proxies tab.
  4. Enable the toggle for Web Proxy (HTTP) and Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS).
  5. Enter the Server address and Port number 
  6. Click OK.

Using a Proxy Server on Linux

  1. Navigate to System > Settings > Network.
  2. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Wired), and click the gear icon next to it.
  3. Navigate to the Proxy tab.
  4. Select Manual under Proxy Settings.
  5. Enter the proxy IP address and Port number.
  6. Click Apply to save.

Using a Proxy Server on ChromeOS

  1. Navigate to Settings > Network.
  2. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  3. Click on Proxy to expand the section.
  4. Enable the toggle for Allow proxies for shared networks.
  5. Select Manual proxy configuration.
  6. Check the Use the same proxy for all protocols box.
  7. Enter the Server address and Port number.

Using a Proxy Server on iOS (iPhone & iPad)

  1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the (i) next to your connected network.
  3. Scroll down and tap Configure Proxy.
  4. Tap Manual.
  5. Enter the Server address and Port number.
  6. Tap Save.

Using a Proxy Server on Android

  1. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Select Wi-Fi > [your network name]
  3. Tap the gear icon, choose Advanced, then Proxy.
  4. Tap Manual.
  5. Enter the proxy hostname and Port number.
  6. Tap Save.

How to Change Your IP Address with Control D

Perhaps the most convenient way to change your IP address is by utilizing Control D. This modern, customizable DNS management service gives you granular control over your DNS traffic.

But how does it alter your IP address? Through its nifty Traffic Redirection feature.

Control D’s Traffic Redirection allows you to redirect your DNS traffic through proxies in over 100 global locations, thus masking your true IP address.

You can set proxy locations for both individual domains and apps, enabling you to route traffic for each through a specific path. This means that every time you visit those apps or websites, it will be redirected through your proxy location of choice.

For instance, you may want to route most of your traffic through a Swiss IP address but access Spotify via a Japanese IP address, YouTube via a Canadian IP address, and Google’s services via an American IP address. 

Simply set the redirect rules in Control D and forget about it. This saves you the hassle of manually altering your IP address or switching VPN servers whenever you access a particular website or app.

Try Control D for free and regain control of your internet browsing experience.

Try Control D for free

Final Thoughts

From VPNs to manual adjustments, you can change your IP address within a few short minutes. It allows you to surf the web safely, maintain privacy, and access content you may be restricted from.

Each method outlined in this guide has its advantages and disadvantages, but you can always refer back to this page to learn the exact steps you need to take for your specific device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What will happen to my internet connection when I change my IP address?

Your internet connection may briefly disconnect as it changes. Therefore, any services or programs you were running will temporarily stop working. Once your IP change has been successful, you can continue using the internet as before.

Changing your IP address is completely legal, with people routinely changing their IPs for a variety of reasons, such as protecting their privacy, strengthening security, and troubleshooting issues. 

Can my ISP change my IP address?

Yes, you can contact your ISP to change your IP address for you. However, this process often takes far longer compared to using a VPN, resetting your router, or changing your IP address manually.

Can I change my IP for free?

Yes, the methods mentioned in this article are often free. However, services such as VPNs and proxies typically charge a fee – particularly those that are reliable and reputable.

Can I change my IP address myself?

Yes, the methods outlined in this article such as a VPN, resetting your router, or refreshing your IP address, are all methods you can do by yourself. Simply follow the steps for your chosen device and operating system.

Does my IP address change automatically?

Most ISPs assign you a dynamic IP address, which means that it will change automatically after a certain period of time. How often it changes depends on your ISP. However, if you have a static IP address, it will not change automatically.

How often should I change my IP address?

Most people tend to change their IP address every few months, but there’s no set rule of how often you should change it.