Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Public IP and Private IP Addresses

An IP address is essential as the unique identifier of a device on the network. Whether for privacy protection, network configuration adjustments, or other technical needs, understanding how to change an IP address is a valuable skill. This tutorial is divided into two parts, providing detailed instructions on how to change both the public IP address (i.e., external IP) and the private IP address (i.e., LAN IP).

1. Restart the Modem

Many ISPs assign a new public IP address when you restart your modem. To change your public IP address, try the following steps:

• Turn off the modem and wait for at least 30 seconds.
• Turn the modem back on and wait for it to fully start up.
• Check if your public IP address has changed by visiting IPSHU.

2. Contact Your ISP

If restarting the modem does not work, contact your ISP to request a change of the public IP address. However, due to the near exhaustion of public IP addresses (IPv4), the ISP might be reluctant to agree. Nonetheless, if you have a valid reason, it is worth trying. ISP Country / Region List

• Contact your ISP via phone or online customer service.
• Explain why you need to change your public IP address.
• Follow the ISP's instructions.

3. Use a VPN or Proxy Service

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or proxy service can provide a new IP address. This method not only effectively hides your public IP address but also offers additional security and privacy protection. Follow these steps:

• Select a reliable VPN or proxy service provider, register, and subscribe to the service. Best VPN Recommendations
• Download and install the VPN or proxy server software from the service provider’s official website.
• After installation, open the client software and log in with your account information.
• Choose a server location from the provided list (if using a VPN) or configure the proxy server address and port (if using a proxy), then click “connect.” Once connected, your public IP address will be replaced with the server’s IP address.

Private IP addresses are assigned to devices within a local area network (LAN) to enable inter-device communication. Changing a private IP address is typically done through the device's network settings. Here are common methods:

1. Change the Private IP Address Through the Router Management Interface

If you need to change or set the IP address range for all devices in the local area network, you can do it by accessing the router's management interface.

• Enter the router's IP address in a browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1; check the router's label for details) and log in with the username and password.
• Navigate to options like "Network Settings" or "DHCP Server."
• In the DHCP settings, change the IP address pool range, which will affect the IP addresses assigned to devices connecting to the network.
• Adjust the start and end IP addresses and subnet mask settings as needed.
• Click “Save” or “Apply” to make the settings effective.

2. Change the Private IP Address on a Windows Computer

Steps are as follows:

• Click the "Start" menu, search for "Control Panel," and enter the Control Panel.
• Select "Network and Sharing Center," then choose "Change adapter settings" from the left panel.
• Find the network connection for which you want to change the IP address, right-click, and select "Properties."
• In the "Local Area Connection Properties" dialog box, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties."
• In the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties" dialog box, select "Use the following IP address."
• Enter the new IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address.
• Click "OK" to save the changes and close all windows. The new IP address will take effect immediately.

3. Change the Private IP Address on macOS

Steps are as follows:

• Click the Apple icon, select "System Preferences," then click "Network."
• Select the current connection from the left side and click "Advanced."
• Go to the "TCP/IP" tab, set "Configure IPv4" to "Manually."
• Enter the new IP address, subnet mask, and router address.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.
• Click "Apply" to make the settings effective.

4. Change the Private IP Address on a Smartphone

Whether you are using an Android or iOS device, the steps to change the private IP address on a smartphone are simple. Here are the general steps:

• Open "Settings" on your phone.
• Select "Network & Internet" or "Wi-Fi."
• Find and select the currently connected Wi-Fi network.
• Enter the network settings or advanced settings.
• Look for options like "IP settings" or "Configure IP."
• Select "Static" or "Manual" to configure your IP address.
• Enter the new IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address.
• Save the settings to apply the new IP address.

The above guidelines offer various methods for changing IP addresses based on specific needs and network environments. Thank you for reading, and I hope this tutorial is helpful to you!