Internet Basics · 5 min read · By WhatsMyIPv4 Team · Updated June 24, 2026

How to Change Your IP Address

There are a few ways to change your IP, depending on whether you want a different public address, a fresh local one, or to appear in another location entirely.

Change your public IP

Unplug your router for a couple of minutes, then plug it back in. Many ISPs hand out a new address when it reconnects.
If it doesn't change, leave the router off for longer, since the old address lease may still be held.
Still stuck? Contact your ISP and ask whether your plan uses a static address.

Appear in a different location

Use a VPN. It replaces your public IP with the VPN server's, so you can appear in another city or country instantly. This is the fastest and most flexible option.

Change your local IP

On Windows, open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /release, then ipconfig /renew.
Your router will usually hand back a different local address.

Switch networks

Moving from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or to a different Wi-Fi network, gives you a completely different public IP with no settings to change.

Frequently asked questions

Is changing my IP legal?

Yes. Getting a new IP, or using a VPN to change it, is perfectly legal in most places. It's a normal part of how networks work.

Will changing my IP make me anonymous?

No. It changes the address sites see, but cookies, logins, and fingerprinting can still identify you. Pair it with privacy-focused browser settings for more.