People search for change my IP address for many reasons: privacy, troubleshooting, network bans, wrong IP location, or testing a website. The right method depends on whether you want to change your public IP address, your private local IP address, or your router IP address.
Public IP vs Private IP
Your public IP is the address websites see. Your private IP is used inside your home or office network. Restarting a device may change a private IP, but it may not change your public IP. To check the public address, use the IP lookup tool.
Common Ways To Change Your Public IP
- Reconnect your modem or router and wait before turning it back on.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
- Connect to a VPN server in another region.
- Ask your ISP whether your connection uses dynamic IP assignment.
- Use another network, such as a trusted hotspot.
Why Your IP May Not Change
If you cannot change your IP address, your ISP may assign sticky dynamic addresses, a static IP, or CGNAT routing. Some routers also reconnect too quickly and receive the same IP again. Business internet plans often keep the same address for reliability.
Device-Specific Checks
On Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, the device settings usually show your local network IP, not always the public IP websites see. For public checks, use an external page. For local troubleshooting, use your network settings and router admin page.
Related reading: why does my IP address change, static vs dynamic IP, and what is CGNAT.