In this article I will help you to know how to change your IP Address with easy tips as usually. But before learning how change your IP Address you have to know the following:
- What is an IP Address mean?
- How do you find your IP Address?
- why do you need to change your IP Address?
- Finally how to change your IP Address?
What is an IP Address?
An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label which is assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the IP for communication.
IP address act as an identifier for a specific machine on a particular network.
Internet Protocol address specifies the technical format of the addressing and packets scheme. Most networks combine IP with a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).
It also allows developing a virtual connection between a destination and a source.
Every device that connects to your internal network, be it at home or the office, has an IP address (your PC, your smartphone, your smart TV, your network printer, etc.)
It doesn't matter if it's using Wi-Fi or Ethernet. They've all got an IP address if they're talking to the internet, or each other, through your router.
In the most basic network, your router is going to have an IP address like 192.168.0.1, and that will be called the "gateway." You'll see it pop up a lot as you look for the IP addresses of other devices.
That typically means your router will use DHCP to assign addresses to devices, where only the last octet changes. So 192.168.0.101, or 192.168.0.102, for example. It depends on the range defined by your router.
This is pretty much the same on all internal networks, because they're hidden behind the router, which routes all that communication in and out to the proper places.
If you have a big internal network, another number called a subnet will help divide your network into groups.
How do you find your IP Address?
Its an easy to find the IP Address, but it depends initially on the type of device used .
Here are the ways to find your IP address:
1. On Windows
U will need to use command prompt. Search for "cmd" (without the quotes) using Windows search. Click to get the Command Line. In the resulting pop-up box, type "ipconfig" (no quote marks) then return.
You'll see the IPv4 address (and IPv6 if supported), the subnet mask, plus the Default Gateway (that's your router).
Look above that row of data in the middle, and it shows the type of connection: "Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi." If I was using a wired connection it would have information under "Ethernet adapter."
2. On mac
Go to the System Preferences, select Network, and it should be right there. Click the connection type on the left to see the IPs for each type.
You may need to click the TCP/IP tab at the top with slightly older versions. Optionally, go full geek and open the Terminal and type "ipconfig" just like on Windows.
3. On IOS operation system / Ipad OS
Go into Settings > Wi-Fi, and click the "i" in a circle next to the network you're on. The IP address, subnet, and router (gateway) will all be there under both an IPv4 and IPv6 section
Notes:
1. If you need the IP address of other devices on your network, go into the router. How you access your router depends on the brand and the software it runs.
In general, you should be able to type the router's gateway IP address into a web browser on the same network to access it.
From there, you need to navigate to something like "attached devices." Then you get a full list of all the devices currently (or recently) attached to the network—and that list includes the IP address assigned to each device.
2. If you're lucky, you've got a modern router (or set of routers, like a mesh system) that can be controlled with mobile apps.
The app may make it a lot easier to find the IP address(es) you want. Click the icon next to each device to show the IP address and more info for each.
Smart way for automatically change IP Address
The IP address is provided by your router and assigned by your ISP. It is good that you note your current IP address before implementing the following methods so that you can verify that it has been changed.
You can turn off your router for five minutes. In some cases, it may take a long time so, you need to leave your router overnight.
Take your laptop to a location that offers free Wi-Fi and connect to the network. This will temporarily change IP address location in your device as it is assigned dynamically.
Why do you need to change your IP Address?
IP address is similar to a mailing address in the sense that people can look at it and see where you are located.
Unlike a mailing address, it won’t give away exactly where your house is, but it will pin it down to a general geographical area.
Your ISP can use it to track what websites you’ve been to and throttle your internet speeds.
Government agencies can demand this information from the ISP and use it in an investigation or just to build a profile on you.
So wouldn’t it be nice to throw everyone off the scent with a fake IP Address while you enjoy freedom online?
How to change your IP Address?
Here are 5 ways to change your IP address:
1. Use VPN services
It is the safest and strongest way to mask an IP address. It effectively changes your IP with no hassle. VPN has good security features that keep you anonymous.
2. Use tor browser
It is a browser that keeps your online activity completely anonymous. It may slow down your Internet when you connect it, but your IP address will still untraceable.
3. Use proxy
It will treat like you have a different IP address. Proxy slows down your Internet connection but doesn’t encrypt your activity. So, it is not an ideal choice for torrenting.
Notes:
- Proxies run very slowly.
- Proxies don’t have security protocols.
- Proxies don’t encrypt your data.
- Proxies intercept user traffic per application only while a VPN will protect all data moving in and out of your entire system.
4. Use public WI-FI
It is an easy way to change your IP address. However, sometimes it is vulnerable to security threats. Public WiFi does not work with Geo-restrictions.
5. Use your cell phone networks
Another fast method of changing your IP address, if you fear yours being compromised is by using your mobile’s data. As it’s an entirely different system, it will have a somewhat unique IP address.
However, we wouldn’t advise you to substitute this with your PC workstation/laptop. Instead, use it in cases of emergency, for instance, when your IP is facing an imminent attack.
That being said, we realize that relying on cell phone data is not only a short-sighted method but also ineffective.