How to change your IP address
If you want to change your IP address on your home computer, there are few ways that might work for you—some simple, some not. Before trying more complicated/technical methods described below, you can try something that's very easy.
- Simply turn off or unplug your modem for about five minutes. (You don't have to turn your computer off.) In many cases this alone will change your IP address when you go back online.
- If that doesn't work, try unplugging your modem overnight and checking your IP address the next morning.
To check the IP address you're currently using, simply go to our homepage. Hopefully one of these simpler steps will give you the result you wanted.
Have laptop, go mobile
If you have a laptop, you can switch to a new IP address very easily, if only temporarily—but you can do it anytime you want.
Just go to any coffee shop, bookstore or other place that offers free wireless Internet (Wi-Fi®). Your IP address will automatically change because you'll be using a different Internet connection to send email or join chat rooms.
How about a proxy?
If you're trying to change your IP address primarily because you want to access web-based forums, you may wish to look into using a proxy server. Learn more by reading our article on proxies.
What next?
If you're not the technical type, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) and ask them if they are able to change your IP address or how long your connection needs to be off for your IP address to change.
If you're up for more-advanced methods, and you use Windows, try the steps below and see if your IP address changes.
For Windows users
- Computer connected directly to a cable or DSL modem- Get to a command prompt. (START, run, cmd).
- Type "ipconfig /release" (without the quotes, on the command line by itself).
- Shut down computer.
- Turn off computer.
- Turn off all ethernet hubs/switches.
- Turn off cable/DSL modem.
- Leave off overnight.
- Turn everything back on.
For networks using a Router
- Log into the router's admin console. (Often http://192.168.1.1/)
- Release the IP address (method varies by router manufacturer)
- Turn off router, ethernet hubs/switches, and the cable/DSL modem
- Leave off overnight
- Next day, turn everything back on
If you are using a cable/DSL modem and a router, you may wish to connect your computer directly to the cable/DSL modem. Please note that this could significantly impact your system security.
If you have a router and you're still not having any luck, check to see if there is a "Clone MAC Address" option. Using it should change your IP address; however, in most cases you'll only be able to do it once.
If this does not answer your question, please visit the change IP address forum.
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