How to change your IP address on any device [It’s Not Hard]

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Do you want to know how to change your IP address? Whether you want to protect your security, keep your browsing activity private, change your online location, or avoid restrictions and bans, changing your IP address is a relatively simple process. While you can do this manually, the best method is to use a VPN.

This article will show you the different ways to change your IP address on various devices. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about changing your IP address, such as its legality.

The most common way to change an IP address

There are several ways to change your IP address, depending on whether you want to change your local or public IP address. Your router assigns your local or internal IP address to your device and it is only used within your private network. On the other hand, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) assigns your public or external IP address to your device and you cannot change it on your own.

If you’re wondering which IP address you should change, local or public, it depends on what you want to do. You can change your local IP address manually and will only need to do so if you are troubleshooting problems with your Internet connection.

However, if you want to access geo-blocked content on a streaming service, hide your online location, or protect your online activity, you must change your public IP address. You can do this by using a proxy server, restarting your modem, unplugging your router, or with a VPN.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the best and most secure way to change your public IP address. While there are many VPN apps on the market, one of the most popular options is ExpressVPN. We will be using them for the duration of this tutorial, as we have found them to be extremely reliable and secure. Technically speaking, a VPN “hides” your IP address by creating an encrypted connection. This type of connection acts as a tunnel between your device and the Internet.

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Although you cannot choose your new IP address, with ExpressVPN, you can select the geographic region to be associated with your device. Choosing another geographic area is especially useful when you want to access websites, apps, and streaming services that aren’t available in your country.

ExpressVPN is compatible with multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chromebook, Linux, and more. You can even use it for Smart TV systems and game consoles.

How to change your IP address on a Mac

The first step to change your IP address on your Mac is sign up for ExpressVPN on their website. Once you choose a plan (one month, six months, or 15 months) and a payment method, you’ll need to create an account. Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Go to the “My Account” tab in the top menu.
   
2. Enter your username and password to log in. You will automatically be directed to the settings page.
   
3. Select “Download for Mac.”
   
4. Copy the activation code.
   
5. Follow the instructions in the app to complete the installation process.
6. Enter your Mac username and password.
   
7. Choose “Install software.”
   
8. Paste the activation code into the ExpressVPN window.
   
9. Select “Sign in.”
   

Now that you’ve installed ExpressVPN, let’s see how you would use it to change your IP address:

1. In the ExpressVPN window, click the “Connect” button.
   
2. Go to the three dots next to “Selected Location.”
   
3. Choose one of 160 server locations in 94 countries.
   

When you start using ExpressVPN, your public IP address will be changed or “hidden,” making you an anonymous Internet user. You can use this method for MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro, and Mac mini devices.

How to change your IP address on a Windows PC

The ExpressVPN installation process on a Windows PC is similar to the process for a Mac. Here’s what you need to do:

1. After you have created an account on ExpressVPNgo to the “My account” tab.
   
2. Login to your account.
   
3. Click the “Download for Windows” button.
   
4. Copy the activation code you will need for later.
   
5. Click “Download” again.
   
6. Allow ExpressVPN to make changes to your device.
7. Select “Continue” in the ExpressVPN window.
8. Continue with “Set up ExpressVPN”.
9. Paste the activation code into the field and sign in.
   
10. Click the “Connect” button.
11. Express VPN preselects an optimal location for your device by default. If you want to change it, click the three dots next to “Selected Location.”
    
12. Choose a server location.
    

That’s all. If you want to stop using ExpressVPN, click the “Connect” button again. Doing so will disconnect ExpressVPN until you want to use it again.

How to change your IP address on a Chromebook

To install ExpressVPN on a Chromebook, you will need to download it from the Play Store. Once you install it on your Chromebook, here’s what you need to do next:

1. Open ExpressVPN and sign in.
2. Click “OK” to allow ExpressVPN to set up a VPN connection on your device.
3. Select the “Connect” button to activate ExpressVPN.
   
4. Click the three dots next to “Selected Location.”
   
5. Choose your preferred server location.
   

Please note that you can only use ExpressVPN with apps from Google Play if you have a version of Chrome OS lower than v64.

How to change your IP address on an Android device

This is how you can use ExpressVPN To change your IP address on your Android device:

1. Go to the ExpressVPN website on your Android device.
   
2. Continue to “My Account” in the upper right corner.
   
3. Log in.
   
4. Tap the “Set up ExpressVPN” option.
   
5. Select the “Get it on Google Play” button.
   
6. Tap “Install” and open the app.
   
7. Sign in to the app.
   
8. Choose “OK” to allow the app to have permission to set up a VPN connection.
   
9. Select “OK” again.
   
10. Tap the “Connect” button.
    
11. Go to “More options” to change to another location.
    

How to change your IP address on an iPhone

The following method can be applied to all versions of iPhone and iPad. Follow the steps below to configure ExpressVPN on your iPhone device:

1. Visit the ExpressVPN website on your iPhone.
   
2. Go to “My Account” and sign in.
   
3. Select “Download ExpressVPN for iOS.”
   
4. Open the app.
   
5. Tap the “Connect” button to activate ExpressVPN.
   
6. Go to “More options” to change the server location.
   

How to change the IP address on a PS4

Setting up ExpressVPN on your PS4 is a little more complicated than on other devices. You’ll need to create a DDNS hostname, register your hostname with ExpressVPN, and then configure DNS on your PS4.

You will need to use a third-party DDNS service provider to configure a DDNS hostname. We’ll explain how to do the rest in the next two ps:

Step one: Register the hostname with ExpressVPN

1. Visit the ExpressVPN website and log in to your account.
2. Go to “DNS Settings” in the top menu.
3. In “Dynamic DNS record,” type the host name that you created with the external service provider.
4. Click the “Save Hostname” button.
5. Go to the “My Subscriptions” page on the ExpressVPN website.
6. Click the “Set up ExpressVPN” button.
7. Choose “PlayStation.”
8. Note the IP address of the DNS server.

Step two: configure DNS on your PS4

1. Turn on your PS4.
2. Go to the “Settings” tab.
3. Find “Network” in the menu and then “Set up Internet connection.”
4. Choose “Custom” and then “Automatic.”
5. Select “Do not specify.”
6. Go to “Manual”.
7. Continue with “Primary DNS.”
8. Enter the IP address of the DNS server.
9. Go to “Done” and then “Next.”
10. Under “MTU Settings”, choose “Automatic”.
11. Choose “Do not use.”

Restart your PS4 and the process will be completed. Your IP address will be hidden so you can play the games you want.

How to change your IP address on an Xbox

To set up ExpressVPN on your Xbox, you can see our detailed post on how to connect to a VPN on an Xbox One, or follow the instructions below. You will also need to create a DDNS hostname and register the hostname with ExpressVPN. To create a DDNS hostname, you will need to use a third-party service provider. Here’s what you need to do next:

Step one: Register the hostname with ExpressVPN

1. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account in your browser.
2. Look for “DNS Settings” at the top of the page.
3. Enter your hostname in “Dynamic DNS Registration”.
4. Go to “Save hostname”.
5. Proceed to “My Subscriptions” and then “Set Up ExpressVPN.”
6. Scroll down and select “Xbox.”
7. Write down the DNS code.

Step two: configure DNS on your Xbox

To set up DNS on your Xbox, the language must be set to English and the location must be the United States. Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Turn on your Xbox and go to “Settings.”
2. Go to “Network,” followed by “Network Settings.”
3. Proceed to “Advanced Settings”.
4. Choose “DNS Settings” and then “Manual.”
5. Enter the primary DNS of the Express VP website.
6. Enter the same code for “Secondary DNS”.
7. Press “B” on your console to save the settings.

How to change your IP address on a router

To change your IP address on a router, follow the steps below:

1. Open your browser and enter the IP address of your router.
2. Log in to the router as an administrator.
3. Go to “Settings” and then “Network Settings.”
4. Proceed to “Router Settings.”
5. Enter the new IP address.
6. Select “Save Settings.”

You can also simply restart your router. After unplugging it, leave it for a couple of minutes. When you connect it again, the IP address changes automatically.

How to change your IP address without a VPN

If you don’t want to use a VPN, you can change your IP address manually. This process is different for each device. For example, if you are using Windows, you can configure your IP address in Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. For Mac, you’ll need to go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced, and so on.

You can also automatically update your IP address on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Additional FAQs

Does changing my IP address change my location?

Technically speaking, changing your IP address changes your online location. You can change your IP address with a VPN or proxy server. If you use a VPN, you’ll get a unique IP address almost anywhere in the world. Although you may not be able to choose your exact IP address, you can usually choose the geographic region.

Is it legal to change your IP address?

Changing your IP address is completely legal. People change their IP addresses regularly to improve their online security, access geo-blocked streaming services, and avoid bans and blocks. What’s more, if you use a VPN, there is no way to know that you have changed your IP address.

Final Thoughts on How to Change Your IP Address on Any Device

No matter which method you choose to change your IP address, it will add an extra layer of protection to your online identity. There are many reasons why you might want to change your IP address and it’s just a couple of clicks away.