How To Change Location Ip
How to change your IP address (6 ways, 5 are free)
Want to change your IP address? Whether you’re conscious about online security or trying to access blocked content from abroad, a new IP address is very useful. We explain, step-by-step 6 ways you can change your IP address online, 5 of which are free!
@pabischoff UPDATED: March 30, 2021
Most devices on the internet use IPv4 addresses to communicate, and the world is slowly adopting IPv4’s replacement, IPv6. Every device connected to the internet needs a unique IP address in order to connect and communicate with other devices online.
An IPv4 address looks like this:
123. 45. 67. 89
And an IPv6 address looks like this:
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
If you’re connected to wifi right now, you probably share a public IP address with everyone else connected to the same wifi network, but each device has its own local IP address. However, if you’re on a smartphone and using a mobile data connection, you might well have your very own public IP address.
When most people talk about changing their IP address, they’re referring to their public IPv4 address. This is the address seen and used by most websites, servers, online games, and other devices on the internet.
This article, however, will cover changing your IP address whether it be IPv4 or IPv6, public or private.
How to change your public IP address
Here are a few ways to change your public IP address(es):
1. Connect to a VPN to change your IP address
Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a location of your choosing. Websites, online services, and other devices on the web will only see the VPN server’s IP address and not your real IP address.
VPNs are useful for torrenting, unblocking region-locked content like that from Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and bypassing censorship at schools, in offices, and in countries like China.
Most VPNs can easily hide your IPv4 address, but many VPNs can leak your IP address through various security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, not all VPNs hide your IPv6 address. Choose a VPN that either disables IPv6 or can prevent IPv6 leaks by default.
If you’re not sure how to set up a VPN just follow the simple steps below.
Here’s how to change your IP address with a VPN:
Sign up for a suitable VPN provider (we recommend NordVPN).
Download the appropriate VPN app for your device.
Open the VPN app and select a server, within your own country is fine although if you want to access a specific service make sure to choose a server in a country where it’s unblocked.
That’s it! You should now have a different IP address.
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2. Use a proxy to change your IP address
Proxies work similarly to VPNs but with far less versatility and security. Your internet connection goes through a middleman server so that websites and other online resources see the proxy server’s IP address and not your own. Unlike VPNs, proxies often lack encryption, only affect certain apps, and can leak your IP address through other means.
A few different types of proxies can be used to change your IP address:
HTTP/S proxies – Usually either browser extensions or special websites that work like a browser within your browser. They only change the IP address on data sent to and from your browser, but do not affect other apps or even DNS traffic. If encryption is included, these are sometimes called SSL proxies.
SOCKS proxies – General purpose proxy servers that can be configured for specific apps including most web browsers. SOCKS5, the latest version, includes support for encryption.
SSH proxies – SSH proxies forward internet traffic from apps like your web browser through a Secure Shell (SSH) connection to a server, so your IP address is changed to that of the server. Although encryption is included, SSH is not a particularly fast protocol, and many websites and apps might not function properly when connected.
3. Use Tor to change your IP address for free
Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a volunteer-run anonymity network. The easiest way to get started with Tor is to download and install the Tor Browser, a barebones web browser that routes all web traffic through the Tor network. Tor encrypts your connection several times and then sends data through multiple nodes—servers operated by volunteer Tor supporters. Each node strips away one layer of encryption, and the sequence of nodes used changes every time you access a different website. This makes it nearly impossible to trace Tor traffic back to the source.
Websites will see the IP address of the last node in the chain, called the Exit Node.
Tor is free, but has its drawbacks. It’s relatively slow and only really suited for basic web browsing. Tor’s anonymity means it is often associated with illicit activity and the dark web, so even though it’s not illegal, using it might draw unwanted attention from your ISP and possibly even law enforcement. Those entities can’t see what you do while connected to Tor, but they can see that you are connected to Tor nodes.
4. Change IP addresses by unplugging your modem
You might be able to get a new IP address by unplugging your internet modem, waiting a few minutes, and then plugging it back in again. When this happens, you release your existing IP address so that your ISP can recycle it. When you reconnect, your ISP assigns you a new IP address.
This method isn’t guaranteed to work because your ISP might just give you the same IP address again. The longer you leave your modem unplugged, however, the higher the chance your IP address changes. If unplugging for a few minutes doesn’t get the job done, consider leaving it unplugged overnight.
Your ISP must use dynamic IP addresses in order for this to work. Most do.
5. Ask your ISP to change your IP address
Another option is to ask your ISP for a new IP address. Every ISP has different policies about how they handle such requests, so responses may vary. At minimum, you’ll need your account information and current IP address on hand.
Most ISPs use dynamic IP address systems, meaning IP addresses occasionally change and get recycled as devices connect and disconnect from the internet. With that in mind, note that your new IP address might not stay the same forever.
In some cases, you can request a static IP address from your ISP, though this might require paying an extra fee and/or going through an application process. Once provided with a static IP address, you can enter it into your device’s network settings. Static IP addresses never change unless you manually change them.
6. Change networks to get a different IP address
This might seem obvious, but you can get a different IP address by disconnecting from whatever network you’re currently connected to and connecting to a different one. You can switch to a different wifi network, for example, or switch from wifi to a mobile data connection if you’re on a smartphone.
Remember that public and open wifi hotspots are often prime hunting grounds for hackers. Try to stick with a wifi network that requires a password and is encrypted with WPA2.
How to change your private IP address
If you’re connected to a wifi router, then you probably share a public IP address with all the other devices connected to the same network. Each device, however, has its own private, or local IP address.
Changing your local IP address won’t really affect how your device communicates with other devices and servers over the internet, but there might be instances in which you need a different private IP address. These include troubleshooting a malfunctioning router or configuring how local devices, such as printers and IoT devices, function on your home network.
Renew your local IP address
If you’re connected to wifi or some other type of local network, you can change your private IP address from the router admin panel or from the device itself. I’ll show you how to do it on Windows and MacOS.
Here’s how to renew your IP address on Windows:
Search for the Command Prompt and right click it to Run as administrator
Enter ipconfig /release
Enter ipconfig /renew
You should now see a new local IP address.
Here’s how to renew your IP address on Mac:
Click the Apple menu and open System Preferences
Select Network
Highlight the network that you’re connected to in the left pane
Click Advanced…
Select the TCP/IP tab
Click Renew DHCP Lease
You Mac should now be assigned a new local IP address.
The process for changing local IP addresses on the router varies depending on your router manufacturer and firmware. You can usually access your router’s admin dashboard by opening a web browser and entering 192. 168. 0. 1 or 192. 1. 1 in the address bar.
Your ISP always knows your IP address
No matter what methods you use to change or hide an IP address, public IP addresses are always known by the internet service provider. This is inevitable because in order to connect to the internet at all, your ISP must assign you an IP address, and it must know what that IP address is in order to transmit communication and data from the internet to your device.
So even if you used one of the above methods to mask your IP address from websites, services, and other devices on the internet, your ISP is an exception that can see behind the mask.
Even if your ISP can identify you by your IP address, however, you can hide your online activity through encryption. A VPN or Tor will encrypt all data before it ever leaves your device, so even though your ISP can see that you are communicating, it cannot see the contents of those communications.
If you need an easy way to change your IP address to that of a different ISP, try switching between wifi and your smartphone’s mobile data connection. Chances are, your phone carrier and home internet use different ISPs.
5 Easy Ways to Change Your IP Address | Allconnect.com®
At Allconnect, we work to present quality information with editorial integrity. While this post may contain offers from our partners, our opinions are our own. Here’s how we make you access the internet, it involves a series of private and public connections between networks and in a world where there are more than FOUR BILLION internet users, that’s a lot of do the wires keep from getting crossed, so to speak? The secret to an organized global network is the IP anging yours can help you do everything from troubleshoot your Wi-Fi to letting you stream your favorite shows while you’re on is your IP address? An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique series of numbers which contain information about the corresponding device’s a device, such as a computer, phone, or router, connects to the internet it’s assigned an IP address, or identification, which allows it to communicate with other you visit a website, your device gives the website your IP address. The IP address contains information about the country, state (or province), city and ZIP code of the device. This allows that website to send the information you’re requesting to the right of IP addressesPublic IP address: Also referred to as an external IP address, this is the address assigned to your device. It typically changes each time you establish a new network connection. This is how your device communicates with networks outside of your ivate IP address: This isn’t shared with external networks; instead, a private IP address is what your devices use to connect to one another on private networks. One common example is the connection between your computer and printer — they’d use a private IP address. Each device on your private network is assigned its own private IP IP address: Like a private IP address, your local IP address is used in private networks to connect devices. Your router assigns a local IP address to each device via the DHCP server. Dynamic IP address: Also generated by a DHCP server, a dynamic IP address is established each time a device connects to the network. This is a temporary IP address shared with external IP address: Rather than an address assigned by a DHCP server, static IP addresses are manually set. This is also called fixed IP address or dedicated IP address, and it’s less common than a dynamic IP Version 4 IP address: The IPv4 is an IP address which uses 32 bits in its number. There’s a total of 4 billion available Version 6 IP address: The successor of IPv4, IPv6 uses 128 bits, so there are more available addresses. This IP address was created largely because of the limited number of 32-bit IP addresses is my IP address location? If you want to find out what your IP address is, there are several ways to do that. A simple Google search for “IP checker” or “check IP” will turn up tons of websites you can visit which will tell you what your device’s public IP address is. These tools will also typically tell you an approximate geographical find out private IP addresses, there are a few more steps involved:Windows users:Click Enter. A command prompt should pop up; type private IP address will be users:Go to System private IP address will display like the screenshot below; for this example, the private IP address is can also click on the connected devices to the left to find out their private IP change your IP addressThere may be some instances where you’ll want to change your IP address. The reasons for this include:Access content online which is otherwise restricted in your physical location (for example, accessing Netflix’s U. S. library while on a trip abroad)You can’t connect to Wi-Fi and you don’t know whyPrevent tracking and leave no digital footprintAvoid throttling from your internet service provider (ISP)Encrypt data for increased security and data protectionBypass firewallsFix an incorrectly configured IP addressUse a router which is providing unusable IP addressesTwo devices on your network share the same IP address5 ways to change your IP addressThere are some simple ways to change your IP address, which we’ll go over first before diving into device-specific networks. The simplest way to change the IP address of your device is to switch to a different network. For example, if you’re browsing on your home Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone, you can turn the Wi-Fi setting off and use mobile data. This will change the IP address because a different one is assigned for each network your modem. When you reset your modem, this will also reset the IP address. Simply unplug the modem for at least 30 seconds, plug it back in, and connect as you normally nnect via Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN will keep your public IP address private and signal to the network that you’re connecting via a different location, thus changing your IP address. This happens through an encrypted tunnel, and your ISP won’t even be able to see your activity. Check out options like TunnelBear, ExpressVPN and a proxy server. Change the proxy settings in your web browser settings so that it automatically configures. The Web Proxy (HTTP) setting is good for basic web browsing, though you might need more specific settings depending on your ntact your ISP. Your ISP should be able to change your IP address for to change a local IP addressWindows users:Go to your Control vigate to Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings > Network ’ll see a list of Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. Right-click the one you want to change and select to This connection uses the following items > InterInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4) Use the following IP the IP address to what you want it to users:Go to System Network. Highlight the device/IP address in the list on the left that you want to change and click vigate to TCP/ your IP address and settings according to your desired to change a router IP addressYou can change the IP address on a router by logging in to the router as an administrator account holder. The exact steps vary depending on the router you’re using. Once you log in as an admin, you have the permissions to change the IP to change a phone IP addressOn your phone, you’ll navigate to the Wi-Fi settings. This varies depending on the type of phone and operating system you have. Tap on the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to and go to the advanced settings. From there, you should be able to find IP settings which you can use to configure a new IP nclusionThere are lots of reasons why you’d want to change your IP address. Before you do, understand the type of IP address you’re changing and the easiest way to do if you’re looking to change your IP address to fix a connectivity issue, learn how to properly set up your internet and fix a broken the AuthorAlexandra is a copywriter and content strategist whose work has earned awards from the Content Marketing Institute for brands like Verizon, Four Seasons, Lyft and Walmart. Learn more about Alex’s work. 30% of Americans say their internet is too slow. Here’s how to fix it Joe Supan — 4 min read The five best wireless routers of 2021 Joe Supan — 6 min read What a 404 ‘page not found’ error is and ways to fix it Maria LeLaurin — 3 min read Latest Saturday, October 2, 2021 Elon Musk’s Starlink is not the lone solution to the digital divide Ari Howard — 4 min read Monday, September 27, 2021 Trust in technology fell to an all-time low in 2021. Here’s why we’re losing faith. Joe Supan — 6 min read Saturday, September 25, 2021 What is a Comcast lift zone? Ari Howard — 2 min read
How to Use a Fake IP Address and Mask Yourself Online – MakeUseOf
As the notion of privacy gets trampled on with each passing year, online privacy only becomes even more important.
That’s why many people use fake IP addresses. To be clear, “fake IP address” is a bit of a misnomer that implies creating a new one out of thin air. That’s not possible. The best you can do is hide your IP address behind someone else’s already-existing IP address. This is called IP masking. So how do you spoof your IP address?
1. Use a VPN
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, but is much simpler than it sounds. Basically, you can connect your computer or device to someone else’s network, then browse the web through it. Whatever activity you’re doing looks like it’s coming from them, not from you.
When you connect to a VPN, you’re masking your IP address with one of the IP addresses on that network. To trace the traffic back to you, the VPN would have to give you up (or your IP address would have to be revealed via DNS leak).
For best results, use a paid VPN service because free VPNs come with too many risks and downsides. The most important one is that you can never quite trust a free service. Are they selling your data? If asked, would they give up your true IP address? It does happen.
As such, we only recommend using a logless VPN. Such VPNs don’t keep activity logs, so they can’t give up your IP address even if requested. Plus, most logless VPNs encrypt all of your traffic to and from the network, preventing any snooping by ISPs or governments.
VPNs are useful in so many circumstances, but there are too many myths about them that might put you off; you should dispense with misinformation and use a VPN for secure searching.
Which Is the Best VPN For You?
ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are both excellent options. If neither suits you, have a look at our overview of best VPN services. Long story short: whichever service you pick, you just download the app, run it, and use it to connect to the VPN on demand. It’s really that simple.
Use this link for up to 49% off ExpressVPN plans!
2. Use a Web Proxy
A web proxy works in much the same way as a VPN. You connect to the proxy server, then all your web traffic flows through the proxy server. As such, your IP address gets hidden by the proxy server’s IP address.
But there are two major differences between proxy and VPN.
Firstly, web proxies are typically unencrypted. Even if your IP address is masked by a proxy, the traffic itself can still be sniffed by ISPs and governments. Not only that, but some websites may still be able to see your real IP address using JavaScript and the now largely-defunct Flash, which are another set of threats to your online security.
Secondly, some browsers let you route only browser traffic. To use a web proxy, you go into your web browser’s settings and manually input the proxy server’s IP address. This allows applications and devices outside the web browser, like Skype, to still use your actual IP address.
Find a free web proxy using a site like PremProxy or Proxy List. Using a proxy server in your country will keep it fast, but using a proxy server in another country can be useful for bypassing region-blocked content and adding a tiny layer of extra obscurity.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Firefox
In the browser, select Preferences from the dropdown menu in the top-left corner.
In the General section, scroll down to Network Settings.
Click on Settings.
Select Manual proxy configuration, then type in the proxy’s address and port in the HTTP Proxy field.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Microsoft Edge
On the homepage, click on three dots from the top-left corner.
Select Settings.
Search for proxy in search settings, and selectOpen your computer’s proxy settings.
In the Settings window, toggle the Use a proxy server option, and type in the proxy’s address and port in the Address field.
Click on Save to finalize your proxy setup.
How to Set Up a Web Proxy in Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi
In the main menu, select Settings.
Under Network, click Change proxy settings…
In the Connections tab, click LAN settings.
Enable Use a proxy server for your LAN, then type in the proxy’s address and port in the Address field.
Note: Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, and other Chromium-based browsers do not have a built-in browser-specific proxy feature. Instead, they only use system-wide proxy settings. However, you can use an extension like Proxy Switcher & Manager to use web proxies that only affect browser traffic.
3. Use Public Wi-Fi
Instead of routing your traffic through another person’s network, you can opt to connect directly to their network—and the easiest way to do this is to hop onto public Wi-Fi.
The funny thing is that this is really the only way to hide your home IP address. When you’re on public Wi-Fi, there’s no way for someone to trace it back to your home. And if it’s a popular hotspot (e. g. Starbucks), your activity will be obscured by dozens of other users at any time.
But remember that public Wi-Fi has its risks.
By default, most public Wi-Fi hotspots are unencrypted. All your activities while connected can be seen by anyone else on the network (if they’re sniffing it out), which includes login details for websites like banks and e-commerce shopping. Public Wi-Fi hotspots can also spread malware infections to your device.
On top of this, there are several other ways for hackers to steal your identity on public Wi-Fi. So while you might be hiding your IP address, you’re still opening yourself up to a whole host of other privacy and security risks.
4. Use Tor Browser
Tor browser, sometimes also called the Onion router, is a free browser that hides your IP address every time you connect to the internet. It does this by connecting you with the Tor network at the start, which transmits your data through random relay servers hosted by worldwide volunteers.
For most people not living in authoritarian countries like China, Venezuela, etc. (where Tor is banned), it’s a handy tool to have in your arsenal of privacy solutions.
To get started, go to the official Tor website and install the browser from there. When the setup is complete, click on Connect. The Tor browser will then link up to the Tor network. This could take a few minutes, so you’ll have to wait a short time.
When it’s done, you’re free to browse the internet anonymously. If you’re using Tor for the first time, though, make sure that you read up on all the online security tips about using Tor efficiently. They are given on the homepage itself!
And That’s How You Can Hide Your IP Address!
Now you know all the different ways you can mask your IP address. If you’re like us, and just can’t accept that “big brother” is prying on you all the time, these tricks will be enough to get started with securing your online anonymity.
Privacy vs. Anonymity vs. Security: Why They Don’t All Mean the Same ThingWhat’s the difference between security, anonymity, and privacy? And when should you prioritize one over another?
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About The Author
Joel Lee
(1521 Articles Published)
Joel Lee is the Editor in Chief of MakeUseOf since 2018. He has a B. S. in Computer Science and over nine years of professional writing and editing experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions about how to change location ip
How can I change my IP address location?
5 ways to change your IP addressSwitch networks. The simplest way to change the IP address of your device is to switch to a different network. … Reset your modem. When you reset your modem, this will also reset the IP address. … Connect via Virtual Private Network (VPN). … Use a proxy server. … Contact your ISP.May 1, 2019
Can you fake your IP location?
Use a Web Proxy. A web proxy works in much the same way as a VPN. You connect to the proxy server, then all your web traffic flows through the proxy server. As such, your IP address gets hidden by the proxy server’s IP address.Jun 9, 2021
Does VPN change IP location?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, changes your apparent location by sending your traffic through a server in another location. … However, your IP address – which helps determine your location and identity – will now be that of the server. Yours will be hidden from the world.Sep 12, 2021
