How do I change my IP address?

The basics

Before reading any of the below information, you need to be aware of some network basics.

1. Know the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address. 
2. When on the Internet, it is up to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to assign and give you your network address seen by the Internet. When on a local network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) the home or corporate router assigns the IP addresses.
3. If you're planning on designating or using a static IP address, you should be aware of how IP address ranges are handled and be familiar with the netmask. See each of these links for additional information.

Changing your Internet IP address

Modem users

When connecting to the Internet over a dial-up Modem, your ISP will assign your computer an address each time you connect. This means that often each time you connect you'll have a different IP address. If you're wanting to change your IP address, try disconnecting and reconnecting. If you're assigned the same address, disconnect for a few minutes and then reconncect.

Broadband users

Broadband service providers will assign your computer or home network a static IP address. If you're connected to a broadband network and need to change your IP address try following the below steps.

Disconnect power to broadband modem

Getting a new IP address may be as simple as disconnecting the power to your broadband modem. Disconnect the power from the modem and leave it disconnected for a few minutes. If you have a network router connected to the modem, we also suggest disconnecting the power to the router.

Release the IP address assigned to router

If disconnecting the power to the modem and router did not work it may still be saved in your router configuration. Try releasing and renewing the Internet IP Address for the router. Steps on how to do this can vary depending on the router. However, is often done through the Status or setup in the router setup.

Tip: The Internet IP Address is not the 192.168.xxx.xxx address.

Leave it disconnected over night

If the above two suggestions do not work, disconnect the power to the modem and router (if applicable) and leave them disconnected overnight or for as long as possible.

Contact the ISP

Finally, if all of the above suggestions still prevent you from changing your IP address it's possible the ISP may have a long lease settings that prevents a new IP address from being assigned unless it is abandoned for days. In this situation, its usually easiest to contact the ISP to get the IP address changed.

Changing your home network IP address

Microsoft Windows users

To change or specify the IP address of your computer for your own local area network (LAN), follow the below steps. Keep in mind that if you're connecting to the Internet with a broadband connection, adjusting your network settings may cause issues with your broadband connection. Finally, if your home network is setup through a network router, that router could be assigning your computer dynamic IP addresses, and specifying a static IP address may cause issues.

1. Get to the Microsoft Windows desktop.
2. Right-click on My Network Places or Network Neighborhood and click Properties.
3. Right-click on Local Area Connection and click Properties.
4. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties. If this is not present, you'll need to install this protocol.
5. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, select "Use the following IP address" if not already selected and specify the new IP address you wish to use. While entering this data, you'll also need to specify the subnet mask and default gateway.

Linux users

The below information is for how to specify and adjust your network settings through the command prompt. Changing your network settings will require root access.

1. Get to the command prompt.
2. Move to the /etc/sysconfig/network directory.
3. Edit the interfaces file and adjust your network settings in this file.

Can someone else change my IP address?

Someone who's outside your home network and does not have access to your network router cannot change your IP address. Do not be concerned about your computers security if your IP address has changed, it's more likely that it's normal behavior than an attack.