How to do it:
- Unplug your router/modem: Power off your router or modem and leave it off for a few minutes (5–10 minutes is ideal).
- Reconnect and check: Plug it back in, wait for the connection to re-establish, and check your new IP address by visiting a site like whatismyipaddress.com.
- Tip: If this doesn’t work, try leaving the device unplugged overnight, as some ISPs reset IP addresses after a longer disconnection period.
This method is quick, cost-free, and requires no technical expertise, making it an excellent first step.
How to do it:
- Find a reliable proxy: Look for reputable proxy services online (e.g., HideMyIP, ProxySite.com, or Kproxy). Choose between HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS proxies based on your needs.
- Configure your browser: Most browsers allow you to manually input proxy settings in their network configuration menu. For example, in Chrome, go to Settings > System > Open your computer’s proxy settings.
- Test the proxy: Visit a website to confirm your IP has changed. Be cautious, as free proxies may log your data or serve ads.
Unique tip: For added control, try a residential proxy, which uses IP addresses tied to real devices rather than data centers, making your traffic appear more natural and less likely to be flagged.
How to do it:
- Enable hotspot: On your smartphone, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering (or similar) and turn on the mobile hotspot.
- Connect your device: Use your computer or other device to connect to the hotspot’s Wi-Fi network.
- Verify the IP: Check your new IP address to confirm it’s different from your home network’s IP.
Unique tip: To maximize this method, switch between different mobile networks (e.g., 4G and 5G) or use a secondary SIM card with a different carrier, as each may assign a unique IP.
How to do it:
- Contact your ISP: Call or email your ISP’s customer support and ask if they can assign a new IP address to your connection.
- Explain your reason: While not always necessary, providing a reason (e.g., network troubleshooting or privacy concerns) may expedite the process.
- Reset your modem: After approval, you may need to reset your modem for the new IP to take effect.
Unique tip: If your ISP is hesitant, ask about upgrading to a plan with a dynamic IP rotation feature, which some providers offer for business or premium accounts.
How to do it:
- Download Tor: Visit the official Tor Project website and install the Tor Browser.
- Browse anonymously: Open the Tor Browser and connect to the Tor network. Your IP will appear as that of the final exit node.
- Refresh for a new IP: Click New Circuit for this Site in the Tor Browser to cycle through different exit nodes, changing your visible IP.
Unique tip: Combine Tor with a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo to enhance anonymity, but note that Tor can be slower than other methods due to its multi-hop routing.
6. Connect to a Public Wi-Fi Network – Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes, libraries, or airports, assign you a different IP address from your home network. This is a quick way to change your IP without additional software. How to do it:
- Find a public Wi-Fi: Locate a nearby public Wi-Fi network (e.g., at a coffee shop or library).
- Connect securely: Join the network and verify your new IP address.
- Stay safe: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (e.g., banking) on public Wi-Fi, as these networks can be insecure.
Unique tip: To make this method more practical, create a portable “Wi-Fi hopping” routine by mapping out trusted public Wi-Fi spots in your area and rotating between them for different tasks.
7. Use a Virtual Machine with a Different Network Configuration – A virtual machine (VM) allows you to run a separate operating system on your computer, which can be configured to use a different network setup and IP address. How to do it:
- Set up a VM: Install software like VirtualBox or VMware and create a virtual machine with a lightweight OS (e.g., Ubuntu).
- Configure network settings: Use the VM’s network settings to connect through a different network adapter or bridge, which may assign a new IP.
- Test the IP: Check the IP within the VM to ensure it differs from your main system.
Unique tip: Experiment with network emulation tools within the VM, such as those that simulate different geographic locations, to further customize your IP behavior.
8. Manually Release and Renew Your IP – If you have a dynamic IP, you can manually release and renew it using your computer’s command line, prompting your ISP to assign a new one. How to do it (Windows):
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type ipconfig /release and press Enter to release your current IP.
- Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter to request a new IP from your ISP.
- Verify the new IP using a website like iplocation.net.
For Mac/Linux:
- Open Terminal and use commands like sudo dhclient -r (release) and sudo dhclient (renew), depending on your system.
- Check the new IP address.
Unique tip: Automate this process by creating a script that runs these commands periodically, ensuring frequent IP changes without manual effort.
9. Use a Different DNS Server – While changing your DNS server doesn’t directly alter your IP address, it can help bypass geo-restrictions or ISP tracking, mimicking some benefits of an IP change. How to do it:
- Choose a DNS provider: Opt for trusted providers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or Quad9 (9.9.9.9).
- Update DNS settings: On your device, go to network settings and input the new DNS server addresses.
- Flush DNS cache: On Windows, run ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt; on Mac, use sudo dscacheutil -flushcache.
Unique tip: Pair a custom DNS with a browser extension like uBlock Origin to block trackers, enhancing your privacy alongside the DNS switch
10. Leverage a Friend’s or Family’s Network – Borrowing a trusted friend’s or family member’s Wi-Fi network is another simple way to change your IP address. Their network will assign your device a different IP, as it’s tied to their ISP. How to do it:
- Get permission: Ask a trusted contact for their Wi-Fi credentials.
- Connect to their network: Join their Wi-Fi and confirm the new IP address.
- Be cautious: Ensure the network is secure and avoid sensitive activities unless you trust the connection.
Unique tip: If you frequently need to change IPs, consider setting up a reciprocal “Wi-Fi sharing” agreement with a trusted contact, allowing both parties to alternate networks for privacy.
Important Considerations
- Security: Methods like public Wi-Fi or free proxies can expose you to risks. Always use HTTPS websites and consider antivirus software for protection.
- Legality: Ensure your reason for changing your IP complies with local laws and terms of service for the platforms you’re accessing.
- Limitations: Some methods (e.g., restarting your router) may not work if your ISP assigns static IPs. Contact your ISP to confirm your IP type.
- Performance: Non-VPN methods like Tor or proxies may slow your connection or lack encryption, so choose the method based on your priorities (speed vs. privacy).
How to change IP address using mobile hotspot?
Steps to Change Your IP Address Using a Mobile Hotspot
- Enable the Mobile Hotspot on Your Phone:
- On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering (exact path may vary by device).
- Tap Wi-Fi Hotspot and toggle it on.
- Set a network name and password for security.
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot (or Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot).
- Toggle Allow Others to Join (optional) and note the Wi-Fi password.
- Ensure your mobile data (4G/5G) is active.
- On Android:
- Connect Your Device to the Hotspot:
- On your computer or other device (e.g., laptop, tablet), open the Wi-Fi settings.
- Locate your phone’s hotspot network name in the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
- Enter the password you set and connect.
- Verify the New IP Address:
- Once connected, visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com or iplocation.net on the device using the hotspot.
- The displayed IP address should differ from your home Wi-Fi’s IP, as it’s now tied to your mobile carrier’s network.
- Optional: Switch Mobile Networks for a New IP:
- If you want a different IP, toggle between mobile data types (e.g., 4G to 5G) or restart your phone’s mobile data. This may prompt your carrier to assign a new IP.
- Alternatively, enable Airplane Mode for 10–30 seconds, then disable it to reconnect to the mobile network, which can sometimes trigger a new IP assignment.
- Test Your Connection:
- Open a website or app to ensure the internet is working.
- If the connection is slow, check your signal strength or move to an area with better mobile coverage.
Tips for Success
- Check Data Limits: Using a hotspot consumes mobile data, so ensure your plan supports sufficient data usage to avoid extra charges.
- Secure Your Hotspot: Always set a strong password to prevent unauthorized access to your hotspot.
- Use Different Carriers: If you have access to another SIM card or a dual-SIM phone, switching to a different carrier can provide a new IP address range.
- Maximize Privacy: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (e.g., banking) on a hotspot unless using HTTPS or secure apps, as mobile networks may not be fully private.
Limitations
- Your mobile carrier may assign dynamic or static IPs. Dynamic IPs change more easily, but static IPs may require contacting your carrier to reset.
- Speed and reliability depend on your mobile signal strength and carrier network.
By using your mobile hotspot, you can quickly switch to a new IP address without needing a VPN or complex setup. This method is ideal for temporary IP changes, such as accessing region-restricted content or troubleshooting network issues.