You may find the need to change your IP Address, if it has been blocked on the internet and also if you are looking for a way to protect your privacy on the internet.
It is important to understand that the IP Address of your computer, phone and other connected devices is assigned by Router or a combined Modem/Router unit, which connects to Internet using its own IP Address.
In this typical type of network setup, the IP Address that the Router/Modem uses to connect to internet is known as “Public IP Address” and the IP Address of your computer and phone is known as Internal or Private IP Address.
As indicated by their self-explanatory names, Public IP Address is visible to everyone on the internet, while “Private IP address” can only be seen by other devices connected to the same Home/Office network.
How to Change Your Public IP Address?
Since, your Public IP Address is assigned by the Internet Service Provider, you really have no control over your Public IP Address and it can only be switched, masked or hidden.
While the most reliable way to hide or change your Public IP Address is by using a VPN Service, you can also try other methods as provided below.
1. Change IP Address by Switching Networks
The simplest way to change your Public IP Address is by connecting to internet using a different network.
For example, if you are currently using your Home or Office Wi-Fi Network, you can change your IP Address by switching to Ethernet or Cellular Network.
2. Switch OFF Modem/Router
Another way to change IP Address is by switching OFF the power supply to Modem/Router and switching it back again after 5 minutes.
If you are lucky, your Internet Service Provider may sense that the Router has become disconnected from the internet and assign a New IP Address to the Router.
However, this method is not reliable and it is recommended that you confirm whether or not your external IP Address has been changed by typing “What is My IP” in the web browser on your phone or computer.
Tip: If the IP Address has not changed, leaving the Router unplugged for a longer time can help.
3. Change IP Address By Using VPN
If the reason for changing your IP Address is to access restricted services or by-pass surveillance, you can make use of a VPN service to connect to the Internet.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) completely hides your IP Address and allows you to connect to the Internet using a different IP Address that is assigned by the VPN service provider.
How to Change Your Internal IP Address?
As mentioned above, the IP Address of your computer, phone and other connected devices is only visible to other devices on your Home or Office network and cannot be seen by others on the internet.
Hence, the only reason for changing your Internal IP Address would be to set up network printing, file sharing and other networking services on a Home or Office network.
If you are looking for a way to change Internal IP Address, you can refer to this guide: How to Change IP Address in Windows 11/10.
Hope this has helped you in understanding the basic concept of Public and Private IP Address and how to change your public and private IP address.