In this era of extremely interconnected digital lives, effective privacy management has become more significant than ever before. After all, all your online activities, including your device’s IP addresses, are tracked.
Therefore, whether you want to access geo-restricted websites and applications or secure and protect your online browsing history and activities, knowing how to change your IP address, which will change your device’s virtual location, is critical.
Consequently, in today’s discussion, we will highlight the best and easiest tips and tricks for changing your IP location address in 2024. So, let’s dig in and discover the most effective method for managing your privacy, which is changing your IP address.
What is an IP Address: A Quick Rundown
An IP Address, abbreviated for Internet Protocol, is a unique identifying series of numbers associated with every device connected to the Internet. Whether you have a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or any other kind of device, your device’s IP address is visible to other devices, and it helps send and receive data between them through the Internet.
The IP address primarily performs two functions: identifying the host or network interface and providing details about the host’s network location. It basically creates a path for finding the device’s location with this digital address, which can be easily found through the IP location finder tools. Moreover, you can also use online IP location finder tools for viewing your device’s IP.
Why Should You Change Your Device’s IP Address?
Here are the top 3 reasons you should change your device’s IP Addresses:
- Changing your IP address can help you hide your exact geographical location from hackers. Many online websites and applications contain malicious software that can track your location, and a change of IP address can make it difficult to trace your device’s location.
- Many regionally restricted websites become difficult to access while traveling. However, changing your device’s IP address allows you to access these geographically-restricted websites easily and quickly.
- Routers and modems, especially new devices, often give the wrong IP address, leading to difficulties accessing the Internet. Resetting your router to get the right IP address for your device is a quick and easy solution for troubleshooting these glitches.
How to Change Your IP Location Address in 2024?
Here’s how you can change your IP address on various operating systems and devices.
1. Changing the IP Addresses By Device Settings
If you have a new IP address for your device that you would like to use to access specific websites or online activities, you can manually change it in your device with a simple, quick, and effortless process. Let’s take a look at the complete step-by-step guide of changing IP addresses through accessing device’s settings.
Android Devices
- Open the settings on your phone and go to Connections.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Click on the settings icon next to the current network.
- Go to the IP settings options and select the “Static” option.
- Type in your new IP address and enjoy the effortless networking experience.
iOS Devices
- Go to settings on your iOS device and open the Wi-Fi.
- Select Network and then select IPv4 address.
- Click Configure IP and then enter your new IP address.
Mac Devices
- Open the settings in your device and go to system preferences.
- Find and click on the Network Connection option.
- Configure IPv4.
- Select Manually and type your new IP address.
Windows 11
- Open the start, and go to settings and the Network And Settings option.
- Select Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
- Open Manage and click on the Edit option next to the IP assignment.
- Select the Automatic or Manual option in Edit Network IP Settings.
- Enable IPv4.
- Type the necessary details in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Gateway boxes.
Windows 10
- Click on the start on your device.
- Open settings and find the Network Connections option.
- Select Properties under your local area connection.
- Click on the Edit option under IP assignment.
- Select Manual, toggle on the IPv4, and enter your new IP address.
- Click Save for an effective experience.
2. Using VPN
A VPN, abbreviated for Virtual Private Network, can do significant wonders in changing the IP address process. It changes your device’s IP address to that of a VPN server, making your device look like it is coming from the selected server’s location and hiding your actual location.
Moreover, it also encrypts your connection and enhances your device’s overall security. Be warned though, using a VPN will affect your overall browsing experience. Your websites may load more slowly due to the added latency. However, the protection afforded by a VPN is worth it.
By choosing a reliable VPN server, you can get the best encryption services and experience ultimate protection for your IP address. Here’s how you can use the VPN to change your device’s IP address:
- Download and install a VPN application on your device.
- After successful installation, open the VPN.
- Select the country you would like to connect.
- Click on the Switch button to turn it on.
Many VPN apps provide paid services for connecting to specific countries or geographical locations. You can contact the VPN app’s customer services to get more information about the services or discuss your queries.
3. Using Proxy Server
In simple words, a proxy server acts as a gateway between the user’s devices and the Internet. It helps protect your connection from hackers and prevent cyberattackers from entering private networks.
Moreover, its functionality in blocking malicious or dangerous content and providing safe browsing services makes it a quick and effective solution for managing an IP address.
Proxy servers are similar to VPNs, but they don’t encrypt your connection. When you connect to a proxy server, your device receives a fake IP address. It is available in hardware or software forms.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a quick solution to change your device’s IP address and access geo-restricted content, manually editing it is the best option if you have a new IP address. If not, then it is advisable to find a reliable and high-quality VPN or proxy server and connect your device to it for a secure and effortless experience.
