How to Change IP Location With and Without a VPN in 2024

Your IP address is like a digital fingerprint that identifies your geographic location. While this information is frequently used for good purposes, it might restrict your online freedom and expose you to security concerns. By changing your IP address, you can effectively hide your identity, avoid geo-restrictions, and protect your privacy.

This guide will go over many strategies and tools to help you change your IP address and have a more private and unrestricted online experience.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique numerical label provided to each device connected to a computer network, such as the internet. It functions similarly to a digital address, allowing devices to connect. 

IP addresses are required for internet connectivity, but they can potentially reveal critical information about your online activities. Your IP address can reveal your approximate geographical location, which can expose your information to tracking and online surveillance. 

What are the Types of IP Addresses?

IP addresses are divided into the following types:

1. Public IP Addresses

• Assigned by internet service providers (ISPs).
• Used for global internet communication.
• It is searchable on the web.
• It can be either dynamic or static.

2. Private IP address

• Routers within local networks assign addresses.
• Used for internal network communication.
• Not accessible via the public internet.

3. Dynamic IP Addresses

• Assigned automatically and is subject to change over time.
• Home internet connections often make use of this.
• Offers less predictability but can improve privacy.

4. Static IP Addresses

• Assigned to a device permanently.
• Servers, network devices, and specialized applications can all use it.
• Although it provides constant connectivity, it can be less secure.

5. IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4)

• An older version with a fewer number of addresses.
• Formatted as four decimal numbers divided by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

6. IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)

• An updated version with a greatly wider address space.
• Eight groups of four hexadecimal numbers are divided by colons (for example, 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
• IPv4 will be gradually replaced to meet the increasing number of internet-connected devices.

How to Change IP Address on Windows

Method 1: How to Manually Change IP Address on Windows

1. Go to the Start menu and choose Settings.
2. Choose Network & Internet > Ethernet or WiFi.
3. Select the network connection you're currently using.
4. Scroll down and choose Properties.
5. Under the IP assignment section, select Edit.
6. Select Manual from the drop-down menu.
7. Turn on the IPv4 switch.
8. Enter your preferred IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
9. To apply the changes, click on Save. 

Method 2: How to Automatically Change IP Address on Windows

1. Go to the Start menu and choose Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Depending on your connection, choose Ethernet or Wi-Fi from the sidebar.
3. Click on the network connection that you have.
4. Scroll down to the IP assignment section and select Edit.
5. Pick Automatic (DHCP) from the drop-down menu.
6. Click Save to return to the automated IP address assignment. 

How to Change IP Address on Mac Devices Both Manually and Automatically 

Manually: 

1. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner and select System Preferences.
2. Then click on the Network option.
3. After that choose your active network connection (WiFi or Ethernet) from the list on the left.
4. Click Advanced > TCP/IP.
5. In the Configure IPv4 drop-down option, select Manually.
6. Enter your chosen IP address, subnet mask, and router address.
7. To make the changes, click OK and then Apply in the main Network box. 

Automatically:

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Navigate to Network.
3. Choose an active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
4. In the lower right corner, click Advanced.
5. In the TCP/IP tab, change the Configure IPv4 option to Using DHCP.
6. To save the changes, on the main Network box, click OK and then click Apply. 

How to Change IP Address on iPhone Both Manually and Automatically

Manually: 

To manually change your iPhone's IP address:

1. Firstly, open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Then tap on Wi-Fi.
3. Find your linked network and tap the i icon next to it.
4. After that tap on Configure IP.
5. Then click on the Manual option.
6. Enter your desired IP address, Subnet Mask, and Router information.
7. To apply the changes, tap the Save button. 

Automatically:

1. Start the Settings app.
2. Choose Wi-Fi.
3. Select your connected Wi-Fi network and click the i icon next to it.
4. Click Configure IP.
5. Choose either Automatic or Using DHCP.
6. To enable DHCP and renew the IP address, tap Save. 

How to Change IP Address on Android Devices Both Manually and Automatically 

Manually:

1. To manually change your IP address on Android:
2. Launch the Settings app on your Android device.
3. Tap Network & Internet or Connections, depending on your device.
4. Tap "Wi-Fi" and select the active network you're currently connected to.
5. Tap Advanced or Advanced Settings.
6. Choose IP settings and then Static.
7. Enter your desired IP address, gateway, and DNS information.
8. To apply the changes, tap Save or Connect.

Automatically:

1. To automatically change your IP address on Android:
2. Launch the Settings app on your Android device.
3. Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
4. Navigate to Wi-Fi and select your Wi-Fi network.
5. Tap Advanced or Advanced Settings.
6. Change the IP settings to DHCP.
7. Save your changes to allow automatic IP address assignment.

How to change IP Address with VPN

Windows and Mac:

1. Pick and choose a reliable VPN like PureVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app.
3. Login to the VPN app using your credentials.
4. Connect to a country server from the list.

iOS and Android:

Connect to a server location.fed locations and suspend your account.

Subscribe to a VPN plan. 

Download and install the VPN app.

Sign in to your VPN account.

Wrapping Up!

Understanding different types of IP addresses and how to change them will greatly improve your online privacy and security. While manual techniques can be complex and require technical knowledge, using a VPN is a simple and effective way to change your IP address and protect your online identity.