There are many legitimate reasons to change your IP address: bypassing geographic restrictions, improving privacy, avoiding IP-based bans, or troubleshooting network issues. Here are five methods that work reliably in 2026.
Method 1: Use a VPN (Recommended)
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the most reliable and widely used method to change your IP address. When you connect to a VPN server, your traffic is routed through that server, and websites see the server's IP instead of yours.
How it works
- Sign up for a VPN service (see our best VPNs for 2026)
- Install the VPN app on your device
- Connect to a server in your desired location
- Verify your new IP at WheresThatIP.com
Pros
- Choose your IP's country and city
- Encrypts all internet traffic
- Works on all devices and operating systems
- Fast and easy to set up
Cons
- Paid services cost $3-12/month (see free VPN options)
- May slightly reduce connection speed
Method 2: Use a Proxy Server
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. Like a VPN, it masks your real IP address, but it typically does not encrypt your traffic.
Types of proxies
- HTTP proxies — Work only for web browsing
- SOCKS5 proxies — Work for any type of traffic
- Residential proxies — Use real ISP addresses, harder to detect
Configure a proxy in your browser settings or system network preferences. Keep in mind that free proxies are often slow, unreliable, and may log your data.
Method 3: Use the Tor Network
The Tor Browser routes your traffic through multiple volunteer-operated relays, giving you a different IP address with each circuit. It provides strong anonymity but comes with trade-offs.
Pros
- Free to use
- Strong privacy and anonymity
- IP changes automatically with each new circuit
Cons
- Significantly slower than a VPN
- Some websites block Tor exit nodes
- Only protects traffic through the Tor Browser
Method 4: Reset Your Router
If your ISP assigns dynamic IP addresses (most do), you can often get a new IP by resetting your router. This is the simplest method and requires no additional software.
Steps
- Check your current IP at WheresThatIP.com
- Unplug your router and modem
- Wait 5-10 minutes (longer waits increase the chance of a new IP)
- Plug everything back in and wait for the connection to establish
- Check your IP again — if it changed, you are done
This does not always work, especially if your ISP has long DHCP lease times. Some ISPs assign the same IP for weeks or months.
Method 5: Contact Your ISP
You can call your ISP and request a new IP address. Some providers will do this for free, while others may charge for a static IP. You can also ask about upgrading to a business plan with a static IP if you need a permanent change.
How to Verify Your IP Changed
After using any of these methods, verify the change by visiting WheresThatIP.com. Compare your new IP with the one you noted before making the change. You can also use our IP Lookup tool to see the location and ISP associated with your new IP.
Why Would You Want to Change Your IP?
- Privacy — Prevent websites and advertisers from tracking you by IP
- Access geo-restricted content — Watch streaming services available in other countries
- Bypass IP bans — Regain access to services that have blocked your IP
- Security — Avoid targeted attacks against a known IP address
- Testing — Developers testing geo-targeted features need different IPs
For a deeper dive into protecting your online identity, see our online privacy guide and how to hide your IP address.