Changing your IP address can help enhance your online privacy. You don't need to be a tech expert to do it.

In this article, we'll show you four simple ways to change your IP address.

If you have a specific new IP address in mind, you can manually update it.

Keep in mind that manually set IP addresses can be easier to track and potentially hack.

• Go to Start, Settings, and Network & Internet.
• Click on Properties under your local area connection.
• Select Edit under IP assignment.
• Choose Manual, enable IPv4, and enter your new IP address.
• Save your changes.

• Access Start, Settings, and Network & Internet.
• Select Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• Click Manage, then Edit next to IP assignment.
• Opt for Automatic (DHCP) or Manual under Edit network IP setting.
• Enable IPv4 and type in your IP address, Subnet mask, and Gateway.

• Go to System Preferences.
• Select your network connection.
• Configure IPv4.
• Choose Manual and input your new IP address.

• Access Settings.
• Select Wi-Fi.
• Choose your network.
• Tap on IPv4 address.
• Configure your IP by entering your new address.

• Access Settings.
• Select connections.
• Tap on Wi-Fi.
• Access the settings icon next to your current network.
• Go to IP settings and choose Static, then input your new IP address.

A VPN automatically changes your IP address by replacing it with that of a VPN server. This helps mask your location and improves online privacy and security.

Using a VPN may slightly slow down your internet connection and won't prevent tracking cookies.

Choose a reliable VPN service with a wide server selection and strong encryption.

Steps to use a VPN:

• Download and install a reliable VPN service.
• Launch the application.
• Toggle the switch to the "On" position.

A proxy server acts as a middleman between you and the internet, adding an extra layer of security to your online browsing.

Unlike VPNs, proxy servers don't encrypt your connection and assign you a temporary IP address.

For proper setup, follow our previous article on configuring a proxy server effectively.

Your router connects all your devices to the internet. If you suspect your router is causing IP address issues, you can reset it to assign a new IP address.

Keep in mind this method may not work immediately, and you might briefly lose internet connection.

Here's how to do it:
- Note down your current IP address.
- Unplug your router for at least 5 minutes, considering your ISP's typical IP address reset time.
- Reconnect your router and check your IP address to confirm the change.

No matter what device or operating system you use, changing your IP address is simple when you follow our step-by-step instructions. Strengthening your online privacy is easy with these methods, providing you with the means to protect your personal information while browsing the web.