You ask yourself How to change your mobile's IP addressThis comprehensive article will not only teach you what an IP address is and how it works, but will also explain step by step how to do it. How to change the IP address of your Android or iOS mobile phone —including all available methods and options, the differences between public and private IP addresses, the protocols involved, implications, advantages, disadvantages, precautions, and much more. Let's dive into everything you need to know!
What is an IP address and what is it for?
La IP address, short for 'Internet Protocol,' is the identifier or "digital ID" used by all devices to communicate on a network and, by extension, on the internet. It consists of a series of unique numbers that identify each connected device and facilitate the sending and receiving of data. Without this protocol, you wouldn't be able to browse, communicate, or access online services from your smartphone.
For example, when your cell phone connects to a Wi-Fi network, the router assigns it a private IP address that allows it to be identified only within that local network. However, to access websites or online services, your Internet service provider assigns that router a public IP address that represents it on the internet. This way, the network can know who you are and where to send information.
Importance: IP addresses not only allow the Internet to function properly, but also determine your approximate location, personalize content, and can be restricted or blocked by services or governments.
Types of IP addresses: public IP and private IP
There are two main types of IP addresses assigned to the devices:
- Private IP address: It only identifies your device within a local network, such as your home or work Wi-Fi. It's assigned by the router via DHCP to avoid internal ID conflicts.
- Public IP address: It's the Internet-visible address assigned to your router by your service provider. All devices connected to that network will share the same public IP address for external use.
There are also key differences between IP static (fixed) and dynamic (which changes periodically or after restarting the router), which affects how you can modify or “hide” your address.
Private IP address
Your mobile, tablet, smart TV, console, computer… any device that connects to the router will have a Private IP belonging to one of these reserved ranges:
- A class: 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255 (large companies or infrastructures).
- Class B: 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 (medium-sized companies).
- Class C: 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 (the most common in homes and SMEs).
For example, your router likely has an address of 192.168.1.1, and your phone has something like 192.168.1.34. Each device should have a separate private IP address to avoid conflicts.
Public IP address
La Public IP It's the one seen by the outside world (websites, online services, etc.). It's the one assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you have fiber optics at home, you'll see that all your devices share the same public IP address. This address can be dynamic (it changes when you restart your router or after a period of time) or static (it rarely changes, ideal for servers, more expensive, and less common for home users).
When you access a website, your phone will "go out" using the router's public IP address, and the website will be able to view, log, or block your access using that address. Additionally, domain resolution from the browser means that the DNS service associates your request and your public IP address with the website you're accessing.
Differences between dynamic and static IP
El DHCP protocol is responsible for assigning IP addresses automatically. By default, most users have Dynamic IP (both public and private): change with each new connection or after restarting the router. Static IPs They are fixed, manually configured, and don't change unless you do so. Static public addresses usually require an additional fee and are used primarily by businesses, web servers, and services that require the same IP address to be accessible.
For most home users, the public IP address will be dynamic, and the private IP address will be dynamic, unless you set a static IP address on your device.
How to find out the IP address of your Android or iPhone?
Before changing your IP address, it's helpful to know what your current IP address is. The process varies depending on whether you're looking for your public or private IP address:
View the public IP from your mobile
- Android and iPhone: You just need to open the browser and go to a website like WhatIsMyIP.com or "What's my IP?" (there are many free and secure ones). In a few seconds, you'll see the public IP assigned to your network.
View private IP on Android
- Opens Settings and enter “Network and Internet” or “Wi-Fi”.
- Click on the name of the network you're connected to and go to "Advanced."
- You'll see the details, including your private IP address.
- On custom layers (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) the location may vary and sometimes you need to go to “About phone” or “Device information”.
View private IP on iPhone
- Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
- Press the “i” icon of the connected network.
- The details show the current private IP address and also the gateway (the router's IP).
Why do you want to change your IP address?
The reasons are varied and may include:
- Online privacy and anonymity: Changing your IP hides your tracks from websites and services.
- Avoid blocks or bans: Access to services, websites, or apps restricted by IP, country, or region.
- Troubleshoot network issues or conflicts: If there are two devices with the same IP on your local network, you can resolve this by changing one of the IPs.
- Access to international content: Many platforms limit access based on the country of the public IP.
- Improve security: If you suspect hacking or suspicious activity, renewing your IP address can help protect your privacy.
How to change the IP address of your Android phone
Method 1: Change private IP by setting static IP on WiFi
- Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi and select the network you are connected to (it usually has a gear or “i” icon).
- Click on Advanced or “Advanced Settings”.
- Change the option “IP settings” from DHCP to Static or “Manual”.
- Manually enter a new IP address within your local network range, making sure it is not already in use (for example, 192.168.1.80 if your router is 192.168.1.1).
- Enter the subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0) and the Gateway (the router's IP).
- Save the changes—your phone will have the new private IP assigned to that Wi-Fi network.
Important: If you use an IP address already assigned to another device, you'll experience network errors. Also, make sure the assigned IP address is outside the router's automatic DHCP range to avoid conflicts.
Method 2: Renew dynamic IP (DHCP)
- Disconnect and reconnect WiFi on your mobile. The router may assign you a new private IP address if available.
- Restart the router to force the public IP address to change (although you may get the same address if your ISP handles it this way).
Method 3: Change public IP using VPN, proxy or Tor
- VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) It allows you to hide your real public IP and adopt the VPN server's IP. There are many options, both free (like Cloudflare's WARP, although with limitations) and paid (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, etc.). Simply download the app, select a country or server, and connect. All your browsing will be done with a new IP address originating from that remote server.
- Proxy: Similar to a VPN but less secure (it doesn't encrypt traffic), you can connect your phone through a proxy server, which will cause your public IP address to change while you browse certain apps. It's configured in both browsers and specific apps. It's more vulnerable and less recommended for sensitive data.
- Gate: The Navigator Tor It encrypts your traffic and routes it through several international nodes, changing your IP address several times and making it difficult to track. It's ideal for extreme anonymity, but browsing is slow and only affects activity in this browser.
What if I use mobile data?
When you use mobile networks (4G/5G), your operator assigns you a public IP and, in many cases, uses technologies such as CGNAT that make it difficult to change the public IP manually. Restarting the device or turning airplane mode on/off may result in a different address, although not always. For a Different public IP from another country, VPN is still the best option even on mobile data.
How to change your iPhone's IP address
Change the private IP on WiFi networks
- Opens Settings, go into Wi-Fi and press the “i” icon of the connected network.
- In section IPv4 address pulsa IP setup.
- Choose Manual to manually enter the new IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. If you choose “Automatic,” return to DHCP mode (the router will assign it randomly).
- Save the changes.
Renew DHCP Lease
You can also use the option Renew concession to request a new private IP from the router (although it is not certain to get a different IP each time).
Change public IP with VPN, Proxy or Tor
The process is exactly the same as on Android: install a VPN, proxy app, or the Tor browser from the App Store and follow the connection process. Your public IP will instantly change to the country and server of your choice, and your traffic will be protected and anonymized.
Errors and precautions when changing the IP address
- Avoid assigning an IP outside the network's allowed range: If you enter an IP address outside the router's range, you will lose your connection.
- Check that the IP is not busy: If another person/device is already using it, you will have conflicts and outages.
- Don't forget to put the subnet mask and gateway: Omit this information and no connection will work.
- Remember that some services can detect and block VPN or proxy IPs: There may be temporary blocks or additional security checks.
Advantages and disadvantages of changing your IP address
Advantages
- Greater privacy: You avoid unwanted tracking and personalization of ads and services.
- Access to restricted content: You can access content blocked by country or by user.
- Connectivity troubleshooting: Helps resolve errors or conflicts on the network.
- Increase your security: Useful if you suspect your IP has been compromised, hacked, or is under attack.
Disadvantages
- Some services may block frequent changes: Banking services, sensitive apps, or streaming platforms may require additional authentication or restrict access due to IP address changes.
- Legal risks: Changing your IP address to hide illegal activities can have legal consequences.
- More complex network management: Using static IPs can complicate your setup and cause conflicts if you're not careful.
How often is it advisable to change the IP?
There's no hard and fast rule. If you're doing it solely for privacy or to solve a specific problem, you can change it as needed. Constantly changing it isn't mandatory, but it is recommended if you detect suspicious actions, blocks, or if your activity requires it (for example, accessing international or public services that may be restricted).
Can the IP location be changed?
Yes. Change your IP location This is possible by using VPN services or multinational proxies. This way, you can "pretend" you're browsing from another country or region, accessing exclusive catalogs, services, and content from another area. This is one of the most valued features of VPNs, but make sure you choose a secure provider that respects your privacy.
Is it safe to change the mobile IP?
Changing the IP of your mobile is Safety, as long as you follow the correct steps and use reliable apps and services. Avoid setting IP addresses outside of your network range, using insecure proxies, or manually entering already-occupied addresses. The methods described here are reliable and risk-free, although the greatest danger lies in leaving your real IP exposed in sensitive situations.
Does changing your IP address provide complete anonymity?
Changing your IP is an extra layer of privacy, but does not guarantee absolute anonymityMany services can track your activity through other methods (cookies, browser fingerprinting, logged-in accounts, etc.). For greater anonymity, use a VPN, Tor, and browse in incognito mode, without any active accounts or other tracking.
VPN vs Proxy vs Tor: Which Method Should You Choose?
VPN: Ideal for secure browsing and access to international content. It encrypts all your traffic and is easy to use. Recommended for most users.
Proxy: Useful for browsing from another IP address on specific services or apps, but less secure and unencrypted. It's best to avoid free proxies for sensitive information.
Gate: Maximum anonymity, useful for journalists, activists, or those seeking extreme privacy. It's slower and only affects the browser.
Recommended apps to change IP on Android and iOS
- WARP by Cloudflare (Android/iOS): Free and easy-to-use VPN, change your IP and encrypt your data. Limited country selection.
- NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, PrivadoVPN: Professional VPNs, with servers in dozens of countries, high security, and apps for all platforms.
- Tor Browser (Android/iOS): Browser that routes traffic through the Tor network for advanced privacy.
- Finger: App to check the private IP of your device and the devices connected to your local network.
Common mistakes and concepts not to be confused
- Do not confuse the IP with the MAC address or the IMEI: The IP address is simply the network identifier. The MAC address identifies the physical network card, and the IMEI identifies the phone to the carrier, but neither is used as an address for browsing the internet.
- Don't confuse the private IP with the router's: If you see similar numbers (for example, 192.168.1.1 is the router, 192.168.1.20 is the mobile), remember that each device on the network uses a different IP within the same range.
- Not all VPN/Proxy apps are safe: Download apps from official stores and avoid those that don't have good reviews or transparent privacy policies.
Alternatives and advanced methods to change IP
- Restart the router: It is usually enough to change the public IP assigned by the ISP, although sometimes it can remain the same.
- Contact your operator: In cases of fixed IP, only the operator may be able to change it.
- Using CGNAT: If your operator uses CGNAT, manually changing your public IP address will be more complicated or impossible. A VPN is the best solution here.
- Configuration from the router: On advanced routers, you can configure IP addresses, DHCP ranges, or reserve IP addresses for certain devices. This is useful for those who manage many connections at home or in the office.
What risks exist when using VPNs or proxies?
Quality VPN They are hassle-free and protect your privacy, but free VPNs can track, sell your data, or limit your speed. free proxies They rarely encrypt traffic and are more susceptible to attacks or malware. Always choose services with a good reputation and clear privacy policies.
Frequently asked questions about changing your IP address on your mobile phone
- Can I change my IP using only mobile data? Yes, but the change depends on the operator and how they manage IP addresses. Restarting your phone or activating airplane mode can force the change, although only with a VPN can you choose a different country.
- Is the IP change permanent? No, especially if you're using a dynamic IP address. You can revert to your previous IP address by reconnecting or rebooting, and your static IP address only changes if you or your carrier changes it.
- Does changing your IP address affect your internet speed? You can't change your private IP, but if you use a VPN, your speed may decrease slightly depending on the distance from the server and the quality of service.
- Can a service block me for changing my IP frequently? Some services, such as banks or streaming platforms, may detect frequent changes and request security checks or temporarily limit access.
Thanks to the detailed and practical information in this guide, you have everything you need to understand the differences between public and private IP addresses, the safest methods for changing them on your Android or iPhone, the advantages and precautions, as well as the situations in which doing so can improve your privacy and browsing experience. Always remember to use reliable VPN services, avoid repeating IP addresses on your local network, and maintain your subnet settings to ensure smooth, secure, and unrestricted browsing.