What Is IP Address?
An IP address is a unique number assigned to each internet-enabled device. It allows them to be easily identified by internet service providers (ISPs). While IP addresses are often associated with computers and laptops, they are also attached to mobile phones. In this article we will explain how to find and change your Android device’s IP address.
There are multiple reasons you might want to change your IP address and multiple types of IP addresses you’re able to change. It’s important to realize which kind you’re interested in changing before continuing.
Why Change Your IP Address?
Some people change their public, external IP address to avoid online bans. Or to bypass country location restrictions that some sites impose on their video content. You may wan to change your IP address for improving your Android phone security.
Changing the IP address of a client computer, phone or router is useful when:
- You’ve accidentally configured an invalid address, such as a static IP address in the wrong numeric range.
- Using a malfunctioning router that’s providing bad addresses, such as one already being used by another computer on the network.
- Installing a new router and re-configuring your home network to use its default IP address range.
How to Find IP Address on Android?
Open Settings and browse to Network & internet >> Wi-Fi. If you’re not already connected to your Wi-Fi network, tap its name and confirm that it joins.
Then tap the network’s name and expand the Advanced section. Here, you’ll find your IP address and other network information. The IPv6 addresses appear at the bottom of the page.
These steps may be slightly different depending on your version of Android.
How to Change Local IP Address on Android?
The local IP address is assigned by your network router to each device that is connected to it. The router uses it to identify connected devices and exchange information accordingly. If you are interested in providing custom IP addresses to each connected device while setting up a server or app, then follow the below instructions to change local IP address on Android:
- Go to “Settings” and tap on “WiFi” option.
- Here tap and hold on the network you are connected to and select “Manage network settings” from the menu that pops up.
- Now tap on “Show advanced options” and select “Static” under the “IP settings” option.
- Now just enter a custom IP address under the “IP address” section and hit “Save” to change the IP address.
For example, you can enter 10.23.103.250 or 192.168.1.20 and the address will be accepted. Just make sure that the IP address lies in the above-provided ranges.
Alternatively, you can also use an IP address changer app for Android that will let you enter required IP address in its interface to switch to it easily.
Note: The above instructions are only applicable to a WiFi connection, mobile data local IP address can’t be changed on the primary device.
How to Change Public IP Address on Android
Every web page or service on the internet uses your public IP address to identify you and then offer information. If you want to change your identity on the internet or need to access blocked content, then you need to change your public IP address.
Unfortunately, public IP address is in full control of your internet service provider. If your ISP uses dynamic IP address, then it should be easy to change IP address. Otherwise, you’ll have to depend on a VPN to mask your IP address.
Change public IP address on a WiFi network
For WiFi networks, simply restarting your router is all you may need to change public IP address. If your ISP assigns dynamic IP addresses, then whenever you will restart your router it will fetch a new IP address from a pool of IP addresses. Just turn off your router and wait for 2-5 minutes. Turn it back on and check if the IP address is changed or not. It may not work every time, so you should at least try this twice.
Change public IP address on a mobile network
If you are using mobile data, then the IP address provided by your carrier can also be changed. To do so, turn on Airplane mode from the notification panel and wait for 1-2 minutes. Now turn it off and the IP address should be changed. Alternatively, you can also use this IP address changer app called IP Changer that basically does the same thing but also keeps a history of IP addresses.
Hide IP Address
After finding your current IP and learning that it reveals your location, you might be worried about the privacy implications of this. If so, the best solution is to start using a VPN.
Essentially, connecting to a VPN provider lets you route all your traffic through its secure servers. To the outside world, it looks like your traffic is coming from another location. This masks your IP and makes it harder to track your browsing.
To conclude
It’s really easy to change local IP address on your Android phone, but for public IP address, it’s better to go for a VPN service. Please share with us in the comments why you were looking to change IP address on your Android phone.
