In this vast world of the internet, you probably have listened to these terms such as IP address, servers, and proxy servers, etc.

But the question might appear how you can handle things directly behind the curtain.

In the early days, the Internet was just a reflection of what it has become today.

To manage these networks down to the last user, we all need an IP address.

IP addresses have been around and serving the purpose since the advent of internet services and advancements. Every device that you connect to the internet, including your router to your tablet to your smartphone or even your smartwatch also, is assigned an IP address.

When you start browsing the Internet, your only desire is to get the information you are trying to get or even get any site. In this regard, you leave a trail of online activities.

Whether you are aware of online security or trying to block the content, it is therefore essential to know how to change your IP address. If you do not change your IP address for an extended period, this poses a security risk to you.

On the other hand, if you change yours, you can do everything from troubleshooting your Wi-Fi system to streaming your favorite shows while on vacation.

This blog will cover the specific instructions about how you can switch to another IP address. But first, you need to know what an IP address is actually.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address or Internet Protocol address is a unique string of numbers containing information about the conforming device’s location. It looks like 111.222.333.444.

These are the identification numbers that you can get on every system or network. It comes in a series of public and private.

The router of your device uses the public IP address consigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to access the Internet.

Your router also assigns a private IP address to your own device when it creates a local network at residence.

When the internet connects to devices like a computer, router, or telephone, each device connected to the internet has its IP address that tools use to communicate with other networks.

The device you are connected to provides you an internet address that comprises details about the nation, state, city, and zip code of this device.

Types of IP Addresses

All IP addresses have the same simple appearance, but there are a few diverse types of IP addresses to consider.

Private IP Address

Private IP addresses are the ones employed by devices that are all on exactly the exact same network. Within your house, you may possibly have private IP addresses for your own laptop or computer, phone, printer, and tablet computer.

Every system that connects to a Wi-Fi plan will have a personal IP address.

These addresses represent the way your router defines every one of different products, in addition to the way a product identifies each other. Usually, they’re automatically generated from the router, however, sometimes, you’re able to place them up manually.

Public IP Address

A public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider. They’re connected to all online activity that happens on devices attached to a system. It also refers to an external IP address.

Your public IP address is assigned to your router, and this is how devices direct internet networks outside, as well as the large Internet in general, will recognize your network.

Whenever you connect to a new connection, the public IP address usually changes.

A public IP is exactly what you saw when you clicked it to comprehend your own internet protocol address earlier in the day.

Dynamic IP Address

Mostly, public IP addresses are dynamic, which exactly means it changes over time. For instance, if you copy your IP address today and compare it with the previous IP address you copied a week ago, you will see the change – a different number.

An IP address that changes on a regular basis is good for the security of your network. However, it is difficult for hackers to hack the network when there is an inconsistent IP address.

As compared to others, a dynamic IP address is cheaper and easier to maintain.

Whenever the IP address changes, the older visits, the pool of IP addresses that may be delegated to someone else.

When there are different domain holders, they usually do not have to do much hard work to re-configure IP addresses for people each time that they change location.

Static IP Address

Apart from dynamic IP addresses, Static IP addresses are the opposite. It doesn’t change. All the networks that host different websites need a static IP address to make sure that the website will work properly or not.

Most people do not need the static IP address, but sometimes it is important to have an option. As with many devices, websites also have unique IP addresses.

Whenever you enter a domain name into your browser to access the website, your computer or system will find a specific IP address in order to provide you a list of collections that the site consists of.

Why Should You Change Your IP Address?

If you are considering changing your IP address, then it will keep your data safe and secure. But sometimes, it happens that your IP address will plot trouble. Hackers use this information for:

Download Illegal Content

If criminals hold your content, then a huge fine will be imposed on you for illegally downloading movies and music.

Know Your Home Address

If a hacker knows your home address, they can reach you and trace you, so it is important for you to keep your IP address secret and change it frequently.

Spy On You

If your IP address is in the hands of hackers, then they can access your IP traffic as well. Not only this they can get access to all of your passwords and even your personal data.

How To Find Your IP Address?

There are many ways to find an IP address. Simply go to google search and write IP checker or check IP. It will give thousands of websites that will tell you about your device’s public address.

Even they include the featured snippet which will detect your IP address and display it right on the search. This way you will not have to go to any other site.

They can also give you the exact geographical location. However, to find out the private IP address, there are few steps:

For Windows Users

Click start, run, type cmd, and then press enter.

A command prompt should pop up: ipconfig and press enter. Your IP address will be shown.

For Mac Users

If you are a mac user, then go to system preferences and click network. Your IP address will be revealed like a screenshot. You can also find out by clicking on the connected devices.

How to change your IP address?

There are many ways to change your IP address. One is you can simply switch to a different network your IP will be changed. For instance, if you are using your home Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone, just turn off the Wi-Fi setting and use your mobile phone data.

The other way is to reset the modem. It will also reset your IP address. You need to unplug your modem for 30 seconds and then back the plugin. It will help.

Use a Proxy Settings

You can change your IP address by changing your proxy settings from the browser.

If the above options don’t help you connect your ISP so that they can change your IP address for you.

There are a lot of reasons why you should change your IP address. Before changing, you must understand the type of IP address that you are changing and find the easiest way to do it.