Your iPhone’s IP address is like your digital fingerprint on the internet. If you want to enhance privacy, fix network issues or bypass geographical restrictions, knowing how to change your IP address can be incredibly useful. This blog will walk you through every method available on iOS devices.
Why You Might Want to Change Your iPhone’s IP
There can be several reasons you might need to change your IP address. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Privacy and Anonymity: Your IP address reveals your approximate location and can be used to track your online activities. Changing it adds a layer of privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi.
- Bypassing Geo-blocks: Many online platforms restrict content based on your geographic location. By changing your IP address, you can access the restricted content in your area.
- Fixing Network Conflicts: When two devices on the same network are assigned the same IP address leads to connectivity issues. Changing your iPhone’s IP can resolve these conflicts.
- Troubleshooting Connectivity: Sometimes network issues arise from IP-related issues such as DNS conflicts A new IP address often resolves these issues.
Types of IP Address
Local IP Address: This is allocated by your Wi-Fi router and can only be seen on your local network. It usually begins with 192.138.x.x. This kind of address enables devices on your home or office network to share information with each other.
Public IP Address: Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns this and it is accessible to the whole internet. This is the address websites look for when you are visiting and the one you see on IP-checking sites.
IPv4 vs. IPv6
The majority of networks still have mainly IPv4 addresses, which appear as 127.0.0.1. IPv6 is also becoming popular, with addresses that appear as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. Both protocols are supported by iOS, and some procedures will modify one or both types of addresses.
Where to Find Your IP Address on iOS
To find your IP follow the steps below:
- Click Settings.
- Click Wi-Fi.
- Click on the “i” button next to Network.
- Look under IPv4 Address.
How to Change Your IP Address on Iphone
Method 1 : Toggle Airplane Mode (Cellular)
This is the fastest method to get a new cellular IP address.
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Toggle Airplane Mode on and wait 10-15 seconds
- Toggle Airplane Mode off
- Wait for your cellular connection to re-establish
Method 2 : Forget & Rejoin Wi-Fi Network
To get a new local IP address on Wi-Fi:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network
- Tap Forget This Network
- Confirm by tapping Forget
- Select your network again from the Wi-Fi list
- Enter the password and reconnect.
Method 3: Power-Cycle Your Router
If you need a new public IP address while on Wi-Fi:
- Unplug your router/modem for 2-5 minutes
- Plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart
- Reconnect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network
Steps to Manually Set a Static Local IP on Wi-Fi
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network
- Tap Configure IP
- Select Manual instead of Automatic
- Enter your chosen IP address (must be within your router’s subnet)
- Enter the Subnet Mask (255.255.255.0)
- Enter your Router address (your gateway IP)
- Tap Save
Release & Renew a DHCP Lease in iOS
This method forces your iPhone to request a new IP address from the router’s DHCP server.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network
- Scroll down and tap Renew Lease
- Confirm by tapping Renew Lease again
How to Change Your Cellular IP Address
Method 1: Restart Your iPhone
- Hold the power button and volume button until the slider appears
- Slide to power off
- Wait 30 seconds, then power back on
Method 2: Toggle Cellular Data
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Turn off Cellular Data
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn Cellular Data back on
Method 3: Reset Network Settings
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset
- Select Reset Network Settings
- Enter your passcode and confirm
Note: Many cellular carriers use Network Address Translation (NAT), which means multiple customers share the same public IP address. This limits your ability to get a truly unique public IP through cellular networks.
Masking Your Masking Your Public IP
Setting Up VPN Manually in iOS
- Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
- Tap VPN
- Tap Add VPN Configuration
- Choose your protocol (IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP)
- Enter your VPN server details:
- Description: Name for this VPN
- Server: VPN server address
- Remote ID: Server identifier
- Local ID: Your user identifier
- User Authentication: Username/password or certificate
- Tap Done
To connect: Toggle the VPN on in Settings or Control Center.
Using Third-Party VPN Apps
- ExpressVPN: Fast speeds, many server locations, user-friendly
- NordVPN: Strong security features, specialized servers
- Surfshark: Unlimited device connections, budget-friendly
- CyberGhost: Good for streaming, automatic kill switch
Most apps require a subscription and offer one-tap connection to servers worldwide.
iCloud Private Relay (Safari-only)
Apple’s built-in privacy feature for iCloud+ subscribers. Private Relay only works in Safari and encrypts your browsing, but can’t be considered as a full VPN solution.
- Go to Settings > (Your Name) > iCloud
- Tap Private Relay
- Toggle Private Relay on
- Choose Maintain General Location or Use Country and Time Zone
Alternatives to Change Your IP Address
Proxy Servers
Configure a proxy in Wi-Fi settings:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) next to your network
- Scroll to HTTP Proxy
- Select Manual
- Enter proxy server and port
- Add authentication if required
TOR Browser
You can also use the Tor browser on your iPhone to hide your IP address. It sends your internet traffic through multiple servers which makes it look like you are browsing from a different location
Smart DNS Services
Smart DNS changes your DNS servers to bypass geo-blocks:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) next to your network
- Tap Configure DNS
- Select Manual
- Add Smart DNS server addresses
How to Verify Your New IP Address
Using iOS Settings
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) next to your connected network
- Your local IP address is shown under IP Address
Using Websites
Visit these sites in Safari to check your public IP:
- whatismyip.org
- whatismyipaddress.com
- ipchicken.com
- myip.com
- iplocation.io
Using Network Apps
Download apps like:
- Network Analyzer: Comprehensive network tools
- IP Network Scanner: Scan local networks
- Fing: Network discovery and security
Troubleshooting After an IP Change
No Internet Connection
- Check if you are connected to Wi-Fi or cellular
- Try toggling Airplane Mode on/off
- Restart your iPhone
- Reset network settings if problems persist
IP Conflict Messages
- Use the DHCP lease renewal method
- Set a manual IP outside the DHCP range
- Check if another device is using the same static IP
VPN Issues
- Try different VPN server locations
- Check if your network blocks VPN traffic
- Update your VPN app
- Try switching VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard)
DNS Problems
- Switch to public DNS servers (8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1)
- Clear Safari cache and website data
- Restart your router
- Contact your ISP if problems persist
Security & Legal Considerations
ISP and Workplace Rules
Your internet service provider or employer may have policies against:
- Using VPNs on their network
- Attempting to hide your IP address
- Accessing certain types of content
Always check your terms of service and employment agreements before making changes.
Streaming Service Restrictions
Many streaming platforms actively block:
- Known VPN server IP addresses
- Proxy services
- Users who frequently change locations
Using these services might result in temporary or permanent account restrictions.
VPN Logging and Regional Laws
Consider these factors when choosing IP-changing methods:
- Some countries restrict or ban VPN usage
- Free VPN services may log and sell your data
- VPN companies vary in their privacy policies
- Some jurisdictions require VPN providers to maintain logs
FAQs
- Is it Safe to Change My IP Address?
Yes, changing your IP address is generally safe and legal. However, make sure you are not violating terms of service for networks you are using or content you are accessing.
- Will This Void My iPhone Warranty?
No, changing network settings or using VPNs will not affect your iPhone warranty. These are standard iOS features and legitimate use cases.
- What’s the Difference Between Static and Dynamic IP?
A static IP remains unchanged unless manually done for hosting websites or servers. A dynamic IP is automatically assigned by the network and can change over time, common for daily users.
- Can I Change IPv6 Addresses on iOS?
Yes, most methods that change IPv4 addresses will also affect IPv6. iOS handles both protocols automatically, and you can disable IPv6 entirely in some router settings if needed.
- How Often Should I Change My IP?
You might want to change your IP address if you are facing privacy concerns, dealing with network issues, using public Wi-Fi or accessing restricted content in your area.
Key Takeaways
Fastest Method
For a quick IP change, toggle Airplane Mode for cellular connections or use the “Renew Lease” option for Wi-Fi. These methods take less than 30 seconds and work in most situations.
Manual Method
For precise control, manually configure your IP address in Wi-Fi settings. This gives you the exact IP you want but requires more technical knowledge and can cause issues when switching networks.
VPN Method
For the most comprehensive IP masking and privacy protection, use a reputable VPN service. While it requires a subscription, it offers the best combination of security, reliability and global server options.