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What is an IP? IP stands for both Intellectual Property and Internet Protocol. In this context, we’re discussing the latter. An IP address is used to identify devices on the internet or local networks, providing a set of rules that govern the format of data transmitted over the internet or local networks. It’s unique, much like a person’s ID or fingerprints, and can be used to identify users and track their activities.

The uniqueness of IP addresses often imposes limitations on users, such as restricted access to global popular websites, inability to cross-play games on different servers, and being tracked by third parties like Internet Service Providers (ISPs), advertisers, governments, and hackers. To circumvent these issues, many users consider changing their IP addresses. But can IP addresses be changed? And how can users go about changing their IP addresses? This article presents 7 methods for changing IP addresses, providing you with options to explore. Let’s delve into them!

Changing an IP address can serve several purposes:

• Access Restricted Content: Some websites or online services might be restricted in certain regions due to geographical limitations or censorship. Changing your IP address can allow you to access content that might otherwise be unavailable in your current location.

• Privacy and Anonymity: Changing your IP address can enhance your online privacy by making it more difficult for websites, advertisers, and other online entities to track your online activities and identify you.

• Bypassing Blocks: If a specific IP address has been blocked from accessing a service, changing it can help you regain access. For instance, some online games or forums might ban certain IPs to prevent misuse.

• Gaming: Gamers might change their IP addresses to access game servers located in different regions, reduce lag, or participate in events restricted to specific locations.

• Security: Changing your IP address can add an extra layer of security by making it harder for potential attackers to target your specific IP.

• Avoiding DDoS Attacks: Changing your IP address can help evade Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that target specific IPs to overwhelm them with traffic.

• Testing and Development: Developers might need to test how their websites or applications behave when accessed from different IP addresses or geographic locations.

• Dynamic IP Changes: Many home internet connections have dynamic IP addresses that change periodically. Changing your IP in this context can simply mean waiting for your ISP to assign you a new one.

Using a VPN to change the IP address.

Can a VPN change IP addresses? Absolutely! Users can not only modify their IP address through a VPN, but they can also freely switch to global IPs such as US IPs, Taiwanese IPs, Hong Kong IPs, and more. VPN service providers have multiple servers across the world, offering users various IP addresses from different countries and regions. Since the traffic of VPN users is transmitted through encrypted tunnels, third parties can only see the IP address of the server, not the user’s real IP or online activities. This allows users to freely switch IPs and enjoy unrestricted internet surfing.

Using Tor to change IP address.

The Tor Browser, known for its strong privacy features, not only allows users to browse without leaving traces but also enables them to change their IP address. If you’re using Tor for the first time, it will connect you to a relay server and assign you a new IP. If you’re already browsing on Tor, you can generate a new IP address by creating a new identity. First, open the Tor Browser, click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, and select ‘New identity.’ A window will pop up, notifying you that ‘Tor will close all windows and tabs.’ After confirming, Tor will restart, and you will have a new IP address.

Modifying IP addresses using a proxy server.

The working principle of a proxy server is similar to VPN and Tor. It involves redirecting the direct connection between a user and a target network through an intermediary server, using a proxy IP to bypass filtering and overcome website blocking. There are numerous online IP proxies available for users to purchase and use. However, it’s important to note that proxy servers do not encrypt your connection. Different types and protocols of proxies have varying impacts on security, and there might be risks such as data leaks and log retention.

Modifying IP addresses using a router.

A straightforward method is to reset the router: First, users can note down the current IP address before resetting (this can be done using an IP lookup tool). Unplug the router’s power and wait for at least five minutes before resetting it. Your ISP will then assign a new IP address. Alternatively, you can use the information provided on the back of the router: The bottom of the router usually has login details. Open a browser, enter the login password, locate ‘LAN Settings/LAN Address,’ and then modify the router’s IP.

Manually changing IP addresses (including changing IP on computers and smartphones).

• How to change an IP address on a computer To change an IP address on a Mac: Open “System Preferences,” select “Network - Advanced - TCP/IP,” then choose “Manual” under “Configure IPv4.” Finally, input the new IP address in the “IPv4 Address” field.

To change an IP address on Windows 10: Open “Control Panel,” go to “Network and Internet - Network and Sharing Center,” click “Change adapter settings,” select the currently used network, right-click and choose “Properties - Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” then select “Use the following IP address” and fill in the new valid IP address.

• How to change the IP address on a mobile phone First, open the phone’s “Settings,” go to “Wi-Fi,” select the wireless network you’re connected to, within “IP Settings,” switch from “DHCP” to “Static,” then manually input a valid static IP address (for Android phones). Alternatively, for iPhones, go to “Settings - Wi-Fi,” tap the “i” icon next to the Wi-Fi network name, choose “Manual” under “Configure IP,” and then input the new IP address.

Note: Whether you’re changing the IP on a computer, phone, or router, it’s important to have a valid IP prepared in advance. This undoubtedly adds complexity to the process of changing an IP address. Therefore, this article still recommends the simplest method for changing IP addresses — using AoxVPN.

Contact the ISP and use flight mode to change the IP.

In addition to the five methods mentioned above, users can also change their IP address by contacting their ISP or by enabling and disabling flight mode. However, whether using a router, manually modifying settings, contacting an ISP, or utilizing flight mode to change the IP address, these methods still display the user’s true IP. They do not help in hiding the IP or bypassing geographical restrictions. Therefore, this article recommends users to use AoxVPN to change their IP and protect their privacy.

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