On the Internet, your IP address is similar to a postal address. It uniquely identifies where you are so that information can be sent to you. Your IP address can change depending on what network you’re using to connect. You can also change it, within certain limitations, if desired.

If you want to change your IP address on an Android device, follow these instructions.

The basics

Before reading any of the below information, you need to be aware of some network basics.

  • The basics.

  • Change the local IP address of your Android device.

  • Change the public IP address of your Android device.

  • Change your device’s IP address on a mobile network.

  • Know the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address. See each link for additional information about these terms.

  • When on the Internet, it is up to your ISP (Internet service provider) to assign and give you your network address seen by the Internet. When on a LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network), the home or corporate router assigns the IP addresses.

  • If you’re planning on designating or using a static IP address, be aware of how IP address ranges are handled and be familiar with the netmask. See each of these links for additional information.

Change the local IP address of your Android device

Your local IP address is tied to your computer’s wireless network. By default, a home router uses DHCP to assign an IP address to each device that connects to your network. Each IP address assigned by your router uses NAT to translate the internal network IP to the ISP assigned IP address.

You can change your Android local IP address by connecting your router and adjusting the router settings for your Android device. For example, you can assign a static IP to your Android device, choose the option to re-assign the address, or remove the device and be assigned a new address.

  • How to adjust the settings of a home router.

Change the public IP address of your Android device

To change the public IP address requires that the IP address assigned by your ISP changes. Although not always possible, suggestions on how to change your routers public IP address in the link below. If these steps do not help, you can hide your IP address behind a VPN by following the steps in the following section.

Some routers may re-assign your Android device a new IP address if rebooted. If you don’t want to adjust your router settings, try unplugging the power to the router for a few minutes and then plug the power back into the router.

These steps only change the IP address of your Android device on your local network. Steps for changing your public IP address (external to your local network) are mentioned below.

Before proceeding, it’s good to know your device’s public IP to verify its changes. You can do this by doing a Google search on “What’s my IP address?” The result is your public IP.

  • How do I change my IP address?

Hide your public IP address behind a VPN

A VPN (virtual private network) allows any device including an Android device to hide behind one of the VPN’s IP address. In other words, connecting to a website or anything on the Internet, your IP is the VPN IP address and not your public IP address. To install a VPN on your Android device, follow the steps below.

  • Visit the Google Play Store and download the free app called PureVPN.

  • After you install the app, open it, and sign up for an account.

  • Once you’ve verified your account, open PureVPN and click the green Quick connect button in the center of the screen.

You can use your Facebook or Google account to sign into PureVPN.

  • Once you’ve connected, your public IP address is changed.

Change your device’s IP address on a mobile network

There is no need to change your devices IP address on a mobile network because mobile networks use DHCP to assign IP addresses, so they change frequently as is. However, if you’re also concerned about assigned mobile network IP addresses, choose to connect to the Internet using a VPN app, as mentioned in the above suggestions.

To change your public IP address again, disconnect and reconnect to PureVPN.

  • How do I change my IP address?
  • How to determine the IP address of a computer or website.
  • How to find the physical location of an IP address.
  • How to fix an IP conflict.
  • See the IP definition for further information about this term and related links.
  • Network and network card help and support.