How to change public IP to specified IP on different devices PC or cell or phone or router

Changing the public IP address to a specific one is a task that many users may need for various reasons, such as accessing geo-restricted content, improving security, or maintaining anonymity. Depending on the device, the process for changing a public IP address can vary. This article will guide you through the steps required to change the public IP address on different devices such as PCs, mobile phones, and routers. Each device requires a different approach, so understanding the distinctions between them is essential. By following the appropriate method for each device, you can successfully modify your public IP address as needed.

Understanding the Basics of Public IP Address

Before diving into the specific methods for changing your public IP address on various devices, it is important to understand what a public IP address is.

A public IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is used to identify your network on the internet. Every device that connects to the internet has its own unique public IP address. The public IP is different from a private IP address, which is assigned to devices within a local network. Changing your public IP address is usually required when you need to appear from a different geographical location or have a more secure connection.

In most cases, public IP addresses are dynamic, meaning they can change over time. However, some users may need to manually assign a specific IP address, especially when setting up servers or bypassing restrictions. Let’s explore how to achieve this on different devices.

Changing Public IP on a PC

When it comes to changing the public IP address on a PC, the process mainly involves manipulating the network settings, which is done through the operating system. However, it's important to note that you cannot directly change the public IP through the PC alone without interacting with the ISP or the router.

1. Restarting Your Router: The simplest method to change the public IP address is to restart your router. Most ISPs assign dynamic IPs to customers, and a router restart can often trigger the assignment of a new IP address from the ISP. To do this:

- Turn off your router.

- Wait for a minute or two.

- Turn the router back on and check if your IP has changed.

2. Using a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service allows you to connect to a server located in a different region, effectively masking your real public IP address with one from the server. The IP address you see on your PC will now be the one assigned by the VPN server.

3. Contacting Your ISP: If you need a static public IP address, you may have to contact your ISP and request one. Some ISPs offer static IPs for an additional fee.

4. Modifying Network Settings: Advanced users may choose to modify network settings by using commands like "ipconfig" (on Windows) or "ifconfig" (on Linux), but this only changes the private IP within the local network and does not affect the public IP.

Changing Public IP on a Mobile Device

Changing the public IP on a mobile device follows a similar logic to the PC but involves different steps due to the mobile nature of the device. Here are some methods to change the public IP on your mobile device:

1. Switching Between Mobile Networks: The easiest way to change the public IP on a mobile device is by switching between mobile networks. If you are using mobile data, you can toggle between Wi-Fi and cellular data. Cellular networks typically assign dynamic IP addresses, so when you switch, you will likely be assigned a new IP address.

2. Restarting the Device: Similar to the router method for PCs, restarting your mobile device can result in the reassignment of a new IP address from your mobile carrier. This method works best if you're using cellular data.

3. Using a Mobile VPN App: Just like on a PC, you can use a VPN app on your mobile device to change the public IP. This will route your internet traffic through a different server, masking your real IP address with the one from the VPN server. VPN services for mobile devices are widely available for both Android and iOS.

4. Connecting to a Different Wi-Fi Network: If you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, your mobile device will use the public IP address of the router. By simply connecting to a different Wi-Fi network, you can change the IP address assigned to your mobile device.

Changing Public IP on a Router

Changing the public IP on a router is generally a more direct method to achieve a new public IP address. Here are the ways you can change the public IP through your router:

1. Power Cycling the Router: As with PCs, simply turning off the router for a few minutes and then restarting it may lead to the assignment of a new public IP. This works when the ISP uses dynamic IP allocation.

2. Releasing and Renewing the IP Address: Most routers have an option to release and renew the IP address. This can be done through the router’s settings interface. To access the settings:

- Login to your router’s administration page (usually accessed via a browser by entering the router’s private IP address).

- Look for the "WAN" or "Internet" settings.

- Select the option to release the current IP address and renew it. This will request a new IP address from your ISP.

3. Using a Static IP: If you need a specific public IP address, you can set a static IP by configuring it on your router. This is done in the router settings, where you can assign a fixed IP address to your device or network. It is essential to check with your ISP to see if static IP assignments are available.

4. Requesting an IP Change from Your ISP: In some cases, your ISP may not assign a new IP address automatically, and you may need to contact them for assistance. This is especially true if you require a static IP for hosting servers or for other professional purposes.

Conclusion

Changing your public IP address is an important skill for users who need greater privacy, improved security, or wish to access content restricted by geographical location. Depending on the device—whether it’s a PC, mobile phone, or router—the methods for changing the public IP can vary. While routers and ISPs play a significant role in the assignment of public IPs, users can still take steps to manipulate these addresses through different techniques such as restarting devices, using VPNs, or contacting the ISP directly.

By understanding the tools at your disposal and the nuances of your network setup, you can effectively manage and change your public IP address to meet your needs.