In this article we will let you know that Can you change your IP address on your phone.
Also, get to know IP Address meaning, full form of IP, IP address examples, and types of IP addresses.
So let’s begin…
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What is the Full form of IP?
IP stands for Internet Protocol. It is an identifying number that is associated with a specific computer network or computer.
Also Read:- Advantages of Internet
What is an IP address?
Are you among those billions of users who have come across the term IP address but never took enough effort to know what it is?
Even though the IP address serves as your passport to the internet, you might have never felt the need to think about it.
It’s alright if you don’t know what an IP address is. We are here to break it to you.
Here’s a handy definition for you – An IP address is a network address for your device or computer to let the internet know where to send you data and information.
IP Address Example
Well, now with the handy definition, you are way ahead of the curve. And, we’ll dig deeper into the meaning of IP address now.
Maybe looking at an example of an IP address will help.
Here is one. 24.156.99.202. Now, find yours too.
Now, when you find your device’s IP address, don’t get attached to it. Why? Because the IP address is not permanent. You’ll find it out soon. And, we won’t get too techie.
The IP address is a fascinating product of the modern computer technology design that allows one connected computer to communicate with another connected device over the internet.
With an IP address, the location of billions of digital devices connected to the internet can be pinpointed and differentiated from others.
Let’s take a reference example. You need a unique mailing address to receive a file, document, or image from a friend.
The mail comes from a computer that needs your IP address to communicate with your computer.
Here’s another example.
Your house has a street address or house number to receive your mails; your connected device has an internet address to receive data on the web.
So, what do you know from an IP address? It tells you that you or your device is connected to the internet.
Here’s a cool bit of information for you.
Every website you’ll come across, no matter what has a unique IP address. It’s just that they go by their name for example Amazon.com or Apple.com.
Just remember that without an IP address, you cannot connect to them and they won’t be able to share information with you.
Types of IP addresses
Regardless of all IP addresses being unique, you should know that not all addresses are created equal.
Rather, you can divide them into a few categories. And, these categories might come along with some advantages over the others.
Public IP Addresses
Every device connected to the internet has a public IP address. It is distributed by the Internet service providers through the internet corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
Have you heard of ICANN or not? Well, these public IP addresses can be searched on the web. And this is why we can find our printer by just Googling its IP address.
Private/ local IP Addresses
When compared to the public IP address, the private IP addresses cannot be searched on the web.
Rather, they are the numbers that the routers assign the devices on their network making them possible to communicate with each other.
Static IP Addresses
Static, as the name suggests, are those IP addresses that do not change. With VPNs, static IP addresses are usually shared with thousands of users to obscure their identities.
However, on some websites, you might find that these shared IP addresses are blocked which makes it necessary for the users to get a dedicated IP address. Isn’t it a convenient transition?
Dedicated IP Addresses
Dedicated IP addresses are those that are assigned to only one user instead of being shared by a larger number of user bases. Dedicated IP addresses usually come with a different fee along with the regular VPN subscription.
Dynamic IP Addresses
A dynamic IP address – what do you think it is? As the name suggests, they are IP addresses that change every time you connect, usually through a VPN.
This makes it hard for the users to get tracked as their literal IP address keeps changing.
IPv4
The Internet Protocol Version 4, IPv4 is used by 99 percent of networks. However, as it can store only 4.3 billion addresses, IPv6 is replacing it. IPv4 is four one-bite numbers that are separated by dots such as 555.555.1.1.
IPv6
Used by only less than 1 percent of the networks, Internet Protocol Version 6 comes with its advantage over IPv4.
One of them is that it can provide an infinite number of addresses. Additionally, it comes along with an allowance for larger payloads and compatibility with a greater number of mobile networks. Although just started, IPv6 will eventually replace IPv4.
Is it possible to change the IP address of a phone?
Yes, you can change the IP address of your phone. All you need is to follow some simple steps and you’re all good to go. The process to change the IP address of a phone is discussed further in the write-up.
Is it illegal to change your IP address?
In India, changing IP addresses isn’t an illegal activity. In other words, it is legal.
Moreover, using a VPN or proxy is also legal as you have the right to keep your privacy safe by using a VPN or any anonymizer.
However, the laws and exceptions might vary from country to country.
Can more than one device have the same IP address?
Well, this is one tricky question. The answer to this can be both yes and no. when it comes to more than one device, they can share the same external or public IP address but each device has its own local or private IP address.
For example, your Internet Service Provider will set you up with one external IP address.
Here, your router is the one that actually connects to the internet, the IP address is assigned to the router.
Further, your router will be the one to assign a local IP address to each device that is connected to the internet at a time.
Consequently, the external IP address is shared with the outside world and the local IP address is not shared outside of the private home network.
How to change your IP Address on an Android phone?
IP address – what pops in your mind when you read it? It is just a random technical term for you that you might or might not know about.
Well, Do you know how can you change your IP address on your phone or device? We’ll help you out with that.
Before you get straight to reading the instructions for changing the IP address, here are a few network basics you need to be aware of.
The basics of IP Address
Know what is the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address. You should lookup for additional information to better understand them.
When you are on the internet, your Internet Service Provider provides you with the network address which the internet sees.
Likewise, when you are using a LAN or WAN, the corporate or home router is the one assigning the IP addresses.
If you’re thinking of designating or using a static IP address, be aware of how the IP address ranges are handled and acquaint yourself with the netmask.
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.
Follow these simple steps to change the IP address on your android device:-
- Go to your Android Settings.
- Navigate to Wireless & Networks.
- Click on your Wi-Fi network.
- Click Modify Network.
- Select Advanced Options.
- Change the IP address.
Pros and cons of changing your IP address
Of course, there’s an ongoing debate on whether you should change your IP address or not.
While the angel will tell you that it’s a great way to improve your privacy as well as access to other country servers, the devil will tell you that it can be costly, some websites might not work, and that your ISP can still see your address.
Well, both sides carry the truth.
Therefore, it’s best to make decisions on a situational basis.
So, we’ll break down the main reasons to you that why you should and shouldn’t change your IP address.
Why should you change your IP address?
To avoid tracking
Think of something you’ve recently searched for say pure dark chocolate.
Now, recall the instances you have seen the ads of pure dark chocolate while browsing other websites on the web.
This is tracking. Cookies make this sort of tracking possible. By changing IP addresses, you can disable them or prevent any tracking.
To bypass government restrictions
Governments of certain countries highly restrict internet usage.
Therefore, if you want to bypass the firewalls and freely access the internet, you should consider changing your IP address.
To access international servers
Imagine sitting in an apartment in California and simply wanting to see what’s on Netflix Canada. Can you do it?
At first, you might say no but you can. All you have to do is to change your IP address to a Canadian one. This way, you’ll trick the streaming giant into showing a whole lot of new content to you.
To increase security
Many people think of using public Wi-Fi networks without even giving it a thought.
However, you should know that public networks open up a huge door of security risks with hacking as their leader.
But by hiding your real IP address, you will significantly lower your chances of risks or hacking.
To gain privacy
Let’s say you are an activist, journalist, or someone who handles sensitive information.
Or maybe you don’t want your ISP to track your every move.
So, if that’s the case with you, changing your IP address is a step in the right direction considering the privacy you want.
Why you shouldn’t change your IP address?
Not always a legal alternative
Certain websites like Netflix might not work with some proxies or VPNs.
So, even if they bypass the government restrictions, it doesn’t save you from the probability of individual websites blocking certain IP addresses.
Some websites might not work
Based on where you are, VPNs may not be a legal option. For example, they are banned in Iran, Belarus, China, and other countries too. Therefore, always consider it beforehand.
Can slow down your connection
Coming with added encryption, it will slow down your browsing speed and experience. But the slowdowns will differ from service to service.
However, if you still want to perform tasks requiring a lot of bandwidth such a streaming video or video chatting, you can experience some lag.
VPN may log data
Now, based on the service, your VPN company can log or store information that you might want to hide such as web traffic and IP address.
What would we recommend? Always read your VPN’s privacy policy.
Could be expensive
Not all VPNs are free except the ones you which are free of course. Nevertheless, with free VPNs, you will get a limit on time, servers, or data.
So, if you want full coverage, you will have to empty your pockets a bit.
Regardless of your VPN being paid or free, your Internet Service Provider can see your IP. Even if you have a new IP address, your ISP can see it.
This means that you are never truly private whenever you are on the internet.
Should you hide your IP address?
Although you don’t have to hide your IP address, there can certain instances when you might want to.
The most common reasons are privacy and security. When you have suitable reasons to hide your IP address, it is best to hide your IP address.
How does vpn change ip address?
One way to hide your IP address is your VPN. When using a VPN, your IP address will come from the VPN server’s external IP instead of your location’s external IP address.
So, now when your VPN is connected to a server located in one country, your external IP will appear to be connected from that country and not the actual place you are connected from.
Additionally, your online activity will be sent over an encrypted and secure connection to your VPN server providing you additional privacy and security.

Hello! My name is Mansi Shrivastava who happens to have a knack for writing. It has not always been what I admired but developing into a writer was something I appreciate the most now. When not glued to the computer screen, I love to try my hand in arts and crafts. Also, binge-watching with a bowl of snacks has always been my thing.