What Is a Static IP Address?

Just from the name, you can probably tell that a static IP address is an IP address that stays the same. It doesn’t change or move; it’s static. But what exactly does that mean for you and your digital security? Well, it depends on the context – that is, whether it’s coming from your router, your internet provider, or your VPN.

What Is a Static IP Address?

A static IP address is an IP address that stays the same. Now, your device can have two types of IP addresses, both of which can be static.

• Private IP address: Your private IP address is assigned by your network router and doesn’t do much to affect your day-to-day online activity. It’s simply your device’s address within your network.
• Public IP address: Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is your device’s unique identifier within the whole global internet. Because of that, it bears a much bigger significance than your private IP address. The tool below shows your current public IP address.

There’s a third type of IP address you can get, this one from a VPN. If you have a VPN, it will hide your real public IP address behind the public IP address of a VPN server. As far as anyone else is concerned, your public IP address is now the same as the VPN server once you connect to a VPN.

Your VPN IP address is assigned by the VPN server, and it, too, can be static. And because it’s the equivalent of a public IP address, your VPN IP address is also important.

What Is an IP Address?

If you’re not sure what an IP address is, we’ve got you covered. “IP” stands for “internet protocol,” and it’s a device’s identifying number both within a computer network and outside of that network. Think of an IP address like a street address that lets people send letters to each other, but in this case it’s data. IP addresses reveal the user’s approximate physical location including their city and ZIP code.

» Learn about: How to find your IP address

What Is a Dynamic IP Address?

The opposite of a static IP address is a dynamic IP address, one that changes periodically. A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server assigns dynamic IP addresses automatically; after a period of time, they expire and get replaced.

Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses

Now, let’s put static and dynamic IP addresses head to head. Both show a user’s approximate geolocation, but they’re useful for different purposes.

When You Need a Static IP Address

To give it to you straight – most folks won’t need a static IP address. The main exception? If you’re running a business website, hosting game servers, or managing remote employees. If you have a business with your own website or internet service and employees working from home, use a static IP address along with a business VPN. This will help your employees work from home safely.

When You Need a Dynamic IP Address

For everything else, there are dynamic IP addresses, the choice of most consumers. Since dynamic IP addresses make it harder to track you online, they’re the default option the majority of the time.

» Learn more: How to get a US IP address

Which Type of IP Address Do You Have?

Finding your IP address is easy, whether you need to find your printer’s IP address, find your Roku’s IP address, or find your router’s IP address. We’ve included instructions for the major operating systems below.

Mac

Follow these steps to check your Mac’s IP address:

1. Open the System Settings…
2. Select Network.
3. Select your Wi-Fi network.
4. Click Details…
5. Your internal IP address should then be listed.

PC (Windows 11)

Find your Windows computer’s IP address:

1. Click on the Taskbar.
2. Click Wi-Fi Network.
3. Click Select Network.
4. Select Properties.
5. Look under IPv4 Address for your IP Address.

Android

To find your Android device’s IP:

1. Open your Android Settings.
2. Click About.
3. Click Status.
4. Click IP Address.

iOS

And last but not least, to find your iPhone’s IP address:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Wi-Fi.
3. Under the lowercase i, click Network.
4. You’ll find your IP address under IPv4 Address.

Is It Hard to Change Your IP Address?

That depends on which IP address you’re trying to change.

If you’re trying to change your private IP address assigned by your router, then no. That’s easy to change, because you own the network and can pretty much do whatever you like with it. You can even choose from a pool of available IP addresses.

If you’re trying to change your public IP address, you have to rely on a tool such as a VPN. That’s especially true if your internet provider assigned you a static IP address. With a dynamic IP address, your ISP will typically assign a new IP address if you unplug your modem for about 30 minutes and then plug it back in. This trick won’t work with a static IP address – it’s locked in place like your home address.

Lastly, if you’re looking to change your VPN IP address, a simple reconnect or server change will do the trick.

How to Get a Dynamic IP Address

Now, to change your IP address (and change it again and again), we recommend using a VPN with dynamic IP addresses. However, although there are free VPNs as well as free trial VPNs, you’ll probably have to pay for a VPN in the long term. If that doesn’t work for you, we’ve provided some other options.

» Further Reading: Learn how to get a UK IP address

VPNs

VPNs hide your IP address and change it periodically. Additionally, VPNs hide your browsing history for some added privacy, if that’s your reason for using a VPN.

Look for a VPN with dynamic IP addresses and solid rotation policies. ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and IPVanish are solid picks that won’t break the bank – expect to pay around $3 to $12 monthly depending on your subscription length. Learn more in our ExpressVPN review, Private Internet Access review, or IPVanish review. Once you’ve picked out a VPN:

1. Download the VPN from your app store.
2. Complete the installation process as guided.
3. Sign in.
4. Connect to a server. Your IP address will change automatically.

Tor

Want a free option? The Tor browser bounces your connection through multiple servers worldwide, changing your IP address with each hop. It’s slower than a VPN but offers excellent anonymity. Tor isolates each website you visit, automatically clearing cookies when you move to the next site.

By changing your IP address and device information, Tor makes all users look the same, encrypting their IPs and web activity three times. You can download Tor for macOS, Linux, Android, or PC directly from the Tor Project website. Just remember it’s designed for privacy, not streaming or gaming.

Proxy Servers

If you want to change your IP address only and don’t care about your web activity being hidden, you can use a proxy server in lieu of a VPN. Here’s how.

Mac

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Advanced.
4. Under the Proxies section, click Change Settings.
5. Update your settings with the necessary information that was provided to you.

Windows

1. Open your Settings.
2. Click Network & internet.
3. Click Proxy.
4. Click Set up under the automatic or manual section.
5. Enter your proxy information.
6. Click Save.

iOS

1. Open your Settings.
2. Click Wi-Fi.
3. Select the lowercase i, in the WiFi section.
4. Scroll to HTTP Proxy section.
5. Click Manual.
6. Change the setting from Off to Manual.
7. Enter in the Server and Port information needed.

Android

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Tap Wi-Fi.
4. Tap Settings next to the network name.
5. Tap View More.
6. Tap Proxy, then select Manual.
7. Enter your proxy port and hostname.
8. Click Save.
   

   

How to Set up a DHCP Reservation

Ever had your wireless printer suddenly stop working? That’s probably because its IP address changed. DHCP reservations solve this headache by ensuring your device gets the same IP address every time it connects to your network. It’s perfect for printers, smart home devices, or network storage. How to set up a DHCP reservation depends on the operating system, but if you use Google Home:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Click Wi-Fi.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Advanced Networking.
5. Click DHCP IP Reservations.
6. Click the plus sign to add IP reservations.
7. Click the device you want to assign a static IP address.
8. Enter the static IP address.
9. Click Save.2

How to Protect Your IP Address

The most surefire way to protect your IP address is to use a VPN, but you could also use a proxy server or the Tor browser, as we detailed above. If someone has your IP address along with your personally identifiable information, or PII, they could steal your identity, which is why it’s best to keep your IP addresses hidden.

Recap

Here’s the bottom line: static IP addresses stay the same, dynamic ones change. Most of us regular folks do just fine with dynamic IPs from our ISPs. However, if you’re running a business, hosting servers, or need consistent remote access, a static IP might be worth the extra cost. Want to mask your IP entirely? That’s where VPNs, Tor, or proxy servers come in handy.

If you still have more questions about IP addresses, keep reading below or check out our VPN how-to guides for even more information.