How to Change your IP address to protect your online privacy

Your IP address is what identifies your personal computer while you are online. You may want to change your IP address for privacy, to bypass website settings, to download, or for various other reasons. This tutorial will take you through the steps you need to start surfing more anonymously.

You Will Need

• A computer with internet access

Step 1: Ask ISP

Ask your internet service provider to change your IP address if it is static. A static IP address applies if you use a cable modem or DSL, and is the permanent address assigned to your computer.

Step 2: Turn off your computer

Turn off your computer, router, and modem overnight to get a new IP address.

Turning off your computer will not give you a new IP address if you have a long lease time, which is set by your internet service provider.

Step 3: Clone Mac

Clone your Mac address to change your IP address if you have a long lease time. A Mac address is a hardware address assigned to your network connecting device.

Step 4: Follow instructions

Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to clone your Mac at your router.

Did you know? Some IP addresses are dynamic, changing every time a user logs on to the internet.