To change the IP address on an Android device, you have several methods depending on whether you want to change your public IP (the one visible on the internet) or your private IP (the one used on your local Wi-Fi network):

1. Change Public IP Address Using a VPN or Tor

• VPN (Virtual Private Network):
  Installing and connecting to a VPN app on your Android device will assign you a new public IP address from the VPN server’s location. This is the easiest way to change your IP for privacy or to access geo-restricted content.
  Steps:

  • Download a VPN app (e.g., Surfshark, ExpressVPN) from the Google Play Store.
  • Subscribe, log in, and connect to a server of your choice.
  • Your public IP address changes to that of the VPN server

• Tor Browser or Orbot:
  Tor routes your internet traffic through multiple relays, changing your IP address within the Tor network. Using the Tor Browser changes your IP only inside the browser, while Orbot can route traffic from specific apps.
  Steps:

  • Download Tor Browser or Orbot from the Play Store.
  • Connect to the Tor network.
  • Your IP address will change for traffic routed through Tor

2. Change Private IP Address Manually on Wi-Fi

This changes your device’s local IP address on your Wi-Fi network but does not affect your public IP. Steps to set a static IP:

• Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
• Long press your connected Wi-Fi network and select Manage network settings or Modify network.
• Change IP settings from DHCP to Static.
• Enter an unused IP address within your network’s range, along with gateway and subnet mask info (usually your router’s IP and subnet).
• Save the settings

To find an unused IP address on your network, you can ping addresses near your router’s gateway IP from a PC until you find one that is not in use

3. Reset IP Address (Get a New Dynamic IP)

If your device uses DHCP (automatic IP assignment), you can reset your network settings or reconnect to the network to get a new IP address assigned by the router or ISP. Steps:

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > select your network.
• Tap Reset Network Settings or simply disconnect and reconnect Wi-Fi.
• Alternatively, reboot your router to get a new public IP from your ISP

Summary Table

Method| Changes Public IP?| Changes Private IP?| How to Do It| Notes
---|---|---|---|---
VPN| Yes| No| Install VPN app and connect| Best for privacy and geo-unblocking
Tor Browser / Orbot| Yes (within Tor)| No| Use Tor apps| IP changes only for Tor-routed traffic
Manual Static IP on Wi-Fi| No| Yes| Settings > Wi-Fi > Modify network| Useful for local network configuration
Reset Network Settings| Possibly| Possibly| Settings > Network > Reset| Gets new IP assigned by router/ISP

This covers how to change your IP address on Android depending on your needs