CloakMyIPAddress

How to Change Your IP Address on iPhone and Android (6 Ways, 2026)

Step-by-step ways to change your public or local IP address on iPhone and Android: VPN, iCloud Private Relay, mobile data, airplane mode, router restart and static IP settings, with what each one actually hides.

By CloakMyIPAddress Privacy Desk Published

Disclosure: Some links go to VPN providers via our /go/ links and may earn us a commission in future, at no cost to you. Disclosure

On this page
  1. First: which IP do you want to change?
  2. The six methods compared
  3. Method 1: Use a VPN (both platforms)
  4. Method 2: iCloud Private Relay (iPhone)
  5. Method 3: Tor (Android and iPhone)
  6. Method 4: Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
  7. Method 5: Toggle airplane mode (mobile data)
  8. Method 6: Restart your home router (Wi-Fi)
  9. How to change your local IP address
  10. After changing it: check for leaks
  11. FAQ
  12. Related guides
  13. Sources

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026 · By the CloakMyIPAddress Privacy Desk

Short answer: to change the IP address websites see on an iPhone or Android phone, the reliable options are a VPN, iCloud Private Relay (iPhone, iCloud+), or the Tor Browser. Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data or toggling airplane mode also gives you a different address, but one that still points to your carrier and rough location. Changing your local IP (the 192.168.x.x one) doesn’t change what websites see at all.

Start by checking what websites see right now: What’s my IP?. Then use the method that fits your goal.

First: which IP do you want to change?

Your phone has two kinds of IP address (explained here):

Public IPLocal (private) IP
Who sees itEvery website and app server you connect toOnly devices on the same Wi-Fi network
Looks like81.20.x.x, or a long IPv6 address192.168.1.23, 10.0.0.5
Assigned byYour mobile carrier or home ISPYour router
Changing it helps withPrivacy, geo-restrictions, IP bansNetwork conflicts and troubleshooting

Most people searching “change my IP” want the public one.

The six methods compared

MethodiPhoneAndroidHides your real IP from sites?Cost
1. VPN appYesYesYes, and you choose the countryFree tiers exist; paid from about €2–5/month
2. iCloud Private RelayYes (iCloud+)NoYes in Safari and unencrypted app traffic, but region onlyPart of iCloud+
3. Tor Browser / Onion BrowserOnion BrowserTor BrowserYes, in that browser onlyFree
4. Switch Wi-Fi ↔ mobile dataYesYesNo: new address, same type of providerFree
5. Airplane mode on mobile dataYesYesNo: often a new carrier IPFree
6. Restart the home routerYesYesNo: often a new ISP IPFree

Method 1: Use a VPN (both platforms)

A VPN routes all your phone’s traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server elsewhere, so websites see the server’s IP. It’s the only method that covers every app and lets you pick the country.

iPhone or Android:

  1. Install a reputable VPN app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Sign in, allow it to add a VPN configuration (iPhone) or accept the connection request (Android).
  3. Pick a server location and connect. A key icon (Android) or “VPN” badge (iPhone) appears in the status bar.
  4. Reload our IP check. You should see the VPN’s IP, location and provider name.

Android extra: go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN, tap the gear next to your VPN and turn on Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN, so no traffic leaks if the app reconnects.

Choosing one: look for an independently audited no-logs policy, a kill switch and WireGuard-based protocols. Options include Proton VPN (free plan), Mullvad (no email needed), NordVPN, Surfshark (unlimited devices) and ExpressVPN. Avoid unknown free VPN apps, as researchers have repeatedly found free VPN apps that leak traffic or carry trackers. See what to look for.

Method 2: iCloud Private Relay (iPhone)

If you pay for iCloud+, Apple’s Private Relay sends Safari traffic, DNS lookups and some unencrypted app traffic through two separate relays: one operated by Apple, one by a partner. Websites see an IP from the second relay.

  1. Open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Private Relay and turn it on.
  2. Under IP Address Location, choose Maintain General Location (keeps local results) or Use Country and Time Zone (broader).

Limits: it doesn’t cover other browsers or most app traffic, you can’t choose a country, and it isn’t available in every country or on every network. It’s a privacy feature, not a way to appear in another country.

Method 3: Tor (Android and iPhone)

The Tor network routes traffic through three volunteer relays. On Android, install the official Tor Browser from the Tor Project. On iPhone, the Tor Project recommends Onion Browser. Only traffic inside that browser goes through Tor, and it’s slower than a VPN. Read our Tor vs VPN comparison before relying on it.

Method 4: Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data

Turning Wi-Fi off makes your phone use your carrier’s network, so sites see the carrier’s IP instead of your home or café IP, and vice versa. It’s instant, but it doesn’t hide who you are: both addresses lead back to a provider that knows your account.

Method 5: Toggle airplane mode (mobile data)

  1. Turn on airplane mode, wait about 10 seconds, turn it off.
  2. Check your IP again.

Carriers often assign a fresh public IP when your phone re-registers, but not always. Many mobile carriers also use carrier-grade NAT, putting many customers behind one shared address, so a “new” IP may be shared with thousands of others and is easily linked back to the carrier.

Method 6: Restart your home router (Wi-Fi)

Your phone on home Wi-Fi uses your router’s public IP. Unplugging the router for a few minutes can get you a new one if your ISP uses dynamic addressing. Some ISPs keep the same address for weeks, and some give you a fixed one.

How to change your local IP address

Only needed for network troubleshooting or conflicts.

iPhone: Settings > Wi-Fi > tap (i) next to your network.

  • Renew Lease asks the router for a new address.
  • Configure IP > Manual lets you enter an IP, subnet mask and router address yourself.

Android (wording varies by maker): Settings > Network & internet > Internet > tap the gear next to your network > Edit (pencil) > Advanced options > IP settings > Static, then enter the IP, gateway and DNS.

Private Wi-Fi address: both systems also randomise your phone’s hardware (MAC) address per network by default (iPhone: Private Wi-Fi Address; Android: Privacy > Use randomised MAC). That stops Wi-Fi operators tracking your device across locations, but it doesn’t change your public IP.

After changing it: check for leaks

A new IP is only useful if nothing reveals the old one. After connecting a VPN, run:

Full walkthrough: How to check if your VPN is working.

FAQ

How do I change my IP on iPhone? Use a VPN or iCloud Private Relay, or switch networks. For the local IP, use Renew Lease.

Does airplane mode change my IP? Often on mobile data, but not guaranteed, and the address still points to your carrier.

Without a VPN? Use Private Relay or Tor to hide it. Switching networks or restarting the router only swaps it.

Is it legal? Yes, in the EU and most countries.

Questions or corrections? Use our contact form.

Sources