Does Your IP Address Change Based on Location? The Full Explanation

Part 1: What Is an IP Address and How Does It Work?

An IP address is an integral part of the wider Internet Protocol that can be understood as your device’s unique identifier. Think of it as a digital street address for your device. Before we look at how this address changes with location, let's first understand what exactly it is, how an IP is assigned, and how it works.

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address, or Internet Protocol, is a unique identification number allocated to all the devices connected to the Internet. They are expressed as a set of four numbers, like 192.168.1.1. Each number in the set can range from 0 to 255. Therefore, the full IP addressing range spans from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

In short, IP addresses are the identifiers that allow information to be transferred between devices on a particular network. IPs contain location information and make devices accessible for communication.

What is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 and IPv6 are two of the most common versions of the Internet Protocol. There are two different sets of rules that allow devices, like computers and phones, to communicate and exchange data across a network. Here’s how both of them work:

What does IPv4 mean?

IPv4 is the most common and widely used version of the Internet Protocol. It uses a 32-bit address format, represented in a dotted decimal notation with a maximum of 15 characters. This version provides approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses across the globe.

An example of an IPv4 address is 172.16.254.1

What is IPv6?

IPv6 is the newer version of the Internet Protocol, designed to overcome the address exhaustion of IPv4. It uses a 128-bit address format and includes both numbers and letters (hexadecimal digits). It enhances network security and improves routing efficiency through IP security authentication.

Here’s an example of an IPv6 address: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

Which is better? IPv4 or IPv6?

• IPv6 is generally considered superior to IPv4 because it offers a larger address space, enhanced security, more efficient routing, and better support for modern internet needs.
• Using a 128-bit address, IPv6 allows for 340 undecillion unique IP addresses, solving the IPv4 address exhaustion issue.
• IPv6 also includes built-in IPsec for security, eliminates the need for Network Address Translation (NAT), supports more efficient multicast, and features automatic configuration for easier network management.
• However, due to compatibility and simplicity, IPv4 is still widely used.

How ISPs Assign IP Addresses

Internet service providers ( ISPs) get large blocks of IP addresses from five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). They are managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). ISPs then use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to assign these addresses. These can be dynamic (change periodically) or static (remain constant).

Your home routers use Network Address Translation (NAT) to assign a private IP address to each of your devices. This router has one public IP on the outside and gives out many private ones inside. The ISP can do the same thing on a larger scale.

Part 2: Does Your IP Address Change When You Move Locations?

Now, you must be thinking, does the IP address change with location? The answer is yes. It changes based on your physical location. This is because it is assigned by the network you connect to, not permanently tied to your device.

For example, when you move from your home network to a cafe’s Wi-Fi, your IP address changes because the new network assigns you a different one.

When Your IP Address Usually Changes?

Here are some common instances in which your IP address changes with a change in location:

• Switching Wi-Fi Networks: Your IP address is tied to the network you are connected to. When you switch to a different Wi-Fi network or use mobile data, a new IP address is assigned by the new network.
• Using Mobile Data on Different Towers: Wondering if phones have IP addresses? Yes, they do. They can change as your device connects to a different tower. As you switch, the network may reassign your IP address.
• Restarting Your Router: Do you have a dynamic IP address? If yes, then restarting your router can cause your internet service provider (ISP) to assign a new public IP.
• Traveling Abroad: As you travel abroad, your device connects to a new ISP or mobile network. Your IP address will change to one that is local to your new location.

When Your IP Address Stays the Same?

It's not always the case that your IP address will change every time you move. Let’s take a look at when your IP address stays the same.

• Static IP: Some users, often businesses or those hosting servers, pay extra for a static IP address. This is an IP that always remains the same and makes sure your device is always found at the same address.
• Same Wi-Fi Router: If you physically change your location but remain connected to the same Wi-Fi router, your IP address will remain the same.
• VPNs with a Consistent IP: Using a virtual private network can provide you with a consistent IP address. Since your internet traffic is routed through the VPN server, it appears as if you are at the server's location. This gives you the same IP address regardless of your physical location or the network.

Part 3: How to Change or Control Your IP Address?

With billions of IP addresses, there are still some common methods that let you change your own IP address. We have listed four of the most effective ways to change or control your IP address.

Restart the Router

If you are using a home or office network, the simplest way to change your IP address is to simply reset your router. This is a common method for those with dynamic IP addresses. Here are four simple steps to do it:

• Note your current IP address.
• Unplug your router's power cord.
• Wait for at least half a minute, then plug the router back in.
• Once the router has rebooted, check your IP address; it should be different.

Contact ISP for a Static IP

You can contact your internet service provider (ISP) and request a change to your public IP address. In some cases, your ISP may be able to manually change it for you. This is more common if you have a static IP address and need it changed for a specific reason.

Switch to VPN

VPN changes your IP address and creates a secure connection that encrypts your data. Changing your IP address with a VPN is as simple as signing up for a service and following these steps:

• Install the software on your device.
• Launch the application
• Choose the server you want to use and connect.
• Browse the web with your new IP address.

Use a Proxy

It acts as an intermediary between any device and the Internet. It can route your request to websites or online services on your behalf. This helps hide your IP address from the websites you visit. For using a proxy server, follow these steps:

• Set up and turn on your proxy server, and note its port number and IP address.
• Access your device’s network settings.
• Enter the proxy server’s IP address and port number.

Part 4: Why Does IP Address Change Matter?

Changing an IP address is more than a technical adjustment. It is a great way to enhance online privacy, prevent location based tracking, and much more. We have outlined some key reasons for you to understand the importance of changing your IP address for a more secure and free online experience.

Privacy and Security Risks

You might be surprised to know that nearly 54 people per second fall victim to a cyber attack. Protecting your IP address is a crucial step in protecting yourself. It protects you from cybercriminals and hackers who could use your location to target your data, financial information, and personal identity.

Streaming and Content Restrictions

Many websites and streaming services restrict their content based on geographical location due to licensing deals. This includes major players like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Changing your IP address can help you overcome these restrictions. This changes your virtual location and you can enjoy your favorite content easily.

Online Gaming and Performance

Changing your IP address is a method for virtually moving to any location. For online gaming, especially location-based games like Pokémon Go and Monster Hunter Now, this lets users fake their physical location. Using software to change phone location to another country, gives you access to regional content and improves your performance.

Bonus Tip: How to Change Your GPS Location with One Click

Have you ever thought of a program that could instantly change your GPS location with a single click? PoGoskill is an application that does exactly that. It is recognized as a leading application for changing the location on both iPhone and Android devices. This is because it operates without requiring the device to be jailbroken or rooted.

Key Features OF PoGoskill

• Movement Modes: The application provides a virtual joystick to simulate walking, along with two-spot and teleport modes for instant travel.
• Bypass Restrictions: It allows you to change your virtual location on social media and other apps to bypass geographical restrictions.
• Play Anywhere: You can enjoy your favorite location-based games without having to physically move and access to from anywhere in the world.

Using a program like PoGoskill to change your GPS location with one click is a straightforward process. Here is how you can do it in three simple steps:

Free Download

Secure Download

Free Download

Secure Download

• Step 1Download the PoGoskill GPS changer software and launch it on your computer.

  

• Step 2Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable or Wi-Fi.

  

• Step 3On the map provided by the software, select your desired location or manually enter the coordinates.

  

FAQs about IP Address Changes Based on Location

Can you find an IP address from a phone number?

No, you can not directly find a device’s IP address from a phone number. These are two completely different types of identifiers. A phone number is tied to a cellular network for calls and texts, while an IP address is a network identifier used for internet communication.

How Often Does an IP Address Change?

How often an IP address changes depends on whether it is dynamic or static. A dynamic IP can change periodically whenever the router is restarted or the network lease expires. In contrast, a static IP address is permanent and does not change unless it is manually reconfigured by your ISP.

Can cell phone IP addresses be traced?

Yes, cell phone IP addresses can be traced. An IP address can be traced back to the internet service provider and a general geographical area. However, it will not reveal the exact physical location or street address of the user to the public.

Is IPv4 or IPv6 better for gaming?

IPv6 is generally better for gaming compared to IPv4, mainly due to its improved efficiency, reduced latency, and elimination of NAT, which can add delays in multiplayer games. IPv6 supports better Quality of Service prioritization, which helps in improving real-time traffic like gaming, and it provides enhanced security through built-in IPSec. However, the actual gaming performance improvement might be subtle depending on the game and network setup, and compatibility with IPv6 in some games or servers may still be limited.