How to Change Your IP Address (Windows & Mac)

How to Change IP Address Easily

When a device won’t talk to your network gear—or you’re setting up cameras and controllers—it can help to change your computer’s IP address. Below are the easiest step-by-step methods on Windows and Mac. No jargon, just what to click.

Before You Start (30-second prep)

  • If you’re on church Wi-Fi, know which network you’re using (for example, “Sanctuary-WiFi”).
  • If someone on your tech team gave you a Static IP, have that IP, Subnet Mask, and Gateway handy.
  • If you’re just refreshing your connection, setting it back to Automatic (DHCP) often fixes things.
  • Mac users: If you move your laptop between church and home networks, double-check your IP settings each time. macOS may remember a manual IP and reuse it on different networks, which can cause conflicts.

Windows 10 & 11

The Quick Way

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
  2. Choose your connection:
    • For Wi-Fi: click Wi-Fi → Manage known networks → select your network.
    • For Ethernet: click Ethernet → select the connected network.
  3. Find IP assignment, then click Edit.
  4. Choose:
    • Automatic (DHCP) – Windows picks an address automatically, or
    • Manual – toggle IPv4 ON, then enter your Static IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS.
  5. Click Save and wait a few seconds for it to reconnect.

Classic Control Panel Method

This older method still works on Windows 10 and earlier versions.

  1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
  2. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter → Properties.
  3. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  4. Choose either:
    • Obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP), or
    • Use the following IP address (enter Static IP, Subnet, Gateway, DNS).
  5. Click OK to save and close.

Mac (macOS Ventura, Sonoma and later)

  1. Click Apple menu → System Settings → Network.
  2. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → click Details.
  3. Click TCP/IP.
  4. Next to Configure IPv4, choose one of the following:
    • Using DHCP – automatic address (best for normal use).
    • Using DHCP with Manual Address – lets you keep a preferred IP while still using DHCP for the rest.
    • Manually – enter a true Static IP, Subnet Mask, and Router/Gateway.
  5. Click OK or Apply to save.

If you ever switch networks (for example, home ↔ church), revisit this screen to confirm the IP fits the new network range before reconnecting.

Quick Troubleshooting (Windows & Mac)

  • Still no connection? Check that your IP, Subnet, and Gateway are all in the same range your router uses (for example, 192.168.1.x).
  • Duplicate IP warning? Pick another number or switch back to Automatic (DHCP).
  • Reset the adapter: Turn Wi-Fi off/on or unplug and reconnect Ethernet.
  • Returning to automatic:
    • Windows – in Edit IP assignment, choose Automatic (DHCP).
    • Mac – under Configure IPv4, select Using DHCP again.

Final Thoughts

Changing your IP address is one of the simplest ways to fix network issues or prepare for livestream equipment that needs specific settings. Use Automatic/DHCP for everyday connections, and switch to Manual/Static only when your tech team asks for it. If you’re configuring cameras, controllers, or switchers, label your devices and keep a quick reference list of IPs so every volunteer knows what connects where.

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