Malicious cyber activities are becoming more common than ever, making it necessary to be more careful online. Cyber security, as well as good network service, is guaranteed when you change your IP address. If you subscribe to Xfinity internet, you may be wondering if the company can give you a new IP address.

Xfinity uses DHCP servers, which automatically renew users’ IP addresses. Users can also be given new IP addresses when they renew it manually on their phones or computers.

Most internet service providers, including Xfinity, allow users to change their IP addresses. Keep reading to better understand how to get a new IP address from Xfinity.

Can Xfinity Give Me a New IP Address?

Xfinity will give their customers a new IP address if requested. Internet service providers (ISPs) typically renew their customers’ IP addresses every seven days. But, you may experience times when your IP address remains the same for weeks or months. If the in-built DHCP auto-renew feature fails, Xfinity allows users to change their IPs manually through their phones and computers.

When Should You Change Your IP Address?

IP addresses, or coded addresses assigned to each device connected to the internet, are not permanent. They are changed over time to allow for a continuously smooth internet experience. According to Xfinity, there are a few specific instances where you will need to release and renew your IP address:

  • When there’s a power outageWhen you connect to a new router or modemAfter reconfiguring your home networkAfter moving your mobile device or computerWhen your device is assigned a temporary IP address

A phone or computer set up correctly with the latest software will auto-renew your IP address when necessary. If your IP address doesn’t change weekly, you can do it manually through your device.

Why is Changing Your IP Address Important?

We have covered the fact that your IP address will change over time, but you may be wondering why this is necessary. Generally, there are two main reasons why you should change or renew your IP address:

  • Faster internet speedsCybersecurity

You will be surprised to learn how most of the minor issues you’ve been experiencing are IP-related.

Faster Internet Speeds

If you keep experiencing a drop in internet speed, you shouldn’t assume it is just bandwidth throttling at work. Most of the time, it is actually high congestion on your own network due to the cache and traffic your IP address has accumulated. Renewing your IP address regularly helps your browser load content much faster.

Cybersecurity

Protecting your activities online by changing your IP address keeps you hidden from hackers and websites that do web tracking. Your location, browser history, and ISP will not be tampered with by hackers or viruses. The movies you stream on Netflix will remain a secret between you and Xfinity.

How Can I Reset My IP Address?

Xfinity allows users to change or reset their IP addresses through their phones or computers. But, before you can do this, you must check your current IP address.

It’s easiest to check your current IP address through your smartphone. The process will differ from phone to phone, but the general steps are the same. To check your IP address, follow the steps below:

  • Open your phone’s settings.Scroll down to “Systems.”Click on “About Phone.”Select “Status,” then find your IP address.

Once you’ve found your current IP address, you can reset it.

How to Reset Your IP Address on Windows

To reset your IP address using a Windows computer, you must ensure you’re running at least Windows OS 10 or 11. Then, follow these instructions:

  • Press the Windows and “R” keys at the same time. This will open the Run menu.Type in “CMD,” then press “Enter.”In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig/release.”On the next onscreen prompt, type “ipconfig/renew,” then hit “Enter.”

After completing these steps, you will receive a new IP address.

How to Reset Your IP Address on Mac

If you’re using a Mac computer, the process of resetting your IP address is quite different. To change your IP address on a Mac, follow these steps:

  • Tap on the Apple icon at the top left corner of the screen.Select “System Preferences.”Click on “Network.”Choose your current network on the left side of the window.Look to the bottom right and tap on “Advanced.”Click on the “TCP/IP” tab.Select “Renew DHCP lease.”Verify the new IP address on the window, then click “Apply.”

Your new IP address will be almost identical to the old one. Only the last two to three digits will change.

Conclusion

IP addresses are not permanent and can be changed easily on a phone or computer. Xfinity encourages users to release and reset their IP addresses and provides assistance when they have trouble doing so. Renewing your IP address comes with many benefits, and you must take proper care to do so.