IPChange

macOS network guide

How to change IP address on macOS

Updated March 11, 2026 macOS 15.2 or later English guide

On macOS, go to System Settings > Network, choose your adapter, open Details, then switch Configure IPv4 between Using DHCP and Manually. If you repeat this on client networks, routers or lab setups, IPChange is faster because it stores reusable templates.

Download IPChange Compare DHCP and static IP

When you actually need to change the IP address

Most Macs should stay on DHCP, but manual IPv4 changes are common when you work with routers, customer sites, lab gear, test environments or any device that expects a known local address.

  • You need to reach a router or switch on a fixed setup network.
  • You are moving between client sites with different subnets and DNS requirements.
  • You want a predictable local IP for testing, remote tools or network services.
  • You need a quick fallback between DHCP and a known static setup.

Manual steps in macOS

  1. Open System Settings and choose Network.
  2. Select the active adapter, for example Wi-Fi or USB Ethernet.
  3. Open Details, then go to TCP/IP.
  4. Change Configure IPv4 to Using DHCP or Manually.
  5. If you choose manual mode, enter the IP address and subnet mask. Add router and DNS only if your target network needs them.
  6. Apply the changes and verify connectivity to the router, host or service you care about.

If you keep changing between the same setups, the slow part is not the fields themselves. The slow part is remembering which IP, mask, gateway and DNS combination belonged to which customer or lab.

DHCP vs manual on the same Mac

Mode Best for Tradeoff
Using DHCP Home, office and normal client networks where the router manages addresses. Your address may change and you depend on the network's own settings.
Manual static IP Routers, labs, demos, isolated devices and any workflow that expects a known local address. You must enter the right values for that network or you lose connectivity.

Where IPChange helps

IPChange does not invent new macOS network features. It makes repeated IPv4 work less error-prone.

  • Save DHCP, local static and full static templates for recurring jobs.
  • Switch primary IPv4, gateway and DNS without retyping the same values.
  • Keep multiple local setups ready for consultants, support and field work.
  • Use local IPv4 aliases when a second address is enough and you do not want to replace the main one.

FAQ

Can I break my connection by setting a manual IP?

Yes. If the IP, mask, gateway or DNS do not match the target network, the Mac may not reach the router or the internet.

Should I use a static IP everywhere?

No. DHCP is usually better for normal networks. Static IP is for specific setups where you need predictable addressing.

Can I switch back to DHCP later?

Yes. You can return to DHCP in macOS directly or keep DHCP saved as a reusable template in IPChange.

Related pages

Static IP vs DHCP on Mac

Use this if your main question is not where to click, but which addressing mode fits your workflow.

IPChange homepage

See the app overview, pricing and the feature set for templates, aliases and adapter management.