How to Change IP Address in Linux [3 Effective Methods]

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Akshat

Last updated: June 25, 2023

Expert verified

IP addresses are unique identifiers assigned to devices connected to a network, enabling data transfer and communication. You might need to change IP address in Linux for various reasons, such as safeguarding your privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, troubleshooting network issues, or even experimenting with different network configurations.

In this ultimate guide, I will explore three effective methods to change IP address in Linux and four best practices to remember when changing the ip address. 

How to Change IP Address in Linux

To change IP address in Linux, you have options that suit your preferences. For advanced users and scripting, the ifconfig command provides command-line control. Network Manager offers a user-friendly graphical interface, while the ip command provides extensive network configuration capabilities.

1. Using the ifconfig Command

This method allows you to change your IP address through the command line, making it useful for advanced users and scripting purposes. Follow these steps to change your IP address using ifconfig:

1. Open a Terminal window.

2. Identify the network interface you want to modify by running the command: 

<strong>ifconfig -a</strong>

3. It will display a list of available network interfaces.

4. Disable the network interface using: 

<strong>sudo ifconfig interface down</strong>

5. Replace the interface with the interface that you selected.

6. Change the IP address using the command: 

<strong>sudo ifconfig interface new_ip_address netmask subnet_mask up</strong>

7. This command will change the IP address.

8. Verify the changes by running ifconfig again.

2. Configuring IP Address via Network Manager

Network Manager provides a user-friendly graphical interface for changing IP addresses, making it suitable for users who prefer a visual approach to network configuration. Here’s how you can change IP address in Linux using Network Manager’s graphical interface:

1. Open the Network Manager applet from the system tray or access it through the system settings.

2. Locate the network connection you want to modify and select it.

3. Click on the IPv4 or IPv6 tab, depending on the type of address you wish to change.

4. Choose the Manual option from the Method dropdown menu.

5. Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers, then click on the apply button.

6. The output will be:

3. Using the ip Command

The ip command offers extensive network configuration capabilities, making it a powerful tool for advanced users who require fine-grained control over IP address changes. Follow these steps to change your IP address using the ip command:

1. Open a Terminal window and identify the network interface you wish to modify using the command: 

<strong>ip addr show</strong>

2. The command will show a list of network interfaces.

3. Disable the network interface: 

<strong>sudo ip link set interface down</strong>

Replace interface with interface name that you chose.

4. Change the IP address by executing the command: 

<strong>sudo ip addr add new_ip_address/subnet_mask dev interface</strong>

5. The command will change the ip address.

6. Enable the network interface: 

<strong>sudo ip link set interface up</strong>

7. The changes will look like this:

Best Practices for Changing IP Address

Changing IP addresses in Linux requires careful attention to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential issues. Following these best practices when changing IP addresses in Linux helps maintain system security, minimize downtime, and ensure a smooth transition to the new IP configuration. Here are four best practices to follow:

• 🔒 Ensure Proper Authorization and Permission: Before changing your IP address, it is crucial to ensure that you have the necessary authorization and permission to do so. Modifying network settings often requires administrative privileges. Changing IP addresses without proper authorization can lead to network connectivity issues or violations of organizational policies. Always consult your network administrator or obtain the necessary permissions before proceeding to avoid potential complications or security breaches.
• ⏰ Plan and Document Your Changes: Changing IP addresses should not be taken lightly. It is important to plan and document your changes to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition. Before making any modifications, create a clear plan outlining the steps and desired outcomes. Documenting the changes helps maintain an organized process record, making troubleshooting easier if any issues arise. Documentation is also a valuable reference for future network management or IP address reconfiguration.
• 💡 Verify Compatibility and Impact: Verify the compatibility and potential impact of changing your IP address, especially if your network is integrated with other systems or services. Determine whether the IP address change will affect other components such as DNS, routing, or network services. Assess potential compatibility issues with existing devices, software, or network configurations. Identifying and addressing compatibility concerns beforehand can minimize disruptions and ensure a seamless transition to the new IP address without compromising other essential network functionalities.
• 🔧 Test and Validate the New Configuration: Before implementing the new IP address configuration in a production environment, it is crucial to test and validate the changes thoroughly. Set up a test environment or use a sandbox network to simulate the configuration of the new IP address. Test network connectivity, services, and applications to ensure they function correctly with the new IP address. By conducting thorough testing, you can identify and address any issues or conflicts before deploying the changes to the live network. This proactive approach helps mitigate potential downtime or disruptions and ensures a smooth transition to the new IP address.

In a Nutshell

I have provided you with various methods to change IP address in Linux, including using the ifconfig command, modifying network configuration files, and utilizing the ip command. Alongside these methods, I have shared best practices to ensure a smooth and secure IP address change.

To deepen your knowledge, consider exploring related topics such as advanced network configuration, network security practices, or setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for enhanced privacy and anonymity. Stay updated with the latest developments in Linux networking to ensure you stay ahead in managing IP addresses and optimizing your network connectivity.

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