How to Set Up a Static IP Address

A static IP address is an address unique to a computer or device on a network. Unlike dynamic IP addresses, which are assigned by the network and can change over time, a static IP address is fixed. A static IP address is beneficial for users who need remote access to their computer or device as it ensures that the address does not change and the connection remains secure. Setting up a static IP address is a simple process, but the exact steps may vary depending on your network configuration.

Why Set a Static IP Address

A static IP address is an address that is permanently assigned to a device on a network. This address is independent of the device’s physical location and is used when connecting to the network. The address is usually assigned to a device and never changes unless changed manually.

Static IP addresses are beneficial when running a server on a network as they ensure other devices always have access to the server. They also make it easier for network administrators to access remotely since the address is always the same.

You cannot usually buy a static IP address in a store. You can only get a static/dedicated IP address from an internet service provider (ISP) that offers dedicated connections. However, not all ISPs offer static/dedicated internet access.

Below, I will show you how to set up a static IP address on different operating systems.

How To Set Up a Static IP Address on MacOS

Setting a static IP address on your Mac is a fairly simple process. Depending on your Mac’s operating system, you can use either the Network page in System Preferences or the ‘networksetup’ command in Terminal.

Follow these steps below to set a static IP address on your Mac:

1. Launch System Settings.
2. Click on Network.
3. Select the network connection you want to configure from the list on the right side of the window, such as Wi-Fi or Thunderbolt Bridge.
4. After selecting the network, click on the Details button.
5. Click the TCP/IP tab.
6. Set the Configure IPv4 option to Manually.
7. Enter the static IP address provided by your ISP/network administrator.
8. Enter the Subnet mask.
9. Enter the Router.
10. Click on DNS from the left sidebar, then click on the + icon and enter the DNS number.
11. Click OK and then Apply.

Once you have applied the settings, you should be able to access the internet using the static IP address. If you are using a Mac with macOS Sierra or later, you can also use the ‘networksetup’ command in Terminal to set a static IP address:

1. Open Terminal and enter the following command: networksetup -listallnetworkservices
2. Next command is: networksetup -setmanual [SERVICE IP SUBNET ROUTER] (For Example: networksetup -setmanual Wi-Fi 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1)

Once you have entered the commands, you should be able to access the internet using the static IP address.

How To Set Up Static IP Address on Windows

Setting up a static IP address on Windows is a straightforward process. It requires access to the Windows Control Panel, which can be accessed through the Start menu.

1. Start by opening the Control Panel. To do this, click the Start button and search for the Control Panel and open it. Now, select Network and Sharing Center from the list.
2. Under the View Your Active Networks section, select the network connection you want to modify. This will be either a wired connection (Ethernet cable) or a wireless connection (Wi-Fi).
3. Select Change Adapter Options.
4. Find the network adapter that you want to set a static IP address and right-click on it and select Properties.
5. Click on the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option and select Properties.
6. In the General tab, select the Use the following IP address option.
7. Here, enter the IP address, subnet mask and default gateway for your network.
8. Click OK to save the new settings and close the window.
9. Restart your computer to apply the new static IP address settings.

Your static IP address is now set. You can check the new settings by opening a command prompt window and typing ‘ipconfig’. The IP address should now be the one you entered in the previous step.

How To Set Up Static IP Address on IOS

Setting up a static IP address on iOS is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the basic steps to follow to set up a static IP address on an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Settings app on your device and tap on the Wi-Fi option.
2. Tap on the information (i) icon next to the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
3. Scroll down to the IP Address section and tap on the Configure IP option.
4. Select the Manual option.
5. Enter the IP address, subnet mask and router details that you have obtained from your ISP or network administrator.
6. Tap on the Save button to save your changes.
7. Tap on the Wi-Fi button to turn Wi-Fi back on.

You should now be connected to the internet using the static IP address you have configured. If you are experiencing any issues with your connection, you can always go back and adjust the settings as needed.

How To Set Up Static IP Address on Android

Finally, here is how to set up a Static IP Address on an Android device:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device and tap on Network and Internet.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi to access the Wi-Fi settings.
3. Tap on the Wi-Fi network setting button that you want to set up the static IP address for.
4. Scroll down and tap on Advanced to access the advanced Wi-Fi settings.
5. Tap on the IP Settings section and select Static.
6. Here a dropdown will show where you can enter the IP address, gateway, network mask and DNS information that your network administrator has provided you.
7. Tap on Save to save the settings.
8. Reboot your device to apply the changes.

Your Android device should now be using the static IP address that you have configured. If you are having trouble connecting to the internet, you may want to check your wifi router settings to ensure that the static IP address is allowed to access the internet.