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How to set a fixed local IP

To set a fixed local IP and stop it from changing, the best option is usually to do it from the router using a DHCP reservation. You can also set a static IP manually on Windows, Mac, Android or iPhone, but that requires more care.

Quick answer

If you want the cleanest option: go into your router, find DHCP or DHCP reservation, choose the device and assign it the same IP every time. That is the best way to keep the local address of a printer, NAS, IP camera or PC stable.

Contents

What setting a fixed local IP means

Setting a fixed local IP means that a device on your network will always use the same internal address, instead of getting a different one every time it connects.

Local IPs are normally handed out automatically by DHCP. That is convenient, but it can also mean that the address changes over time. If you want to avoid that, you need a fixed or reserved IP.

Key idea: setting a fixed local IP does not change your public IP. It only affects your internal home or office network.

When it makes sense to use a fixed IP

You do not always need it. For browsing, email or streaming, DHCP is usually enough. But it does make sense to set a fixed IP when you depend on a stable address.

Network printers

This way PCs always find the printer at the same address.

NAS or network drives

It helps them keep a constant IP for shared folders and saved access paths.

IP cameras

Apps and recorders work better if the local IP does not keep changing.

Home automation or remote desktop

Many automations and internal connections depend on a stable address.

If you are here because your address keeps changing on its own, also see: Why does my local IP change?.

How to set a fixed local IP from the router

This is usually the best option. The router continues using DHCP, but it always reserves the same IP for the same device, usually by using its MAC address.

  1. Open the router settings.
  2. Find the DHCP, LAN or DHCP reservation section.
  3. Locate the device by name or MAC address.
  4. Assign a specific IP, for example 192.168.1.50.
  5. Save the changes and reconnect the device if needed.
Example:
Router: 192.168.1.1
Printer: reserve 192.168.1.50
NAS: reserve 192.168.1.60
IP camera: reserve 192.168.1.70

This option is better because everything stays centralized in the router and you reduce the risk of conflicts.

How to set a static IP manually

The other option is to configure the IP on the device itself. It works, but you need to enter more information manually, and getting it wrong can leave the device without a connection.

  1. Choose a free IP inside your local range.
  2. Enter the subnet mask.
  3. Set the gateway, usually the router IP.
  4. Configure the DNS servers.
  5. Save and make sure the device still has network access.

The important part: the IP you choose must not already be in use by another device. Otherwise you will create a network conflict.

How to set a fixed local IP on Windows

On Windows, you can do it from the network adapter properties.

  1. Open Settings or the Control Panel.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Open the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
  4. Open IPv4 Properties.
  5. Select Use the following IP address and fill in the fields.

If you do not know your current IP before setting it, this guide helps: How to find your local IP on Windows.

How to set a fixed local IP on Mac

On macOS, you can do it from the network settings of the active interface.

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Go to Network.
  3. Select the active connection, Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  4. Find the TCP/IP settings.
  5. Change the mode to manual and enter the IP, mask and router.

If you prefer not to complicate things, go back to the DHCP reservation option in the router, which is usually safer.

How to set a fixed local IP on Android or iPhone

You can also do it on mobile devices, although in many cases it is not worth it unless it is for testing or for a specific setup.

Android

Inside the saved Wi-Fi network, look for advanced options and change DHCP to static.

iPhone

Inside the Wi-Fi network settings, under configure IP, you can switch from automatic to manual.

Even so, if the goal is to fix the address for a phone you always use at home, it is usually still better to reserve it in the router.

Common mistakes when setting a fixed local IP

Choosing an IP that another device is already using

This causes conflicts. Two devices should not share the same IP on the same network.

Entering the wrong gateway

If the gateway does not point to the correct router, the device may lose internet access.

Forgetting the DNS servers

The network may look connected, but it may fail to resolve names if the DNS settings are wrong.

Configuring an IP outside the correct range

Classic mistake: setting an IP that does not belong to your current local network. If your router is at 192.168.1.1, it makes no sense to assign an IP like 10.0.0.50.

If the role of the router and automatic assignment is still not clear, this guide connects directly: What is DHCP?.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to set the IP on the router or on the device?

In most cases, it is better on the router using a DHCP reservation. It is cleaner, easier to maintain and reduces errors.

Why would I want to set a fixed local IP?

So that printers, NAS devices, IP cameras, home automation or remote access always keep the same address inside the network.

Does a fixed local IP affect the public IP?

No. A fixed local IP only affects your internal network. The public IP is a different thing.

Can it be done without touching the router?

Yes. You can set a static IP manually on the device, but it is easier to make configuration mistakes.

What happens if I configure it incorrectly?

The device may lose network access, internet access, or create conflicts with other devices on the network.

Related

What is DHCP? Why does my local IP change? Router local IP What is a local IP?