How to release and renew your IP address

If you’ve tried to fix an internet connection problem by restarting your router and you’re still having trouble, try releasing and renewing your IP address.


Do you have a service outage?

If you’ve lost connection, check to see if there is a service outage in your area before you reboot your equipment.
Service address

Release and renew your IP address on a Windows PC

  1. Click Start then Run and type cmd in the Open field. Press Enter. If prompted, select Run as administrator.
  2. Type ipconfig/release and press Enter.
  3. Type ipconfig/renew and press Enter.
  4. Type exit and press Enter to close the window.
If you’re trying to release and renew your IP address and get an error message on Windows 7 or later:
  1. Click Start then Run and type cmd and press Enter to launch the command screen.
  2. Type netsh winsock reset catalog and press Enter.
  3. Type exit and press Enter to close the window.
  4. Reboot your computer.

Release and renew your IP address on a Mac

  1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
  2. Choose Network from the View menu.
  3. Select Wi-Fi, then click the Advanced button in the lower-left hand corner of the screen.
  4. Select the TCP/IP tab from the top of the screen.
  5. Click Renew DHCP Lease and click OK.
  6. Type your username and password to authenticate your account.
  7. Click the Show Password button.

Didn't find what you need?