Static IP address

Hi, SilverShadow4,

Thank you for visiting the Apple Support Communities. I see that you'd like to set a static IP address on your iPhone. I'd be happy to help!

By default, most devices have a dynamic IP address, which is assigned to your device by the network it connects to and changes over time. While this works for most people, there are certain circumstances where you may want a static IP address, which stays the same all the time. For example, this can be beneficial if a website, app, VPN, etc needs to remember your IP address to allow you access.

The pros and cons of a dynamic versus static IP will depend on what your individual needs are, but if you require the use of a specific app that requires a static IP address, you can use the steps in Set advanced network settings in the iOS Setup Assistant - Apple Support to set one up.

Best.

SilverShadow4 wrote:

Courcoul

If my gateway/router is provided by my internet service provider, do I contact them?

SilverShadow4

Do you mean that ...

1) you have a router inside your house that was shipped to you by your service provider?

Or do you mean...

2) you are using a service providers access point, and you do not have physical access to their router/gateway device?

If you mean # 1, then you can connect your mac directly to your internet service provider's router via ethernet, or wifi.

Once you are connected, go to System Preferences> Network > TCP/IP and find the word "Router:" on that page. Next to it will be your routers local ip address.

After you find the ip address of your router, open your internet browser and type the ip address into your browser's web address. This should bring you to the routers setup page where you can adjust it's settings to your liking.

It should look similar to the below picture but the address of your router may be different.

Forcing a static address, especially on a mobile Wi-Fi platform, requires knowledge of how the hotspot is set up. Besides the subnet mask and gateway/router address, the IP used has to be within the range allowed AND outside the list of addresses the hotspot is doling out via DHCP so there will not be a collision when you reconnect later on.

Edit: forgot to mention, you also need to know which DNS server addresses are in use via that hotspot, so the device will be able to resolve network names.

Usually, (and I mean usually), you will find success using the exact same address for your static ip as your routers (or service provider in your case), dynamic address that it automatically assigns to you. Ultimately, there is no difference between a static ip and a dynamic ip (your current ip) aside from the fact that a dynamic ip can change and a static IP stays the same no matter what. By using a static IP, you are just telling your provider (or your router/gateway), what IP address you want assigned to your device.

So to answer your question, yes, you may use your current ip as your static ip. Infact, I recommend it, as it is most likely to work if your provider or router allows static ip's.

Is there really any need for a static address? Unless you are hosting some sort of service for other clients, that requires they can find it at a specific spot, dynamic is more versatile and flexible. Matter of fact, in the example above, the address shown (192.168.x.y) is really a private address that will never appear on the Internet (look up RFC1918 for more info on private addresses): it will be translated into a valid public address by your home gateway as per your ISP’s requirements. A static there is moot and could even fail to translate and gain access outside. In my previous reply I mentioned some requirements cause it can be done but doesn’t mean it must be done.

Where I work we have a full Class B network comprised of over 65,000 public addresses; there a fixed static makes more sense for servers, printers and the like. My Mac works with a public static there, but a dynamic private when I use it at home with the ADSL router from my ISP.