Release and Renew Your Internet Protocol Address

Did you ever wonder what an IP address is? An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique ID number given to everything connected to the internet. You’ll get one when you connect to your cable modem. This IP provides a unique identifier for each device on a local network to help transfer data to the correct place.

A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server - a type of network server - assigns IPs. The DHCP server “leases” your IP to you.

IP addresses aren’t permanent. Yours won’t change often, but sometimes, due to system maintenance, you'll get a short-term DHCP lease. A short-term DHCP lease is a temporary IP address that expires after a set amount of time.

A device that’s set up correctly will auto renew the DHCP lease. There should be no halt to service.

Sometimes the DCHP lease won’t auto renew. Then, you might need to manually release and renew your IP address before you can go online.
 

Why Was I Assigned a Short-term DHCP?

A few common reasons are:
  • You connected a new device, or a device with a new network card, for the first time.
  • You used an old device for the first time in a while, and the server thinks it’s a new connection.
  • You connected with a device not configured for the server. You'll need to get DHCP setup instructions for your router from the manufacturer. Learn more about configuring connection settings for Xfinity Internet in Windows.
  • Your connected device isn’t working right.
  • Server or network maintenance.

You might have to manually release and renew your IP address. This may happen when you:
  • have a power outage
  • move your computer
  • got a new router
  • reconfigure your home network
Here’s how to reset your IP address.

Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Windows 7

  1. Click Start and type CMD in the search box. Click OK.
    Run window opens and cmd is typed in the Open field.
     
  2. Type ipconfig /release. Press Enter on your keyboard.
    In Console Command Window, type ipconfig /release.
     
  3. Type ipconfig /renew. Then press Enter.
    In Console Command Window, type ipconfig /renew.
     

Windows 8

  1. Swipe up to show the Apps screen. Or, click on the down arrow icon at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Navigate to the right and find the Windows System heading. Under Windows System, click on Command Prompt.
  3. Type ipconfig/release. Press Enter.
    Windows 8 Command Prompt window
     
  4. Type ipconfig/renew. Press Enter.
    Windows 8 Command Prompt screen
     

Windows 10

  1. Press Windows and R key at the same time to open the Run box.
  2. Type CMD. Then, hit Enter.
  3. Type ipconfig/release in the Command Prompt window. Press the Enter key.
    Windows 10 Command Prompt screen
     
  4. Type ipconfig/renew. Press Enter.
    Windows 10 Command Prompt screen
     

Mac OS X Yosemite, Mac OS X Mavericks and Mac OS X Mountain Lion

  1. Close any open Internet apps (web browsers, email, etc.).
  2. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
    Apple menu
     
  3. Click Network.
    System Preferences screen
     
  4. Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet (whichever one you're using) in the network connection services list.
  5. Click Advanced.
    Network screen
     
  6. Click TCP/IP. Then, click Renew DHCP Lease.
    Wi-Fi screen
     
  7. Open a browser and connect to the Internet.