An IP address conflict happens when two devices on the same network are assigned the same IP address. When this occurs, devices may lose internet access, experience intermittent connectivity, or display network-related error messages. The steps below can help restore connectivity and reduce the likelihood of future conflicts.

1. Restart the Affected Device

Restart the device displaying the IP conflict message. A reboot allows the device to request a new IP address from the router automatically.

2. Restart Your Router and Modem

Refreshing your network equipment can clear temporary DHCP issues and assign new IP addresses to connected devices.

1. Unplug the router and modem from the power outlet.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Plug the modem back in first.
4. Plug the router back in.
5. Wait for all indicator lights to stabilize before reconnecting devices.

3. Renew the IP Address on Windows

Renewing the IP address forces the computer to request a new address from the router.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cmd and press Enter.
3. In Command Prompt, run:

ipconfig /release

4. Then run:

ipconfig /renew

4. Renew the IP Address on macOS

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences).
2. Select Network.
3. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
4. Click Advanced → TCP/IP.
5. Select Renew DHCP Lease.

5. Reconnect to the Network

Disconnecting and reconnecting can help the device obtain a new IP address.

1. Turn Wi-Fi off on the affected device.
2. Wait 10–15 seconds.
3. Turn Wi-Fi back on and reconnect to your network.

6. Verify IP Configuration Settings

If a device uses a manually assigned IP address, it may conflict with another device on the network.

1. Open the device's network settings.
2. Verify that the IP configuration is set to Obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP) unless a static IP address is specifically required.

7. Review Router DHCP Settings

If the issue continues, confirm that your router is correctly assigning IP addresses.

1. Open a web browser.
2. Enter your router's IP address (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Sign in using the router's administrator credentials.
4. Locate LAN Settings or DHCP Settings.
5. Confirm that DHCP is enabled.
6. Verify that the available IP address range is large enough for all connected devices.
7. Save any changes and restart the router if necessary.

If the conflict returns after completing the steps above, try the following checks.

Check for Duplicate IP Addresses

Review the device list in your router's administration interface or use a network scanning tool, such as Advanced IP Scanner, to identify devices that may be using the same IP address.

Flush the DNS Cache (Windows)

Clearing the DNS cache can help eliminate outdated network information.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run:

ipconfig /flushdns

Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings removes saved configurations that may be contributing to the issue.

Windows

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
2. Select Advanced Network Settings.
3. Click Network Reset.

macOS

1. Open System Settings → Network.
2. Remove the current network connection.
3. Re-add the connection and reconnect.

Assign Static IP Addresses Correctly

If a device requires a static IP address, such as a printer or server, assign an address that falls outside the router's DHCP range to help prevent future conflicts.

Update Router Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause network reliability issues. Check the router's administration interface for available updates and install the latest version recommended by the manufacturer.

Check for Unauthorized DHCP Servers

On larger networks, another device may unintentionally provide DHCP services and assign conflicting IP addresses. Verify that only the primary router is handling DHCP assignments.

• Save any open work before restarting devices, as troubleshooting may require reboots.
• Avoid assigning manual IP addresses unless there is a specific need and the configuration is properly documented.
• Ensure you have the router's administrator credentials before attempting configuration changes.
• Do not perform a factory reset unless necessary, as it will erase custom network settings, including Wi-Fi names and passwords.
• When restarting network equipment, power devices on in the following order:
  1. Modem
  2. Router
  3. Switches or access points
  4. Computers and other devices