How to Configure a Static IP in Router: Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes devices are not reachable on your network, whether it’s a security camera, printer, gaming console, or server. This can happen because the network router may assign the device a different IP address. Accessing the same device again and again becomes a headache.  It is often caused by the IP address changing, rather than a hardware problem. To sort this issue out, your device needs a fixed address on your network: a static IP. But how can you configure a static IP in the router?

This guide explains why the IP address keeps changing and how to configure a static IP in router and device in easy steps.

Why Does The IP Address Change?

Routers use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for allocating IP addresses to devices. DHCP assigns devices an IP address from a configured pool. 

The address is leased for a specific period and may change when the lease expires, the device reconnects, or the DHCP server assigns a different address. 

Sometimes devices disconnect because of going offline, restart, etc. When a DHCP lease expires, the address may become available for another device. When the original device reconnects, it may receive a different IP address.

For a phone or laptop, you don't need to remember its IP address anyway. But some devices need a fixed IP address so other devices can always find and connect to them. So, for these devices, a changing IP can cause problems. A changing IP is called a dynamic IP.

Why You Actually Need a Static IP

Here are some common situations where a fixed address is necessary:

• Home servers and NAS devices. If you run Plex, Jellyfin, or a Synology box, a changing IP means broken connections and missing files every time the lease resets.

• Port forwarding for gaming. Consoles like the PS5, or apps like Minecraft servers, rely on the IP staying exactly where you pointed it.

• Security cameras. A camera system that keeps switching addresses can break your entire monitoring setup without warning.

• Office printers. Ask anyone in an office what happens when the printer's IP shifts. Print jobs fail, and nobody knows why.

• Remote access tools. SSH, remote desktop, or any tool that connects by IP address needs that address to stay put.

Static IP in Router vs. Static IP on Device

People use both terms interchangeably because of a similar result, but they work differently.

• A Static IP on the Router

It is usually called a DHCP reservation. Most routers let you reserve any IP for a specific device. Here, you tell the router to assign the same IP address to a specific device. The router uses the device's MAC address to associate the reservation with its network interface. 

The MAC address identifies the device’s network interface. You can bind the fixed IP and MAC addresses, but the device itself doesn't know anything. It still asks for an IP the normal way, through DHCP. The router just always answers with the same one.

• A Static IP on the Device

Here you can enter the IP settings directly through the device’s network options. You will need to enter the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings manually. When connecting multiple devices through Network Switches, proper IP configuration helps maintain consistent communication across the network. Once saved, the device keeps using the assigned IP instead of requesting a new one from the router.

The result looks identical from the outside. The device keeps the same IP address no matter what changes around it. However, DHCP reservation can also be a little confusing. 

On some routers, the DHCP reservation option may limit you to addresses within the configured DHCP pool. But it is not a networking rule. It is just a limitation of the router's own UI or firmware.

Some routers, including certain MikroTik configurations, can allow DHCP reservations outside the active pool. But it should be in the same subnet and not clash with other addresses.

And what if a conflict occurs? You'll usually notice it as random disconnects, or one device randomly bumping another offline. So, it comes down to which router you are using.

For a manually configured static IP, it is generally best to use an address outside the router's DHCP pool to reduce the risk of IP conflicts. 

So, Which IP Configuration Method Should You Use?

For most home setups, the router method (DHCP reservation) wins. You can manage everything from one screen. Plus, the devices stay on their default network settings, and you don’t have to manually type DNS servers into ten different devices. 

However, the device method is more suitable when you are troubleshooting one specific machine and when you don't have admin access to the router. That is pretty common on shared or managed networks.

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How to Configure a Static IP in Router Settings

Step 1: Log in to Your Router

• Open a browser on a device that is connected to the network.

• Now enter your router's IP address into the address bar. Common IP addresses are often listed on 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. But this address can be different depending on your router. You can also check the sticker on your router, where the default address is often listed.

• Enter your admin username and password. They are also usually printed on that same sticker. But if you have changed these, use the new credentials.

Step 2: Now Find the DHCP Settings

Find a section called LAN, Local Network, or DHCP Server. The name can be different on your router. So don't worry if you have another label on yours.

After you find the section, check two things – the DHCP pool range and your router's subnet mask. You can also check the router's connected-device or DHCP client list to see which addresses are already in use.

Step 3: Identify the MAC Address of Your Device

Every network interface has its own MAC address. A device with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet usually has a separate MAC address for each interface. 

There are two ways to find this address. Check it from the device's own network settings. Or pick it out from the router's list of connected devices. The second option is often quicker because the connected devices are already listed in the router interface. 

Step 4: Reserve the IP Address

• After finding the MAC address, go back to your router’s DHCP or LAN settings.

• Now select DHCP Reservation, Address Reservation, or Static IP. (Your router can have a different name for this option.)

• Add a new entry with the MAC address you found earlier, then pick an IP address that fits your router's DHCP reservation settings and does not conflict with another device.

• You can also add a simple name, such as “Office Printer” or “Living Room NAS”. It helps you remember which device it belongs to later.

Step 5: Save the Changes and Restart

Click Save or Apply after entering the details. In most routers, the new IP takes effect right away. But some devices require a restart to make changes. If your device doesn’t reconnect, give it a quick restart and check the connection again.

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How to Set a Static IP Directly on Windows

You can set the IP on the device. Windows lets you do that from its network settings. Follow these steps:

• Go to the Start menu. Search for “Network Connections”.

• Find your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Right-click and select “Properties”.

• Find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and double-click it.

• Select “Use the following IP address”.

• Enter an IP address. Ideally, choose an address outside your router’s DHCP pool to avoid conflicts. Then add the subnet mask and default gateway. The gateway is usually your router’s IP address.

• Enter your preferred “DNS servers”. If you are unsure which DNS server to use, check your router's current DNS settings before making any changes. 

• Press the “OK” button on both windows to save the changes.

To switch back later, follow the same steps and select “Obtain an IP address automatically”. This hands control back to DHCP.

Setting a Static IP on Mac

The steps are a little different on a Mac.

• Open “System Settings”, select “Network”, and choose the connection you’re using.

• Click “Details” and open “TCP/IP”.

• Change “Configure IPv4” to “Manually”.

• Now enter the IP address, subnet mask, and router address.

• Then click “OK” to save.

What Not to Do When Setting a Static IP

• Choosing an IP inside the DHCP pool for a device-level static IP. This can cause conflicts if the router assigns the same address to another device.

• Using the wrong MAC address. Wi-Fi and Ethernet interfaces can have different MAC addresses.

• Failing to keep a record of assigned addresses. This can make future troubleshooting harder.

• Forgetting to reconnect or restart the device. Some devices may need to reconnect before the new settings take effect.

Conclusion

With a dynamic IP, devices such as NAS systems can be harder to access. Their address keeps changing, so you can’t always use the same address to connect to them. In return, network conflicts and critical devices stopping working interrupt the workflow. However, assigning a fixed IP provides a known address for devices on the network, and they become easy to connect to and manage.

Configuring a static IP address is an advanced networking function. Choose the method that fits your network setup and the relevant steps above. 

The Right Router for Your Network

The router sits at the heart of your network. So it is important to choose one that suits your setup and needs. Plus, the right router gives you access to the settings and features needed to manage devices, IP addresses, and other network configurations with greater control. Ultra Tech offers networking solutions for different home, office, and business requirements. 

We provide suitable equipment options based on your network setup rather than using the same configuration for every environment. With reliable MikroTik Router Suppliers, you can choose the right equipment to simplify network management from the start.