WiFi IP address conflicts occur when two or more devices on the same network are assigned the same IP address, causing connectivity issues like intermittent disconnections, slow speeds, or complete network failure. These conflicts typically stem from DHCP server misconfigurations, static IP assignment errors, or rogue devices acting as unauthorized DHCP servers. Resolving them requires identifying the root cause—whether it’s a DHCP range overlap, static IP conflicts, or faulty network equipment—and applying targeted fixes.

Key findings from the sources include:

• DHCP server issues are the most common cause, including overlapping ranges or rogue servers ^[1][3][5]
• Static IP conflicts arise when manually assigned addresses clash with DHCP-assigned ones ^[5][7]
• Quick fixes like restarting devices, releasing/renewing IPs, or adjusting DHCP lease times often resolve transient issues ^[3][6]
• Advanced troubleshooting may require tracing MAC addresses or isolating conflicting devices ^[4]

Resolving WiFi IP Address Conflicts

Identifying the Source of the Conflict

Before applying fixes, pinpoint whether the conflict originates from DHCP misconfiguration, static IP assignments, or rogue devices. Start by checking for error messages on affected devices, which often explicitly state "IP address conflict" ^[6]. On Windows, this appears as a yellow triangle in the network icon; on Mac, it may show as a self-assigned IP (e.g., 169.254.x.x) ^[8]. Network logs or diagnostic tools like arp -a (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac/Linux) can reveal duplicate IPs by listing all active devices and their assigned addresses ^[6].

For persistent conflicts across all devices, the issue likely lies with the DHCP server or router settings:

• Rogue DHCP servers: A misconfigured device (e.g., a secondary router, access point, or even malware-infected machine) may be handing out conflicting IP addresses. Symptoms include devices receiving IPs outside the expected range (e.g., 192.168.0.x when your router uses 192.168.1.x) ^[1].
• DHCP range exhaustion: If the router’s DHCP pool is too small for the number of connected devices, it may reuse IPs prematurely, causing conflicts. For example, a router set to assign only 50 IPs (e.g., 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.150) will fail if 51+ devices connect ^[3].
• Static IP overlaps: Manually assigned static IPs (e.g., for printers, servers, or IoT devices) that fall within the DHCP range will conflict when the router assigns the same IP dynamically ^[5][7].

To isolate the problem:

• Ping the conflicting IP: Use ping in Command Prompt/Terminal. If you get a response, note the MAC address via arp -a (Windows) or arp (Mac/Linux) ^[4].
• Trace the MAC address: Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and check the DHCP client list or ARP table to match the MAC address to a device ^[4].
• Disable suspicious devices: Temporarily disconnect non-essential devices to see if the conflict resolves. If the issue stops, the last disconnected device is likely the culprit ^[1].

Step-by-Step Resolution Methods

1. Adjust DHCP Settings

Most conflicts stem from DHCP misconfigurations. Start by accessing your router’s admin panel (check the manual for default credentials if unsure):

• Expand the DHCP range: Navigate to DHCP Settings (or LAN Setup) and increase the pool size. For example, change the range from 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.150 to 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.200 to accommodate more devices ^[3].
• Exclude static IPs: If you have devices with static IPs (e.g., a printer at 192.168.1.50), exclude that IP from the DHCP pool. In the router settings, add 192.168.1.50 to the DHCP Reservation or Exclusion List ^[5].
• Shorten the lease time: Reduce the DHCP lease time to 24 hours (or less) to force devices to renew IPs more frequently, reducing the chance of stale assignments. This is found under DHCP Lease Time or similar ^[3].
• Disable secondary DHCP servers: Ensure no other devices (e.g., a second router or access point) are running DHCP. In the router settings, look for DHCP Server and toggle it to Disabled for all but your primary router ^[1].

2. Resolve Static IP Conflicts

If the conflict involves a static IP:

• Convert to DHCP: For the device with the static IP (e.g., a printer), reconfigure it to obtain an IP automatically via DHCP. On Windows, go to Network Settings > Ethernet/WiFi > Properties > IPv4 > Obtain IP automatically ^[5].
• Reassign the static IP: If the device must use a static IP, change it to an address outside the DHCP range. For example, if your DHCP range is 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.200, assign the static IP as 192.168.1.50 ^[7].
• Check for hidden static IPs: Some devices (e.g., IoT gadgets, NAS drives) may have static IPs set via their own interfaces. Log into each device’s admin panel to verify ^[6].

3. Quick Fixes for Immediate Relief

For transient conflicts, try these steps before diving into router settings:

• Restart everything: Power cycle your modem, router, and all affected devices. This clears stale IP assignments and forces a fresh DHCP lease ^[6][8].
• Release and renew IP:
• Windows: Open Command Prompt as admin and run:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

• Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease ^[8].
• Disable/re-enable network adapters:
• Windows: Right-click the WiFi/Ethernet icon in the taskbar > Disable, wait 10 seconds, then Enable.
• Mac: Turn WiFi off/on via the menu bar or System Preferences > Network ^[8].
• Update router firmware: Outdated firmware can cause DHCP bugs. Check for updates in the router’s admin panel under Administration or Firmware Update ^[3].

4. Advanced Troubleshooting

If conflicts persist:

• Isolate the rogue device: Use the MAC address from arp -a to trace the conflicting device to a specific switch port (if using managed switches). Disable the port temporarily to identify the culprit ^[4].
• Check for IP subnet conflicts: Ensure your router’s LAN IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1) doesn’t overlap with the WAN IP (e.g., if your ISP also uses 192.168.1.x). Change the LAN IP to 192.168.2.1 if needed ^[10].
• Factory reset the router: If all else fails, reset the router to default settings (usually via a rear button) and reconfigure it from scratch. Note: This will erase all custom settings ^[1].