What Does Renew Lease Mean on Wi-Fi?

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can find the “Renew Lease” button under “Settings,” but for Mac, the button is under “System Preferences.” Below you will find a step-to-step guide on accessing the button for all Apple devices. But first, let’s break the “Renew Lease” button to the bare bones.  

What is Renew Lease on Wi-Fi?

You can only know the real meaning of the “Renew Lease” button on Wi-Fi settings if you understand Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). 

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a system that assigns your device a unique IP address once it connects to a network. An IP address is simply a unique address that represents your device on a network. Note that the IP assigned to your device is not permanent but on lease for a set period. However, most leases renew automatically upon expiration. So. you’ll rarely need to renew your network IP address lease manually unless there’s a problem with automatic renewals. 

Renew Lease on iPad and iPhone

1. Open “Settings.”

2. Open “Wi-Fi.”

3. Tap the “info” button next to the network name

4. Scroll down and find the “Renew Lease” button. 

Renew Lease on Mac

1. Open “System Preferences.”
2. Select your network in the “Network Name” menu. 
3. Click “Advanced.”
4. Select “IP/TCP on the top.
5. Locate and click the button labeled “Renew DHCP Lease'”