Setting a static IP address on Ubuntu 24.04 is useful when you need a server or workstation to keep the same IP address all the time. This is common for web servers, file servers, domain controllers, and other systems that must stay reachable on a fixed address. On Ubuntu, network configuration is handled through Netplan, which uses YAML files to define IP settings, routes, and DNS. (Ubuntu)

In this guide, you will learn how to configure a static IP address on Ubuntu 24.04 using Netplan. We will cover how to identify your network interface, edit the Netplan configuration file, apply the changes, and verify that the new IP address is working properly. Netplan supports static IP configuration with keys such as addresses, routes, and nameservers. (Netplan)

Step 1: Check Your Network Interface Name

Before editing the network settings, find your active network interface name:

ip a

Look for an interface such as enp0s3, ens18, or eth0.

Step 2: Find the Netplan Configuration File

Netplan configuration files are usually stored in:

/etc/netplan/

List the files with:

ls /etc/netplan/

You may see a file like:

00-installer-config.yaml

or

50-cloud-init.yaml

Step 3: Back Up the Existing Configuration

Before making changes, create a backup:

sudo cp /etc/netplan/00-installer-config.yaml /etc/netplan/00-installer-config.yaml.bak

Replace the filename if your system uses a different Netplan file.

Step 4: Edit the Netplan File

Open the file with nano:

sudo nano /etc/netplan/00-installer-config.yaml

Use a configuration like this:

network:
  version: 2
  renderer: networkd
  ethernets:
    ens18:
      dhcp4: false
      addresses:
        - 192.168.1.50/24
      routes:
        - to: default
          via: 192.168.1.1
      nameservers:
        addresses:
          - 8.8.8.8
          - 1.1.1.1

In this example:

• ens18 is the network interface name
• 192.168.1.50/24 is the static IP address
• 192.168.1.1 is the default gateway
• 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1 are DNS servers

Ubuntu documentation shows that static IP settings in Netplan are defined with YAML and commonly include an interface name, one or more addresses, DNS servers, and a default route. The renderer can be networkd or NetworkManager, depending on the system. (Ubuntu)

Step 5: Test the Configuration

Before applying the change permanently, test it:

sudo netplan try

This lets you confirm the network still works before the configuration is committed.

Step 6: Apply the Static IP Configuration

If everything looks correct, apply the new configuration:

sudo netplan apply

Ubuntu and Netplan documentation recommend applying changes with the netplan command after editing the YAML file. (Ubuntu)

Step 7: Verify the Static IP Address

Check that the new IP address is active:

ip a

Check the default route:

ip route

Test DNS and internet connectivity:

ping -c 4 8.8.8.8
ping -c 4 google.com

If the IP address, route, and DNS all work, your Ubuntu 24.04 static IP setup is complete.

Common Netplan Mistakes

A failed Netplan setup is often caused by small YAML errors. Watch for these common issues:

• Wrong indentation
• Incorrect interface name
• Wrong gateway address
• Missing /24 subnet prefix
• Tabs instead of spaces

Netplan uses YAML syntax, so spacing and indentation must be correct for the configuration to work. (Ubuntu)