What Is an IP Address?
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network. Think of it as your device's digital street address that enables communication across the internet. An IP address lookup can reveal details about this connection.
How IP Addresses Work
When you visit a website, your device uses its IP address to:
- Identify itself to the web server
- Send and receive data packets
- Establish connections with other devices
- Route information across the internet
Without an IP address, your device cannot connect to the internet or communicate with other devices on a network.
Types of IP Addresses (IPv4 vs IPv6)
IPv4 Addresses
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the most common IP address format. It consists of four numbers separated by periods, ranging from 0 to 255.
Example: 182.54.149.100
Key facts about IPv4:
- Format: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
- Total possible addresses: ~4.3 billion
- Currently running out due to increased internet usage
- Most widely used format today
If you are wondering "what is my IPv4 address", our tool above displays it instantly.
IPv6 Addresses
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the newer standard designed to replace IPv4 as addresses run out.
Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
Key facts about IPv6:
- Format: Eight groups of four hexadecimal digits
- Total possible addresses: 340 undecillion (virtually unlimited)
- Gradually being adopted worldwide
- Better security features built-in
Most devices today support both IPv4 and IPv6 (dual-stack), but IPv4 remains the primary protocol for most internet traffic.
How to Find Your IP Address
Method 1: Use Our Free IP Address Checker Tool
The easiest way to find my IP address is using our tool at the top of this page. It acts as an instant IP address checker and will show my IP address details including:
- Your IPv4 address
- Your IPv6 address (if available)
- Your approximate location (city, region, country)
- Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Additional network information
Method 2: How to Find My IP Address on Windows
If you need to know how to find my IP address on Windows 10/11:
- Open Command Prompt (press Windows + R, type cmd, press Enter)
- Type
ipconfigand press Enter - Look for "IPv4 Address" under your active network connection
Method 3: Find IP on Mac
macOS:
- Open System Preferences
- Click "Network"
- Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
- Your IP address is shown on the right
Method 4: Find IP on Mobile
iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network
- Your IP address is listed under "IPV4 ADDRESS"
Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
- Tap your connected network
- Scroll down to see your IP address
What Information Does Your IP Reveal?
Your IP address can reveal several pieces of information about your internet connection. You can use our tool to check IP address location data.
Information Visible from Your IP:
- Geographic Location
- Country
- Region/State
- City (approximate)
- Postal code (approximate)
- Internet Service Provider
- Your ISP company name
- Network owner
- Organization details
- Connection Type
- Residential or Business
- Mobile or Fixed-line
- Proxy or VPN usage
What Your IP Does NOT Reveal:
- ❌ Your exact physical address
- ❌ Your name or personal identity
- ❌ Your specific device information
- ❌ Your browsing history
- ❌ Your passwords or login credentials
Important: While IP addresses provide general location data, they cannot pinpoint your exact home address. The location shown is typically the location of your ISP's servers, which may be miles away from your actual location.
Public vs Private IP Addresses
Understanding the difference between public and private IP addresses is crucial for network management. You can use our site to find my public IP address.
Public IP Address
A public IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider and is visible to websites and services you connect to online.
Characteristics:
- Unique across the entire internet
- Assigned by your ISP
- Used for external internet communication
- Can change when you restart your router (dynamic)
- Can be static (doesn't change) for business connections
Private IP Address
A private IP address is assigned by your router to devices within your home or office network.
Common private IP ranges:
- 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
- 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
- 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
Characteristics:
- Only used within local networks
- Not routable on the public internet
- Multiple devices can have the same private IP (on different networks)
- Managed by your router through DHCP
Example scenario: Your router might have a public IP of 182.54.149.100, while your laptop has a private IP of 192.168.1.5 within your home network.
How to Change Your IP Address
There are several legitimate reasons to change your IP address:
1. Restart Your Router
The simplest method for dynamic IP addresses:
- Turn off your router
- Wait 5-10 minutes
- Turn it back on
- Your ISP may assign a new IP address
2. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN masks your real IP address by routing your connection through a server in another location.
Benefits:
- Enhanced privacy and security
- Access geo-restricted content
- Encrypt your internet traffic
- Choose your virtual location
Popular VPN services: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark
3. Use a Proxy Server
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet.
Note: Proxies are less secure than VPNs and don't encrypt your traffic.
4. Connect to a Different Network
Simply connecting to a different Wi-Fi network will change your public IP address.
5. Contact Your ISP
For a permanent static IP change, contact your Internet Service Provider. This typically comes with additional fees for business accounts.
IP Address Security & Privacy
Why IP Address Privacy Matters
Your IP address can be used to:
- Track your online activities
- Determine your approximate location
- Block or restrict access to services
- Target you with location-based ads
- Launch cyber attacks (in rare cases)
Be aware that some malicious sites act as an IP address location tracker to gather data on visitors.
How to Protect Your IP Address
- Use a VPN: The most effective way to hide your real IP address and encrypt your connection.
- Use Tor Browser: Routes your traffic through multiple servers for maximum anonymity (slower connection).
- Use Public Wi-Fi Carefully: Public networks expose your IP to potential attackers. Always use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.
- Enable Firewall: A firewall helps protect your device from unauthorized access attempts.
- Keep Software Updated: Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities that could expose your IP.
- Use HTTPS Websites: Look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar to ensure encrypted connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my IP address right now?
Your current IP address is displayed at the top of this page using our free IP checker tool. This is your public IP address that websites see when you browse the internet.
Can someone find my location from my IP address?
Yes, but only approximately. An IP address can reveal your city and region, but not your exact physical address. The location shown is typically where your ISP's servers are located.
Is my IP address permanent?
Most residential internet connections use dynamic IP addresses that change periodically. Business accounts often have static IP addresses that don't change. Check with your ISP to determine your IP type.
What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses a 32-bit address format (like 182.54.149.100) with about 4.3 billion possible addresses. IPv6 uses a 128-bit format with virtually unlimited addresses and better security features. IPv4 is still more common, but IPv6 adoption is growing.
Can I hide my IP address?
Yes, you can hide your IP address using a VPN, proxy server, or Tor browser. A VPN is the most secure and reliable method, encrypting your entire internet connection while masking your real IP address.
Why does my IP address keep changing?
If you have a dynamic IP address (most residential connections), your ISP may assign you a new IP when you restart your router or after a certain time period. This is normal and helps ISPs manage their limited IPv4 address pool.
Can my IP address be hacked?
Your IP address alone cannot be "hacked," but it can be used to gather information about you or attempt to access your network if other security measures are weak. Always use strong passwords, firewalls, and keep your software updated.
How accurate is IP geolocation?
IP geolocation is typically accurate to the city level (55-80% accuracy). It cannot pinpoint your exact address. Accuracy varies by region and ISP, with some locations more precise than others.
What's my IP location?
You can check what's my IP location using the map and details provided in the tool above.